Drayton Manor Park

[rob666]

The parks local target market is either a bit skint, or very skint.
Like Blackpool's latest offer, this is to fill the park in lean times.
No good having peak season staffing costs without punters to match.

 

[jon81uk]

Its great value, but is it a long-term good thing for the park? If it works and a lot more people do visit, will the queues/experiances be good enough for them to come back at a higher price? Or if not many people visit then the park is just selling tickets at a low price and not covering costs.
Is Paultons method of slightly fewer people but always paying full price better?

 

[Themeparksandy1981]

I doubt it. When they literally gave away free entry a few weeks ago, and were allegedly "sold out", or at capacity, the park was still dead and were actively encouraging / begging people to attend online.

Yes the pre book tickets were free but if you wanted an unlimited wristband it was £30 online or £35 on the day.
When I was originally looking at the prices for them dates it was £29 online so they were already more expensive than they were originally advertised for.
I remember back in the early 2000’s many times driving past the main entrance of the park and a sign outside saying car park and park is full.

 

[Steve Minor]

I remember visiting in the 80s when the traffic Jams spread down the drive and along the A4091.
I guess the reality is that people have a smaller disposable income these days and so park attendance is going to be much lower. Cutting admission prices is a sound strategy if it works though it's only really a means to stand still income wise and not really a way to increase revenue.

 

[rob666]

You increase the revenue with secondary spend.
The bigger the group, the better the spread of ages, and granny often brings her purse, especially if she hasn't paid to get in.
Grandad is tight, but still contributing at the bar.

 

[Themeparksandy1981]

Well they do have a separate price for the Safari/animals and the fun fair at West Midlands Safari park so it could work here again if they have a £7.50 ticket which also includes Zoo, Museum and parking.

 

[DistortAMG]

I remember visiting in the 80s when the traffic Jams spread down the drive and along the A4091.
I guess the reality is that people have a smaller disposable income these days and so park attendance is going to be much lower. Cutting admission prices is a sound strategy if it works though it's only really a means to stand still income wise and not really a way to increase revenue.

In 2025, there is also many, many more things for people to do for a day / afternoon out, all fighting for everyones time and money. That also undoubtedly has an impact.

I cannot see the place being overly rammed as a result of this, as suggested, busy yes, on some days. The offer is spread over a month, giving people plenty of choice of when to visit.