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The Merlin VIP Annual Pass
bluesonichd
TS Member
Sure they were VIP ? as the front seats on RMT are for disabled guests. Maybe that’s why you were asked to move.
They didn't look disabled and they sat in the front when I got up, even stayed in the front for the next ride.
Since this was quite close to when they 1st started the VIP pass, I would assume that merlin gave the staff dodgy orders, "give VIP pass holders anything they want" or something.
Since this was quite close to when they 1st started the VIP pass, I would assume that merlin gave the staff dodgy orders, "give VIP pass holders anything they want" or something.
Hate to be this person but id like to point out that not all disabilities are visible and its RAP in general that get those seats.
If this was when the pass first started then yes it’s most likely it was a VIP pass holder. Alton Towers didnt know what to do the first few months and staff were giving them choice of seating, escorting them to front & letting them stay on for a re ride.
Not really a problem caused by pass holders but then after they got the taste of it and Alton played by the rule book a few pass holders got upset and would still try to get the experience they previously had and that unfortunately is why the pass gets a bad reputation
Same thing happened at Thorpe, some VIP pass holders would be given front row then they'd stay on for a few goes and it would be the poor RAP user that got the blame because they queued with us, it got sorted though and doesn't happen now.
I'll never forget the look on one VIP's face last year though when they barged past about 30 people in the (RAP) exit line on Inferno, VIP card in hand shouting 'coming through, make way' when they got to the front (it was a bust day) the ride op (one of the older ones) looked at the pass and promptly said, 'you're in the wrong queue, fast track entrance is in the main queue, this is the disabled queue', an argument ensued because the VIP didn't want to walk back around and demanded to be let on but the ride op was having none of it and wouldn't budge, eventually the VIP stormed off shouting that he was going to have the guys job. I saw the same guy at Fright Nights so know he didn't loose his job over it, but the VIP guy was ranting in client services later, not getting anywhere there either by the sounds of it.
Having said that, I know a couple VIP pass holders and they are really nice people, it's only one or two that act like entitled pricks. They've also changed things at Thorpe now and the RAP queue is the fast track queue as well (on Inferno anyway).
I'll never forget the look on one VIP's face last year though when they barged past about 30 people in the (RAP) exit line on Inferno, VIP card in hand shouting 'coming through, make way' when they got to the front (it was a bust day) the ride op (one of the older ones) looked at the pass and promptly said, 'you're in the wrong queue, fast track entrance is in the main queue, this is the disabled queue', an argument ensued because the VIP didn't want to walk back around and demanded to be let on but the ride op was having none of it and wouldn't budge, eventually the VIP stormed off shouting that he was going to have the guys job. I saw the same guy at Fright Nights so know he didn't loose his job over it, but the VIP guy was ranting in client services later, not getting anywhere there either by the sounds of it.
Having said that, I know a couple VIP pass holders and they are really nice people, it's only one or two that act like entitled pricks. They've also changed things at Thorpe now and the RAP queue is the fast track queue as well (on Inferno anyway).
This is why I hate the VIP Pass, it was poorly managed from the get go!
Even the concept was dodgy, calling it a VIP Pass, will create elitism, I refuse to believe, that not one person foresaw that!
And when that elitism happens...they threaten to revoke the pass of ALL pass holders...via email no less...WHO THOUGHT THAT WAS A GOOD IDEA!!!
Even the concept was dodgy, calling it a VIP Pass, will create elitism, I refuse to believe, that not one person foresaw that!
And when that elitism happens...they threaten to revoke the pass of ALL pass holders...via email no less...WHO THOUGHT THAT WAS A GOOD IDEA!!!
MakoMania
TS Member
That's what SeaWorld call their top tier pass.
Bert2theSpark
TS Member
Well, There are 3 types of MAP's. Normal MAP. VIP MAP(Gold). And Platinum MAP(Which is £725 a year).
...what?
It's
Standard MAP,
Premium MAP,
VIP MAP!
Maybe you are getting mixed up with fasttrack?
Towerslover
TS Member
I'm guessing most people here would buy one if they had the money? I think it'd be great on days like fireworks but it's not like Towers is overly busy all the time 
imanautie
TS Member
Its still useful on the non busy days as it effectivly gives you a choice of seating(dependant on host), less hassle drinks and less walking when reriding spinball. (Ima vip so if you have any q's re VIP@towers ask)I'm guessing most people here would buy one if they had the money? I think it'd be great on days like fireworks but it's not like Towers is overly busy all the time
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Matt.GC
TS Member
VIP passholders dont get a choice of seating normally, that sounds more like dodgy ride operations. Most of the fast track queues in Thorpe and Chessington are still too long for my tolerance levels and it's only ever scarefest I visit Towers on peak.
A VIP pass I suppose is only worth it if you're not yet bored of all the Merlin attractions (so you'd really need to be a first or second year MAP holder), visit Merlin attractions a hell of a lot and do practically nothing but, insist on only visiting at peak times and feel that carrying around a couple of Pepsi Max bottles you bought from Farmfoods for 50p each is such a chore that you'd somehow prefer to walk around with a Quencher bottle (which you have to queue for ages to get refilled every time) instead.
A VIP pass I suppose is only worth it if you're not yet bored of all the Merlin attractions (so you'd really need to be a first or second year MAP holder), visit Merlin attractions a hell of a lot and do practically nothing but, insist on only visiting at peak times and feel that carrying around a couple of Pepsi Max bottles you bought from Farmfoods for 50p each is such a chore that you'd somehow prefer to walk around with a Quencher bottle (which you have to queue for ages to get refilled every time) instead.
imanautie
TS Member
Normally no but if its quiet ops often ask where do you want to sit.
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Matt.GC
TS Member
They're special throne like seats, complete with overhead neon sign reading "important" and surrounded by animotronic hands that bob up and down giving the middle finger to everyone watching.