It’s finally here as part of the Merlin Annual Pass and quite honestly what a fab addition it is. This wasn’t our first time visiting but it has been so many years & we couldn’t particularly remember much! So, let’s have a chat about our experience & what’s included etc.
Arriving:
Upon arrival, if you have pre-booked (passholders you need to pre-book) just head down the queue straight ahead of you. If you have booked for a time slot past 1 pm please check your emails for instructions on arrival timing. If you haven’t pre-booked then head to reception (unsure how this would work for passholders as I believe you HAVE to pre-book). Once you book online you’ll receive an “important information” email which includes a list of different things about your visit I’d definitely recommend reading this over.
The Tour:
Your tour begins once you have scanned your entry tickets. Upon entering it’s very noticeable how well-themed the attraction is. All of it is taking you through the history of Cadbury just as you’d anticipate. There are two shows which also expand the story. One of which has seats similar to a 4D cinema with the back row having no movement and even these shows have real fab theming. As you progress through you can also see the team working on chocolate and take part in writing your name with chocolate & have live demonstrations on how it’s made! It’s really intriguing even if you’re not greatly into the history of Cadbury it will have you engaged. Unfortunately, during our visit there was a reasonable bit of maintenance happening but if you didn’t know you wouldn’t necessarily notice.
Attractions Inside:
There’s a 4D cinema which is located on the outside of the main building alongside a play area. Inside the tour itself is a dark ride which again takes you pretty well-themed and definitely a hidden gem amongst Birmingham. It’s a fair length and everyone can ride too.
What’s Included?
Upon joining the tour you are given 3 chocolate bars each and mid-way through there is an additional chocolate bar due to the ongoing work happening throughout. You also have a taste test with a melted pot of chocolate with two toppings of your choice. I believe these toppings vary on the day. I’d definitely recommend taking a drink in with you as if you’re like me melted chocolate will make you extremely thirsty.
The Shop & Cafe:
At the end of the tour, you enter a shop which is partly closed at the moment but you can purchase affordable bulk buys of various types of Cadbury! You can also purchase little gifts too like teddies etc. Merlin Annual Passholders do receive discounts just not on bulk buys as they are at the best price they can be (understandably). We didn’t go into the cafe but it is there and offers mixed meal deals including paninis, hot dogs and even afternoon tea! From what we saw of the prices from the menu outside it did feel a little pricey with a panini meal deal including fries been priced at £9. I’m not sure if that’s the typical price at this kind of attraction as we don’t usually eat at them.
Overall:
I really think it’s a fab add-on to the Merlin Annual Passes it definitely gives them that extra value for money. I’ve always quite enjoyed visiting Cadbury World and will definitely be more inclined to visit now it’s included. There’s a lot to see and that’s even with half the attraction going through work too. I’ll be keen to return once it’s all reopened and we can see it all. It’s a nice few hours out that the whole family can enjoy whether you like chocolate or not you can enjoy the attraction for what’s it worth! We will definitely return again soon!
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Thank you so much for reading! Don’t forget to visit now you have it included in your passes!