Chester Zoo The Islands development - planning, development and build (2012-2015)

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Maguari said:
The website specifies you can spend as long in Islands as you like (it's in the FAQ at the bottom of the page linked above) so I guess the slots are just to stagger people going in.
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The time slots are the departure times of the Lazy River Boat Trip, I assume that all members previews start with the boat trip and then after that you can explore on foot at your leisure.
 
Just gone to book it - Sunday is fully booked. No entrances left before 4pm Saturday and limited booking still available on the Friday
 
I spoke with a member today who has not got access to a computer so was denied a preview of the project. Not a great way to treat your supporters.
 
bongorob said:
I spoke with a member today who has not got access to a computer so was denied a preview of the project. Not a great way to treat your supporters.
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I booked my ticket through the members office over the phone as I couldn't log on to the website. They did it all for me over the phone, and am sending me a paper copy of the booking form- so it would have been possible to get a ticket without access ..... Shame they didn't realise.
 
bongorob said:
I spoke with a member today who has not got access to a computer so was denied a preview of the project. Not a great way to treat your supporters.
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A bit harsh - I empathise with those missing out but they could have a month of member previews bookable every which way and there were always going to be some that missed out whatever they did. They could easily not have bothered at all, and a web form allows them to easily handle a large number of enquiries simultaneously with minimal impact on staff time.

And, rightly or wrongly, if you don't have web access these days you're missing out on a lot of things (including being able to pass through US immigration, which requires an online appplication before travel) - this is certainly not unique to Chester Zoo.
 
Waddi said:
The time slots are the departure times of the Lazy River Boat Trip, I assume that all members previews start with the boat trip and then after that you can explore on foot at your leisure.
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Thanks - that would make sense.
 
If anyone missed out - (thanks to the kindness of another Zoochatter) I have a surplus ticket for Friday at 11am. PM me if interested
 
I was too late too. I had no idea that places were so limited, I could've attempted first thing this morning. I'm not that bothered, I live locally and can visit and visit in the future. But I do feel for the many disappointed, its been very poorly handled.
 
bongorob said:
I spoke with a member today who has not got access to a computer so was denied a preview of the project. Not a great way to treat your supporters.
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My mum, who a number of you have met and is in her 80s, tried to get the link to work on her tablet and failed, so my parents missed out on their place too. It is indeed unfortunate, especially for people who may have been supporters for a really long time.
 
I missed out by virtue of me being in college until 3pm, by which time all places were booked. I'm sure I'll manage to wait an extra week.
 
HGibbins said:
I'm sure I'll manage to wait an extra week.
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This is the thing to bear in mind, I think. The preview, I'm sure, will be great - but it is only a preview, not the only chance to see the exhibit.
 
NigeW said:
I was too late too. I had no idea that places were so limited, I could've attempted first thing this morning. I'm not that bothered, I live locally and can visit and visit in the future. But I do feel for the many disappointed, its been very poorly handled.
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Which ever way they handled it, someone people would have been disappointed. I think this was the easiest and fairest for all, after all I was able to book tickets for my parents who otherwise would not have been able to. The zoo allowed you to book 6 tickets max, so you could book for other members.

It could be said they may have given more notice but when you have 30,000 members and a boat ride that the zoo estimates can handle 6,000 a day (someone correct if that is wrong that went to the zoo talk) and you have three preview days.....kinda makes sense that 40% of members would miss out.
 
Nisha said:
If anyone missed out - (thanks to the kindness of another Zoochatter) I have a surplus ticket for Friday at 11am. PM me if interested
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Hi Nisha - just to let you know that tickets to the preview aren't transferrable. Any queries please contact the membership team on 01244 650208. Thanks. CZ.
 
ChesterZoo said:
Hi Nisha - just to let you know that tickets to the preview aren't transferrable. Any queries please contact the membership team on 01244 650208. Thanks. CZ.
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Hiya CZ - quick question over this - say someone had booked 4 tickets for themselves and 3 other members in one transaction - do they have to name all of the members on that transaction or will it just say "and guest" and then you check for a membership card on the day?
 
karoocheetah said:
Hiya CZ - quick question over this - say someone had booked 4 tickets for themselves and 3 other members in one transaction - do they have to name all of the members on that transaction or will it just say "and guest" and then you check for a membership card on the day?
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Hi - whilst there was no need to name the other members at the point of booking, the people who have booked have to be members themselves. All members who are booked on have to be together at the entrance to Islands at the specified time with the confirmation booking and valid membership card(s). Membership cards will be scanned at main entrance on arrival and both confirmation letters and membership cards will be scanned and checked at Islands entrance. Hope that helps. CZ.
 
ChesterZoo said:
Hi - whilst there was no need to name the other members at the point of booking, the people who have booked have to be members themselves. All members who are booked on have to be together at the entrance to Islands at the specified time with the confirmation booking and valid membership card(s). Membership cards will be scanned at main entrance on arrival and both confirmation letters and membership cards will be scanned and checked at Islands entrance. Hope that helps. CZ.
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Sure does - many thanks :)

So in short - if 4 members arriving on one booking ref must arrive together at the time on the sheet and have their cards with them. :D
 
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