FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Merlin's Magic Wand. Scroll down or use the links below to jump to a question.
About the charity
- How did Merlin's Magic Wand Charity come about?
- Is Merlin's Magic Wand a Registered charity?
- Who runs the charity
- What does the charity offer?
- Which attractions does Merlin's Magic Wand have access to?
- Does the Charity provide tickets for fundraising by schools, other charities or organisations?
- Is there anything I can do to help?
Application Process
- Can anyone apply?
- How many tickets can an individual family apply for?
- How do I apply?
- Can I have an annual pass?
- How much detail do you need about my child’s condition?
- How many tickets can my organisation apply for?
- How long will it take for my application to be assessed?
- How long will my tickets take?
- How long will my cheque take?
- Who will send out my tickets?
- Why didn’t my cheque arrive with my tickets?
- What dates are the tickets valid on?
- What do I do if my tickets haven’t arrived?
- What do I do if my cheque hasn’t arrived?
- What do you accept as Proof of Condition?
About the charity
How did Merlin's Magic Wand Charity come about?
Merlin Entertainments Group (Merlin) is the second largest attractions operator in the world and they have nearly 60 attractions in 12 countries.
In 2007, over 32 million people visited their sites, but there are many children who, through no fault of their own, cannot go for a fabulous day out at one of the locations.
Merlin Group and its attractions have often helped other charities to make a special day for such children, but in 2008 they decided to set up their own charity for this purpose.
Is Merlin's Magic Wand a registered charity?
Merlin’s Magic Wand has been established as a charitable trust (Merlin’s Magic Wand Trustees Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales with Registered Number 06511344 and having its registered office at 3 Market Close, Poole, Dorset BH15 1NQ) and is registered with the UK Charities Commission, registration number 1124081.
Who runs the charity
The Charity is run by a Board of Directors who will administer the funds and make awards. Awards may be made in any of the countries in which Merlin operates.
What does the charity offer?
The charity has been given access to a large number of complementary tickets to Merlin’s attractions. These will be used to provide a fabulous experience for children who are disadvantaged in some way.
Merlin has also committed £100,000 to the charity to assist with any running costs and to provide possible financial support for applicants in terms of travel costs, where there is financial hardship.
Which attractions does Merlin's Magic Wand have access to?
We can provide tickets to any of the attractions in Merlin’s world-wide group. There are nearly 60 attractions in total which include the following brands:
Does the Charity provide tickets for fundraising by schools, other charities or organisations?
Merlin's Magic Wand charity has been established to provide experiences for disadvantaged children at Merlin Group attractions. It is not the objective of the charity to help other charities/organisations to raise money and so such applications would not qualify.
Attractions are often able to provide discounted tickets or other offers for such groups - visit their websites for details using the logos above.
Is there anything I can do to help?
Yes certainly!
You may know of children who are eligible and would benefit from an award. Alternatively you could organise fundraising events or send us a donation - see the ways to contribute page for more ideas and advice.
Application Process
Can anyone apply?
Applications may come from individuals who are aware of a particular child or group of children who might benefit from an award. We will also consider applications from organisations which work with such children, such as Carer and Support Groups, where the prime purpose of the organisation is not already aimed at providing days out or experiences for such children.
Applications for awards can come from individual families or from organisations, groups or charities.
How many tickets can an individual family apply for?
We usually limit an individual family to 5 tickets per year (for the child and immediate family members)
How do I apply?
Once you have checked your eligibility for an award, you can complete an online application or download a printable form on the how to apply page.
Can I have an annual pass?
Sorry no, we can only award tickets to specific attractions for one use.
How much detail do you need about my child’s condition?
We require 1-2 sentences briefly outlining the condition and difficulties your child may have including their ages.
How many tickets can my organisation apply for?
We usually limit organisations to around 50 tickets per year. For individual families applying it is one application per year.
How long will it take for my application to be assessed?
It can take up to 2 weeks for the initial assessment of your application.
How long will my tickets take?
In busy periods it may take up to 4 weeks for the tickets to be sent out.
How long will my cheque take?
Once we receive your receipts/proof of travel your cheque will take approximately 4-6 weeks.
Who will send out my tickets?
Your tickets will be sent out by the attraction.
Why didn’t my cheque arrive with my tickets?
Cheques are issued by Merlin Head Office and tickets are issued by each individual attraction. Cheques usually take longer as they have to be authorised by our finance department. It could also be that we haven’t yet received your proof of travel (receipt, invoice, quote etc)
What dates are the tickets valid on?
The tickets are valid on any day throughout the year. However there are restrictions on certain days of the year, this will be notified on your confirmation. Please check the back of your tickets for dates exempt from use. Also please check the attraction website for park open dates and times.
What do I do if my tickets haven’t arrived?
If your tickets haven’t arrived 5 working days before your intended visit please contact us (details on this website).
What do I do if my cheque hasn’t arrived?
Contact us and we will chase it up for you.
What do you accept as Proof of Condition?
Any headed document/letter from an established or approved organisation confirming the child's condition e.g. doctor's letter, hospital appointment/diagnosis letter, consultant's diagnosis, confirmation from school etc. At the moment we cannot accept DLA letter as Proof of Condition.
