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What changes to operations should we expect post Covid-19?

Good point but I would also keep in mind just because the government aren't publicly budging doesn't mean they aren't budging.
It wouldn't surprise me if they have decided to allow them to reopen but don't want to annouce it yet.

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Well if you take from the DMP response they haven’t actually had guidance on how they can reopen. So all the parks planning to open on the 4th haven’t technically been told what they have to do to reopen. I know it’s probably obviously but the point still stands that no date or guidance has been given to any park yet.
 
Also got to remember even if "other large theme parks" are reopening, Drayton I believe is family owned and it may be more difficult for them vs any park operated by Merlin.

Personally I think they're handling it well!
 
The alert level has moved down today, so if anything, that makes 4th July more likely. The R rate is now below one in all regions of the UK, so Boris will want to accelerate lockdown easing to the fastest it can possibly be!
 
I can safely tell you now. The theme park industry has had no direct information as of yet as to when it can re open. NOTHING at all. Merlin are just assuming the parks will re open on the 4th.

They may very well do and I hope they do. But nothing is confirmed yet. The fact the danger level has gone down to 3 today is a very very good sign.

My post was more to highlight how people are assuming opinions and wants as hard facts. But if the government decide not to open parks on the 4th. Merlin are going to have an outright PR disaster on their hands. I think the approach Drayton have took is far far better.
 
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I can safely tell you know. The theme park industry has had no direct information as of yet as to when it can re open. NOTHING at all. Merlin are just assuming the parks will re open on the 4th

They may very well do and I hope they do. But nothing is confirmed yet. The fact the danger level has gone down to 3 today is a very very good sign.

My post was more to highlight how people are assuming opinions and wants as hard facts. But if the government decide not to open parks on the 4th. Merlin are going to have an outright PR disaster on their hands. I think the approach Drayton have took is far far better.
Most parks have taken this approach which is the best approach. Anything could change or be delayed so obviously if that does happen it will be a big backlash. It’s easier to prepare and then wait for a guidance and date.
 
If zoo's are reopen then I think we're heading in the right direction. I have a feeling we'll have an official word by the government this weekend or the next.
 
I’ve also heard that Merlin has been in very close lockstep with the government, and they have been told 4th July. This also lines up with reports that brewers have been told to start preparing for a 4th July reopening of pubs.

If anyone’s wondering where theme parks fall within the government guidance, they fall alongside pubs & restaurants; they are actually now specified in the Coronavirus Act in this stage.
 
Sorry for double posting, but according to the Sunday Times, government data has been leaked suggesting a 4th July reopening for pubs, restaurants and hotels, as well as theme parks & leisure attractions. The article also details some of the measures that theme parks will need to put into place: https://apple.news/A7MyxN_BSQp-VAHb2HMYQiw

A reduction of the distance by this date has also been heavily implied.
 
I can just imagine Merlin bringing their staff back two days earlier just to move the tables in the restaurants, arrows on the floor, etc. It's funny really:tearsofjoy:
 
Id be more concerned they assumed merlin wouldn't get one staff member to do it all.

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At Chessington yesterday they had one poor guy modifying the bins so you didn’t have to touch them to put rubbish in. Not sure if they’ve factored in the wasp aspect though.
 
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