Rap App Frequently Asked Questions

App Frequently Asked Questions

The Ride Access Pass App is a mobile app that allows guests who have difficulty queuing to pre-book their RAP reservation, manage multiple bookings independently and virtually wait for rides and attractions rather than being physically stood in queues.  

  

You can download the Ride Access Pass App for free from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Just search for “Merlin Ride Access Pass”. 

You can now pre-book and manage your RAP bookings via the Ride Access Pass App if you are wanting to use RAP at Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. 

Yes, you’ll need to create a free account using your existing Nimbus Access Card ID Number to access. If you need any further help or guidance, please see a video on all the top tips and support you may need when setting up your account.

You can find your Nimbus ID by searching your emails for ‘NIMBUS.’ Please check the email address you used to register your Nimbus application. If you can’t locate it, you can check your details online here: https://app.accesscard.online/check-details/ 

All guests need a Nimbus ID to use the Merlin Ride Access Pass. You can apply for one online for free if you don’t have it yet via the Access Card website: Access Card: Making access easy 

This is the correct process – you must have a valid Nimbus ID to pre-book RAP. That’s why you cannot book beyond your expiry date. You can renew your Nimbus ID up to 6 months before it expires. 

Click into your RAP booking and select ‘Check In’ once you have arrived on site. 

Once logged in, simply check in once through the turnstiles, then select the ride you wish to go on first. Once you have been on the ride, you will be timed out for the duration of the main queue time and then you can select your next ride to enjoy. You'll receive a notification when it’s time to ride again. Make sure your location, camera and notification settings are turned on throughout your visit. 

You can only hold one active ride reservation at a time. Once your reservation is used, you will be timed out for the duration of the main queue time and then you can select your next ride to enjoy.  

No, the app is free to download and use.  

Each device allows one RAP pre-booking, which can include up to 3 guests. Everyone in the party must have their own pre-book, so a family of 4 must have 4 pre-books in total. This ensures all RAP users in the party can make use of the RAP system while optimising our RAP capacity for other guests who rely on the system too. Please note that the system only allows one pre-book per person, so a family cannot have multiple pre-books for the same guest. 

Your ride selection will remain active. Once you have waited the allotted time, you can choose to ride your selected ride,or simply cancel and chose an alternative ride. 

Yes, RAP reservations can be cancelled or modified right before your scheduled time. This will release the allocation for other RAP users, giving them the chance to use the reservation.  

   

The app will allow you to virtually wait for rides and attractions rather than physically waiting in line. You may have a short wait when you arrive at the ride, but it will be significantly reduced compared to the standard queue. You should arrive at your scheduled time for the fastest and smoothest access.

No, we have removed this step to create a simpler registration journey. Once you have your Nimbus Access Card you can just download the app, log in with your card number and start booking. 

 

Each device allows one RAP pre-booking, which can include up to 3 guests. Everyone in the party must have their own pre-book, so a family of 4 must have 4 pre-books in total. This ensures all RAP users in the party can make use of the RAP system while optimising our RAP capacity for other guests who rely on the system too. Please note that the system only allows one pre-book per person, so a family cannot have multiple pre-books for the same guest. 

Please make sure you have charged your phone before your visit, and if necessary, bring a portable battery charger with you or seek mobile phone charging stations across the attractions.  

A suitable alternative will be provided should there be any large-scale internet or network issue. Please speak to Guest Services if you are struggling to access the RAP app. 

Make sure you have our app downloaded in advance of your visit, and ensure you enable location, Wi-Fi and camera services are enabled, if these are not on then you will not be able to use the Ride Access Pass App. Once you arrive, click check in on the app and you will be able to start accessing rides. We also ask you to kindly check out when you leave or stop using / close the RAP app to allow others to use it. 

Great news, you can download our app now and log in with your Nimbus Access Card number. If you haven’t already done so please make sure you pre-book your next visit and check out our app user guide.   

Ride Access Pass - Changes to Nimbus Symbols

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. 

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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

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