Thameslink Rail
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- Favourite Ride
- The Smiler
A few weeks back
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Merlin Entertainments: General Discussion
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jon81uk
TS Member
Yes but a tall 2 year old I assume will probably still be watching CBeebies? Thats the issue with AT moving to height based requirements, their major toddler section isn't really linked to height, but their interest in the characters. The kids won't get too tall to be interested in Go Jetters or Furchester Hotel, they will just no longer be entertained by them. I expect that is at more like age three or four?
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PhalanaxOperativeA1127
TS Member
I'm not sure a 91cm height boy (like mine is currently) should be paying £50+ (the same as my adult partner and his 1.2m sister, who can both go on more rides) when he still can't go on all the rides. There should be tiered based pricing at least.
Bert2theSpark
TS Member
This is going to cause problems with guests who buy a ticket because they think their children are over the height limit, but when the child gets height checked for wristbands they get denied because their under the height limit.
It's going to make guests feel like because they've paid a ticket price for entry then they're entitled to go on the rides, regardless of safety reasons.
It's going to make guests feel like because they've paid a ticket price for entry then they're entitled to go on the rides, regardless of safety reasons.
BooMT
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Sucker for a B&M!
Paultons have their tickets based on height not age - it's always worked really well (different park, different audience I appreciate). They height check on the gate and offer relevant wristbands there and then. I overmeasured my youngest by a cm once so paid for entry in advance when we didn't need to and they offered a refund or voucher of equivalent value for food/retail which we were happy with.
I can see this change being a problem for some - especially as there can be discrepancies with height when someone is *just* on the dot, depending on footwear, measuring equipment, time of day etc... There will likely be instances of people having to pay extra on the day due to differences in measurements. Using Paultons as an example again... they have fixed gateways that you can only pass through if below the free entry height limit which are less likely to be argued than the measuring sticks for example.
jon81uk
TS Member
They removed child pricing about three years ago I think, it was free under three or pay full price. Sort of makes sense as they will still be entertained for a full day I think, they just can't go on the biggest rides.
Disneyworld still has a child (under 11) price but its not really cheaper, one day tickets are $5 lower for kids and the UK 14 day tickets are £20 lower, so really its close to the same price for all. Paulton Park is the same price for everyone over 1m, there is no child price there either.
Also its not £50+ for entry, it starts from £35.
Bert2theSpark
TS Member
https://www.pwc.co.uk/ceo-survey/ce...ertainments-generative-ai-transformation.html
Interesting interview with the current CEO of Merlin about the application of AI within Merlin at the moment. They seem really eager to apply it to customer service, employee communications and creative/strategic ideas. I think there are some very clever ideas about how they can leverage AI, but considering the CEO admits that they have no expertise currently in this area, they are treading on very shaky ground in how they can actually transform the business with this.
The new administration of Merlin seems to have very little criticism at the moment (especially compared to the Varney-era), but I really think that techno-optimism and treating themselves like a tech company within theme parks is a bit of a misfire. In the article, O'Neil talks about how much of the workforce uses social media and subsequently not email (says who?). As someone very much in the under-24 age bracket that he's referring to here, he is very much incorrect in my opinion, young workers simply do not want yet another app that fragments communications with various parts of their lives.
I think there's a lot of room for automation with customer communication and feedback, but they're better off hiring a chatbot and feeding their customer data rather than starting from zero. Instead of trying to create their own tech expertise fully in-house, they're much better off acquiring an existing firm that specialises in data collection, or partnering with a tech firm like Google or Amazon to analyse their data (just in no way use Fujitsu), and then after a set period start to slowly bring things in-house as they gain insight and expertise themselves and initially begin on a stable footing.
As for creative content, this is a severe misjudgement. The generative AI legal field is a huge landmine at the moment in terms of copyrighted content and even if they use their own datasets in training data, we'd just end up with a rehash of what they've already produced (apocalyptic themes and garish colours galore). Creatives within this field are really good at lateral and out-of-the-box thinking, which AI isn't very good at. In fact, I've heard that many predictions for the future will see humans enter jobs which require more creative thinking skills, as jobs that can be automated simply into repetitive tasks, particularly in the white-collar sector, will be automated.
It's becoming quite clear that the investors didn't take Merlin private for maybe 5-10% growth over the medium term. They clearly see this as a business that has a lot of margin for growth if the company changes how it approaches its conduct on a structural basis, but at the moment it very much sounds like technical-naivety from what we're hearing from head office at the moment...
Interesting interview with the current CEO of Merlin about the application of AI within Merlin at the moment. They seem really eager to apply it to customer service, employee communications and creative/strategic ideas. I think there are some very clever ideas about how they can leverage AI, but considering the CEO admits that they have no expertise currently in this area, they are treading on very shaky ground in how they can actually transform the business with this.
The new administration of Merlin seems to have very little criticism at the moment (especially compared to the Varney-era), but I really think that techno-optimism and treating themselves like a tech company within theme parks is a bit of a misfire. In the article, O'Neil talks about how much of the workforce uses social media and subsequently not email (says who?). As someone very much in the under-24 age bracket that he's referring to here, he is very much incorrect in my opinion, young workers simply do not want yet another app that fragments communications with various parts of their lives.
I think there's a lot of room for automation with customer communication and feedback, but they're better off hiring a chatbot and feeding their customer data rather than starting from zero. Instead of trying to create their own tech expertise fully in-house, they're much better off acquiring an existing firm that specialises in data collection, or partnering with a tech firm like Google or Amazon to analyse their data (just in no way use Fujitsu), and then after a set period start to slowly bring things in-house as they gain insight and expertise themselves and initially begin on a stable footing.
As for creative content, this is a severe misjudgement. The generative AI legal field is a huge landmine at the moment in terms of copyrighted content and even if they use their own datasets in training data, we'd just end up with a rehash of what they've already produced (apocalyptic themes and garish colours galore). Creatives within this field are really good at lateral and out-of-the-box thinking, which AI isn't very good at. In fact, I've heard that many predictions for the future will see humans enter jobs which require more creative thinking skills, as jobs that can be automated simply into repetitive tasks, particularly in the white-collar sector, will be automated.
It's becoming quite clear that the investors didn't take Merlin private for maybe 5-10% growth over the medium term. They clearly see this as a business that has a lot of margin for growth if the company changes how it approaches its conduct on a structural basis, but at the moment it very much sounds like technical-naivety from what we're hearing from head office at the moment...
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Thameslink Rail
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- The Smiler
Over 500 companies named for not paying minimum wage
Over 500 employers are named by government for failing to pay the minimum wage.
Whoops... (Would love to know which divisions messed this up)
GooseOnTheLoose
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Ug Bugs
At least they're marginally better at paying their staff than Gregg's.Merlin Entertainments Limited, Poole, BH15, failed to pay £43,499.02 to 1,100 workers.Over 500 companies named for not paying minimum wage
Over 500 employers are named by government for failing to pay the minimum wage.www.gov.uk
Whoops... (Would love to know which divisions messed this up)
Some other favourites of TSTers:
The government seemingly can't get it right either...
Say it ain't so Hamleys!
At least Merlin aren't the only theme park operator?
More than 200 companies named for not paying staff minimum wage
Over 200 employers are today (21 June 2023) being named by government for failing to pay their lowest paid staff the minimum wage.
Certainly worrying how many companies are on those lists, and it's companies you'd hope knew better!
Coaster
TS Member
In 2018, the CEO of Merlin Entertainments took home a salary of £1,493,000.
www.erieri.com
Meanwhile, the company failed to pay minimum wage to 1,100 employees, equating to £43,000.
Taken from the CEO's salary, this would have still left £1,450,000. It's absolutely shameful that stuff like this is allowed to happen. Staff rely on being paid the legal amount to live off, to pay bills, it's shambolic.
Nick Varney Salary Infomation 2018 | ERI Economic Research Institute
Nick Varney, the Executive Director,Group Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments Plc, made $1,493,000 in total compensation during 2018, according to salary benchmarking data.
Meanwhile, the company failed to pay minimum wage to 1,100 employees, equating to £43,000.
Taken from the CEO's salary, this would have still left £1,450,000. It's absolutely shameful that stuff like this is allowed to happen. Staff rely on being paid the legal amount to live off, to pay bills, it's shambolic.
GooseOnTheLoose
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Ug Bugs
Bear that in mind the next time you buy a Greggs sausage roll.In 2018, the CEO of Merlin Entertainments took home a salary of £1,493,000.
Nick Varney Salary Infomation 2018 | ERI Economic Research Institute
Nick Varney, the Executive Director,Group Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments Plc, made $1,493,000 in total compensation during 2018, according to salary benchmarking data.
Meanwhile, the company failed to pay minimum wage to 1,100 employees, equating to £43,000.
Taken from the CEO's salary, this would have still left £1,450,000. It's absolutely shameful that stuff like this is allowed to happen. Staff rely on being paid the legal amount to live off, to pay bills, it's shambolic.
jon81uk
TS Member
Most of the time those not paid the minimum its not just that they weren't paid it, its that the business didn't take other things such as uniform costs into consideration.
This report from last June gives more details on why those called out that time didn't meet the rules https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65968986
AT86
TS Member
Merlin 2023 results are out:
Interestingly they have announced the purchase of the Icon Park wheel in Orlando, which Merlin originally ran and then off loaded a few years back.
www.merlinentertainments.biz
Interestingly they have announced the purchase of the Icon Park wheel in Orlando, which Merlin originally ran and then off loaded a few years back.
Merlin Entertainments Delivers Record Revenues In 2023 As Transformational Strategy Takes Hold
Merlin Reports Strong Growth and Strategic Expansion, Reinforcing Position as Global Leader of Branded Entertainment Destinations
Merlin 2023 results are out:
Interestingly they have announced the purchase of the Icon Park wheel in Orlando, which Merlin originally ran and then off loaded a few years back.
Merlin Entertainments Delivers Record Revenues In 2023 As Transformational Strategy Takes Hold
Merlin Reports Strong Growth and Strategic Expansion, Reinforcing Position as Global Leader of Branded Entertainment Destinations
Considering what appears to be the nominal capital investment in 23 compared to 24 I’d say it looks on the surface to have been a very good year.
DavidRock
TS Member
Legoland and Alton Towers owner to charge more at peak times
"Dynamic pricing" will see families pay more to enter a Merlin Entertainments venue at peak times.
www.bbc.co.uk
Dynamic Pricing been reported now. I'm still on the old membership of £12.99 but had the email to say that prices are fixed until April 2025.
Prices for new memberships are changing from 7th April but nothing has been announced. (This will explain the membership sale at present)
Sorry Mods didn't see the other topic on this has been created. D'oh .... please feel free to delete this post or move it across to merge in the correct topic.
Ta
MrNoNumbers
TS Member
"Redeveloped and launched ‘Curse of Alton Towers’ at Alton Towers Resort"Merlin 2023 results are out:
Interestingly they have announced the purchase of the Icon Park wheel in Orlando, which Merlin originally ran and then off loaded a few years back.
Merlin Entertainments Delivers Record Revenues In 2023 As Transformational Strategy Takes Hold
Merlin Reports Strong Growth and Strategic Expansion, Reinforcing Position as Global Leader of Branded Entertainment Destinations
Never change Merlin, never change.
jon81uk
TS Member
I don’t think changing legacy membership members onto current products is anything to do with the the dynamic pricing and just to do with the changes and increases in annual pass prices two or three years ago.Legoland and Alton Towers owner to charge more at peak times
"Dynamic pricing" will see families pay more to enter a Merlin Entertainments venue at peak times.www.bbc.co.uk
Dynamic Pricing been reported now. I'm still on the old membership of £12.99 but had the email to say that prices are fixed until April 2025.
Prices for new memberships are changing from 7th April but nothing has been announced. (This will explain the membership sale at present)
Sorry Mods didn't see the other topic on this has been created. D'oh .... please feel free to delete this post or move it across to merge in the correct topic.
Ta
Matt.GC
TS Member
Merlin Annual Results translative ready reckoner:
Record guest satisfaction across Merlin brands = Our staff filled out surveys for us on their mobile phones.
Record Group revenues, up 8% to £2.1 billion, and adjusted EBITDA of £662M = "We palmed off our food to a bunch of cowboys, who cut costs and jacked the prices up. We followed suit ourselves with our own merchandise. Sweet!"
Strong revenue growth at Gateway attractions, particularly in Asia Pacific, the UK, and Continental Europe, with resilient performance across LEGOLAND® Parks and Resort Theme Parks = "Well, you didn't think our new ownership structure wouldn't love Lego even more than before did you? Have a word with yourself. Out of date IP's for the RTP's will hold us until we can bugger off to the Caribbean to live in a couple of years time."
Transformational strategy set in motion by reinvigorated executive leadership team, targeting significant growth and expansion. = "Jesus our resorts are a bit of bin! How did they get into such a state? Geoff, get down B&Q with the company credit card, we need 200 paintbrushes, 500 litres of multicoloured paint, and don't skimp on the purple for heavens sake, just for our friends at Alton."
Capital allocation refined and optimised towards destinations with largest opportunity to enhance guest experience and premiumise the Merlin portfolio, particularly LEGOLAND® Resorts. =" .... and make sure the Lego parks get most of that paint won't you Geoff?"
In line with strategic focus on building major attraction clusters in key tourist cities, including Orlando, Merlin today announces the acquisition of ‘The Orlando Eye’, the tallest observation wheel on the United States’ East Coast. = "People pay how much just to park at Universal? Get out there and buy something, ANYTHING!..... No, not Fun Spot. That's a little too far Tracey".
Disclaimer for those more sensitive members - I am not being serious. When I can get over the ridiculously manipulative Guest Satisfaction nonsense, I'll have a full read.
Record guest satisfaction across Merlin brands = Our staff filled out surveys for us on their mobile phones.
Record Group revenues, up 8% to £2.1 billion, and adjusted EBITDA of £662M = "We palmed off our food to a bunch of cowboys, who cut costs and jacked the prices up. We followed suit ourselves with our own merchandise. Sweet!"
Strong revenue growth at Gateway attractions, particularly in Asia Pacific, the UK, and Continental Europe, with resilient performance across LEGOLAND® Parks and Resort Theme Parks = "Well, you didn't think our new ownership structure wouldn't love Lego even more than before did you? Have a word with yourself. Out of date IP's for the RTP's will hold us until we can bugger off to the Caribbean to live in a couple of years time."
Transformational strategy set in motion by reinvigorated executive leadership team, targeting significant growth and expansion. = "Jesus our resorts are a bit of bin! How did they get into such a state? Geoff, get down B&Q with the company credit card, we need 200 paintbrushes, 500 litres of multicoloured paint, and don't skimp on the purple for heavens sake, just for our friends at Alton."
Capital allocation refined and optimised towards destinations with largest opportunity to enhance guest experience and premiumise the Merlin portfolio, particularly LEGOLAND® Resorts. =" .... and make sure the Lego parks get most of that paint won't you Geoff?"
In line with strategic focus on building major attraction clusters in key tourist cities, including Orlando, Merlin today announces the acquisition of ‘The Orlando Eye’, the tallest observation wheel on the United States’ East Coast. = "People pay how much just to park at Universal? Get out there and buy something, ANYTHING!..... No, not Fun Spot. That's a little too far Tracey".
Disclaimer for those more sensitive members - I am not being serious. When I can get over the ridiculously manipulative Guest Satisfaction nonsense, I'll have a full read.
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