The Center Parcs Experience

JupiterKid · 27-12-2018 7:43pm #1

I just watched an advert on TV for Center Parcs Longford which opens in May of next year, in time for the summer.

Center Parcs seem to be a modern version of the Butlins holiday camps of the past, or like Trabolgan on steroids. There are a number of them in Britain and a couple in Holland also. It seems very much aimed at families with children. Families stay at lodges, which are located in a forest/wooded setting and the centerpiece of the Center Parc resorts is a huge enclosed subtropical swimming pool/water park facility, with many other activities on offer, such as cycling, gyms, sports facilities, play activities for younger kids, restaurants, bars etc.

Looking at the UK Center Parcs they do seem very expensive for what you get.

Anyone been to a Center Parcs resort and did you enjoy the experience? Do you think Longford will be a success?

buried · 27-12-2018 7:55pm

Summer in Longford? May as well have the Winter Olympics in Miami.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 27-12-2018 7:56pm

buried wrote: »

Summer in Longford? May as well have the Winter Olympics in Miami.

... that's what the said about having the Wrold Cup in Qatar...

LirW · 27-12-2018 8:02pm

Look, the whole center parcs thing wouldn't be for me or my family but I realised one thing over the years: there are an awful lot of people that are really overwhelmed when travelling with kids. Many are intimidated by the logistics of a week-long trip with the sprogs while others are thrilled and can't wait.
The whole all-inclusive thing is for people that don't want to bother with the logistics of a trip and want a safe environment and don't care too much about sightseeing. And that's perfectly fine.

Ireland is hugely popular with Europeans, Asians and Americans, so I believe that one will do well enough. People are willing to pay money for the peace of mind and ease of a resort holiday.

Trigger Happy · 27-12-2018 8:04pm

I have been half a dozen times cumbria and nottinghsm. Great when you have kids.
I would not be going on my own or with just adults.
It is expensive but you won't get bored, loads to do. If you do your shopping in tesco before arriving you avoid the need to use their on site shop which is wild expensive.

kneemos · 27-12-2018 8:27pm

Has a Nazi youth or Scientology recruitment vibe off it.
Wouldn't drink the Coolaid.

TheValeyard · 27-12-2018 8:30pm

kneemos wrote: »

Has a Nazi youth or Scientology recruitment vibe off it.
Wouldn't drink the Coolaid.

You're right. Coolaid is wayyyyy overpriced.

buried · 27-12-2018 8:34pm

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

... that's what the said about having the Wrold Cup in Qatar...

How'd that turn out?

kneemos · 27-12-2018 8:35pm

buried wrote: »

How'd that turn out?

Multiple deaths.

Deub · 27-12-2018 8:37pm

There is one near where my parents live in France and I have been there a couple of times. As others said, it is expensive but plenty to do for the kids. I guess you pay for the peace of mind.

fits · 31-12-2018 9:13am

We just booked a weekend there next September. Was 530 for three nights. I don’t think that’s too bad. I have twin toddlers so a place that’s set up for children appeals for now. No cars and woodland setting sounds nice too. We have just built a house so we don’t plan on taking any foreign holidays until they are a bit older. Flights and ferries are expensive.

_Brian · 31-12-2018 9:20am

fits wrote: »

We just booked a weekend there next September. Was 530 for three nights. I don’t think that’s too bad. I have twin toddlers so a place that’s set up for children appeals for now. No cars and woodland setting sounds nice too. We have just built a house so we don’t plan on taking any foreign holidays until they are a bit older. Flights and ferries are expensive.

Fairness that sounds reasonable enough.

One of my friends has been to a few in the U.K., enjoyable but expensive is how she described it.

Just to compare we just booked 16 nights on 5 star campsites in France for €750 for four of us. Pitch only as we bring our own caravan.

salmocab · 31-12-2018 9:29am

As said above lots of people would pay a premium to not have to pack up kids for a flight. For families it’s handy break albeit expensive, people will pay a premium for convenience that’s why the spar at the end of the road is in business. For a lot of people it’s going to be within 2/3 hours of their homes which is about what you would be waiting in the airport for your flight.
Not sure I’d personally spend a week or two there but I’m sure at some stage I’ll do a long weekend.

31-12-2018 12:38pm

Seems too dear to me. Also, the thing about some of these theme parks for kids is they dont age well and need upgrading in no time.

SEPT 23 1989 · 31-12-2018 12:43pm

Two grand for a week in Longford

I think not

mcgovern · 31-12-2018 12:43pm

I've been to most of the ones in the UK and they are great.
They are expensive but very relaxing, and lots to do.
Not sure how long it will take the wildlife to get used to that many people (staff in UK I talked to said probably about a year or two) but it's very nice to have squirrels, ducks etc at your backdoor, stopping on the path to let a load of baby swans cross etc.

rovers_runner · 31-12-2018 12:58pm

kneemos wrote: »

Has a Nazi youth or Scientology recruitment vibe off it.
Wouldn't drink the Coolaid.

You do mean Kool-aid snowflake?

JupiterKid · 06-01-2019 1:09am

Here’s their website.

https://www.centerparcs.ie/breaks-we-offer/short-breaks.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyKHel-3X3wIVbrHtCh0gigi_EAAYASAAEgK2FPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The subtropical swimming pool focal point of Center Parcs Longford under construcion
STSP%20Construction%20picture%20credit%20Arc%20Studios.jpg

STSP%20Construction%20picture%20credit%20Arc%20Studios.jpg

Family lodges nearing completion. This will be a huge economic boost for Longford.
Center%20Parcs%20lodges.jpg

Plumbthedepths · 06-01-2019 1:26am

Had a look online today at pricing. 23rd of Aug to the 26th for 3 adults 929 euro self catering. Same dates in Malaga Spain flights and accommodation coming in at 824 euro plus gauranteed sunshine.

Fann Linn · 06-01-2019 1:29am

The fact it is Longford just turns me off.

Plumbthedepths · 06-01-2019 1:32am

Fann Linn wrote:

The fact it is Longford just turns me off.

The fact that I checked particular dates in Ireland and the same dates in the UK yet there is a 150 euro difference says it all for me. Guess which location is the more expensive?

Teddy Daniels · 06-01-2019 1:38am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

The fact that I checked particular dates in Ireland and the same dates in the UK yet there is a 150 euro difference says it all for me. Guess which location is the more expensive?

The one I can drive to in an hour ?

fits · 06-01-2019 1:41am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

The fact that I checked particular dates in Ireland and the same dates in the UK yet there is a 150 euro difference says it all for me. Guess which location is the more expensive?

School holidays finish up earlier in the UK than in ireland. Is that a possible reason?

Plumbthedepths · 06-01-2019 1:42am

Teddy Daniels wrote:

The one I can drive to in an hour ?

You are the reason why a UK executive referred to Ireland as ' treasure Island' .

Plumbthedepths · 06-01-2019 1:45am

fits wrote:

School holidays finish up earlier in the UK than in ireland. Is that a possible reason?

Just an observation but have you skin in the game? On a different thread you were highlighting the great value of a weekend break in September for 540 euro when I highlighted the cost of a stay 23rd Aug to the 26th Aug as being 929 euro versus a stay in Malaga including flights for 824 euro for 3 people.

stampydmonkey · 06-01-2019 1:52am

You leave your car at the gate. You are captive for your time there. Convienience = expense. It is a very expensive weekend based on the above. Once in, you pay for everything. Better off getting a caravan on dogs bay. Better location and way more freedom.

fits · 06-01-2019 2:11am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Just an observation but have you skin in the game? On a different thread you were highlighting the great value of a weekend break in September for 540 euro when I highlighted the cost of a stay 23rd Aug to the 26th Aug as being 929 euro versus a stay in Malaga including flights for 824 euro for 3 people.

. I’ve booked a weekend that’s all. Your Malaga trip is not comparing like with like.

Plumbthedepths · 06-01-2019 2:13am

fits wrote:

. Iâ€™ve booked a weekend thatâ€™s all. Your Malaga trip is not comparing like with like.

I compared the same dates in Sherwood forest in the UK with Longford here and Ireland was almost 150 dearer. Any thoughts?

WoollyRedHat · 06-01-2019 2:22am

Teddy Daniels wrote: »

The one I can drive to in an hour ?

That's quite the logical fallacy to try explain the price disparity between the UK and Ireland when it comes to similar goods and services

Car99 · 06-01-2019 2:24am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

I compared the same dates in Sherwood forest in the UK with Longford here and Ireland was almost 150 dearer. Any thoughts?

More competition in the UK.

Plumbthedepths · 06-01-2019 2:30am

Car99 wrote:

More competition in the UK.

Center Parcs occupies a unique space in the UK limited competition tbh very little reason to justify the price difference in Ireland. On a different note if there are multiple idiots willing to pay the elevated prices why should I care other than to point out the rip off ......

Johnnyhpipe · 06-01-2019 2:41am

I expect it to be a Paddy version of what could have been something good. Like most of the attractions in this country, two steps up from the fair in father ted

Westernyelp · 06-01-2019 2:43am

It's a product looks like something new for the Irish market. All the best to them Longford is certainly a new one for most people.

StupidLikeAFox · 06-01-2019 2:44am

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

That's quite the logical fallacy to try explain the price disparity between the UK and Ireland when it comes to similar goods and services

Tbf if you wanted to do a proper analysis you would have to look at the wages, taxes, cost of living etc if you want to compare like with like. It all boils down to whether people are willing to pay the price or not, and centerparcs will probably have done their research and if they got it wrong they will find that out fairly quickly.

I can see the attraction. Have no kids myself but for families this is a good proposition. Kids don't care where they are on holidays as long as they are occupied, they have no concept of Longford

salmocab · 06-01-2019 2:52am

Westernyelp wrote: »

It's a product looks like something new for the Irish market. All the best to them Longford is certainly a new one for most people.

Longford is a shrewd choice I would think, less than 2 hours from Dublin so well placed from the largest population base in the country, also they want you staying in the place spending money not heading off to well known tourist spots.

Plumbthedepths · 06-01-2019 2:59am

salmocab wrote:

Longford is a shrewd choice I would think, less than 2 hours from Dublin so well placed from the largest population base in the country, also they want you staying in the place spending money not heading off to well known tourist spots.

It's actually located just outside Ballymahon which is 15 miles from Athlone, which is in its own right quite a large shopping hub.

salmocab · 06-01-2019 3:08am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

It's actually located just outside Ballymahon which is 15 miles from Athlone, which is in its own right quite a large shopping hub.

I was thinking more like cliffs of moher, giants causeway, ring of Kerry. There is no major tourist attractions nearby, very few people are going to head to Athlone if they are there for 3/4 nights. Maybe a week stay you might head off for a day trip.

Folkstonian · 06-01-2019 3:18am

Center Parcs is nothing like Butlins - It’s not really where you go for that ‘bingo, cabaret and unlimited chips at dinner’ vibe. It’s a bit more expensive with a different ethos so usually attracts a different type of visitor to the type of people who could be background extras in ‘Benidorm’

My parents took my sisters and me a fair few times when we were quite small. We went to Sherwood Forest, Longleat and somewhere in Europe too.

Never for more than 3 days, but you don’t need any longer. We were always an active family, so it was brilliant as kids to be able to cram archery, rock climbing, cycling, swimming, canoeing, forest walks and a whole lot more into one weekend.

Maybe it’s changed over the last couple of decades, it’s been so long since I’ve been. But I expect not, and it will be a great option for families here

Plumbthedepths · 06-01-2019 3:23am

salmocab wrote:

I was thinking more like cliffs of moher, giants causeway, ring of Kerry. There is no major tourist attractions nearby, very few people are going to head to Athlone if they are there for 3/4 nights. Maybe a week stay you might head off for a day trip.

That's the point CP don't want you heading away which is why all activities are extra.

salmocab · 06-01-2019 3:57am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

That's the point CP don't want you heading away which is why all activities are extra.

Yeah I get the model that’s why I said it was a shrewd move putting it in Longford. They are a business, of course they want to get as much money from customers as they can. I don’t see the issue with the price, if people will pay it then good luck to them.

JupiterKid · 06-01-2019 5:01am

I think there is a market and demand for Center Parcs but I doubt Ireland, given our much smaller population than Britain, could support more than one.

Anyone remember Trabolgan? Built in the late 1980s and a bit like an early, much smaller version of Center Parcs for an Ireland of much more limited means.

But the average Irish holiday maker will not be attracted to a Center Parcs resort. I suspect they will appeal to upper middle class young families (the ones who managed to actually afford a house...) who are very sporty/active and have plenty of dosh to spend whilst there.

Think of those families who all go out cycling together in the park at weekends...

joe swanson · 06-01-2019 12:26pm

I like the idea of it but it's just not good value compared to other holidays on the market

facehugger99 · 06-01-2019 12:47pm

Trabolgan with a zero on the end.

OwaynOTT · 06-01-2019 12:51pm

facehugger99 wrote: »

Trabolgan with a zero on the end.

Trabolgan0?

Fr Tod Umptious · 06-01-2019 1:02pm

JupiterKid wrote: »

I think there is a market and demand for Center Parcs but I doubt Ireland, given our much smaller population than Britain, could support more than one.

Anyone remember Trabolgan? Built in the late 1980s and a bit like an early, much smaller version of Center Parcs for an Ireland of much more limited means.

But the average Irish holiday maker will not be attracted to a Center Parcs resort. I suspect they will appeal to upper middle class young families (the ones who managed to actually afford a house...) who are very sporty/active and have plenty of dosh to spend whilst there.

Think of those families who all go out cycling together in the park at weekends...

Trabolgan still exists.

we have been a few times, primarily because it's close and the kids love it.

But it is a bit dated and to be honest, full of skangers from Dublin.

It is not cheap, but the kids love it.

I agree that CP will attract a different clientele.

stateofflux · 06-01-2019 1:11pm

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Had a look online today at pricing. 23rd of Aug to the 26th for 3 adults 929 euro self catering. Same dates in Malaga Spain flights and accommodation coming in at 824 euro plus gauranteed sunshine.

This is the main thing for me.. ive been to many a caravan park in ireland where it rained torrential for weeks..some 'holiday'.

fits · 06-01-2019 1:18pm

When you have very young kids strong sunlight can be difficult to manage too. We couldn’t go outside in last summers hot spell until after 6 pm as my old house was fully south facing and had no shade at all. It was a heat trap.

We have rain overalls for the lads so it’s actually easier to go out in wet weather than hot weather for us. But obviously would prefer a nice few dry days while we are there.

demanufactured · 06-01-2019 1:34pm

The thing is, I don't think Center Parcs Langford is actually aimed at The Irish market.
I have a friend working there, who has told me the majority of the bookings for next year are from European countries.

fits · 06-01-2019 1:36pm

^ I don’t get that. Wouldn’t you just go to the closest one as I’d imagine they are essentially the same.

Odyssey 2005 · 06-01-2019 1:42pm

fits wrote: »

When you have very young kids strong sunlight can be difficult to manage too. We couldn’t go outside in last summers hot spell until after 6 pm as my old house was fully south facing and had no shade at all. It was a heat trap.

We have rain overalls for the lads so it’s actually easier to go out in wet weather than hot weather for us. But obviously would prefer a nice few dry days while we are there.

You should relocate to longford so

nim1bdeh38l2cw · 06-01-2019 1:45pm

JupiterKid wrote: »

This will be a huge economic boost for Longford.

How so? People go there and don't leave...

The Center Parcs Experience

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