Marc

Posted a pic on the live for you!

We just asked at the entrance and they said come back in half hour or so and that they are trying their best

There are staff stood outside saw so I don't think it's them staff. Staff at x are currently removing the temporary fences from in front if it..

Friends and Family tickets are given to staff of Merlin attractions. 3000 sounds a lot but they are valid over the 2 days so very much doubt it will make much difference.

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Pretty sure you can cancel your tickets if you no longer need them Not sure if this makes them instantly available for people to book.

I guess that makes everything in every theme park a gimmick then?

The park is open 10 till 4... they are perfectly within their rights to run a private event after this. If they open any rides later its a bonus.

Its clear that they are not 100% sure whats opening yet seeing as the list does keep changing. Its best just to keep an eye on that to avoid disappointment.

I doubt that they are reducing the line up to save money - id be surprised if this weekend isn't fairly busy looking at the weather. They will be aiming to have as many rides available, the list on the website are defiantly be open and anything which becomes ready between now and then will open I suspect. If you don't like the look of the list on the site then the best thing is to not go and wait till official opening IMO.

Just because a rides closed on the preview weekend dont mean it will be closed when the park opens for the main season...

Enough must visit for it to make a profit, and theres no point them closing at 7 during summer if they can make a bit of profit whilst hosting an event which must get them great feedback.

Thing is if somone goes online and buys a ticket half price they may well feel they are getting good value for money too, I'd say vouchers are also an important marketing tool, you get a 50% off voucher on a cereal box, it catches peoples attention and may make somone visit who wasn't consifering before

Stealth had 2 built up with the 3rd being built now, not sure on swarm.

Thorpe and Merlin in general *want* people to book online in advance the gate price is there to encourage people to do this and I'd bet 99% of people do so!

But your assuming Merlin coasters were ran one one train due to "laziness" when really you've no idea why they were?

I really don't see why people are so surprised by this. The park "want" you to book in advance online - the on the gate price is to drive people to do this. Those who don't book online will have some sort of voucher and will pay around £30 too. A lot of places put up higher walk up prices to encourage people to book online in advance. I dont think you give people as much credit as they deserve - people don't just get in their car and drive to Tp without atlesst a little research, there's no "trying to trick" people.And if they really are stupid enough to turn up with no research what so ever - an annual pass is £59.99. So whilst on the face of it £60 does sound stupidly high - in reality liturally no one will pay it.

Its £29.99 online though.. Same price as if you had a BOGOF - its in the parks interest that people book in advance and pay online and this is what they will be encouraging.

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I don't see the issue - his first post said: He's made it clear the £5 charge isn't a problem for him personally by both visiting and the post on here, its possible to change your opinion - a good day at the park certainly helps that!

I agree the plates are small but to me it wasn't really such an issue as I don't mind just going up again. Agree what was said about the furniture in there though, not sure if its temporary but it was certainly a bit flimsy!

I didnt agree with your over negativity about the charge, but I'm glad you changed your mind and actually enjoyed your visit. Everyones entitled to an opinion, some are more vocal about theirs than others and you've clearly realised maybe you was a bit quick to criticise at the beginning and ended up enjoying your day regardless.

I thought the plates were the same size as other Merlin pizza pastas. I don't know for sure but I assume they are small to try stop people filling plates with loads of food and not eating it, small plates mean you can just go back up if you want more and can never really waste that much. That's just a guess though

You can just go up and get more once you've finhshed.. Keeps it fresh then too!

It's open now no need to worry!