Merlin Entertainments has will require users of its Ride Access Pass (RAP) to pre-book from 2024.
In a statement issued this week, the company said that its current system had “faced challenges”.
RAP is intended to allow shorter waiting times for those with disabilities and conditions which restrict their ability to stand in line for long periods.
Last year, there were reports of instances where the RAP queue time exceeded that of the main queue.
Merlin said it made the change to mandatory pre-booking following feedback from guests and “accessibility experts”.
Pre-booking
From 2 March this year, RAP must be reserved in advance, with any guests accompanying the RAP holder to also be registered.
The previous system saw guests entering the RAP queues have cards marked to restrict RAP entry to other ride until a period of time matching that of the main queue had passed.
The approach was designed to give no advantage to RAP holders over main guests, and simply minimise the time they stood in line.
However, the system has attracted widespread criticism in recent years, particularly at Alton Towers, where RAP queues have been considerable.
Merlin Entertainments also operates Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland Windsor in the UK.