Merlin Pass - is prebooking a nightmare?

nathankw

I'm thinking of getting a merlin pass (specifically the cheaper discovery pass - the limited dates isn't an issue for me).

But I've read posts from earlier in the epidemic saying it's very difficult to actually use the passes.

You have to prebook (even though it's free) and apparently the allocation was very limited so you end up being unable to use it.

Even though the very same places are still selling tickets to non-pass holders.

I wonder if that's still the case? You can't see availability until you have the pass.

Any passholder able to let me know what it's like?

Can you typically get tickets a day or two before or do you need to plan weeks ahead?

Thanks

olgadapolga

nathankw said:

I'm thinking of getting a merlin pass (specifically the cheaper discovery pass - the limited dates isn't an issue for me).

But I've read posts from earlier in the epidemic saying it's very difficult to actually use the passes.

You have to prebook (even though it's free) and apparently the allocation was very limited so you end up being unable to use it.

Even though the very same places are still selling tickets to non-pass holders.

I wonder if that's still the case? You can't see availability until you have the pass.

Any passholder able to let me know what it's like?

Can you typically get tickets a day or two before or do you need to plan weeks ahead?

Thanks

I've not had problems in booking tickets but I don't tend to go when it's busy (I avoid going during Summer holidays and some weekends).

I would imagine that booking for the peak times would require some advanced planning.

jon81uk

I'm not a current passholder so can't comment on the ability to pre-book.

But the cheap Discovery pass is only valid on off-peak weekdays anyway, term-time weekdays which are usually very quiet anyway. Therefore chances of all the slots being booked is going to be much lower compared to school holidays.

I wouldn't worry about it for that pass, you should be fine.

Maybe even next year the need to book might change anyway.

nathankw

olgadapolga said:

I've not had problems in booking tickets but I don't tend to go when it's busy (I avoid going during Summer holidays and some weekends).

I would imagine that booking for the peak times would require some advanced planning.

Thanks for the reply.

Can you give me a rough idea of availability? If I were to book today, would I be able to get passholder tickets for tomorrow / this sunday?

I'm mainly interested in the ones in/near London, eg SeaLife London, Chessington, Tussauds.

olgadapolga

nathankw said:

olgadapolga said:

I've not had problems in booking tickets but I don't tend to go when it's busy (I avoid going during Summer holidays and some weekends).

I would imagine that booking for the peak times would require some advanced planning.

Thanks for the reply.

Can you give me a rough idea of availability? If I were to book today, would I be able to get passholder tickets for tomorrow / this sunday?

I'm mainly interested in the ones in/near London, eg SeaLife London, Chessington, Tussauds.

Just checked Chessington and Legoland, I am able to book tickets for any day the parks are open for the rest of the year, including tomorrow and Sunday. 

nathankw

That's really good to know. Do you have a Discovery Pass?

I wonder if the allocation is for all passes or if there are separate allocation for each type?

olgadapolga

nathankw said:

That's really good to know. Do you have a Discovery Pass?

I wonder if the allocation is for all passes or if there are separate allocation for each type?

We have the old Premium passes. We won't be renewing though, when these expire next year. 

No idea about allocation of tickets per pass type though, can't imagine that there would be but that's something you'd have to ask Merlin.

nathankw

So I've bought the Discovery Pass so I can now answer my own question.
As above - most attractions seem to be available without any problems (next day or even same day).

However London Sea Life is booked up for the next couple of Sundays.
Also Madame Tussauds is booked up for some slots for this Sunday.

But, at least for now, prebooking doesn't seem to be a problem.

Oliver2021

Hi nathankw, I had the same question, but especially for Thorpe Park. Is there good weekday availability for this too? Thanks

nathankw

Oliver2021 said:

Hi nathankw, I had the same question, but especially for Thorpe Park. Is there good weekday availability for this too? Thanks

Just had a look for Thorpe Park and there seems to be availability for every day that the pass is valid - including today (21st Sep).

Waldir

Hi, Thank you for this thread. I was also worried about this after seeing many reports on the internet of people not able to use their merlin passes.

I decided to try and be ready to use the 14-days cancellation.
I just bought 4 discovery passes and I didn't have any problem prebooking SEA life, thorpe park, chessington park and legoland over the next few months.