In 2025, Nimbus announced an important update: the existing Standing & Queuing symbol would be split into two different categories to clarify the difference between those guests who have Difficulty with Crowds, and those who have Difficulty Standing.
How is Merlin applying these updated symbols for RAP eligibility?
Any guest with one or more of the following symbols on their Nimbus Access Card will be eligible for RAP:
- Level Access
- Urgent Toilet Needs
- Difficulty Standing
- Difficulty with Crowds
But I thought Merlin was undertaking a trial over the February half-term that didn’t include the “Difficulty with Crowds” symbol for RAP eligibility?
As part of our efforts to improve the RAP system, we proposed a half-term trial with reduced criteria. But after receiving extensive feedback and a wide range of views from the RAP community we believe it’s important to pause, fully reflect on the inputs we have received and consult further. This means we will not be proceeding with the trial at this time, and we will continue to accept the Difficulty with Crowds access symbol for RAP while we explore alternative ways to evolve the system.
We’re launching a wider consultation with the accessibility community, accessibility experts, and industry partners so we can get this right together.
I only have the “Difficulty with Crowds” symbol on my Nimbus Access Card. Because of this, I was unable to book a slot when the RAP allocation for February half-term was released. Am I now able to access RAP during February half-term?
We have released further RAP slots for February half-term dates that were previously full. If a date on the calendar appears greyed out, this unfortunately means that RAP allocations for that visit date are fully booked. To support guests making last‑minute visit plans, we will continue our 48‑hour allocation release. This means that an additional batch of bookings is released 48 hours before each visit date.
RAP uses a live booking system, so if other guests cancel their reservations, those spaces are automatically added back into the app for other guests to book. We recommend checking back regularly, as availability can change throughout the day.
What about dates in March? Can I now access these even if I only have the “Difficulty with Crowds” symbol?
Yes, you can now access the slots for March which have already been released. However, we have not yet released our full allocation of RAP availability for March onwards. The remaining slots for when the parks open for their main season will be made available on 2nd March. Our RAP allocation calendar sets out exactly when future booking waves will go live, helping guests plan with confidence.
My RAP was valid for three years will you honour the remaining time?
As we have moved away from Ride Access Pass ID Cards, we are using valid Access Cards issued by our Partner Nimbus which are valid for 3 years