Cost cutting

[frostyfox]

As many of you may already be aware several cost cutting attempts have been made at the resort starting with enterprise and submission being closed for the season that was soon reversed, Then 4pm closes which also was reversed, Then the skyride closed on quieter days only opening for Saturdays, That only lasted 2 day's but now they are planning.

The following rides will open from 11am instead of 10am
Th13teen
Air
Duel
The Flume*
Congo River Rapids*
Skyride
Battle Galleons
Driving School

(source Towersstreet)

[monsterdan5]

Why, why, why Merlin?

You make so much money, can't you just let the people who turn up early actually have some time when they can go on things with no queues? I understand they are a business, but Im sure this isn't saving them a lot of money.

[Sir Coastalot]

That's a fairly large chunk of the park there and some major rides people want to get out the way before it gets busy!

Only 2/3 I'd agree with opening late are the water rides. No one wants to get soaked first thing in the morning and the pumps do use a lot of juice.

I give it a week before there's uproar and it's reversed lol

Merlin aren't making money they're running at a loss at the moment which is why we got all these stupid cuts left right and centre!

[monsterdan5]

^You say that but its been in operation at Legoland and Chessington for a while now. I think there's talks of it at Thorpe as well. Its annoying, and yes I would rather the water rides were shut early rather than coasters.

Skyride being shut is stupid, as people use that to get across the park in the morning. Its like closing the Monorail

[Sir Coastalot]

Yeah but everything that happens like this at Alton has a uproar and gets reverse, the sky ride, 4pm closes, Submission and Enterprise.

[Terry]

I really can't see this lasting long at all. People power will overcome it. I understand it's about cutting costs but visitors aren't stupid. They're paying for a day out, they deserve the fullest day possible. Many struggling families save for months for a good day out. Alton can't justify this. It won't last

[AeRo]

What this boils down to is that Alton have gotten their sums wrong. They will have to revisit their Business Plan, and choose a different model. It seems that they have so many discounted offers, they can't break even.

At a time when Parks across Europe are extending their day, Merlin are contracting theirs.

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[otwidalepda]

This just goes to question how they made so many profits last year. If that was the case then they wouldn't have been making cut backs at the beginning of the season. They clearly have not planned well and are struggling with the competition. This has caused more offers then usual to be in place meaning they are making a loss on each customer more often. And I also feel that in this market and economy that they have out priced themselves!

[AeRo]

With all businesses, there comes a point of critical mass, where the key to continued success is not to become greedy. It is possible that Merlin, which we have to remember is still a newish company, have become both lazy and greedy. I have long been concerned by the whole concept of Fast Track, and it's apparent 'licence to print money'. The introduction of the Car Park charges, although I don't disagree with, is still a licence to print money. So, overall, Merlin have introduced two schemes to capture 'free money' yet this is not enough. Alton have just come away from their highest attendance in years, and this is still not enough.

As they say, watch this space.


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[Terry]

I can see the basic cost cutting point to all this however, I don't think it's going to work at all. Alton towers will eventually lose revenue by doing things this way. People will not be willing to pay the same price for less operating hours. Word will spread, less visitors will make return trips this season because of it. All in all it looks to be squeezing money from the visitor by reducing value for the same price, effectively jiggering the hate price. Instead I'd just cut down on the offers at the gate and reduce the discount that advanced online booking allows.

[AeRo]

That is essentially the problem, and solution Terry. They need to increase the entry spend of the customers.

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[monsterdan5]

Merlin need to remember that their parks are theme parks not funfairs, since
fast track was introduced this is essentially what they have become. They are finally seeing the results that this system does not work, take a look at the other parks in Europe despite the economy they are coming on leaps and bounds.

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[otwidalepda]

Fastpass works for Disney... but they offer it FREE!!

[monsterdan5]

Fastpass works for Disney... but they offer it FREE!!

Exactly, there were days when Alton did this as well!

[otwidalepda]

It goes to show that the greedy attitude took over. People have realised this and said 'bye bye, we'll go elsewhere' and now they need so many offers for people to go that they no longer make money. At this rate they could find themselves struggling - something will have to be done NOW which doesn't insult, penalise or upset their 'paying' guests who are keeping them afloat.

[AeRo]

I totally agree. The problem is that guests have become used to paying £20ish to get into the Parks, they won't like the idea of suddenly paying £30.

[VELOCITY RULES]

Not happy -.- I see their point but I agree guests won't be pleased...

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[Terry]

Has this 'staggered start' already been implemented or is it just proposed?

[AeRo]

I don't know Terry, it possibly has though.

[Terry]

I'm due to visit next week so I'll investigate further and report back.

[JoshC.]

I believe that these staggered openings started from Monday.. :/

[Terry]

It's really annoyed me.

[Terry]

A friend of mine from towers times has informed that AT have reversed staggered openings as of today due to public demand. It will continue with previous ride schedules and water rides will be the only delayed rides to commence.

[JoshC.]

Yep, the decision has been reversed, and only Flume and the Rapids open at 11am now.

Really making a mockery of AT's management team; you'd expect they would anticipate such reactions but be prepared to stick by their decision.. Now we wait to see the next attempt at cost cutting, I guess...

Let's just hope SW7 is received well, otherwise Alton may change their mind on it and build a new coaster instead.. May pave the way for a boomerang coaster, what with all these decisions coming back...

[AeRo]

Rep to Josh

At one time, Alton prided themselves for their consumer research and their ability to know what the customer wanted. However, in recent times, it has become a complete shambles. Unlike the majority of enthusiasts, I tend to seee this from the point of view of the 'normal' visitor - yeah, the ones who actually make money for the Park.

These visitors visit once a year, sometimes travelling great distances, at great expense, sometimes having to incur hotel costs also. So to have planned their day out, only to turn up and find the rides closed until 11, is a disgrace. II suspect that the retail and food outlets were open though. These kinds of decisions shape the liklihood of a re-visit from these guests, which will not have an impact until next year.

It is good that they have reversed their decision, but why, oh why did they make such a ridiculous decision, in the first place?