UK, Tussauds Annual Pass

"Why are you reviewing an entrance ticket??" you might ask? Well quite simply, the Tussauds Annual Pass is the best value ticket around - and that's what this site is all about isn't it?

GREAT VALUE

The Tussauds Group Annual Pass is essentially 52 entrance tickets all stored on one 'credit' card. Unless you can get it at a discount then it's £85 for an individual or £255 for a family of four (a maximum of 2 people over the age of 12). I say at a discount because Tussauds groups are touring the country at the moment promoting the fact that Madame Tussauds wax works has had a makeover and that the London Eye will become 2/3rds owned by the Tussauds Group; offering Annual Passes at £64!!!

The T&C's of the pass make this clearer, but basically you are paying up front for one entrance fee per week; based on the individual price, that means you are paying only £1.63 for entrance!!

WHAT DO I GET?

Well after purchasing the Pass you get up to 52 entrances to any Tussauds attraction - these are Alton Towers, Staffordshire;

Chessington World of Aventures, Surrey;

Thorpe Park, Surrey;

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire;

Madame Tussauds, London, Las Vegas, New York, Hong Kong and Amsterdam;

AND as of 1st June 2006 - The London Eye

You also get reductions such as 20% off Eating and Shopping at the attractions (not franchise outlets like Burger King and KFC), 20% off Alton Towers Hotels, and Free parking at Alton Towers and Warwick Castle (Parking is free for everyone at Thorpe Park and Chessington)

The 20% discount on shopping includes souvenir photo's and keyrings etc.

IS THAT ALL??

No, you also get invited to exclusive Annual Pass holders events, like the opening of the Parks - so you can get on the new rides before the general public! You also get to jump the queue at Madame Tussauds - no more queueing for an entrance ticket!

CAN I RENEW IT?

Absolutely, the Annual Pass can be renewed up to one month after expiry for £70.

WHAT CAN I SAVE??

Well that's a bit like asking 'How long is a piece of string?' but based on 2 visits to each of the six attractions and a small saving of about £2 on food/souvenirs at each visit - you could save a massive £220!!! OK most people won't want to visit Theme Parks/Attractions 12 times throughout the year, BUT you only have to visit Thorpe Park (the cheapest of the three theme parks) 3 times to start saving money.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

Well I guess it depends on how many times you are likely to use the card through a year. Personally I think I will use it enough to warrant the up-front expenditure. I live in the South East so it is easy for me to get to Thorpe Park, Chessington, Madame Tussauds and the London Eye. Alton Towers is a bit of a trek, but believe me it's worth the drive!!!

And who knows, if I ever get to Las Vegas - I'll check out Madame Tussauds after all my money has gone!

Three weeks since I purchased it, I've used my discounted card twice and I've already saved money. I intend to edit this review after I have had the pass for a year and let you all know how much I have saved!!!!

ADDITIONAL INFO

Visit www.annual-pass.com for more info

Entrance to Attractions

Alton Towers -

Adults(over 12 yrs) £29.50

Children(4-11 yrs) £19.00

Chessington World of Aventures -

Adults(over 12 yrs) £29.00

Children(4-11 yrs) £19.50

Thorpe Park -

Adults(over 12 yrs) £28.50

Children(4-11 yrs) £20.00

Warwick Castle -

Adults(over 12 yrs) £15.95

Children(4-11 yrs) £9.95

Madame Tussauds, London

Adults(over 12 yrs) £23.99

Children(4-11 yrs) £19.99

London Eye -

Adults(over 12 yrs) £13.00

Children(4-11 yrs) £6.50

Special Rates are available by ordering single day tickets online for most of the attractions.