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This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks. - Thread starter AstroDan
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Selected rides opening from 11:00am - Reversed
Re: Selected rides opening from 11:00am
Hey Dan... I mentioned this earlier in the topic, but do you know if this cost cutting situation is because the park are losing money or is it because they have been given targets by Merlin that they are not meeting?
I ask as this is two completely different scenarios. If its because the park is losing money, then so be it, they have to do whatever to keep the park running, if its the latter, then its a different ball game.
:-\
AstroDan said:
Hey Dan... I mentioned this earlier in the topic, but do you know if this cost cutting situation is because the park are losing money or is it because they have been given targets by Merlin that they are not meeting?
I ask as this is two completely different scenarios. If its because the park is losing money, then so be it, they have to do whatever to keep the park running, if its the latter, then its a different ball game.
:-\
EuroSatch
TS Member
Selected rides opening from 11:00am
The park operates as an agent for Merlin Attractions, and are considered part of a budget that is shared between Towers, Chessington and Thorpe Park. As such, none are considered a separate entity on the books, and are a consolidated balance sheet that form a larger financial picture.
The park itself is not losing money, but there is little tangible worth to the park. It operates at a loss, but is not making a loss.
What it seems to me is Merlin are hoping that if all three parks are under one budget, then on the books there can be tighter controls over expenditure. However, all three are far too big to control this and it doesn't work in practice
The park operates as an agent for Merlin Attractions, and are considered part of a budget that is shared between Towers, Chessington and Thorpe Park. As such, none are considered a separate entity on the books, and are a consolidated balance sheet that form a larger financial picture.
The park itself is not losing money, but there is little tangible worth to the park. It operates at a loss, but is not making a loss.
What it seems to me is Merlin are hoping that if all three parks are under one budget, then on the books there can be tighter controls over expenditure. However, all three are far too big to control this and it doesn't work in practice
John
TS Member
Re: Selected rides opening from 11:00am
I can only assume that since Rita doesn't actually force you to go through the shop when you leave the ride that it gets less footfall and is less profitable than other ride exit shops. If anyone really wants any Rita merch they can get it from Towers Trading.
As for food outlets, they're obviously trying to concentrate guests onto the rest of the outlets, with a fixed number of people in the park there's only so much food they can possibly buy, so theoretically takings should increase at the remaining units.
I can only assume that since Rita doesn't actually force you to go through the shop when you leave the ride that it gets less footfall and is less profitable than other ride exit shops. If anyone really wants any Rita merch they can get it from Towers Trading.
As for food outlets, they're obviously trying to concentrate guests onto the rest of the outlets, with a fixed number of people in the park there's only so much food they can possibly buy, so theoretically takings should increase at the remaining units.
smudge
TS Member
Re: Selected rides opening from 11:00am
I don't think they are on a downward spiral per-se, but more of a slump. At the end of the day they are investing £20m next year, this wouldn't be happening if m£rlin knew, or even thought, the park was on a "downward spiral."
Perhaps it is more down to Spinball Noodles, Rehydrator, Rita Shop, Towers Family Restaurant & Kiosks not supporting themselves. After all, isn't that what they are supposed to do? If they are running at a loss, then, hell yeah, close them, but if they are running a profit, then why would they close them? Obviously not to save money...
I don't think they are on a downward spiral per-se, but more of a slump. At the end of the day they are investing £20m next year, this wouldn't be happening if m£rlin knew, or even thought, the park was on a "downward spiral."
Perhaps it is more down to Spinball Noodles, Rehydrator, Rita Shop, Towers Family Restaurant & Kiosks not supporting themselves. After all, isn't that what they are supposed to do? If they are running at a loss, then, hell yeah, close them, but if they are running a profit, then why would they close them? Obviously not to save money...
Scott
Former TS Team Member
Selected rides opening from 11:00am
Seriously though, this is appalling. All of these things will just be sitting shut - even on really busy days! It's going to look terrible and is for such a small saving that it's absolutely ridiculous.
If the park cannot run itself fully these are dark and worrying times.
Not the acorn?!AstroDan said:
Seriously though, this is appalling. All of these things will just be sitting shut - even on really busy days! It's going to look terrible and is for such a small saving that it's absolutely ridiculous.
If the park cannot run itself fully these are dark and worrying times.
Re: Selected rides opening from 11:00am
I imagine it will be down to this, if these things were making a profit then there is no way Alton would be closing them! So fair enough! Yea its going to look bad but no point wasting money on something which is costing them.
smudge said:
I imagine it will be down to this, if these things were making a profit then there is no way Alton would be closing them! So fair enough! Yea its going to look bad but no point wasting money on something which is costing them.
EuroSatch
TS Member
Re: Selected rides opening from 11:00am
You really don't think they are on a downward spiral? That list is two F&B outlets and one retail outlet, plus another one cut after operating for 3 or 4 hours. Then we have several of the sales points of food and retail cut across the park. And to top it off, entertainments that are promoting the much unsung new attraction Ice Age 3 cutt.
This is bad. This is very bad.
smudge said:
Tom said:
You really don't think they are on a downward spiral? That list is two F&B outlets and one retail outlet, plus another one cut after operating for 3 or 4 hours. Then we have several of the sales points of food and retail cut across the park. And to top it off, entertainments that are promoting the much unsung new attraction Ice Age 3 cutt.
This is bad. This is very bad.
Re: Selected rides opening from 11:00am
They are only cutting part of the promotion for Ice Age as they will still have the squirrel! Also there are plenty of other shops and food outlets about so no one will really notice a difference i dont think. They wont be closing these if they were really popular and made big profit so i cant see if affecting too many people!
Satch said:
They are only cutting part of the promotion for Ice Age as they will still have the squirrel! Also there are plenty of other shops and food outlets about so no one will really notice a difference i dont think. They wont be closing these if they were really popular and made big profit so i cant see if affecting too many people!
