Virtual queuing planned for Merlin's Ride Access Pass
Merlin has announced a virtual queue for Ride Access Pass users, starting at Alton Towers at the end of 2026. Europa-Park has published its 2026/27 winter and 2027 pre-opening dates, and Chessington has announced a Minecraft hotel and land for 2027.
Access and support
Merlin plans virtual queuing for Ride Access Pass, with pre-booking to go over time
Merlin Entertainments announced on 17 September 2026 that it will introduce virtual queuing for Ride Access Pass (RAP) users. Merlin says the wait time for RAP users will be the same as for the standard queue, and users will be notified in the app when they are near the front. The first stage starts at Alton Towers at the end of this year, with full implementation in 2027 ahead of the peak summer season. Merlin says the intention over time is to remove the requirement to pre-book a RAP slot, once the system has proven effective. RAP users can still ride with up to three companions (up to four people). Merlin says no changes will be made to eligibility criteria.
Not confirmed: Exact start date at Alton Towers and the dates for other parks are not given. Removal of pre-booking is stated only as an intention; the release does not say whether pre-booking continues during the first stage. The Legoland Windsor RAP page (undated; headed 'September 2026') says 'We're updating our Ride Access Pass (RAP) from the end of 2026' and aims to 'phase out the requirement to pre-book RAP slots'. That wording differs from Merlin's release (Alton Towers first, full implementation in 2027, pre-booking removal 'over time' once proven effective). We show both and have not reconciled them.
Source: Merlin Entertainments newsroom (published 17 September 2026; we checked 5 October 2026) · Our Alton Towers guide
Planning
Chessington announces Minecraft hotel and land for 2027
Merlin Entertainments announced on 26 September 2026 the world's first Minecraft Hotel at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, opening in 2027 alongside Minecraft World, a theme park land that includes the 'Escape the Nether' rollercoaster. The release says the hotel will have nearly 70 Minecraft-themed rooms (20 premium and 49 standard, across four floors) and a restaurant and potions bar. The resort is described as just a 35-minute direct train from London Waterloo.
Not confirmed: The release gives no accessible room numbers, accessibility features or ride height and access requirements. The Chessington Minecraft page says 'Height requirements and further attraction details will be announced closer to opening' and that the exact opening date has not been revealed.
Source: Merlin Entertainments newsroom (published 26 September 2026; we checked 5 October 2026) · Our Chessington World of Adventures guide
Opening or change
Europa-Park publishes 2026/27 winter season dates
Europa-Park's winter season page gives the dates 28.11.2026 to 10.01.2027, except 24 and 25 December 2026. The page states that Europa-Park, Rulantica, all hotels and all Wellness and Spa areas are open during this period.
Not confirmed: The page shows no publication or update date, so the source date (5 October 2026) is the date we checked it, not a date the page gives. Daily opening hours, and which attractions run on which days, were not confirmed. Check the park's own calendar before booking.
Source: Europa-Park (no publication date shown on the page; we checked 5 October 2026) · Our Europa-Park guide
Opening or change
Europa-Park sets 2027 pre-opening weeks for 7 to 19 March
Europa-Park says its 2027 Pre-Opening Weeks run from 7 to 19 March 2027, and that not all attractions and shows are open yet in that period. The page says the 2027 summer season starts on 20 March. Visitors who rely on a particular ride or show should check that it is open on their date.
Not confirmed: The page shows no publication or update date, so the source date (5 October 2026) is the date we checked it, not a date the page gives. It does not list which attractions will be closed.
Source: Europa-Park (no publication date shown on the page; we checked 5 October 2026) · Our Europa-Park guide
Drafted by an AI assistant. On 5 October 2026 a separate AI reviewer checked it: re-opened every source URL and compared each claim. We are independent and take no payment for coverage. How we work. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.