• ℹ️ Heads up...

    This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks.

2020: General Discussion

Status
This topic has been locked. No further replies can be posted.
ringo said:
Finally Merlin taking responsibility. I wonder if there has been some external pressure regarding London attractions that are closing as they are pretty much rammed and in close proximity to everyone.
Click to expand...

Its the same reason the National Trust has closed houses but not gardens/parks. Indoor attractions have people in closer proximity than outdoor attractions.
 
This issue seems to be really polarising people. Looking ahead to this weekend, there's going to be a load of people self isolating at home. On the other hand, there's going to be a load of other people who are happy to go out, and will be spending 12 hours queuing for Octonauts, because Merlin parks are the only place people can still go out to.

Could you imagine queuing 12 hours for Octonauts, and then finding out that you've caught the corona virus because the women behind you had a bit of a cough.
 
BPB have made their intentions most clear for opening by continuing to take bookings for this weekend and advertising their opening at the entrance on a twenty foot illuminated sign.
They will only close by order.
Which will come before the end of the week probably.
 
The Blackpool, Edinburgh and York Dungeons are now closed. Perhaps sense has been seen.
 
Looks like Merlin are closing all indoor attractions and indoor elements of their theme parks at present. I don't think it will be long before they announce that the parks are closing.
 
Makes sense to close the Dungeons and similar attractions first, given they're actor-led and have people in close proximity to each other for extended periods of time.
 
Alton Towers has issued another statement.

“As a goodwill gesture, anyone who visits Alton Towers this weekend and catches the corona virus will receive a free priority pass. It can be used to skip the queue once on any one ride of their choice, excluding The Smiler and Gangsta Granny the Ride. Other terms and conditions apply. See the Alton Towers website for more information”.

I think it’s good that Alton Towers are being proactive and considering the options.
 
Funcone said:
Alton Towers has issued another statement.

“As a goodwill gesture, anyone who visits Alton Towers this weekend and catches the corona virus will receive a free priority pass. It can be used to skip the queue once on any one ride of their choice, excluding The Smiler and Gangsta Granny the Ride. Other terms and conditions apply. See the Alton Towers website for more information”.

I think it’s good that Alton Towers are being proactive and considering the options.
Click to expand...
What a joker eh. Well schools are closing this Friday so with people seemingly ingnoring advice, all the kids will be out at mcdonalds and towers over the weeks off
 
Ethan said:
What a joker eh. Well schools are closing this Friday so with people seemingly ingnoring advice, all the kids will be out at mcdonalds and towers over the weeks off
Click to expand...
kids will be standing outside mcds in the carparks as you cant sit inside.. run them over
 
I don't see how they can operate the rides safely and keep guests enjoying their day. The amount of measures to apply practically would be ridiculous and remove any enjoyment of visiting a theme park.

Our government seem to be taking baby steps rather than enforcing a complete lock down straight away. Yesterday the government said schools will stay open, today they announce all schools will close for the foreseeable future... I imagine by Friday (or early next week) they will force businesses to close and the Merlin parks will make a quick announcement.

Thorpe's statement says it more blindly:
Thorpe Park said:
The current advice from the health authorities has not changed regarding theme parks, so we plan for our business to operate as normal and standard terms and conditions on bookings continue to apply.
Click to expand...

They won't close until government are more specific and force a closure.

I know it's easy to blame Merlin going for the £££s (I would be highly surprised if they make much this weekend - if any park opens), however they are a business and many businesses continue to operate regardless of government advice. If people visit more fool them.
 
They are leaving a bit late to let ppl know. Most customers should have cancelled their plans but some will have hotels booked etc opens up a whole cancellation issue if they leave it to the last minute for 3rd party bookings.

I imagine that with the usual Merlin Organization everyone that goes on Saturday will get the last minute notification......at the gates


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
monkeyboy said:
They are leaving a bit late to let ppl know. Most customers should have cancelled their plans but some will have hotels booked etc opens up a whole cancellation issue if they leave it to the last minute for 3rd party bookings.

I imagine that with the usual Merlin Organization everyone that goes on Saturday will get the last minute notification......at the gates


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I’ve just cancelled my hotel and everything now as it’s exactly the situation I can see happening now, closure announced later Friday evening when I’m already in my hotel after a 4 hour drive
 
I've just got to rearranging my hotel as well, to later on in the year for Oktoberfest (if that actually happens).

It seemed particularly difficult explaining that yes, the park is open but no, I can't attend as I'm self isolating despite all of the extra measures they've put in place.
 
Status
This topic has been locked. No further replies can be posted.
Top