Annual Pass News & Events

Tinker Bell gets her Madame Tussauds’ wings

19/11/2008 15:21:00

The World’s best loved fairy has become the tiniest star to take centre stage at Madame Tussauds London as Tinker Bell joined the super star line up.

Madame Tussauds has partnered with Walt Disney Pictures to create the smallest figure ever created. Tinker Bell is starring in a landmark motion picture, Tinker Bell, which is a full length CG animated movie out on DVD now.

Tinker Bell is just five and a half inches tall and is featured in her trademark green fairy dress complete with delicate wings. To ensure all guests get a chance to get up close to the enchanting little star she will reside in a specially designed glass globe at just the perfect viewing height for her adoring fans.

Christmas Shopping at LEGOLAND Windsor

17/11/2008 9:26:00

Get into the Christmas spirit as LEGOLAND Windsor opens its doors especially for festive shoppers.

The rides may be closed for the winter but the shops at The Beginning area of the park will be open so you can leave the hustle and bustle of the high street behind and take advantage of free entrance and parking.

FREE Annual Pass
As part of the seasonal celebrations you’ll receive a free LEGOLAND Annual Pass* when you spend £75 or more on LEGO toys and clothes.

*Full LEGOLAND Annual Pass when you spend £75 or more in one transaction. Full LEGOLAND Annual Pass can be upgraded to an Individual MERLIN Annual Pass for a supplement, during 2009 park operating calendar. Terms and conditions apply.

Christmas at the Castle

3/11/2008 9:13:00

Visit Warwick Castle this Christmas and go on a festive journey through the magical Christmas Tree Forest with 600 Christmas trees, ice effect sculptures and magical creatures including the mischievous Jack Frost and the beautiful Snowflake Fairy.

Follow the trail to the Wishing Tree and make a wish amongst the trees. Come inside to keep warm and see the Castle dressed beautifully for Christmas with its stunning 25ft tree. There are also Christmas stories and fairytales in the State Rooms for you to enjoy.

Zoo Days at Chessington

2/11/2008 12:6:00

Visit Chessington Zoo this winter and encounter a number of magical animal experiences, from brand new leopard cubs through to gorillas and majestic sharks in the spectacular new SEA LIFE Centre.

All the family will enjoy the Zoo as you explore Trail of the Kings, with Asiatic Lions, Sumatran Tigers and Europe’s most successful breeding Western Lowland Gorilla group. Come face to face with goats, sheep and chickens in the Children’s Zoo, and meet the more exotic in Creature Features, home to meerkats, alpaca, wallaby and many more!

See Chessington.com for further details including opening days, times and prices.

Have a creepy Christmas at the Dungeons

1/11/2008 10:6:00

It won’t be the cold sending chills down your spine at the Dungeons this Christmas... dare you enter the fearsome inferno of Satan’s Grotto?

Step inside Satan’s ‘anti-christ’ mas Grotto with gothic Christmas decorations, icy spiders’ webs and creepy themed Christmas trees.

Visit your local Dungeon for spooky seasonal scariness this Christmas -

London from 7th - 29th December 2008
York from 6th - 24th December 2008
Edinburgh from 13th December 2008 - 2nd January 2009

For a fireworks night with a difference head to THORPE BLAST!

24/10/2008 16:36:00

If you want to spice your Guy Fawkes night up a bit this year, then why not head down to Thorpe Blast from 7th – 9th November.

THORPE PARK will be open late until 8pm, meaning you can watch the spectacular fireworks display set over water to contemporary tunes, whilst experience thrilling rides in the dark.

Find out more at THORPEPARK.com.

200 Prizes to be WON!

21/10/2008 16:46:00

24th October to 2nd November

We have teamed up with Fiat to offer Annual Pass holders the chance of winning one of 200 fantastic prizes in a FREE prize draw. You could win one of two fantastic Fiat mountain bikes or if you are one of the 198 runners up you will win a very cool LEGO City Advent Calendar...which will be delivered well in time for Christmas! With so many prizes available all entrants will have a really good chance of winning.

How to enter:
To enter the FREE prize draw simply click on the link below and download an entry form. Bring the completed form along to LEGOLAND® Windsor between 24 October and 2 November and hand it to a member of staff at the Fiat stand in The Beginning area. Each Annual Pass holder in your family can enter but those aged 15 or under must have permission from a parent or guardian.

Download your entry form here.

Terms and conditions

Terms and conditions: Prize draw is open to those who hold a valid FULL, BASIC, RESTRICTED or MERLIN Annual Pass or a LIFETIME Pass. One entry per pass holder. Additional entries will become void. Entrants must be aged 16 or over. Those aged under 16 should obtain permission from a parent or guardian who must sign the entry form. Entry forms must be submitted at the Fiat stand on any one of the following dates; 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 October, 1, 2 November 2008. Entries submitted on any other date will not be accepted. Entries will only be accepted in person, and not via post, telephone, email or by any other means. A valid Annual Pass is required for entry into the Park. The prize draw will take place on 3rd November 2008 and prizes will be sent within 7 days. Draw will be supervised. Winners will be selected at random from all entries received. The first 2 winners selected at random will receive a mountain bike and the following 198 winners will each receive a LEGO® City Advent Calendar. No alternative prizes will be available and the management’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered in to. This prize draw is not open to employees of the Merlin Entertainments Group, their families, friends or anyone directly assiociated with the draw. A list of winner’s names and their county will be available from 7th November 2008 by sending a stamped, self addressed envelope to: Fiat Prize Draw, Relationship Marketing Office, LEGOLAND® Windsor, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY. Promoter: LEGOLAND® Windsor.

Hollywood Stars launched at Madame Tussauds London

17/10/2008 16:39:00

Bond at Madame Tussauds London

Guests to Madame Tussauds London can get up close and personal with the world’s most famous secret agent as Daniel Craig as James Bond, and Judi Dench as M take centre stage in an espionage themed experience.

Madame Tussauds has partnered with QUANTUM OF SOLACE, a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures release of EON Productions’ 22nd James Bond adventure releasing in theatres worldwide November 2008 to create an atmospheric brush with 007 certain to delight fans.

Craig as Bond is dressed in a classic Tom Ford black tuxedo, crisp white shirt and black bow tie, as worn in QUANTUM OF SOLACE. Situated across the room from Bond, M is keeping a watchful eye on her maverick agent with the help of a covert camera which will secretly capture inquisitive guests’ reactions and project them on to screens around the MI6 briefing room. Guests will also be able to enjoy trailer scenes from QUANTUM OF SOLACE on plasma screens and uncover secrets about the story and characters via an interactive Smart Table.

More interactive espionage themed surprises will be added over the opening period (17th October – 2nd November 2008) as guests get the chance to see if they can keep cool under pressure. After entering the stark briefing room an alarm sounds and the area is “locked down” as Madame Tussauds special operatives seek to uncover a covert agent. Guests will have to keep calm and collected to get through a grilling from “agents” who have been briefed by former MI6 officer, Harry Ferguson.

Shoot Hoops with Zac as High School Musical Mania hits

This October Half Term

Idol to millions of children worldwide, the all-singing, all-dancing star of Disney’s High School Musical, Zac Efron, joins Madame Tussauds to celebrate the release of High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

Dressed in ‘Wildcats’ kit and holding a basketball, Zac will stand in an interactive locker-room where kids and fans of all ages will be able to get up close to the star and peak inside the lockers of East High’s famous students, before ‘shooting hoops’ in a special scoring area.

Latest addition aside, there's something for the whole family at Madame Tussauds. Dads can tackle Tiger Woods on a golfing green, mums can swoon over George Clooney, and little brothers can joke away on Jim Carrey’s zany voice-altering microphone.

So prepare to strike your pose at the world famous wax attraction – the only place for Disney High School Musical fans and family this autumn!

Days and Nights of Family Frights at the Alton Towers Scarefest!

14/10/2008 12:50:00

17th October – 2nd November 2008

Escape to the Alton Towers Resort this Halloween and share in the season of spooktacular fun! Be rattled, spooked, chilled and thrilled by the spine-tingling combination of tricks and treats for all the family.
There’s a bubbling cauldron of activities especially for little terrors to enjoy, plus a whole host of spooky shows and adventures to celebrate Scarefest.

Halloween character meet and greets – find characters Patch, Franklin, Skelvin and Phil , our resident Scarefest spooky friends
Trick or Treat Doors – surprises lie behind these darkened doors. Be careful what you wish for…..
The Haunting of Algenon’s Attic indoor show – dare to join Lucy as she investigates what is causing those bumps in the night. An indoor show to entertain all, but especially suited to under 10’s
Haunted Hollow and Duel: Live! – the spooky short-cut through Gloomy Wood and Duel – The Haunted House Strikes Back! will become inhabited by some extra special guests just for Scarefest
Late opening – till 9pm every night
Terror of the Towers – the Master gives chase to those invading his mansion. Suitable only for guests aged 14 and above

The fun continues into the evening over at the two Resort Hotels, with spooks and scares to suit all ages. Check into the new Trick or Treat rooms in the Alton Towers Hotel and challenge the family to discover the hidden prizes…or forfeits! Book early to avoid disappointment on 0871 222 1644.

Youngsters can join Pirate Bill on his ghost hunt and enjoy a fun-filled disco adventure in the Splash Voodoo party, before joining one of our Scarefest characters for breakfast.

Ghost Hunt – Pirate Bill needs your help in finding those hidden ghosts and ghouls
Dance with the Devil Show – sing and dance along to the songs dedicated to the season in the atrium of the Alton Towers Hotel
Voodoo Splash Party – Cariba Creek waterpark plays host to an evening of water-fuelled disco party adventure! Special lighting effects, games and music provide unlimited fun for all ages
haracter breakfasts – join our resident spooky but friendly characters for breakfast

Plus, for older children and parents with nerves of steel, two outdoor scare attractions** will be available for both theme park guests and hotel residents. The Boiler House and the Field of 1000 Screams: The Aftermath guarantee real terror, so enter at your own risk…

Terrifying new attraction at THORPE PARK.... The Curse

13/10/2008 17:18:00

Fright Nights return with a terrifying new attraction for 2008 - The Curse!

Prepare to confront your fears at THORPE PARK as Fright Nights return, bringing the ultimate horror experience to thrill hunters including a brand new attraction for 2008 – The Curse!

For Halloween with a terrifying twist, get down to THORPE PARK from 13th October – 2nd November and dare to take on spine-chilling horror mazes, freakish entertainment and exhilarating rides into the pitch black of night.

Visit THORPEPARK.com for more details.

Dare to be scared at the Dungeons this Halloween

13/10/2008 17:17:00

Halloween doesn't get more horrible than down in the depths of the Dungeons. This year the home of Halloween has teamed up with the Guinness Book of Records for their scariest Halloween festival ever.

This year each city’s frighteningly fun attraction will be transformed into a hellish Halloween wonderland, when the Dungeon’s mix of historical and scary fun will be hair-raisingly heightened with spooky uncut late night tours and nerve racking record breaks - from grisly face painting to screamingly loud competitions and daring scares.

The Dungeons welcome the curious, the fearless and the foolish this Halloween from 18th October – 2nd November.

For location and ticket details please visit www.thedungeons.com.

SAW The Ride: Coming Spring 2009!

13/10/2008 17:16:00

Based on the popular blood, gore and suspense horror film series ‘SAW’, THORPE PARK will be inviting you to ‘Face Your Fears’ on our terrifying new attraction SAW – The Ride next year.

As the first ever horror film themed rollercoaster, SAW - The Ride will become the scariest ride in the world, testing the nerve of all who dare ride it and placing you at the mercy of the film’s protagonist ‘Jigsaw’.

The ultimate test of SAW - The Ride will be the ‘beyond vertical’ drop of 100º from a height of 100ft, making it the steepest freefall drop in the world. The ride will draw on terrifying elements from the films to make sure everyone will have a fantastic ride experience unique to THORPE PARK!

THORPE PARK will open for the full 2009 season on Saturday 14th March.

See the video below for a preview of the ride or visit www.sawtheride.com.

Stunning Star Wars Fireworks at LEGOLAND® Windsor

12/10/2008 10:0:00

On the 25th, 26th, 31st October & 1st, 2nd, 8th November enjoy a full day of Star Wars™ activities, including the chance to prepare to join the Clone Wars in our Jedi training camps.

Then it’s all eyes to the skies for one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Britain, celebrating the events that happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….

Plus, the first 1,000 Annual Pass holders each day can get their hands on the last brick in the 2008 Collector Brick series.

Visit LEGOLAND.co.uk for more details

© 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd & TM. All rights reserved.

Haunted family fun at Warwick Castle

4/10/2008 9:47:00

25th October - 2nd November

With ghost stories of a haunted castle of yesteryear, two spookily themed Halloween trails to explore and creepy characters galore, Warwick Castle is the place for frightful family fun.

Guests to the castle can follow the pumpkin trail up the ancient mound to meet the Jack-O-Lantern King or embark on an outdoor trail with the spookiest of creepy crawlies and surprises aplenty.

Creepy characters including the grotesque Singing Plague Victims, ghoulish Grave Diggers and strange Hermit of the Crypt will roam the castle, recounting spooky tales to young and old.

Visit Warwick-Castle.co.uk for more details.

Scream at Madame Tussauds London this Halloween

4/10/2008 9:32:00

Madame Tussauds’ legendary Chamber Of Horrors is more hair ‘n’ hell-raising than ever before, thanks to horrific new live fear experience Scream – and all in time for Halloween half-term this October!

Set deep within the confines of Chamber, this sprawling maximum security prison promises to drive visitors as insane as its inmates who are out of their cells and out to get you!

More details will be announced on the Madame Tussauds website soon!

Halloween Hocus Pocus at Chessington

3/10/2008 16:14:00

Experience some mischievous mayhem at Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo as Halloween Hocus Pocus returns from 18th October to 2nd November 2008.

The whole family will enjoy magical entertainment and spooky shows as wicked witches and naughty Goblins take over the Park!

Guests can also ride hair-raising rollercoasters, including Vampire and Dragon’s Fury into the night, and get up close and personal with the Zoo’s spiders, snakes and glow-in-the-dark scorpions. There’s so much fun to be had it’s scary!

Please visit Chessington.com for more details.

Britain to Bid Farewell to the Nations Most Iconic Rollercoaster

2/10/2008 12:40:00

The Alton Towers Resort announces the end of an era as Europe’s first double loop rollercoaster, the Corkscrew, is to be taken down.

An event to celebrate the Corkscrew’s 28 years of operation is to be held on Sunday 9th November and entry is FREE for Merlin Annual Pass holders. Check out www.altontowers.com/corkscrew for more details.

The 1980’s was an era defined by icons; Michael Jackson, Margaret Thatcher…and Europe’s first double-helix rollercoaster, the Corkscrew, at the Alton Towers Resort. After 28 fantastic years of generating exciting family fun and creating profound memories as the first ever rollercoaster experienced by thousands, the time has come for big kids everywhere to say goodbye to Britain’s most iconic ride. On 9th November 2008, the Corkscrew will unleash its double-loop drama for the last time before being taken down.

The Corkscrew, a ride that has led the way for rollercoasters in both Great Britain and the World over, has continued to thrill for almost three decades. Unveiled to an audience of over 30,000 visitors in April 1980, the popular rollercoaster has been a hit with all ages, from the just tall enough, brave 8 year olds to the granddads, riding to prove they’re never too old to have fun.

Over the 28 years, the Corkscrew has carried a whopping 43.5 million riders and has travelled over 820,000 miles to date – the equivalent distance of travelling to the moon and back nearly four times.

Russell Barnes, Divisional Director for the Alton Towers Resort said:
“The Corkscrew has played a key part in the heritage of the Alton Towers Resort, and I am sure millions of our guests will look back with fond memories of the first time they were inverted upside down twice within 3 seconds! We are extremely proud to have hosted Europe’s first double helix rollercoaster, but it is now the right time to say goodbye to the attraction as we look forward to continuing to pioneer fantastic family entertainment of the future”.

Xbox Gaming Zone NOW OPEN

24/9/2008 12:18:00

Fans of the hugely popular LEGO® games can get hands on at the new Xbox 360 Gaming Zone in the heart of LEGO City, where budding gamers can battle for supremacy and put their console skills to the test.

To celebrate the opening of this exciting new attraction we are giving away an Xbox 360 Games Console, a LEGO game and loads of extras in an exclusive prize draw – just for Annual Pass holders.

For more information and to enter visit www.LEGOLAND.co.uk/prizedraw.

Amazing Machines make a rumbling return

12/9/2008 10:12:00

13 & 14 September 2008
The hugely successful Amazing Machines weekend returns to LEGOLAND® Windsor this September to wow guests with an array of action-packed activities, from thundering monster trucks to inline skaters.

Team Extreme®, the UK’s only professional extreme sports display team, will make their debut at Amazing Machines with two spectacular shows performed on an 11 foot high half pipe. You can experience the power and skills of skateboarding, controlled flips of inline skating and BMXers catching an incredible 12 foot of air above the ramp! Learn the skills and techniques from the shows by attending the special coaching sessions, teaching young people how to ride and skate safely.

Making a return will be Europe’s premier Monster Truck display team ‘Big Pete’ who’ll be battling it out in the special events area. This incredibly popular show features amazing spectacles including authentic American monster trucks jumping over cars and performing wheelies!

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will be bringing along their friendly mascot Stormy Stan for some fun and games. You’ll also be able to find out how the RNLI use their lifeboats and rescue equipment to save lives at sea.

Check out LEGOLAND.co.uk for more details.

Ssshhh...Three mystery Hollywood stars soon to be unveiled at Madame Tussauds London

10/9/2008 13:6:00

This October, guests at Madame Tussauds will have the chance to get up, close and personal with not one, but three mystery Hollywood A-list stars, whose names can't yet be revealed!!

Who could be joining the celebs at Madame Tussauds London?

Be sure to visit us in the Autumn half-term to find out who will be joining the other A-list celebs in Blush.

Visit madame-tussauds.com to find out how to be one of the first to get your photo taken with the new celebrities.

Best of British at Madame Tussauds

13/8/2008 15:46:00

Celebrate the Best of British at Madame Tussauds from 2nd - 31st August as we stay open until 7pm.

Fancy an audience with Her Majesty The Queen? Want to hop on stage with Amy Winehouse or score a goal with David Beckham?

Enjoy a whole month of themed entertainment where you get to show off your talents in glittering stageshows, Cockney rhyming classes and greyhound racing. You're guaranteed a right knees up. And expect a few added surprises too... not 'alf!

See Madame Tussauds London for more details.

SpongeBob's Family Reunion plus special guest stars!

13/8/2008 0:0:00

SpongeBob SquarePants is back at Chessington between 23rd - 25th August for another family re-union with his extended family who live in the new SEA LIFE Centre!

After leaving Gary, his pet snail to guard the house, SpongeBob SquarePants and his best pal Patrick Star will be making their way from Bikini Bottom to host their second family reunion at the Chessington.

Plus joining them are special guest stars brother and sister, Same Difference (23rd & 25th Aug) and top Nickelodeon presenters Sy and Laura (24th Aug)!

Visit Chessington.com for more details.

Sky Day at Chessington

20/7/2008 10:0:00

9th August 2008

Sky have teamed up with Chessington this Summer to bring you Sky Day, where you can meet all of your favourite characters from top Sky Channels!

Come pirouette with everyone’s favourite tutu-wearing mouse, Angelina Ballerina for meet-and-greets at Hocus Pocus Hall. Or visit Dora the Explorer who will make sure everyone’s having lots of fun down by the Monkey & Bird Garden!

Are you rrr-ready?! Come and strike your best pose with Sky One’s brand new Gladiators: Atlas, Spartan, Battleaxe and Panther. Or for young action heroes, a dream meeting awaits them as the Dino Thunder Power Rangers stand guard in Mexicana!

Please note that your Merlin Annual Pass does not guarantee entry to this event. Make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Summer Action at THORPE PARK

19/7/2008 11:0:00

Moto X

Witness the return of Freestyle Moto X with some of the best riders from all over the world. They will be throwing out some awesome tricks in a no-holds barred show, with a variety of breathtaking stunts such as the superman grab seat, rock solid, back flip and many more!

23rd - 25th August 2008
Location: The Arena

Streetball Extreme

This high octane version of the Halam Globetrotters creates a new style of basketball and is great fun to watch. We will also be giving guests the chance to learn a few tricks themselves too!

8th - 10th August 2008

EA Games

The EA Hub will be back with us giving guests the change to check out all the latest games on Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo Wii

31st July - 3rd August and also 28th August - 31st August 2008
Location: Near Thorpe Belle

Chuppa Chups 'Rock 'n' Roll Roadshow

To celebrate 50 years of Chuppa Chups THORPE PARK will be hosting the 'Rock 'n' Roll Roadshow' featuring the ‘Chuppa Chicks’ !!

18th - 22nd August 2008
Location: Stealth

The Fungineers

The Fabulous Fungineers will be back on park this summer to entertain the crowds in their own special way!

2nd August - 2nd September 2008
Location: all over the park!

Kids Beach Club

Olly and Daffodil are entertaining the Kids on the Beach and in Octopus Gardens this summer giving the adults a chance to relax!

Weekends in July and then every day from 2nd August – 2nd September 2008

News Just In - Merlin Annual Pass Now includes the London Aquarium!

11/7/2008 10:48:00

We are pleased to announce that the London Aquarium is now included on the Merlin Annual Pass. We are currently significantly investing into the London Aquarium and hoping to have it at its very best very soon.

The London Aquarium is one of Europe’s largest displays of global aquatic life. With over 50 living displays and 400 different species, nowhere else in central London can visitors come face to face with nature’s perfect predators.

Journey through the rivers, lakes and oceans of the world, encountering wonderful creatures from sharks, stingrays, and clownfish, to moray eels, lionfish and amazing jellyfish.

Relax, unwind and delve into the depths of the exciting and diverse underwater world at the London Aquarium.

Situated in the heart of London, (next to the London Eye) the aquarium offers a sanctuary for all.