I have read through all of the thread about the VIP annual pass and thought that I'd contribute as we've held these passes since their inception.
We're a family of three, my daughter now being 11 years old and just recently hitting the magical 1.4m in height.
We have always loved the theme parks and many years ago became Merlin passholders. Living very close by to Chessington, this gave us the chance to visit three of the Merlin parks frequently.
I have quite a stressful job and have always loved theme parks as I find I can leave my worries at the gate and immerse myself in the theming and atmosphere. It has quite a therapeutic value, being amongst large groups of people mostly having the time of their lives. Our visits increased in number, and at the time of the release of the VIP pass, we were considering whether to renew the incumbent passes - since we were spending more and more time queueing and less time enjoying our favourite rides and attractions.
After some thought we decided to try the new pass and immediately saw the excellent benefits. We have never exploited the ability to hammer the fast-track to death, but instead use it to make a more leisurely day – maybe just doing a couple of rides – or making more use of a day when we only have enough time for a shorter visit. I have never demanded, or even politely asked to be honest, to sit in a particular seat on a ride.
We found that the VIP passholder demographic was quite interesting. It was (and in the main still is) made up of families with younger children, and in many cases where the parents are self-employed. The other section is real rollercoaster enthusiasts, many of whom are single (i.e. without partner or family).
The fact that the community is relatively small meant that people got to know each other quite quickly through meetings and events organised by Merlin. The social side of things has, for many, become as important as the actual day out at a theme park. Many people have found their friendship groups expand enormously, acquainting themselves with others from all different walks of life but connected by a mutual interest.
For the passholders who are on their own, it has been very nice for them to link up with others and families who happen to be in a park on a given day and share the fun with them. Plus, for the children, it has given them a brand new set of friends outside of their schools and neighbourhoods.
A couple of Facebook groups were set up, where members could exchange information, useful tips, answer questions and arrange events.
I have read a great deal about the negative side of some VIP passholders’ behaviour. I do agree with a previous post that you do find awkward and/or rude people in all categories of Merlin customer – VIP or other type of pass holder, RAP user, general admission customer, and so on.
Within the VIP passholder community, we are aware most of the time when there has been poor behaviour and I can say that these people are in the minority. The vast majority of the group are really great people (or least the ones I have met, including some real characters). There are some, however, who have not behaved well and in the main, the wider community takes a very dim view of them. That is for two reasons – firstly, most folk are decent human beings and disagree with bad behaviour; and secondly, we do not want Merlin to get fed up with the group and assume we are all the same.
It really pains me to read stories of bad behaviour towards staff and acts of self-entitlement. In my view, VIP passholders who witness this should report it to staff and I would like to see those responsible lose their passes for good, leaving only the genuinely friendly individuals.
made him wait for the 3 (probably non VIP) customers in front of him!
