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The packages for the rides let you 'mix and match' what rides you go on, and have no time restriction on. For example, their roller coaster package gives you 5 Fastrack rides, and you can choose to do 1 ride on each coaster, have 1 person do 5 rides on 1 coaster, have 5 people do 1 ride on 1 coaster, etc. Must admit I was dubious about it at first, but they seem to have got the numbers right. And if it works like many other European parks who offer similar Fastpass style packages, where they've taken inspiration from, that's only going to be a good thing.

Not that I disagree, but I do think that having multiple queuing options can work provided those lines are designed and managed properly. This is where Merlin parks falter in particular - they've either retrofitted Fastrack and Disabled access queue lines into their attractions (major rides pre-2004 for Fastrack, and arguably all rides pre-2013 for Disabled access) or they're managed poorly, with staff doing terrible ratios. I must confess that Thorpe's new Fastrack system has worked well so far this year. Admittedly the system hasn't been put under the pressure of a hugely busy day yet, so it'll be interesting to see how it goes then. A good system is a good start to ironing out the flaws with it all.

So the ride has been running quite well recently and is a prime exmaple of how attractions can run more efficiently with a single line. As the only coaster without fastrak and no disabled queue at the time we visited, the normal queue line moved constantly and we only waited around 10mins or so to get on. Just highlights how fastrack only inflates queue times and costs all guests money for those who buy it and time for those who don't. It's an overall negative system for all guests whether you pay for it or not.

I understand that Goose Island has also appeared at the Alton Towers Hotel, not sure about the park though. For the last coupe of years at Fin's you could at least get London Pride in a bottle if you didn't fancy lager. The street food pop up was run by the same outside company that runs the chocolate fountain stall near Slammer: http://wearepineapple.co.uk/chalets/theme-parks-and-visitor-attractions

Didn't know the Tiger Rock tunnel had a PopWorld IP but fair play for securing that one on the quiet, lads!

But just remember guys, it's better than nothing! ?

15/10 on the tunnel scale

I guess in all fairness everyone has their own favourite (and least favourite) parks. I think part of the reason why is these parks seem to be pushing the boats out in terms of theming and experience. Not to mention they are likely the most visited European parks by enthusiasts. I’m probably in that bubble considering they are all my top three. There are definitely more great parks out there though in Europe. Liseberg, Plopsaland and Gardaland (maybe). Tover Land might be one to watch out for too amongst others. Disneyland Paris is self explanatory. Anyways, keeping this topic unpopular now: 1/ Walking Dead is better than Derren Brown’s Ghost Train 2/ Walking Dead is the best ‘small’ investment since 2007 3/ Saw is rougher than Colossus Throw the tomatoes if you like then

Over the last few closed days Swarm has seen some work, The Rear of the console has now had its painting finished, this should hopefully be abit more durable to guests than the stick on police style colors. The beams in the station have been painted to make it look abit better, hopefully just temporary till they can replace the wood in there properly. The water effects are also now working and back on again. Still a couple of little bits not working, the sound volume around the area is still pretty low and the bell tower sound effect still isnt working but hopefully this can be fixed soon!

FFS Merlin. Please give up, just go, leave our parks, sell them, close them frankly if this is what constitutes for improvements in you book. That didn't just happen, obviously. Money has been spent to turn the fantastic dragons head into that. Actual money. By the people who supposedly can't afford basic upkeep or remotely appropriate opening hours. So so sad.