[Hub Bot]

Today Merlin released details of its new annual passes released for the 2010 season. This year we see two types of Annual Passes, a Standard Annual Pass (Priced at £150) and a Premium Annual Pass (Priced at £200).

The Premium Annual Pass offers unlimited and unrestricted access to all attractions, whilst the standard Annual Pass will not gain entry to The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeons & the London Aquarium during August & selected dates, plus access to Thorpe Park during Fright Nights will be restricted and will include a £5 entry fee.

This year we see new benefits including unlimited coke capsule refills for only £10 for the entire season at selected attractions & 50% off entry to the International Merlin Attractions.

[ view the full article ]

[themeparkmad]

Quote

The Premium Annual Pass offers unlimited and unrestricted access to all attractions, whilst the standard Annual Pass will not gain entry to The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeons & the London Aquarium during August & selected dates

This was stated to be in place for the 2009 season.
However, it was not inforced.

I wonder if it will actually be put into force for the 2010 season

I have no intentions to purchase the Premium Annual Pass due to the fact I know I won't be visiting parks that are international.
However, if I did, it would probably still work out cheaper buying on the day tickets etc.

However, this is perfect for people that do visit the International Merlin Parks as they can visit more often if they choose!

[Paul]

I'm very tempted to treat myself to a Premium pass when my current TP pass expires in early August. Don't know why, just fancy it! I can't believe the £10 for unlimited soft drinks all season, and I thought the £5 unlimited refills all day was good!

[AeRo]

I still remember the £60 Tussauds Pass which got you into Port Aventurra and Heide, then single visits to 3 or 4 other European parks.

It really seems yet another money grabbing ploy by Merlin.

[Paul]

Could someone very kindly outline on this page the benefits of a Premium pass? Also, what's this talk about International benefits? I haven't read that anywhere. I'm a tad confused.

[AeRo]

It's in the first post Paul. Basically the premium pass has no exclusion dates for the Eye, Dungeons or Aquariums, and free entry to Fright Nights.

[dj olly c]

Will the Premium pass 50% off work at the legoland shop? ie to buy Lego ?

[TimR]

dj olly c, on 12 January 2010 - 12:50 PM, said:

Will the Premium pass 50% off work at the legoland shop? ie to buy Lego ?

Theres no 50% off, thats for tickets to international Merlin attractions, you would get 20% off, thats with Standard and Premium.

[Peter]

Lego is only 10% discount with AP holders btw.

[TimR]

Peter, on 12 January 2010 - 01:21 PM, said:

Lego is only 10% discount with AP holders btw.

Oh is it? my mistake.

[themeparkmad]

AeRo, on 12 January 2010 - 07:12 AM, said:

Basically the premium pass has no exclusion dates for the Eye, Dungeons or Aquariums

They said this last year with the Merlin Annual Pass too. I think it was also stated that you couldn't gain entry to Madame Tussauds too.

However, I gained entry into the London Eye, London Dungeons and Madame Tussauds hassle free on my visit last year.

Maybe this will actually come into force with the 2 different types of Merlin Annual Passes...
... We will have to wait and see

[James6]

I must say I can't really see the attraction to pay an extra £50 or in fact why it could in any way, shape or form be worth the extra £50 just for August at the London attractions and Fright Nights.

[themeparkmad]

James6, on 12 January 2010 - 05:45 PM, said:

I must say I can't really see the attraction to pay an extra £50 or in fact why it could in any way, shape or form be worth the extra £50 just for August at the London attractions and Fright Nights.

I think with the Premium Annual Pass that you can get access to the International Merlin attractions too as well as some benefits for the attractions in the U.K.

[treeis]

Will there be any renewal deal like the old anual pass?

[themeparkmad]

treeis, on 12 January 2010 - 07:39 PM, said:

Will there be any renewal deal like the old anual pass?

You can get a standard Annual Pass for £75 until this Friday.

[MikeyT]

I noticed on the Annual Pass Facebook that they're delivering the new cards on Thursday. Does this mean I can pick them up anytime afterwards?

[Topsyturvy15]

Will TP annual pass holders get the new offers like the coke refill one?

[tpkabz]

MikeyT, on 12 January 2010 - 07:45 PM, said:

I noticed on the Annual Pass Facebook that they're delivering the new cards on Thursday. Does this mean I can pick them up anytime afterwards?

Whos going to issue you the pass Mikey?

Topsyturvy15, on 12 January 2010 - 10:13 PM, said:

Will TP annual pass holders get the new offers like the coke refill one?

As far as I know, it will be Premium Annual Pass Holders ONLY that will get access to this benefit.

[monsterdan5]

sounds about right to me, to be honest I'm pretty happy with this situation as I thought with the standard (which ill be getting) they would say limit your visits to places to like only 30-40 in the year these are hardly massive benefits and fright nights was like that this year anyways

[MikeyT]

tpkabz, on 12 January 2010 - 10:22 PM, said:

Whos going to issue you the pass Mikey?

I don't know, but their Facebook status said something along the lines of: "New cards being delivered to attractions on Thursday, who will be first to pick them up?"

That implies that we're able to pick them up any time after Thursday. Seems a bit unclear.