2025: General Discussion
- Thread starter Elise
- Start date
There are some bizarre things at the minute. They are having a restart event but the marketing to be nice. I think this says they don't the park is ready to reopen.
Now we have a new app coming that is being released before it's ready. They are having poor feedback at the minute on the back of weak Halloween, Christmas and February half terms. So weak most of the bloggers stayed away from the park as far as I can see.
The annual passes are cheap compared to other parks, but feeling quite negative. Hopefully park operations won't be as bad as social media posts are suggesting. This is a great park and if they are doing things when it's not ready to open or in case of the app to be released. It should be tested before release.
Also the annual pass holder day starting last year, no longer mentioned. Also last minute announcements. Seems they are focused on seeing what other parks are doing before announcing what they are doing. Why not lead the way.
Now we have a new app coming that is being released before it's ready. They are having poor feedback at the minute on the back of weak Halloween, Christmas and February half terms. So weak most of the bloggers stayed away from the park as far as I can see.
The annual passes are cheap compared to other parks, but feeling quite negative. Hopefully park operations won't be as bad as social media posts are suggesting. This is a great park and if they are doing things when it's not ready to open or in case of the app to be released. It should be tested before release.
Also the annual pass holder day starting last year, no longer mentioned. Also last minute announcements. Seems they are focused on seeing what other parks are doing before announcing what they are doing. Why not lead the way.
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The Big restart is really just a big training day for new staff or ride operators been moved to a new area so they can put there training into action.
I think pass holder day would have been better option. Opening to everyone not ready could be catastrophic if there are issues. Pass holders would be more forgiving.
People paying say £100 for family day out is a lot of money to come away frustrated. I for one will stay away until they have the issues resolved.
It's very concerning in my opinion. They should be using closed season to sort out ride issues and training. Maybe consider closing in march and February if park issues need more close time. Not seen any other park do this.
People paying say £100 for family day out is a lot of money to come away frustrated. I for one will stay away until they have the issues resolved.
It's very concerning in my opinion. They should be using closed season to sort out ride issues and training. Maybe consider closing in march and February if park issues need more close time. Not seen any other park do this.
The problem is it all depends on how many annual pass holders they got on the books now. Like there must have been lots who didn’t renew this season for them to originally dropping the price from £115 to £99 and now having the sale for £75 which is excellent value as when I originally had my pass it was just a season pass which cost me £70.
Also been a pass holder day means no extra money from Ticket sales and parking so u hope that the food and retail sales covers the costs for the day or your running at a loss.
Also been a pass holder day means no extra money from Ticket sales and parking so u hope that the food and retail sales covers the costs for the day or your running at a loss.
The pass is good value at £99 and even £115 when you compare to the parks that I consider as competitors such as Paulton park being £280 new / £253 renewal. In advance the cost is £45 so a lot more in advance. The point really is to offer a bad experience when you are paying £25 plus per person is going to cause reputational damage. Need to consider that passholders are bread and butter with day tickets being crucial for profits.
I agree but most passholders do buy the food at the park, but the removals in recent years and poor operations is deterring renewals. The park I assume does watch what Paulton's is doing as they seem to be getting it right with that park now theming their remaining areas to the standard of Peppa pig and Tornado springs. I would say that these two parks are the best themed parks in the UK at present. I was disappointed by Legoland, which I would say is far below the standards of either park. I think the serious issues merlin are having, it is the perfect opportunity for the Manor to lift their game, but having days/events that are weak will have an adverse effect. Really hopeful the park can lift its game before our passes are up for renewal in the summer. The lack of event announcements thus far has made me think that I would be better off not renewing in July.
I agree but most passholders do buy the food at the park, but the removals in recent years and poor operations is deterring renewals. The park I assume does watch what Paulton's is doing as they seem to be getting it right with that park now theming their remaining areas to the standard of Peppa pig and Tornado springs. I would say that these two parks are the best themed parks in the UK at present. I was disappointed by Legoland, which I would say is far below the standards of either park. I think the serious issues merlin are having, it is the perfect opportunity for the Manor to lift their game, but having days/events that are weak will have an adverse effect. Really hopeful the park can lift its game before our passes are up for renewal in the summer. The lack of event announcements thus far has made me think that I would be better off not renewing in July.
There is that also. Seems like a massive own goal. Even in the half term event the cafe closing an hour early… madness
Elise
Administrator
A lot of people (including me) like to get something for the road.
Like, I enjoy the pizza, but can't eat a whole one in one go & don't want to carry a box around whilst doing the rides - so getting one before we leave is always ideal. But 9/10 times it will be closed before I get to it.
I know that its likely due to cleaning & close down, however a lot of other parks have their outlets open until ride close if not longer (e.g Towers street outlets at Alton Towers are open past ride close)
Like, I enjoy the pizza, but can't eat a whole one in one go & don't want to carry a box around whilst doing the rides - so getting one before we leave is always ideal. But 9/10 times it will be closed before I get to it.
I know that its likely due to cleaning & close down, however a lot of other parks have their outlets open until ride close if not longer (e.g Towers street outlets at Alton Towers are open past ride close)
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So based on above, much reduced events so hopefully be improved on last few events. I have not added the events already announced
Very disappointed with the park. Last night I looked to book on our passes a zoo only day but wasn't able to book (I now see why after today's email). So I contacted the social media team & they've informed me they are no longer offering the Zoo only days! Yet, as of this morning it was still green on their website stating it was open from 10-3 for the day.
I have since put in a complaint. Our passes expire on 12th March & after this, the awful February half-term event & the poor event line-up this year, really having to have a think if it's worth renewing! I also added to the complaint how poor it was to offer new pass holders a discounted £75 pass but my renewal will be considerably more than that!
Seems like the park have done a lot of good in recent years but something seems off this year with them!
I have since put in a complaint. Our passes expire on 12th March & after this, the awful February half-term event & the poor event line-up this year, really having to have a think if it's worth renewing! I also added to the complaint how poor it was to offer new pass holders a discounted £75 pass but my renewal will be considerably more than that!
Seems like the park have done a lot of good in recent years but something seems off this year with them!
Have to say I agree, the events are largely looking like an event with a dj and not much else. Very unappealing The dropping of the two best events fiestival and vikings are a disappointment. Whilst I love the 80's not sure that they can do too much away from the stage. The lack of information and the fact that they are seemingly repeating the february half term in may is not great. There are a lot of Thomas events including Statfold which will involve real trains, so very much competion out there locally.
Seems to be following the Merlin idea of cutbacks. Clearly these events will be cheap to put on but doubt they will attract people. The water festival. Really not sure what this can be. The marketing and social media team needed something big after the disasters of haloween and christmas last year. Can't really comment on the February half term as didn't attend. Might be more beneficial to scrap all the events and rebrand as an amusement park if the events continue to be poor. Would save money and possibly attract more people.
Tbf Fiestival and Vikings Festival last year were not good.
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Is there REALLY any need for another Thomas Birthday celebration?
A better event. Like the idea of the museum, but then I have been going for a long time.
Celebrating 75 Years this Easter
4th - 28th April
Join us from 4th – 28th April for an EGG-stra special Easter celebration, packed with family fun, thrilling entertainment, and exciting surprises!
Full access to the Theme Park, Thomas Land & Zoo – including Gold Rush, The Wave and of course Stormforce10.
Diamond Easter Egg Hunt – Can you find the hidden diamond eggs scattered around the park? Crack the clues for a chance to win amazing prizes!
Spectacular Fireworks (5th April) – End your day with a breathtaking fireworks display, lighting up the sky in true Drayton Manor style.
75th Anniversary Museum – Step back in time and explore our special anniversary exhibition, celebrating 75 years of fun at Drayton Manor!
Themed Weekend Entertainment – Celebrate a different decade every weekend with live music from the biggest artists of the era!
Mystery Event (24th – 26th April) – Something BIG is coming... but we’re keeping it under wraps for now! Keep your eyes peeled.
Get ready for an unforgettable spring adventure – book your tickets now and make magical Easter memories at Drayton Manor!
Tickets start from just £27.50!
Diamond Easter Egg Hunt
Can you find the hidden diamond eggs scattered around the park? Crack the clues for a chance to win amazing prizes!
Fireworks
Saturday 5th April
Join us for the first of our monthly spectacular Fireworks Extravaganza to honour 75 incredible years of fun, family thrills, and epic memories!
Spend the day enjoying your favourite rides and attractions, then complete your epic day with an unforgettable show. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration - secure your tickets now and be part of the magic!
Step Into History at the Drayton Manor Museum
This April, journey through time as we celebrate 75 years of Drayton Manor with a special anniversary museum! Discover the park’s incredible history, from its humble beginnings to the exciting destination it is today.
Explore nostalgic memorabilia, vintage ride artefacts, and never-before-seen photos that tell the story of generations of fun. Whether you're a lifelong fan or visiting for the first time, this is your chance to relive the magic and create new memories!
Don’t miss this limited-time exhibition – included with your park admission!
Themed Weekend Entertainment
Mystery Event
24th – 26th April
Something BIG is coming... but we’re keeping it under wraps for now! Keep your eyes peeled.
Celebrating 75 Years this Easter
4th - 28th April
Join us from 4th – 28th April for an EGG-stra special Easter celebration, packed with family fun, thrilling entertainment, and exciting surprises!
Full access to the Theme Park, Thomas Land & Zoo – including Gold Rush, The Wave and of course Stormforce10.
Diamond Easter Egg Hunt – Can you find the hidden diamond eggs scattered around the park? Crack the clues for a chance to win amazing prizes!
Spectacular Fireworks (5th April) – End your day with a breathtaking fireworks display, lighting up the sky in true Drayton Manor style.
75th Anniversary Museum – Step back in time and explore our special anniversary exhibition, celebrating 75 years of fun at Drayton Manor!
Themed Weekend Entertainment – Celebrate a different decade every weekend with live music from the biggest artists of the era!
Mystery Event (24th – 26th April) – Something BIG is coming... but we’re keeping it under wraps for now! Keep your eyes peeled.
Get ready for an unforgettable spring adventure – book your tickets now and make magical Easter memories at Drayton Manor!
Tickets start from just £27.50!
Diamond Easter Egg Hunt
Can you find the hidden diamond eggs scattered around the park? Crack the clues for a chance to win amazing prizes!
Fireworks
Saturday 5th April
Join us for the first of our monthly spectacular Fireworks Extravaganza to honour 75 incredible years of fun, family thrills, and epic memories!
Spend the day enjoying your favourite rides and attractions, then complete your epic day with an unforgettable show. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration - secure your tickets now and be part of the magic!
Step Into History at the Drayton Manor Museum
This April, journey through time as we celebrate 75 years of Drayton Manor with a special anniversary museum! Discover the park’s incredible history, from its humble beginnings to the exciting destination it is today.
Explore nostalgic memorabilia, vintage ride artefacts, and never-before-seen photos that tell the story of generations of fun. Whether you're a lifelong fan or visiting for the first time, this is your chance to relive the magic and create new memories!
Don’t miss this limited-time exhibition – included with your park admission!
Themed Weekend Entertainment
Mystery Event
24th – 26th April
Something BIG is coming... but we’re keeping it under wraps for now! Keep your eyes peeled.
Now I checked the closing time of the park on the 5th April and it’s listed as 5pm which is so pointless for a firework display.
I do wonder if the museum is going into the former home of the Thomas Exhibition as it would make sense if they opening at end of the farm again.
I do think the something Big with be an announcement for the 2026 attraction.
I do wonder if the museum is going into the former home of the Thomas Exhibition as it would make sense if they opening at end of the farm again.
I do think the something Big with be an announcement for the 2026 attraction.