Its annoying they've changed the closing times, I don't know why they advertise times to just change them
They may aswell the change the 9pm closes next month to 4pm...
2026: General Discussion
- Thread starter DraytonEnthusiast
- Start date
They may aswell the change the 9pm closes next month to 4pm...
Elise
Administrator
Please use the Passholder thread for this topic - https://www.draytontalk.co.uk/threads/general-passholder-discussion.464/
We went for a few hours today and decided to blow of school for a quiet afternoon at Drayton. Whilst the weather wasn’t the best, we had a lovely afternoon managing the most rides we’ve ever done in a day due to everything being walk on. Despite it being quiet, everything was open apart from air race and a few Thomas land rides. We even managed 4 back to back rides on storm force 
I would have gone with my daughter but my wife out at the theatre at evening so it’s too late of a night for my son. Wonder if it will be a Q&A thing.
As for the earlier closing we were there on the opening day of the care bear event and after 5 the park really started to empty so think with the colder weather they not got enough guests in the park on a evening.
As for the earlier closing we were there on the opening day of the care bear event and after 5 the park really started to empty so think with the colder weather they not got enough guests in the park on a evening.
How busy was the park?
Elise
Administrator
I'd assume the change was based on prebook data, wasn't as busy as they expected so changed the hours.
We were there Sunday, wasn't too busy
It was I'd say fair busy but not stupidly busy
Ques were no longer than 45 minutes on some rides
Surly tho they advertised for 7pm closure they should keep to that right? Otherwise it counts as false advertisement
Either way I had a brilliant time there especially as most opps were really fast
Elise
Administrator
Im sure theres a clause somewhere about how times/availability are subject to change
But yeah I do agree with you from a customer side that it feels wrong to change the time if people originally booked for a longer time (with no notification of change to those customers apart from on the website/ boards) - though it is what it is
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Latest accounts:2025 accounts due soon.
If you have a quick look at the previous year's you'll see how much Gold Rush and the new train for The Wave cost
View attachment 8104
£214998 in the black!
Bucked the trend from the last 4 years.
The best thing is they didn't pay themselves a dividend this time.
So, presumably, that's over a million to invest in the park?
Turnover was up £800k, so an increase in profit is partially due to this and a reduction in expenditure. Given the economic climate, this is positive. I imagine they didn't pay the dividend due to a tough period with the economy and to ensure investment ion new rides. I suspect the park will do something big ahead of Universal opening in 2030, so may be trying to hold reserves. Whilst the park has had a good year, the problems at the start of this season will impact the profitability. It will be interesting how the changed christmas event has had on the park. I suspect the knock on effect may have a negative impact on profitability.
The weather of last year is also a factor. Possibly the best on record. The better the weather the higher the visitor count - and, in theory, higher profits.
Profits will be higher when they figure out which food and drinks outlets shoud be open and which should be shut. It's often random which are open and which are shut at DM. Food and drink accounts for about 25% of revenue, so they need to take a closer look at this.
Castle Bar was closed on my last visit.
They really need something new next year as they can’t go 3 years without a new ride.
Securing the rights of Thomas Land will probably be the main concern for the next year ot two.
They're paying £1Million quid each year for it. It's stil the main attraction for lots of people. We need to hope that some other park doesn't gazzump DM over the rights to Thomas Land.
New rides may have to wait.
They're paying £1Million quid each year for it. It's stil the main attraction for lots of people. We need to hope that some other park doesn't gazzump DM over the rights to Thomas Land.
New rides may have to wait.
Both can happen, 2024 had multiple new changes around the park.Securing the rights of Thomas Land will probably be the main concern for the next year ot two.
They're paying £1Million quid each year for it. It's stil the main attraction for lots of people. We need to hope that some other park doesn't gazzump DM over the rights to Thomas Land.
View attachment 8135
New rides may have to wait.
Actually think Thomas Land misses a few opportunities Troublesome Trucks should have had on ride audio playing the Runaway theme. And they should of had a restaurant called the Flying Kipper
That’s not just for Thomas but also the fees for the 4D cinema, the events like this year alone they had K-pop and Care Bears.