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I agree with the above however, even though it’s got its ride system and has to be kept. The actual system makes little to very minor effect on how you as a guest enjoy the attraction. The back and forth movement of the carriage to point and point b stays the same. However the motions and sequencing can be changed. This is not forgetting the on -board effects, I hope we see some. What I mean by this, yes it’s limited where it takes you but the possibilities of what you as a guest experience are still endless.

That’s the thing, I don’t think anyone has any idea on the scale of this refurb. The marketing makes it look like this is just going to be a quick retheme to get rid of Derren. However from the posters outside and the cafe “theming” it looks pretty substantial. In which case you think they’d try to push it for. From the website and just general online media. It doesn’t feel like there’s a new for 2023 at thorpe. It’s not teased on the map in big bold graphics. This leads me to think, the park we’re working with unknowns. They didn’t know when it was going to open. They didn’t know what the ride is exactly. Marketing agency’s will always be more powerful due to resources and experience. Jack is perfect for event marketing and stuff for around the park, not necessarily things for mass media and creating noise to the GP. You’d think they would have used them for this ride if they genuinely wanted it to succeed

Definitely opening date, gotta be somewhen this month. Only date they wouldn’t open Ghost Train is on same day as Subterra, so literally any date in May. The marketing budget for this ride is pretty much £10. The first announcement, was teased night before then fully announced and then the date is being teased the day before an announcement by just reusing that one picture 😂

Just seen that too. Do you think that means they will announce the opening date tomorrow?

I think the issue is that many of us continue to compare Merlin’s parks with “premium theme parks” as mentioned here, and even Disney. I think that ship sailed many years ago - Merlin don’t seem to want to run premium theme parks, they want to run them like Six Flags. Complaining about Merlin’s dreadful food and poor experience compared to Disney is like complaining about Ryanair’s upcharge for an instant coffee and a broken Kitkat compared to Emirates first class four course meals. I think the problem they’ve got is that Merlin don’t offer the same good overall prices to back it all up. I think it’s a shame though - not so long ago the food at Merlin’s parks was actually really good overall. It’s hard watching it decline isn’t it. I’m still hopeful that things will improve at some point. Since going private they’re investing heavily in new attractions after a period of nothing. Perhaps the focus will shift to overall experience in a couple of years…

A straight airtime coaster would have just turned out to be another generic B&M hyper in my opinion. It would have had your usual long floater hills, camelbacks etc and not been any different from any of the other hypers built. I do think that B&M hypers are great coasters but then don't offer something innovative or special like thorpe wants. I really like the layout of exodus (even if it is a tad short) and as you said it seems very unique, which is definitly a massive positive.

'Rooms'

Having ride-centric rooms is fine enough. But they're not "themed" rooms. They're rooms where instead of broad/generic Thorpe stuff on the walls, they have ride-centric stuff. And a couple of extra bits on drawers. Fine enough idea (and I think that having a few for each ride would be a nice touch), but they don't justify any real extra upcharge imo, even with the bonus Fastrack.

What annoys me more is that Merlin food used to be pretty good and pretty affordable. But its completely the reverse now and the crap you get is no where near worth the money. I'll pay the premium for good food but I'll spend as little as possible if I know the food is questionable. And as I'm more then willing to shovel out $80 for a meal at Tiffins in Disney World, the fact that I really don't want to spend £10 for a burger and fries at The Burger Kitchen says a lot.

You know what else doesn’t belong at a premium theme park? Aramark. If they’re going to outsource food again and increase prices, at least bring back the brands; KFC, McDonald’s / Burger King. Or for something different; Wendy’s, Popeyes, Taco Bell. I remember the Old El Paso place near the flume always did banging fajitas. (with MAP discount) Thorpe at least are keeping the brands and I don’t mind paying for Burger King because I know what I’m going to get and it’s a treat. A basic burger served with bland mushy fries is just not something I’m going to buy at a theme park let alone pay a premium for it.

I just think it's great that Thorpe have bought back rollbacks on Stealth.

The new track was on site about a month or so ago, but did not fit correctly. It has had to be sent back to be realigned. No updates as to how long it will take.