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<\/a><\/p>\nHow to get the Most out of your Merlin Annual Pass<\/u><\/h2>\n
I think to get the most out of your Merlin Annual Pass you need to really stop and think about your situation in relation to the Merlin Attractions. This will take into account any likes and dislikes, ages and heights (and how this may change), how far away the attractions are from where you live\/and whether you want to stay over plus any additional needs of people in your party.<\/p>\n
Think about Who is in Your Merlin Party?<\/u><\/h4>\n
I think it is all very well planning on visiting all the Merlin Attractions in one area but actually all the Merlin Attractions may not be suitable for all – whether that is in terms of age\/height or interest. Is your Merlin Party a mixed one? The best thing to do is to get to know what each Merlin Attraction has to offer and how that relates to your party.<\/p>\n
Ask yourself what do people in your Merlin Party like? Do they like thrills or frights? Or are they more likely to enjoy the singing and dancing at Heartlake City<\/a>? Do they have any additional needs (read more in the disability access guide to UK Theme parks<\/a>)? Will they be better with a quick visit somewhere or does all-day entertainment suit them better? How about crowds – does it matter how busy it is? For example I have always found Madame Tussauds to be busy (both in London and Blackpool). Or if you wanted your children to learn, then certain Merlin Attractions also offer Educational Workshops<\/a>. Based on youngest to oldest (and the assumption that the older the person the more thrill seeking they are) my order of Merlin Attractions (on a normal day) are:<\/p>\n I guess you need to decide on which kind of Merlin Annual Pass user you are – do you want to squeeze every penny out of it, ensuring you get good use out of it? Or were you already visiting attractions and wanting to save money? Do you want to just take each area at a time and visit everything there, or are you happy to go backwards and forwards to the Merlin Attractions over time?<\/p>\n The thing which will be your biggest influence will most likely be your location. I would group the attractions by Blackpool<\/a>, the West Midlands, London and surrounding theme parks<\/a> and elsewhere.<\/p>\n Then you need to think whether you can travel backwards and forwards to places or whether you wish to stay over. This also depends whether you want to visit attractions once or numerous times. Some Merlin Attractions are great to go again and again, especially with seasonal changes – where as others once you have been it can get boring to keep repeatedly going there.<\/p>\n The London Merlin Attractions are doable in a day (if you have booked them right and nothing goes wrong) but actually booking a night\u2019s stay in London means you have even longer to experience them PLUS you can enjoy the Coca-Cola London Eye lit-up at night without worrying about how late it will be when you get home (especially with little ones). These are largely attractions I feel would be boring to keep visiting again and again. Or you may want to experience the theme parks\u2019 hotels whilst you have a Merlin Annual Pass discount on them – maybe even as a birthday treat. We stayed at the LEGOLAND Hotel during February half term for Junior Brick Builders Week<\/a> when the park was closed so that we got the most of the hotel but then stayed again for Halloween so that we did not have to worry about travelling after the fireworks (this provided many benefits for our son with sensory processing disorder, which you can read more about here<\/a>). You need to think about what the experience is you are after – do you want luxury – or the added bonus of extras like the Spa and\/or Water Park at Alton Towers (this can be used with or without staying at Splash Landings or other Alton Towers hotels)? Or a Coaster Climb<\/a> at Thorpe Park Resort and stay in the Shark Hotel<\/a> for ease? Or maybe you want to stay somewhere cheaper – perhaps even explore non-Merlin Attractions nearby at the same time (like the Sandcastle Waterpark or Blackpool Pleasure Beach). We made a whole holiday to Blackpool with a Merlin Annual Pass<\/a> staying cheaply at Haven\u2019s Marton Mere<\/a>. I also recommend The Ely Hotel near to LEGOLAND Windsor which we found by looking at a budget hotel comparison site. Or what about finding somewhere to camp?<\/p>\n The time of year can alter how busy some of the Merlin attractions are, with obviously being busier during school holidays, Bank holidays and weekends – but others have a maximum capacity, and so it will not make as much difference (such as the new Bear Grylls Adventure where Merlin Pass Holders receive a 50% discount when booked online). Some attractions you can pay extra to guarantee entry and you may want to consider the time of year and how busy you feel the attraction may be when considering whether to pay this or take the risk or not. Also keep in mind that for \u00a35 (each) visitors to the Blackpool Tower Circus not only are guaranteed a front row seat but also have a drink and snack within that price.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHow do you want to Use your Merlin Annual Pass<\/u><\/h3>\n
Merlin Attractions by Location<\/u><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhen to visit Merlin Attractions<\/u><\/h3>\n