Alton Towers Bans Anxiety and ADHD Passes Amid Rising Demand and Queue Issues
Alton Towers has implemented a ban on visitors with anxiety and ADHD from using disability 'fast lane' passes due to increased demand and longer queue times. The park's owner, Merlin Entertainments, confirmed it will no longer issue these passes to individuals with mental health conditions, citing the surge in usage which has affected overall queue management. Previously, the Ride Access Pass allowed guests with physical disabilities or emotional impairments to join virtual queues, but now it is restricted to those with physical mobility issues, indicated by signs for 'Difficulty Standing', 'Level Access', and 'Urgent Toilet Needs'. The new policy aims to improve queue efficiency and support for guests with physical disabilities, but has raised concerns among neurodiverse and mental health-affected visitors. Merlin is trialing a revised system during the upcoming half-term holidays, providing essential companion tickets and access to sensory rooms for those with anxiety or ADHD. Company executives emphasized their commitment to inclusive experiences while acknowledging that demand for accessibility services has grown significantly, with ADHD medication use more than doubling since 2015. The change reflects efforts to balance accessibility with operational efficiency amidst rising guest numbers.
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