1. Starter
Can you give any examples of the following:- Merlin’s Suppliers Merlin’s Competitors Any New Entrants to the Market How Merlin’s Customers have power over them? Any substitute products that customers might use?

2. Power of Merlin’s Suppliers
Describe how many different suppliers are used to create the rides at Thorpe Park, giving examples Does having many different suppliers to chose from put Merlin in a competitive position? Does having a variety of suppliers for the rides mean that they can cover many different types of theme parks?

3. Competitive Rivalry faced by Merlin Entertainments
Summarise this article, making sure that you include the revenue and sales figures. Could this mean that people are chosing to travel abroad to theme parks rather than stay local? Discuss the facts that Alton Towers is also seeing a rise in sales (include the figures from the article) . There is also the new SW8 ride coming soon – this will beat competitive rivalry – why? Alton Towers isn’t the only Merlin Attraction – can you find any information about rising sales at the other attractions? Having more than 1 site gives Merlin a competitive advantage.

4. Threat of New Entrants to the Market
A new theme park is being built as a rival to ME’s theme parks. Describe the new theme park. What are the set backs though, including barriers to entry?

5. Power of Merlin Entertainments’ Customers
Accidents Find some evidence and write about it which suggests that the Smiler accident affected customer sales

6. Threat of Customers Using Substitute Products
Virtual Reality Technology is improving Use of a mobile, virtual reality headset Is this really a replacement for going to a theme park? Why yes and why no? Cost? Cheaper? Travel? Could rivals incorporate VR into their theme parks?