In my eyes all this Sealife malarky is just another example of how far Merlin are pushing the brands that existed before they took a majority share in the Tussauds Group. It is quite clear where the money is directed... wouldn't surprise me if we start to see Legoland Explorer Centres appearing in all the other parks too.
And I really do wish that people would stop using this as an argument....
Screaming Coasters said:
So thats why Merlin are the second biggest amusement chain in the world?
Yes Erol they are, I totally agree, but there is still an 84 Million guests a year difference between the first place Disney (116,500,000) and Merlin (32,100,000) with Universal only a further 6 million behind that so in essence it is a null point. Even more so considering the number of attractions that Merlin holds in comparison to other said companies. Furthermore, not a single Merlin attraction features in the Top 25 attractions worldwide or even the Top 10 attractions in Europe. Quite clearly the fact that they are 2nd means very little. They are not EVER going to even make a scratch on the Disney company until they start behaving as such. Until they put the similar amount of storytelling and creative effort in that Disney do, it is never going to be a contest. And yes, Disney do have a heck of a lot more money at their command, but it didn't always start that way. Disneyland CA still holds some of the most exquisitely themed rides they have had since it's early years, where the money was never quite so free flowing (per say). So yes, 2nd they might be, but 2nd they will probably stay... for a very long time at least. Unless they begin to falter behind the strengthening Universal and Six Flags efforts... Of course this is quite possible IF they accquire the Busch parks, but this is looking more unlikely now as their is strong belief that the Parques Reunidos group is to get them.
So, back on topic... Sealife might be the biggest earner for Merlin but to me that is sheerly because of the number of the Sealife attractions they own. So in a round about way, no Merlin are not Seaworld, and I doubt very much they will be. (Unless of course they got their hands on them since they are currently for sale... upon which we may even see a swift name change but that is unlikely...)
The Sealife Centres in parks only serves as a great way of showing a small glimpse of what the full centres have to offer. Nothing more, nothing less. Do I think it looks any good. Well, I am going to reserve judgement until I see it for real, as I have found with many attractions of late, pictures can be very misleading and they build such high hopes to only let you down with a severe lack of atmosphere and coherence of design.
Yes I am aware that I have been clearly spoilt by the likes of Disney and Universal in themed experiences so I may be a little harsher on Merlin but the way I see it, if you want to boast about being the 2nd best and play with the big boys, you have to behave that way. To me, a small Sealife attraction in each park is hardy a massive contribution to seeing this goal actualized.
(Figures taken from the 2007 attendance figures published in Park World, May 2008 - I don't think the 08 figures have been released yet, which I am very interested to see btw, I imagine that we will see them in May of this year accordingly)
