Boyertown, PA – (August, 2008) Gateway Ticketing Systems and Merlin Entertainment continue to grow their relationship with the installation and implementation of Gateway’s Galaxy suite of products at its newest attraction, Legoland Discovery Center in Chicago.
Legoland Discovery Center is a 30,000-square foot facility modeled after two similar (and successful) Legoland attractions in Germany. The center is owned by Merlin Entertainments Group, the number two visitor attraction operator in the world with over 50 attractions in 12 countries.
Merlin has been a Gateway customer since 2006 and originally began working with Gateway prior to their merger with Tussauds. “They chose Gateway for their first Legoland Discovery Center in the United States due to their positive experience with the system at their other Madame Tussauds and Legoland sites,” said Doug Beermann, Gateway Project Manager. “They’re planning to continue to work with Gateway for future installations as well,” he said.
Legoland Discovery Center is taking full advantage of Gateway’s integrated ticketing, revenue and admission control system. For their admission needs the center is using a powerful combination of Galaxy Point of Sale (POS) for ticket sales and SkiData wireless handheld scanners for validation and recording of front gate activity.
Building on the integrated solution, the center will also be using Galaxy POS for retail and full-service snack bar locations, selling annual passes through the Galaxy Photo Pass module, and managing birthday party reservations and group visits through Order Entry and Resource Management.
With the grand opening drawing national media attention on NBC’s “Today” show, the pressure was on for Beermann to ensure the go-live went smoothly. To that end, Gateway provided five days of go-live support from July 28 through August 1.
Overall, Beermann felt good about the delivery results. “With a very short delivery window, Gateway and Legoland were able to work together to greet capacity crowds on July 31, 2008, with a fully functional admission control, retail sales, and food and beverage point of sale system.”
Fast-moving lines and smiling faces on Gateway users and Legoland guests alike were proof of the robustness of the Galaxy system, the dedication of the Gateway team, and the overall success of the Legoland Discover Center go-live.
About Merlin Entertainments Group:
Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location based, quality family entertainment. Now the world's number two visitor attraction operator, it aims to deliver unique, memorable and rewarding experiences to its 30 million visitors worldwide through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and employees. Merlin has over 50 attractions, in 12 countries across three continents - Europe, North America and Asia - and employs over 13,000 staff.
About Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.:
Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. celebrates 20 years as the world leader in high-speed admission control and ticketing software for the attraction, amusement, and intercity bus transportation industries. Located in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, Gateway Ticketing Systems provides sales, service and support for Point of Sale and ticketing systems throughout North America and worldwide.
For more information on Gateway Ticketing Systems, visit www.gatewayticketing.com or call +1 (610) 987-4000.
###