{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreiek7niwis33fwmlxyanurbrll6c257no2nydiixi4bfsrwdpcplre"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 59324
  },
  "path": "/news/alton-towers-anxiety-disability-queue-jump-pass",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-05T04:10:17.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Beach huts on one of Britain's most exclusive holiday hotspots buried under huge mountans of sandi",
    "Half of all Samurai were women, bombshell British Museum exhibition claims",
    "Scottish Labour backs Australia-style social media ban as ‘young brains not designed’ for overload",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nAlton Towers has banned visitors with anxiety from using its disability queue-jump passes.\n\nMerlin Entertainments will no longer give disabled “fast lane” passes to those with mental health conditions such as anxiety and ADHD.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe company said demand has surged for the passes - which are designed for guests “who may find it difficult, or cannot, stand for long periods of time either due to a physical disability or a learning/emotional impairment”.\n\nPeople with the conditions were previously eligible for the Ride Access Pass, allowing them and three others to book on a virtual queuing system, which allowed them to wait elsewhere until being called.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe new system has signs for “Difficulty Standing”, used for people with physical disabilities and mobility impairments.\n\nThis contrasts with the symbol “Difficulty with Crowds”, which is “allocated to applicants who have difficulty being in crowded situations or queues, often due to neurodivergence, anxiety, or other non-physical conditions”.\n\nThe Ride Access Pass will now only be available for those with the “Difficulty Standing”, “Level Access” and “Urgent Toilet Needs” symbols.\n\nMerlin Entertainment, who also runs Legoland Windsor and Thorpe Park, is now trialing the updated system for the upcoming half-term school holidays.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe number of Britons taking medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has more than doubled since 2015.\n\nThe increased use of the passes led to longer wait times for those with physical disabilities, said Rob Smith, Merlin's chief operating officer.\n\nNow, people with ADHD and anxiety will be given an “essential companion ticket” before they arrive, and access to sensory rooms and quiet spaces.\n\nMr Smith said: “At Merlin, we are deeply committed to creating inclusive experiences and ensuring all guests feel supported when visiting our attractions.\n\n### MORE HEADLINES FROM GB NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Beach huts on one of Britain's most exclusive holiday hotspots buried under huge mountans of sandi\n  * Half of all Samurai were women, bombshell British Museum exhibition claims\n  * Scottish Labour backs Australia-style social media ban as ‘young brains not designed’ for overload\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n“This is an ongoing journey and we continue to listen, learn and adapt by working closely with our guests and trusted accessibility experts to better understand individual needs and put the right support in place.”\n\nHe said guests with accessibility needs had reported a decrease in quality of the pass.\n\n“Our guests with additional accessibility needs have increasingly told us that the Ride Access Pass simply isn’t working for them, particularly as demand has grown and queue times for these guests have increased.\n\n“We have listened to this feedback and have been looking at how we can improve the system and find a solution that is in the best interests of all guests.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n“That’s why we are making some positive changes including a new digital app and a transparent availability calendar to improve clarity and help families plan with confidence.\n\n“We are also trialling a refined eligibility criterion during the brief opening period of February half‑term; however, we recognise this has raised concerns for some guests.\n\n“Our commitment to supporting neurodiverse guests and those with mental health needs remains.\n\n“We are listening carefully to this feedback and are committed to keeping this approach under review ahead of our main season openings in March.”\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "Alton Towers forced to ban people with 'anxiety' from using disability queue-jump pass"
}