We are massive fans of the Merlin Pass in this family. We’ve all got one, simply because it offers a lot of fun, for a modest outlay. I’m happy to announce that for 2019, the Merlin Membership is BACK and allows you to split the cost of your Merlin Pass! If you’re not aware what a Merlin Pass or Merlin Membership is, essentially it is a card that gives you almost unlimited entry into all of the Merlin attractions in the UK.
What attractions are included in the Merlin Membership / Merlin Pass?
It’s quite the list – hold tight!!
- Alton Towers Resort
- THORPE PARK Resort
- Warwick Castle
- Chessington World Of Adventures Resort
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
- Coca-Cola London Eye
- Madame Tussauds
- SEA LIFE
- Blackpool Tower
- The Dungeons
- JURASSIC Skyline
- Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park
- Dreamworks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure! London
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham
That includes ALL the SEA LIFE Centres, ALL the Dungeons – bottom line is with the Merlin Pass / Merlin Membership, there’s a lot of fun to be had. Also the passes give you 20% off merchandise and food at attractions too (some exclusions apply!). So as well as not having to pay to get in, you’ll have a cheaper day out too!
Why would I want a Merlin Membership, instead of a Merlin Pass?
A Merlin Membership is essentially the same as a Merlin Pass. However, unlike a Merlin Pass a Merlin Membership allows you to spread the cost over 12 months, rather than pay upfront. If you want a Standard Merlin Pass it will cost £179 or £139 per person (if you’re getting 3 or more). If you want a Premium Merlin Pass it will cost £229 or £189 per person (again, with 3 or more). Buying them outright for the whole family ISN’T cheap, especially in one chunk.
The Standard Merlin Membership will cost you £8.99 per person per month – with a ‘Joining Fee’ of £29.99 per person for a 12 month commitment.
The Premium Merlin Membership will cost you £11.99 per person per month – with a ‘Joining Fee’ of £34.99 per person for a 12 month commitment.
There’s no option to upgrade or downgrade your Merlin Membership, so if you get a Standard Membership, and realise you’d rather have a Premium one. You can’t, not until the 12 months are up. This is different to the Merlin Pass, because you can pay to upgrade to a Premium Pass at any point during your ownership.
So what is the difference between a Standard and Premium Merlin Membership?
Good question! I’ve put the two passes into a table below so you can see the difference.
[table id=1 /]There are some entry exclusions for the Standard Merlin Membership and Standard Merlin Pass. These are –
- No entry to Madame Tussauds (London), the Coca-Cola London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, DreamWorks Tour Shrek’s Adventure! London and the London Dungeon on all UK Bank Holidays in England during 2019
- No entry to the London Eye on 14th February 2019.
- No entry to the London Dungeon 26th -27th October & 31st October – 2nd November 2019.
- No entry into THORPE PARK Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and Warwick Castle on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday in August 2019 and 1st September 2019
Premium Merlin Membership folk, and Premium Merlin Pass holders can pretty much go whenever they like (although some special events have surcharges). Also the fact that Premium folk get free car parking is a god-send too. It’s a bit of a bore having to cough up some cash at the end of the day to leave the car park!
Should I get a Merlin Membership?
In my opinion, if you’re a family, and you like days out – then YES go for it. Knowing that you can go as much as you like gives you a more relaxed day out. If you only have one or two ‘big’ days out a year, there’s so much pressure for it to be perfect. If a ride isn’t working, the place is mobbed, or your kids are being grumpy, it can quickly make a day a bit ‘grrrr’. Knowing that it won’t be your only trip out, if things don’t run to plan, then you can go again another day. Some of the best days out we’ve had are the ones where we aren’t rushing from ride to ride, and just enjoying being together. If you can afford the monthly costs, I’d recommend the Merlin Membership.
Didn’t they cancel the Merlin Membership before? Won’t they do it again?
They most certainly did use to do Merlin Memberships, and the scheme was was cancelled after a few years. Hopefully, if it proves popular then it will just keep going. It’s a no-brainer really, I think most families would much rather pay a little each month, than a massive chunk.
What do you think of the Merlin Membership? Do you fancy getting one? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear from you!
