Another issue is UK theme parks do absolutely nothing to attract foreign visitors
Generally I agree, but Blackpool have announced their reciprocal deal for European theme park annual pass holders (where you get one free day ticket) right?
I answered the survey. I believe we have some excellent theme parks with some unique style and settings. Alton towers is a real flagship of the UK theme park industry and whilst there could be many improvements (from F&B offering to theming execution), I think overall the park represents a good day out.
Merlin, who operates 3 major theme parks, is very profit focused, and please do take a look at the recent warning regarding undermining the quality of the product (can't remember who it was from, it was mentioned in these forums, ACB or there was an F in there). However they offer the biggest capex investments into the parks compared with other independent parks. This means they do have the best rides in the UK.
Independents I can't talk about much, as I've not been to one in a long time. Good things to look into are closed parks. Most recently Pleasure Island Cleethorpes, further back American adventure and morecome morecambe frontierland. Another really interesting thing that everyone has been following is the Blackpool pleasure beach investment in new hardware. It's still yet to be seen whether it will pay off, but despite major investment in thrill, it's fairly safe to say it still didn't draw crowds like Wickerman did (marketing concerns here).
Accidents have really affected the industry recently. Smiler crash and Drayton manor rapids ride drowning. (Did M&Ds in Scotland not also have something happen further back?) This has changed people's perception of theme parks a lot, and led to a change in visitor numbers at their respective parks.
Thomas land and Peppa pig world have done remarkably well for their respective markets, and encouraged Alton towers to invest in ceebebies land. Two interesting points ride here -
Firstly is the family market which appears to be key to keeping independents open as for relatively low investment they can create large family areas with many kids rides.
Secondly the need for an IP to create a popular ride. This is hotly debated around here, but with the success of these family rides it's clear to see why parks feel they need to secure rights to big names from TV. (For other IPs Thorpe works as a good example with walking dead, derren brown and angry birds - not exactly all successes).
Finally one thing to remember is the difference between the enthusiasts critical eye and the general publics more relaxed approach. The parks are targeting the general public, pushing for increases in KPI scores and good trip advisor reviews. Be aware how these two things differ.
As for social media, it's been rocky. With thorpe desperately posting memes and Alton towers saying "well it's better than nothing". Things like queue times online have affected the way people view their day out at the park.
Also, it's worth considering the booking options for the parks while considering value for money. Five different Merlin annual passes, two Alton towers passes, online price, gate price, voucher price, fastracks and now second gate (dungeons) as well parking, premium parking and hotels, loadges, pods, camping, hotel outside of the park ... All of this affects value for money. Deciding on how much you spend at theme parks has never been more difficult!
Hope all this helps.
