Parkdean pool

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I'm so disappointed. Yesterday I booked a four night break in a Parkdean caravan for Mon-Fri next week. This trip is for me and my three children. I couldn't book earlier as I was waiting for funds. I expected to pay an inflated price for the caravan as it's half term so I have sucked that up. I also paid more for a location with a swimming pool as I knew the children would love it.

I have just gone to book a swimming session and the pool is fully booked every single day - morning, afternoon and evening. I have paid extra for something we cannot use. I wish I had booked another park without a pool and saved my money. What a waste 😥

Phone parkdean, they only put so much availability online to be booked.
The last couple of years you have also been able to queue up for the session without booking in advance.

Have you asked Parkdean whether they’ll move your booking to a cheaper location in these circumstances?

I phoned the helpline and they said activites can only be booked through the portal. They also said it was to be expected at half term with increased guest numbers on site. I understand that availability may be limited. But to have nothing at all is such a shame. I'm kicking myself for wasting money

Yes phone them and ask what to do in this situation, seeing as you booked because of the pool. They might have walk in spaces. To be honest though it is half term and their booking for activity sessions opens 6 weeks in advance.

I'm currently staying at a Parkdean resort. The swimming is also all booked up on the app but I asked at reception and they hold 20 or so places for each session. You just have to go early and queue.

Wait, booking in advance, is this a thing at many park deans? We often stay in one and the family swim times have always been drop in first come first served.

I wasn't in a financial position to book weeks ago unfortunately.
I may ask if they will move our booking, that is worth considering. It's a pain but I can't afford to spend money on something unusable

That's strange, I booked with them about 3 weeks ago over the phone and they told me activities could be booked over the phone if I struggled to get availability on the app.

Definitely queue up early for the sessions and hope to get in, I have never booked swimming in advance at a parkdean resort and have always got it.

They won’t if it’s less than 4 weeks . I fried this myself recently. In fact their customer support is a joke

We had the same worry as all sessions were booked. When we got there it was fine and we swam every day no problem. Hopefully the one you're going to will have spaces free

We go tomorrow, so no chance they'll move us to another park then

I booked a term time holiday months in advance. When I logged on the evening they were released (6 weeks ahead!) most the pool slots had either gone, or there weren’t spaces for all of us to book. 6 weeks ahead! Term-time!
I went to parkdean, the same site pre-Covid and there was no booking. I went to other sites, no booking needed. It’s nuts.
I asked around and some friends reported the pool was fully booked so they queued, but they were made to wait 20 minutes of a 45 min slot in case those who had booked were late.
There’s no need to keep the booking system. Just have a capacity. If the numbers are way over introduce timed sessions. From what I’ve seen and heard they weren’t at capacity, or had one pool closed, or not enough lifeguards. It doesn’t help most are only open 10-3 in the height of summer as well as being closed for activity sessions and lunch during those times. 4 slots in a small pool isn’t enough if you had hosting hundreds of families.

Ah, this is a relief to hear! I hope we have the same good luck. The weather looks good so maybe some who have booked won't show up and we can get in once or twice 🙏

I've been a few times, even when I've booked they've never checked anything. Just get there for a session early and queue, I'm sure it'll be fine.