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The MAP group are kicking off big time about the price hike, but let's be honest here - the passes have been too cheap for too long. MAPpers typically won't use F&B on park, where Merlin make that precious and needed revenue and margin.

The Chessington Classic are returning!!

When you get to watch Terror Tomb and the RMC being built on the roof open next year you'll disagree.

There are so many independently owned theme parks and visitor attractions in the UK that offer a much better experience than Merlin's, I used to see things differently, but nowadays I just have no interest in the MAP even without this latest price increase. Why not support the parks and businesses that really need it, and visit somewhere different next year? I can't see the logic behind giving Merlin another £200+ for the same old stuff every year? Of course, it's different if you still enjoy Merlin's offering, but those who don't, why pay more for a MAP when there are so many other options?

*looks over at America and see the Busch/seaworld parks has an 11 park pass with no exclusions, free parking, one free quick queue pass a day and multiple tickets for other guests cheaper than the Platinum MAP Lets see now in regards to new attractions between last year to this year now. Busch/Seaworld - Iron Gwazi,Pantheon,Texas Stingray, Ice breaker, Emperor. Merlin - Gangster Granny, Croc Drop, Black Mirror. Yeah the UK deffo got the better end of the deal lads!!

Yes prices went up but themed experiences and attractions don't come cheap? Hopefully this will push more money into the pipelines and release extra Capex from Merlin for the attractions. I think most people have misunderstood how much value the Annual pass used to bring at the very low pricepoints when an AP for just one of the other non Merlin parks was within £30 of sale price. At the new prices I still think that value is there, when say if the Swarm for example was the only ride in the location of TP and they charged £10-£20 as a oneshot, like the rollercoaster on the Vegas strip for example, I would still pay for it, even if it was a one and done attraction. Remember attractions arn't cheap too, Wickerman 16 million, Swarm 18 million, yet there letting me have unlimited rides on millions of pounds of hardware and creative knowledge for the cost of around 4 day trips at £60 each. For example I like the idea of going to Thorpe or Chessington to see the new attractions and events, when they come maybe 4 times a year, and then still being able to go to London for a daytrip and get into the 'tourist traps' without having to pay any extra is just great value still in my opinion. If were looking at the price monthly, when released of the pass at around THE £20 -£30 mark well thats still cheaper than my gym membership and something I would be willing to pay. Perhaps this may be a good move for getting more people to go on day trips rather than be passholders however that may hurt midway, my hope being that the parks are able to generate more income to get the love and attention they deserve. Lets also be honest the MAP group are never going to be happy. Most of the issues they generate themselves, take RAP for instance, without the MAP group awareness of that product offering and how to get in even cheaper with a carer pass wouldn't of created the demand we see today. Note cattle pen queue lines for RAP registration. I hope TBH that Merlin go further and ban outside food and those Titan bags from being allowed into the park. Instead have a picnic spot outside the gates by the carpark. I will probably end up signing up for the monthly pass when it becomes available as I enjoy visiting the parks and still think that any cost sub £300 yearly is worthwhile for me and I am sure that we will see trade deals and sales reducing the prices further.

Whilst they are at it, I have also heard: Professor Burps Bubbleworks is returning and replacing Gruffalo (they’ll use remaining props and printed cardboard Scorpion Express will be renamed Runaway Train, minus the rockwork Tiger Rock will be renamed Dragon Falls. Again minus the rockwork Chessington. All back Right!

Offer less and charge more! That is the Merlin way!

There is a reason I am known for spelling "Merlin" with a pound sign as opposed to the "e"

I hate to sound negative, the park are at least going further than their usual standard for flat rides, but I think it looks potentially awful. A giant, beige blocky croc head awkwadly sticking out of a temple, a hamfisted idea of "crocodile themed" like something an enthusiast would make. Even the colouring and carved details look really flat so far, I just hope this isn't the finished look. You can never tell until something's finished, so let's hope it looks great in the end. But the whole concept is a bit weird. What will it actually add to the area and the ride experience? Instead of all the money on one big ugly block, why not spread it on more scenery and the temple? It could look brilliant.

I also have some exclusive genuine news that Room on the Broom will be called Room in the Hocus Pocus Hall next year! The maze will go back to also using its previous name because Nick the cleaner found an old sign from Hocus Pocus Hall and thought of how good it would look added to the current sign. Inside the maze you will be required to wear 3D glasses once again, not because anything is in 3D, but just because they look funky.