I see a lot of people walking round with their own food now, and people do notice the prices in the park without doubt, yes people still spend but are they happy? Probably not. Quality or lack of it is noticeable against price and sometimes, this is where Merlin don't have a clue, it takes a while for that impact to filter down, so whilst they keep increasing prices and smashing the quality, they will be getting less and less good will from customers - you hear a lot of people moaning on park about a lot of things lately. Unfortunately unless people go to GS or type something in on a screen, they don't think the problems exist, it's crazy.
My managers at previous employ, would personally go round to tables/visitors to make sure people were enjoying it, quality was of PRIME importance and it cost a bit more, but it really was high quality. He was a stickler for it, and guess what, the place was always rammed. Why? Everyone knew it.
Guess what, the place was smaller, but it took more than bigger places because it was premium price (not hugely expensive, but it was VALUE for the service), premium quality - Merlin charge a fortune now for real crap food. This will bite back eventually.
People are more savvy than they're given credit for, I don't not spend money on food at Towers because I'm an enthusiast or tight lol, I don't spend it because it's CRAP FOOD
Really, bugger all to do with knowing about Merlin, because I'll always be happy to spend on something nice and of perceived value.