Drayton Manor

[BigAl]

That doesn't sound like good news for the proposed 2013 coaster. :/

[Sam]

No new attraction + huge entrance price increase during recession = no people in park.

It's so simple.

[BigAl]

What chance is there that they'll reduce ticket prices and increase offers this year to counteract this? They really do need a new white knuckle roller coaster (and I'm not talking about something small and cheap like G Force). G Force was built seven years ago now. They aren't going to be able to compete with Alton Towers next year unless they do something.

[Nathan]

No new attraction + huge entrance price increase during recession = no people in park.

It's so simple.

The wettest April in 100 years certainly hasn't helped.

Flamingo Land and Lightwater Valley are also struggling to hit targets. I imagine it is the same for most parks.

[SEALIFE]

2013 coaster is very unlikley. I think the parks main priority now is to put somthing on Excalbiur site rarther than just letting it sit there to rot. Litteraly.

And also lack of funds kinda makes sense now aswell as Scooby Doo was planned this year as I mentioned a while back but fell through so it really does add up that the parks havent got the sufficent funds which points fingers to the hotel.

Im also told that shops, food outlets and especially guest services have been closing early! I underderstand food and shops but guest services closing early I think is appauling.

[Don't_Look_Down]

There was no one on park yesterday, either (being a Bank Holiday, you'd expect to see crowds). I don't think it helps that both Thorpe and AT have new attractions this year. 

[-Prometheus-]

I suggested a trip there to a few mates yesterday, they wanted to know what the 'on the gate price' was and when I told them they laughed, they thought I was joking.  Fair do's you can get offers and prebook etc but the price increases this year deffo seem to be putting people off.  Not good. 

[Themeparksandy1981]

They really got to offer 2 for 1 all season like Merlin do. They should offer them on food and drink items. The parking charge don't help them as well.

[thefatone]

The wettest April in 100 years certainly hasn't helped.

Flamingo Land and Lightwater Valley are also struggling to hit targets. I imagine it is the same for most parks.

All the merlin parks. So, every UK park has struggled then.

Drayton, with their prices.. all they need to do is go down the merlin route and use social media and make sure money values are about. I used their facebook offer last week, £16 entry. Perfect.

[AstroDan]

I haven't been to the park this year due to cost. I am not always going to visit in even numbers.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Tapatalk

[thefatone]

Look out for their fb offers and stuff. Like I said, I used it and it was £16. Wasn't a bogof.

[Don't_Look_Down]

Thought this was worth sharing

Theme park laying on the red carpet treatment for 'Liz and Phil' couples.

COUPLES called Liz and Phil are guaranteed a right royal welcome at Drayton Manor on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee – for they can enjoy a day out free of charge!

On June 5, the park is inviting all couples who share the same name as Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh to call in and celebrate – although wearing crowns and robes is optional.

To qualify, couples over 16 called Elizabeth and Philip (or Liz and Phil) need to turn up together on Tuesday, June 5 with valid proof of ID (passport, photographic driving licence or CitizenCard). They will then be given free entry into the award-winning attraction.

So while the Queen and Prince Philip are attending a national Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral – their less famous namesakes can be enjoying white knuckle rides such as the adrenaline-inducing drop-tower, Apocalypse, stand-up coaster, Shockwave, the log flume, Stormforce 10, and stomach-churning gyro-swing, Maelstrom.

And while the royal party enjoy a lunch at Westminster, Drayton Manor guests can tuck in to some tasty hot dogs and chips – not to mention ice-cream.

A procession to Buckingham Palace will take place for the royal couple – but Drayton's VIPs will be able to sit back in the 4D Cinema and enjoy the park's aptly named new film, The Little Prince.

And there may be no corgis at Drayton – but the zoo has plenty of animals including a Sumatran tiger, monkeys and primates, a meerkat mob, and a pair of black leopards, as well as various birds of prey and reptiles.

Any couples with a young prince or princess in tow will be well catered for too, with a trip to the park's popular Thomas Land™, which has over 20 rides and attractions based on the Thomas & Friends™ TV series.

Drayton Manor Theme Park's managing director, Colin Bryan, says: "The Diamond Jubilee is a momentous occasion that will be celebrated throughout the nation. Since Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh won't be able to visit the park we thought couples who are lucky enough to share their name would be the next best thing."

[John]

Clearly someone at DMP was paying attention when PBB ran their Will and Kate publicity stunt last year...

[Sam]

Effectively useless.

That date is a Tuesday. The chance that there'll be any couples who happen to be called Lizzy and Phil (very unlikely) who both have the day off work on a Tuesday who both like rides and who have heard of this PR stunt is going to be incredibly slim.

[Dylan]

It's a bank holiday..

[thefatone]

However, it is what it is, PR.. it gets the name of Drayton Manor in, it gets the rides and zoo and food available in.

It's actually an ace article - and will definitely be printed in the papers. They're getting the hang of this marketing malarky

[Sam]

It's a bank holiday..

Ahh, my mistake! I still think the likelihood of anyone redeeming this offer is slim to none.

[Don't_Look_Down]

More info and updates.

• Cartoon Network street is undergoing work. It looks like Drayton are replacing the current façade of the shops and buildings
  
  
  
  • Pirate Adventure now features (what appear to be) new effects and lighting. It really did look good today.
  • The baggage hold in Shockwave's station has been painted blue
    
    
  • The new water zorb attraction (although quite pricey at £5 for five minutes)
    
    
  It's worth noting that the park was incredibly quiet today. Guest services was shut for much of the day, and there didn't appear to be many staffed games stalls.
  
  It should be much busier on Monday with the new Facebook offer.

[Themeparksandy1981]

Have they got rid of the panning for gold attraction then?

[AstroDan]

Sorry but, err...

Guest services was shut?

Err...