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Really good article with Nick Varney here - actually think he addresses what you say about ghost train too! “When the tech works well, it can offer the chance to create “even more mind-blowing immersive experiences”, he says. However there is a caveat. “A lot of suppliers out there are not delivering on their promises. You create demand, customers queue up, rides break down, and equipment doesn’t work: you end up disappointing a lot of people. It was a point I raised at the IAAPA GM’s breakfast.” “We’ve quite had a lot of issues with this. You want to be innovative but you always have to balance it with how certain you can be of a high level of delivery operationally with new rides and attractions.” https://blooloop.com/features/nick-varney-merlin-entertainments-ceo/

There is a lot more that goes into building mazes then just shoving a tent in the middle of something. There's also a reason why the tunnel is as long as it is, and never been broken up.

That picture itself is a dead meme dude, come on

Hotel World- the world’s first area dedicated to hotels,

I only ever seem to eat at Finns as its far enough away from the screaming teenagers and has nice views of Vortex, Quantum, Rush and Zodiac. I do not like how you can't get red coke though. By all means encourage healthy drinks but don't take away the option completely.

New boats are being tested on the rapids. Credit to our friends at Towers Street again for the news / pictures. People are hopeful this will mean that the waterfalls and normal operations will come back. Even if it means putting danger of death signs in the new boats, I’d accept that to have the waterfalls back on!

Hi Ryan

Please refrain from keeping the Caps lock button on it's bloody annoying. The marque won't be used. That's a corporate space.

Hey Nasher, less of the shouting yo. Mr Optimistic!

Ah yes, DBGT. The future of theme parks. Currently on it's arse and the experience upkeep abandoned after two seasons. Turns out VR is just another short term fad stuck on a now very expensive, purpose built attraction.

Sadly, I think there is evidence that currently the finances and publicity of Merlin are mismanaged, I.e. growth in revenue, growth in visitors, but less revenue from returning visitors. The system of offering free returns to non-annual pass holders after paying for one day ticket is hardly their best idea. Major incidents at "entertainments" require sensible reaction to encourage continuing and returning visitors, whether those entertainments are a one off, arranged on an annual basis or a daily opening location. The investigative authorities have a part to play in this and their co-operation or not, can cause the demise or success of the next similar event. The majority of those who then maintain that "it should be closed, not allowed, or restricted" will be those who don't attend those events, and those who have been sadly affected by incidents. Knee jerk reactions are the main cause of the cancellation of most recurring events, whether that be an injury sustained by a fairground ride, or an aircraft crashing at an airshow. No-one demands that a motorway is closed and grassed over following a fatal accident, rather, "get it cleared, I need to get on", why? because the majority use the motorways. My opinions only.

I preferred it in the days they used the midnight syndicate music. For several years every attraction had a different track. It's very generic audio wise now days and reduces the atmosphere greatly IMO. You couldn't beat humpty dumpty on Detonator! I still thoroughly enjoyed platform 15 and, Big Top last season and am still looking forward to FN this year.