To expect a refund from Butlin’s?

[Disappointed1]

We’re going on our first family holiday to Butlin’s. Family of 5 - DC3, 2 and 1. I got the email today to say I could now book the activities and shows we wanted to attend for the 4 days we’re there. Was on the app within 10 minutes to book and everything is fully booked, including the Justin Fletcher show that my two toddlers are absolutely obsessed about. I called up customer service assuming there was something wrong with the app and was told that there had been a technical issue that meant the app had allowed people to book for the past few days and yes, everything was booked up. I was told I was welcome to join standby queues on the day but there was no guarantee we would get a space on any of the activities or shows we want to attend.

This has turned a fun holiday for the kids into a stressful, uncertain holiday of queuing. If it was first come first serve and I hadn’t been quick enough, I would be annoyed but it would be on me. But this was a technical fault which means I never got a chance.

AIBU to ask for a refund?

I love Butlins, I have 2 very active kids and they adore it. We went to New York in the summer, and when I asked what they wanted to do next summer they both chose butlins!

my husband is a snob and took some convincing to go but now we love it! Incidentally I had the best poached salmon I’ve ever had in their dining hall.

When we were there last I wasn’t always asked to show my ticket when going into events. Even when I did they never checked the amount of people. We often turned up to unbooked stuff and got in.

The fairground (big one and there’s a little one for pre schoolers) , swimming, soft play, crazy golf, all don’t need booking. Reds entertainment also doesn’t usually need booking or any shows in the skyline.

Don’t suppose you went to Bognor in November time? Because that’s exactly what my kids came home with too 😭😂

I'm not sure I understand.

Get a full refund but expect to turn up on the holiday anyway?

I always think you are much better to go early in the season. The accomodation will have been deep cleaned and there will be new linen. By the time October rolls around the cleaners are knackered due to overwork. They will get 30 minutes to do a unit which really is change the linen, spray stuff in the bathroom/ kitchen quick wipe down. Check fridge for forgottern food and mop.

Especially if half the site routinely has D&V.

Although cancelling Me Tumble probably wouldn't be your priority if you were that poorly.

No it was Skegness in May. Must be a standard feature! 😆

I remember seeing the queue for diversity. We ended up joining it about 20 minutes before they came on and got in. Other people were queuing all afternoon. What a waste of a day 😂

Next time book the VIP passes. You get in first. Plus you get on the booking system 3 days before anyone else. You won't refund but might be able to move to another date. Admin fee apply. £20. It's in the t&C's.

YANBU , I thought Butlins was all turn up on the day , I didn’t realise you had to book the shows etc and it was limited numbers .

Agreed.

Took my boys there for October half term for 4 years in a row and they had a ball.

Admittedly we paid for the new hotels, and fast track for all the shows but we had a brilliant time and loved being by the sea (Bognor Regis)

I would be very annoyed by ti's however OP, and would deffo ask for some kind of compensation.

ratherbepaddleboarding that's my query/point. The OP sounds as though they still plan to go so I'm wondering what level of refund they are looking for

We used to stay at the new bit in Minehead over the water when dd was younger. The accommodation was lovely and almost brand new so extremely clean.

I would call them back to clarify if you can queue for the Justin. But you’ll be fine without any activities and may be able to get in if you just pop down and see the place isn’t full. There’s the fair ground, probably the beach not too far, the pool etc.

There are 3 queues. VIP..booked and non booked. You will not get a refund. Stand in the non booked. Reds is freeflow. At skeggy 36 is shut. Shows are being show in the skyline...no booking required...Don't know whether it's the same for the other resorts.

far prefer it to centreparcs, having been to both. Centreparcs felt a bit like a cult.

I like CP but it is very cult like when you’re there. 😆

I miss read the title of your post and thought it said 'to expect a refund from Boris'! Can't help you with the Butlins issue, but I would like a refund from Boris'! And Truss! And Sunak! :)

They've messed up the booking system this year, its a nightmare, but honestly, I don't think you have a hope of a refund. However, I would say my DC used to love the swimming pool and the tots fairground most of all, and you don't need to book those.

It must have changed since DD was little then. We used to stay in the hotel at the Bognor one and it was fantastic.

We even parked in the wrong car park over the road and got a fine, which when we enquired about with the hotel reception, they paid it for us!! That wasn't what we were after, but they were very kind.

We never had to book for the shows then either. The staff were very good with the kids.

We loved it and were gutted when dd was too old to enjoy it.

I mean why is everyone obsessed by a "shepherds hut" 🤪

I think a courtesy payment (not a full refund) if they still go is not unreasonable given that they may now not be able to do the activities which they booked the holiday for.

That, or Butlins apologises for the error. Cancels all tickets booked and gives everyone an opportunity to book again - but I suspect that would go down very poorly.

I don't think expecting some sort of gesture of goodwill to make up for the stress caused by Butlin's error is an unreasonable request?

I think because most people think it’s nuts to pay for a shed on wheels with no en-suite or electric.

Some people will love them and their rustic appeal.

They are the marmite of holiday accommodation.

EsmeSusanOgg yes, that's my thinking too. Before I voted I wanted to be sure.

I'm @justanotherdrama it's just the latest pretentious bull shit holiday isn't it. I mean the cats bum mouths of some people if your kids like a holiday with penny drop machines and people dressed up like idiots singing and dancing . Peak MN

Hi everyone. Thank you so much for your input. I took it all on board. I was wanting to rage quit the holiday and get a full refund when I posted last night. The consensus about it being impossible to get a refund from Butlin’s was so helpful. That became quickly apparent so I went in with ‘I just need to be booked onto this one show’. They thankfully accommodated us and we are seeing Mr Tumble. I am not going to worry about anything else and just enjoy the pool, fairground and inevitable D&V… cannot wait 🤢
Thank you for giving me some perspective!

You'll have a great time. I went without having booked anything and it wasn't an issue, as said above. Still saw lots of shows. Fairground and pool don't need booking. No D&V either. Enjoy!

This poor. But they just are these days. I'd complain now and ask what they can do about it.