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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LINNANMAKI!

Few more bits of concept art for the Walibi Rhone-Alpes coaster (and new area), have I ever said how much I adore their artwork? Also here's the finale: Some of the developments since I've become a goon have become so ridiculous...

I would say that is extremely unlikely. The ‘upcoming’ Hotel Charles Lindbergh is planned to be located in the brand new Rookburgh area, which is replacing the already demolished Atlantis simulator rides along with F.L.Y. The ‘potentially rumoured’ demolition project is expected to be for either The Temple and Hollywood complex or the Geister Riksha dark ride, the latter seems more likely due to the Fantassima situation and long rumours of the China area being upgraded. Most of the left side of the park just needs complete redevelopment. One must question though, that if the new area does not open until 2020, does that mean the ‘demolition’ project will be pushed back too, as a result?

I know everyone loves an excuse to bash but is colossus really that bad? It went through a stage of being pretty awful - and of course the restraints are not be the best design but it’s hardly unridable - especially in the last 2/3 years the trains are noticeably smoother IMO. Personally I think there are better things the park could spend the money on. There are rides out there which run much rougher!

I believe the main issue with new Intamin trains is that they're wider than Colossus' are currently. So for Thorpe to introduce new trains (which make a noticeable difference to the ride experience), they would need to make station alterations, lift hill alterations, new clearance testing, etc. On top of this, new style trains on track designed for old trains could significantly alter the ride experience in unpredictable ways, so it may not even make a difference. In other words, new trains would cost a significant amount of money (we are talking literally millions, probably more than Thorpe have spent in the past 2 years combined). And there's a, albeit small, risk it may not make any difference. Of course, that doesn't mean there's not stuff Thorpe could do. They just have to think a bit outside the box to come up with an alternative way to improve the ride experience. But sadly, they won't put the energy into that. Frankly, the best thing for Colossus would be to tear it down and build something new. But again, ain't never going to happen...

*Meanwhile Elsewhere* Efteling re-tracks Python (despite not being that rough) Phantasialand re-imagines River Quest (with new theming, effects and soundtrack) Europa continue improving and reimagining attractions I.E Madame Freudenrich, Can Can, etc. Etc. Liseberg ‘quietly’ replace the trains for Banen Asterix begin retracking for Tonnere Colossus despite it’s roughness is a park icon for Thorpe and deserves a lot more than what it gets. The park ‘should’ take pride in it by adding new trains, effects and giving the whole area a ‘massive clean’, repaint and thematic elements. ‘However’ the park management don’t see this as necessary as it ‘apparently’ can’t be seen as worthwhile or marketable. So they invest their money better in other things like ‘gimmicky’ events, ‘short term’ attractions and other things that the park didn’t really need. But ‘oh’, it’s clearly paying off for them when 90% of their customers are complaining about ride unavailability, comfortability and the ‘supposed’ future of Loggers Leap returning (if only). And yet they wonder why numbers are doing so badly compared to other places? Don’t worry everyone, I’m sure they know what they are doing, so they will probably raise prices yet close more shops, restaurants and attractions when it’s not ‘super peak’. “Four months of Rumba operation” you say!

Clearly missing the point when a fair few members on this exact forum are technically illegal in Dubai and surrounding areas due to the out-dated laws... Accusing Mark of being a Daily Mail reader is stealth contender for Post of the Year...

Anyone remember the TPM meet where some members rode Tidal Wave in the snow. That was a great day.