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Merlin Entertainments: General Discussion

Bowser said:
I suspect this is nothing but Merlin changed their T&C to accommodate the sale of parks. This tweet makes it look like it’s only Alton Towers, presumably as bait but each of the parks respectively has it.


From: https://x.com/coasterclub/status/1990903250673971468
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They changed their terms and conditions, for Annual Passes, to reflect the potential sale or non-operation of their attractions in August 2024. I would have expected the TOS for the parks / attractions to be updated at the same time, and that this is old news being repackaged for bait (as you've already said).
GooseOnTheLoose said:
An email notifying Merlin Annual Pass / Membership holders went out today. It sets out changes to their terms & conditions, effective from the start of September, specifically around attraction availability. Upon first glance nothing much seems to have changed, and everything appears standard. Comparing it with the current terms & conditions, available on the pass holder website, reveals a little more. The biggest change is below:

"temporary or permanent closure of Attractions, attractions ceasing to be owned or controlled by Merlin"​
​
Merlin have always had the right to vary the attraction opening times, and could even close or remove rides, events or facilities from the attractions (so it can't be a response to the Alton Towers opening hours debacle). Merlin previously hadn't reserved the right to remove entire attractions from the MAP scheme altogether though, and now they do.
​
Is this a reactionary measure to something, is this a precautionary measure just incase something does get removed at some point in the future, or is this a more immediate change coming after the season close? Feel free to speculate away!

In typical Merlin fashion, and attention to detail, they've also given the wrong clause number for the Membership reference changes. The clause in the current terms, covering admission and access, is 26. The email says that the clause is 27, which actually covers discounted tickets.

Email with Terms & Conditions effective from 31st August 2024:


Terms & Conditions taken from Merlin Annual Pass website, 1st August 2024:
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Speaking of Alton Towers closure bait, we've already had that discussion and predicted it in relation to this clause too.
rob666 said:
Could we now start a rumour that the Towers is closing in six months please.
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Is it March yet?
 
Just seems to be a sensible addition to the legal blurb to give them future flexibility.

But I do wonder who they could sell to. Wishful thinking or better the devil you know?
 
havaska said:
Just seems to be a sensible addition to the legal blurb to give them future flexibility.

But I do wonder who they could sell to. Wishful thinking or better the devil you know?
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My biggest worry is Six Flags to be honest

I'd also imagine the people who own Walibi as well.

Although I'm sure that it is more likely that Merlin will keep hold of their parks.
 
owenstreet7 said:
My biggest worry is Six Flags to be honest

I'd also imagine the people who own Walibi as well.

Although I'm sure that it is more likely that Merlin will keep hold of their parks.
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Six Flags won’t be buying anything in their current financial state. Also they attempted Europe once before which didn’t exactly go well…
 
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