Merlin: Stop punishing neurodiversity! Restore ride access for ADHD & Autism. End the ban.

Recent signers:
J Varcoe and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

  We are calling on Merlin Entertainments (Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Legoland) to immediately reverse the discriminatory changes made to the Ride Access Pass (RAP) eligibility criteria.

As of February 2, 2026, Merlin has moved to exclude guests with the "Difficulty with Crowds" symbol from the RAP system—a symbol primarily held by those with ADHD, Autism, and anxiety. By restricting the pass to only those with physical mobility issues or "urgent toilet needs," Merlin is effectively telling neurodivergent guests that their disabilities are less valid.

Why this matters: For many neurodivergent individuals, standing in a traditional 60-90 minute queue is not just "challenging"—it can lead to sensory overload, severe distress, and physical meltdowns. The Ride Access Pass was a vital tool for inclusion. Replacing it with "flashcards" and "sensory rooms" does not solve the problem; it sidelines the community.

The Demands:

Re-include the "Difficulty with Crowds" symbol as a qualifying criterion for the Ride Access Pass.
Consult with neurodiversity experts and families to fix the system's capacity issues without excluding vulnerable groups.
Commit to the Social Model of Disability, which recognizes that people are disabled by barriers in society (like inaccessible queues), not by their diagnoses.
Closing Statement: "As a Neurodiversity Nurse and Community Councillor, I see firsthand the impact of exclusion. Access to joy and leisure should not be a privilege reserved for the neurotypical. We demand Merlin Entertainments live up to its 'commitment to inclusion' by restoring fair access for all."

Geo Sebastian, Neurodiversity Nurse ,Cambridge, United Kingdom

avatar of the starter
Geo SebastianPetition StarterAdvocate for neurodiversity in UK

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Recent signers:
J Varcoe and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

  We are calling on Merlin Entertainments (Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Legoland) to immediately reverse the discriminatory changes made to the Ride Access Pass (RAP) eligibility criteria.

As of February 2, 2026, Merlin has moved to exclude guests with the "Difficulty with Crowds" symbol from the RAP system—a symbol primarily held by those with ADHD, Autism, and anxiety. By restricting the pass to only those with physical mobility issues or "urgent toilet needs," Merlin is effectively telling neurodivergent guests that their disabilities are less valid.

Why this matters: For many neurodivergent individuals, standing in a traditional 60-90 minute queue is not just "challenging"—it can lead to sensory overload, severe distress, and physical meltdowns. The Ride Access Pass was a vital tool for inclusion. Replacing it with "flashcards" and "sensory rooms" does not solve the problem; it sidelines the community.

The Demands:

Re-include the "Difficulty with Crowds" symbol as a qualifying criterion for the Ride Access Pass.
Consult with neurodiversity experts and families to fix the system's capacity issues without excluding vulnerable groups.
Commit to the Social Model of Disability, which recognizes that people are disabled by barriers in society (like inaccessible queues), not by their diagnoses.
Closing Statement: "As a Neurodiversity Nurse and Community Councillor, I see firsthand the impact of exclusion. Access to joy and leisure should not be a privilege reserved for the neurotypical. We demand Merlin Entertainments live up to its 'commitment to inclusion' by restoring fair access for all."

Geo Sebastian, Neurodiversity Nurse ,Cambridge, United Kingdom

avatar of the starter
Geo SebastianPetition StarterAdvocate for neurodiversity in UK

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