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That is absolute nonsense. I don't have a passport and don't carry my driving licence with me. I used my MAP a few weeks ago and the booking confirmation email on my phone screen.

As long as you have the booking email, a MAP and/or some form of bank card or something with your name on it, this should suffice.
 
Three weeks ago they insisted on seeing my Dad's driving licence as well as the card used for payment, good job I reminded him to bring them because he's usually a cash only guy and never carries his license (like me).

Funny thing was they never asked to see a MAP to verify we were MAP holders, nor did they ask to see ID for me or my son, nor did anybody challenge us when I walked into the hotel at 11am with a dodgy looking ruck sack to use the toilet, hours before we were due to check in.

Security is only effective if it's 1) enforced consistently and 2) makes sense, otherwise it's useless.

Be aware also you now have to pre-book a breakfast time slot and they'll try to get you to book your evening meal when checking in, seems you can no longer just turn up with a door key and blag a free breakfast...
 
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IanSR said:
Security is only effective if it's 1) enforced consistently and 2) makes sense, otherwise it's useless.
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I definitely agree with you on that one. The security is so in consistent. I managed to walk through without my bag being searched. I mean if they are going to in force it then make sure every single bag that enters the park is searched or use the X-RAY which in my opinion is an effective method.
 
I got asked for ID yesterday at splash landings but don't know why I stayed in that dump. I was really disappointed! As for security CBeebies Land Hotel had bouncers on the door and wouldn't let me go for a little look around.
 
IanSR said:
Security is only effective if it's 1) enforced consistently and 2) makes sense, otherwise it's useless.
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Checking ID is less to do with security and more to ensure the right person is using the booking they paid for. I really don't think the ID checks are designed to do anything for security.

Also saying "a dodgy looking rucksack" is completely meaningless, you could just as likely have a carving knife inside a brand new rucksack.
 
belongstothesmiler said:
I got asked for ID yesterday at splash landings but don't know why I stayed in that dump. I was really disappointed! As for security CBeebies Land Hotel had bouncers on the door and wouldn't let me go for a little look around.
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Its been said in many places, CBeebies hotel is only open to those staying there as there is much much more entertainment and given that is one of the reason rooms at CBeebies are up to twice the price of Splash I completely agree with AT that everyone else should be blocked out.
 
I can see both sides of this, I would like to have a look around but then again if I was a parent and my kids where playing I would feel much better knowing not just anybody could walk in.
 
Towerslover said:
I can see both sides of this, I would like to have a look around but then again if I was a parent and my kids where playing I would feel much better knowing not just anybody could walk in.
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and I don't actually think it has anything to do with this. It is all to do with revenue protection of those who have paid for the entertainment (as part of higher room prices) are the only ones who get it. You could probably book a room as a single adult and have no issue coming and going.
 
What time do the food outlets in the theme park close?

We're staying on sunday so will probably want to eat as late as possible as i don't really fancy paying through the nose for second rate food at the hotels...i'm thinking the pizza and pasta buffet will be best bet

Also what is the night time entertainment like?

WE're staying in splash landings but i believe you can sit in Alton Towers hotel if you want

thanks
 
I'd say the food at the hotels is much better than most available on park. The rollercoaster restaurant will be open too. I don't find the food too extortionate with map discount
 
Hotel food is better quality than park food. Flambo's buffet is £20ish but also is a three course meal. So if you think of the buffet as £10 main £5 starters/salad and £5 dessert it seems more reasonable.
Rollercoaster restaurant is open late and food is better than rest of park but more expensive as paying for experience. Secret Garden in ATH is a similar menu but cheaper than RR.
Crooked Spoon is cheaper still, burger and fries is £13.50.
 
Secret Garden and the Dingley Dell Dog
Mmm yummy
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DiogoJ42 said:
£13 for a hot dog would be a stretch even in a hipster London burger joint!
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Eds Diner (nationwide ish chain) a hot dog topped with pulled pork (so very similar) served with sweet potato fries and onion rings would be £13. Considering the ATH one is made with higher quality Dingley Dell pork rather than being a beef frankfurter it seems pretty reasonably pricing.

Yes hotel restaurants always charge a little more because they know it's a captive market. But the prices don't actually seem insane and the secret garden menu reads as being a lot higher quality than crooked spoon and rollercoaster restaurant.
 
I'll agree that Secret Garden does serve some rather decent grub.
.... So why would you order a hot dog there? ;)
 
Thanks for the replys

We have decided that we're going to go for the all day dining as it'll make a change plus we won't have to lug around sandwiches,drinks and snacks for 4 in our bag...so i'm thinking we won't have room for an evening meal after all
 
yoursilentface said:
Thanks for the replys

We have decided that we're going to go for the all day dining as it'll make a change plus we won't have to lug around sandwiches,drinks and snacks for 4 in our bag...so i'm thinking we won't have room for an evening meal after all
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In that case get into woodcutters just befor ride close to stuff your face before leaving park :D
 
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