To think the fast track queues at Thorpe park are unfair?

[NameChangedSummer]

Disagreement with DH.

we have an annual pass for Chessington and I don’t mind waiting there as we can easily go another day. However on a busy Saturday there are so many RAP users and Fast Track that the main queues can take 2 hours and move very slowly. As I say i don’t really mind as are annual pass holders but the young DC get quite impatient! DH does get annoyed that people can pay to literally queue jump.

However, DS has just reached 1.4m and is desperate to go to Thorpe Park in the Easter holidays for his birthday (the ticket being his main 10th bday gift). It will be his first time, the only time he goes this year, we won’t be buying annual passes. I’ve looked and for £200 (x2) we can buy a ‘ultimate’ pass that would allow fast track to every ride and very little queueing. We can afford this and I think it would just make the whole day so much more enjoyable and special for DS’s 10th Birthday, rather than queuing all day and getting on a handful of rides.

DH however thinks that people who pay to queue jump are dicks and it just makes it worse for the main queue on busy days, so is very reluctant and just wants to get a normal ticket and deal with the queues. And put the money towards a Merlin pass next year when the younger DC is taller and we can just do more often.

is DH being unreasonable to say they are unfair?

Has he got an inset day coming up any time when you could take leave and go with him? I've found this is infinitely better for theme parks than going in school holidays.

The Merlin business model seems to have unfortunately really gone for the fast track passes. I find it awful, as you can’t trust the quite times on the app any more either. I can totally see why you’d want to do it for his birthday though!

Paultons Park don’t do queue jump and I so prefer it there. Doesn’t have the big thrill rides like at Thorpe Park though.

No inset days unfortunately. We have a two week half term in late October instead.

They are unfair, but all the while places sell them, of course people will buy them! We did Legoland when our eldest was younger and our first day we did 4 rides! We luckily had a second day booked, but ended up buying (what was then) a Qbot for dd and DH, and they got on everything.

It’s not right, but I couldn’t face another day of endless queueing!

As a birthday treat and a one off I would do it.

This is my thinking, if can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

DH thinks it’s selfish and immoral.

Life is unfair. Better to teach your son that if he works hard, saves hard and does well in life he too can get a fast pass. Good motivation to work hard at school. If you knuckle down and succeed then you too can have nice things in life.

some people fly first class, some people don’t. some drive a bmw, some drive a clapped out ford. Some live in the catchment for a great school, some don’t. Some buy a mansion, others don’t. Some buy caviar, others can’t.

life is one big pot of unfairness. You can’t avoid it but you can strive to have nice things and teach your kids to aim high too.

i pay for fast pass where i can as i have no patience and hate waiting so if paying a little more can avoid it then why not

Not unfair at all. I just count it as part of the price of going. People who want a cheaper option can choose to queue. Fair all round.

Then he can queue while you use the fast passes?

I do side eye the fast track people tbh. Not withstanding those less able to queue, obvs.

It is unfair. However I wouldn't ruin the day because of it . Queuing sucks, so I see a fast pass as part of the expense.

To me it's the same as theatres where some seats have a great view and cost more. It's just how life is. People pay more for better views, or faster service.

I can’t see the logic of it being selfish and immoral if it’s being offered (for a price). Okay, yes it is but is everyone going to stand on the moral high ground and refuse to pay the extra? No, because money talks. Your husband is being ridiculous 😊

I just wouldn't go to a place when you are paying a hefty sum just to queue all day and get to go on very few rides because of this. The fast passes should be for those with medical needs only rather than the rich.

Why is that different from booking fast track at the airport or a table at a restaurant instead of just showing up? Train tickets in advance?

Yep, the price of everything in theme parks is pretty immoral when you think about it 😁

This is a worry too! The judgment.
i think on some rides the RAP and fast track are separate (and clear) so it’s obvious to the main queue that there is no disability and you’ve just bought the queue jump?

If it was like the theatre, it would be like giving people poor views and locking them out of the performance for half of the play. At least at the theatre you still get to watch as long as people in rich seats, unlike at theme parks.

People who pay more get a better experience

it's just life

id do it for his birthday even though I'm one of those that moan about queuing and doesn't buy them normally 😂

If you can afford to pay, why not? It makes life easier and there will always be a divide in most situations.

If you worry about randoms you've never met and will never meet again judging you, you have a very stressful life ahead.

Your choices are none of their business.

I’ve not been to a park since my twenties and can’t remember if fast track was a thing then or not, but how many people are buying fast track? If there’s loads doesn’t it mean the fast track are also queuing on the busiest of days? That would be really annoying at a cost of £200.

If you can't afford to pay a lot for your seat, you'll be watching along from behind a concrete pillar or a lighting rig?

As the PP said, better views cost more money.

DH thinks it’s selfish and immoral.

So is happy to punish DC for his own thoughts on morality?

If DH wants to go without queue jump, let them, however I'd be taking DC on a queue jump.

I understand they limit the number available to avoid this, hopefully!