Now this is timely.

Metlin and Nimbus have rejigged the qualifications for RAP as a result of all the various issues they've had over the years. This has, rather naturally, peeved people off, especially as this announcement was tucked away on Monday when they were releasing the first booking slots for RAP this year.

What has actually happened? Nimbus have split their "Difficulties With Queues" into two new categories. "Difficulties With Crowds" and "Difficulties Standing".

Going forwards at Merlin parks you will only qualify for RAP with a "Difficulties Standing", "Level Access" and "Toilet Needs" box. Naturally a lot of those with neurodivergency based disabilities have been given the Crowds box instead.

Here's the thing, RAP in its current guise could not continue. Prior to pre-booking requirements the queues were ridiculous and defeated the point. And of course there was a fair amount of "abuse" of the system through poor staffing (I.e. not writing down correct times) and terrible guests shouting until they got their way. Pre-booking meant a limitation on numbers which worked but being able to book for specific dates was a nightmare when no idea when they would go up. Plus still had a few people unaware they needed to pre-book specific dates in first place.

Sadly it's always felt inevitable given the whole "free Fastrack" perception on top of people gaming the system ruining it for those who need it.

Fortunately for my end the changes do not affect us. However it should be noted that other UK parks will still accept the Crowds box for their equivalent system. However, why is it such a problem at Merlin parks at all? I've seen it busy at Efteling which is understandable, but at Europa last year felt like we were the only ones really using their system (and they don't even time you out on stuff really).

Currently Merlin have termed it as a trial for Feb Half Term. Though it's probably just to let the PR storm settle before main season begins.

So thoughts? Who's affected by the change and will you renounce your MAP as a result if you have one? Have Nimbus just randomly allocated you the wrong box for your disability?

Ah so that’s what this is about. I’ve seen the topic come up a few times on social media but didn’t really know what the reason was.

Please forgive my ignorance - I mean no offence at all by any of this. I’m just interested and intrigued by it all. I also fully accept that not everyone’s needs are visible, and I’m privileged enough to never have needed to use a RAP.

RAP absolutely baffles me.

One thing that has always come to my mind is that there simply can not be that many people who find it impossible to wait in the normal queue because they can’t handle crowds. There just can’t be.

I know nothing of the subject, but I really struggle to accept the sheer number of RAP users are genuine.

1. The percentage of RAP users seems incredibly high compared to non RAP users.

2. People who have difficulty with crowds would still have to deal with the worst crowds throughout the day - entrance, security, food, pathways etc. queues often offer a break from the busy and chaotic crowds.

Of course there will be a good number of people who struggle with queueing etc, and I’m very pleased that arrangements are in place for them, but I’ve always been baffled at the sheer number of people who qualify for the pass.

I’m convinced that the system has been utterly abused by selfish people who claim to have priority over others. It just has to have been. And that isn’t fair on the other customers, especially those with a genuine need to use the RAP.

I have to say that, although I don’t fully understand the subject, I am pleased to see changes being made. I really hope it’s for the best, and it goes some way to fixing the system which is very clearly not working.

Enforcing something like this must be very difficult. I really hope whatever they have done has weeded out some of the abusers and doesn’t affect the genuine RAP users.

As Benin said - it can’t go on like it has been.