corporate attractions encouraging time out of school

[EmSutty]

Am I being unreasonable to expect large attractions to hold events targeted at children to be held on suitable days, ie when they are off school? Has anyone seen the SANTA SLEEPOVER deal at ALTON TOWERS? If so Be careful I booked using the link below their advert on their web page, it gave 28th Nov as first date available , this is a sunday so I assumed this would be the day we would meet santa and that we would be sleeping over on 27th (sat night) The link allowed me to book the 27th and it was only by chance i read my confirmation email which informed me i had booked a room only. It took two days to get through to their booking enquiries line where i was told that sleepover was held on sun night and santa day was monday (When most of their target audience should be at school!) I was horrified as i know lots of people who had also booked! it took quite a bit of pleading to get the supervisor to promise a full refund.How ever my kids were absolutly gutted, the offer looked great, Swimming,evening meal and entertainment,kids rides all included! Is it just me or does it seem Irresponcible of ALTON TOWERS to hold such an event on a school day? Mention the word sleepover and most Mums think Saturday don't they?

Have you contacted them?interesting to hear their response!

Hmm, I agree that's bad - though there will be pre school kids going too I guess, and maybe some private schools do break up that early?

though at least if the other thread on authorised vs unauthorised absence is anything to go by, this would be allowed on "religious grounds"

LOL @ PABH.

They are probably doing it for pre school children, and are just trying to make themselves some profit at a quiet time of the year for them. Agree that they should make the details clearer.

Hi
Yes i know there is an argument for Pre school children using this service, but how many of them have siblings at school? Are we supposed to leave older kids with Grand parents? If so,I can't see that going down well with my brood! I contacted Alton Towers and the supervisor of the bookings centre did eventually give me a refund but all I wanted was to give my children a great weekend! it is a shame that they have limited a visit to Santa to pre school children,when we all know beleivers who are old enough to visit him and stay up long enough to enjoy the evening childrens entertainment they are offering!

I think irresponsible etc is a bit strong

My Dcs get inset days, some children are homeschooled, some parents only have pre-schoolers.

If all those children who can go during term time are forced into the main holidays because Alton Towers withdraw term time dates , I suspect many will then complain that they can't bokk because the few places will go.

It should be clear when booking

But only having the deal on when you are available seem a bit self absorbed and a bithard on those who can make term time dates for perfectly legitimate reasons