The Merlin Annual Pass

[onair]

There is going to be a huge backlash to this decision to remove the free parking. Just look at the Merlin Annual Pass facebook page for starters.

http://www.facebook.com/merlinannualpass

Very nice Christmas present Merlin ! If this goes ahead I will not be renewing. What a greedy, money grabbing company Merlin has become.

[Spike]

Really dissapointed in this decision, they will no doubt lose out from those who visit often.

[Tom G]

Drop them a Tweet on @MerlinAP as well guys. Every bit of feedback counts and will get them worried if there's enough of it. I know to get this reversed is going to be near impossible but it might make them think about de-valuing the MAP again.

[notts nat]

Surely Sam can help us with the protest as he has had a lot of practice over the last few months with his tuition fee marches?

[Crofty]

Yet again a disgusting way to treat it's most loyal customers. I feel this could have bigger problems than expected. If you consider that lot's passes are normally sold through Clubcard and with the new CC terms, people will already be thinking twice about a MAP purchase, this new condition will only serve as a nail in the coffin for many people.
I'm thinking that the next step will be to introduce the parking charge at the Hotels too, or at least give people vouchers to get out for free so they can clamp down on the people using the hotel car parks for free.

Are Merlin playing a game of Limbo? How much lower can they stoop?

[John]

^ Exactly, I use clubcard so next year its something like £50 in vouchers + up to £100 in parking/events rather than £37.50 in vouchers. Alternatively its £200 for the premium with no reduced renewal rate.

[Spike]

[quote=""notts nat""]Surely Sam can help us with the protest as he has had a lot of practice over the last few months with his tuition fee marches?[/quote]

No he'll be at home having his meals cooked for him and looking down on the rest of the world. Besides If we need someone to hurl bricks & wooden stakes then we should ask him.

On topic, this is going to cause major headaches for Alton and the other parks. Although they will put up signs no doubt, there is still going to be arguements at the barriers next year from angry guests. Really well thought out this is.

[Dylan]

On a positive note, maybe the park will be quieter next season! I can't be bothered with crowds that were there this year!
On a serious note, it does get to a point where you wonder if it is worth it.
There will be no new major addition next year, crowds are likely to be the same, I bet Scarefest will have an added fee. Maybe best save the money for a couple of European weekend trips.

[Chris W]

Comment from Merlin:

Hi All,

Parking is still included in the Premium Pass and we will be revealing the new pricing structure in January for both the Premium and Standard Passes. Please rest assured the 2011 pricing will reflect the new restrictions, including Parking.

[rctneil]

Update from their facebook page:

We'd just like to confirm that parking will be free to current Standard Merlin Annual Passholders for the life of the pass they now hold

We will be revealing a new pricing structure in January 2011 for both the Standard & Premium Passes which rest assured will reflect the new restrictions.

[Sam]

From Lightwater Valley's Twitter/Facebook:

[quote=""Lightwater Valley""]Lightwater Valley Theme Park
We value your business and think that parking your car should always be free of charge, don't you? If you drive all that way to see us it's the least we can do ...
6 minutes ago · 4 · LikeUnlike · Comment[/quote]
Lightwater just PWND Merlin.

[Anonymous]

[quote=""Dylan""]Maybe best save the money for a couple of European weekend trips.[/quote]
I think that is what quite a few people are starting to do, realising the ways of merlin and deciding it just isn't worth it after the past few years.

I certainly plan on this and agree with what you've said.

[Jem8472]

[quote=""Sam""]From Lightwater Valley's Twitter/Facebook:

[quote=""Lightwater Valley""]Lightwater Valley Theme Park
We value your business and think that parking your car should always be free of charge, don't you? If you drive all that way to see us it's the least we can do ...
6 minutes ago · 4 · LikeUnlike · Comment[/quote]
Lightwater just PWND Merlin. [/quote]

LWV really just got one over on Merlin! LWV Win!

[Rollercoaster5000]

Well...what does that prove Merlin? A park which has no way near as much money as your parks do is actually allowing free parking and in these dark times (recession) they really are brave! What that tells us is that this park actually values their visitors and even risks losing money for that very reason. You on the other hand value your visitor's wallets more! We are appalled! Lightwater deserve a round of applause but Merlin on the other hand, booo hiss [-X!

[jordanc14]

This is absolutely OUTRAGEOUS! I have been extremely grateful for the advantage of free parking, but i have said on facebook merlin are DIRTY MONEY GRABBERS! They make millions of pounds a year profits and they still have to get a little bit greedy! Well i will not be renewing, it's despicable! And lightwater did own merlin :P

[Jem8472]

From Faffbook"
Merlin Annual Pass - OFFICIAL Don't forget to enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning you, your family & friends Passes in time for Christmas!

Win family Merlin Annual Passes for you and a friend this Christmas
[url=http://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk[/url]
Enter our Christmas Competition for your chance to win family Merlin Annual Passes for you and a friend."

First comment:
erm no thanks, yeah free pass but cudnt afford the parking anyway
:mrgreen:

[Tom G]

Great post by Lightwater there!

The MAP page commented that prices are not going to change. So, can we deduce that by leaving prices as they are, BUT removing free parking AND with the addition of the Blackpool attractions, they are offsetting the VAT increase? Do me a favour! I'd rather have a 2.5% increase on the pass price than this, maybe a 5% increase if you want to to use the inflation rubbish as argument.

[Sam]

[quote=""notts nat""]Surely Sam can help us with the protest as he has had a lot of practice over the last few months with his tuition fee marches?[/quote]
I'm working on it.

[Randomizer462]

If i have a Alton Towers Anual Pass does that mean that ill have to pay for parking?

[Jem8472]

From what they have said if you already have one then the parking will be free until that pass runs out.

I am guessing next years passes will be a different colour.