Leaderboard

In addition to the above - I have to say I really do miss the almost obsessive fan culture that used to exist around Thorpe. Not so long ago there would be something to read about online every few days, even if it was just little things like new signage appearing, a change of audio somewhere, things that had been fixed etc. Closed season as well - we would always have detailed updates from many sources (including the park themselves) about what was going on. All that stuff still happens at Thorpe of course - but I suppose we’ve all moved on from sharing about it online! I think for me this sort of thing is what’s missing now. It seems to me that that level of enthusiasm doesn’t exist for Thorpe anymore, or if it does then it looks different now. Perhaps there’s a gap in the market for this since Mr Silkstone has moved on from all that, and the traditional forums are no longer busy. Because actually when you look at other parks, namely DLP and the upcoming Universal UK, there is quite a fan base already following the developments in microscopic detail. Thorpe just doesn’t seem to have that active fan base anymore for some reason outside of big projects like Hyperia.

After last weeks annoyance of the Service, a new cable and train 3 refurbished, yesterday Stealth ran really well and the team were pushing the trains through quickly, even in the high temperatures. Both trains had also been cleaned.

Had my first visit this past weekend. This had become a bit of a bucket list park over the last few years and was glad to finally get out there. Great rollercoaster collection to start off with. I thought Kondaa was fabulous, an outstanding attraction. Intamin were really cooking around this time. I've seen it described as a modern day Expedition Ge Force. Well yeah, it has similarities but whereas EGF always left me feeling underwhelmed, Kondaa was sublime. Also loved Mecalodon. I love family Gerstlauers, there's just a lot of innovation and experimentation with the model. This being the latest one, it just has so much for family groups and is so much fun. Tiki Wawa is okay. It's not an amazing version of the ride type unfortunately. Not worth the regular 45 minute waits. Turbine is amazing. Absolutely loved it. Great theme, great ride. Pulsar also impressed. I didn't think it would be my kind of ride but actually, it was really fun. The backwards air time was lovely and it wasn't too wet. Just enough. Calamity Mine was great, Boomerang was a boomerang. the SLC was fine, I'm now pretty used to riding these defensively so therefore I know when to brace. I still really like the layout on these things, even though the trains really do make them a battle. Loup-Garou was a big reason for the trip, I wanted to get on it before it says goodbye at the end of the year. To be honest, I'm a big defender of these horrible janky woodies. This was hilariously bad. I can see why its being renovated by RMC, but it still has a charm. The dark rides were also of really high quality. I shall be back..

I do agree. The buzz we had with Hyperia and the Passholder Group has certainly gone, and we're technically 2 rides down with Rumba Rapids permanent closure and Zodiac being SBNO for over a year. I'd love to see some new flat rides to bring some excitement back into the park, but there are also some pretty significant issues that need addressing, such as the security/entrance procedure and the Ghost Train. One thing I will say though, is that although we've had nothing new and not much excitement, it's still the best run Merlin park in the UK by far in my opinion, and it continues to have the best opening hours. Operations are always on point whenever I go, and I always have a pleasant day. I can't say the same for most other parks in the country. I usually avoid the park most of July and August but will certainly be going to a couple of the 9pm closes in August.

Hard to gauge these days. The last time a new flat ride had permission applied was the Dodgems way back for 2014. That was a simple one and planning permission went in December 2013 and the ride opened May 2014. Prior to that, Storm Surge had an application go in July/August 2010 and opened March 2011. Slammer and Rush were August 2004 and opened March and May 2005 respectively. The big caveat though is in all of those situations, the park had an active MTDP which had already identified those areas as potential spots for flat rides. So it meant the planning permission process was easier and quicker. Obviously, there's no active MTDP now. And more importantly, the last couple of planning applications to the council have been surrounded in difficulties, to the point where the Launchpad was effectively delayed a year. It doesn't mean we won't see anything next year. But one would expect if something were coming, they'd want the application in as early as possible to mitigate any issues or delays. So realistically, I don't see any new rides for next year.

I think what Thorpe need to do to spike interest is to get the Derren Brown IP back on Ghost Train. Thorpe is certainly entering an interesting/worrying (delete as appropriate) phase in it's timeline. There are a whole bunch of flats getting very old all at the same time, Stealth starting to become a bit of a worry, Slammer area empty (still).... then you have question marks over the longevity of TWD and what they do once that IP runs out, Ghost Train as a ticking time bonb that surely has SBNO written all over it sooner rather than later - and now Rumba Rapids rotting whilst they decide what to do next. If they suddenly decide to get a flat or two for 2027, when would we need to see planning permission? Next few months I assume?

Overspeeding is a b*tch XD

Not sure whats up with it, but it has been testing on and off so hopefully nothing too serious. Personally my favourite flat at the park in recent years so hopefully be back soon!

There's a few contributing factors I think... -Post-big investment lull. As Benin mentioned, there can be lulls after big investments at parks. Not every park, but it is common. It's funny because historically Thorpe was good at avoiding that by having some marketing gimmick for the year after a big investment (Stealth's "upgrade", Saw with Saw Alive, Swarm's Brave it Backwards, DBGT and Rise of the Demon). Hyperia didn't have that, and there's not been anything to follow up. It happens, but it's very bland, yes. -'Time thing'. I assume by this Matt you just mean getting older, and that does play a part of it too I reckon. You get older, and busier, and times just change. And also ties in with what Benin says about the world being general a bit rubbish right now. -Lack of updates. There's things happening at the park, whether it's little touch ups here and there or bigger things behind the scenes. Admittedly right now that is minimal, but it is there. But there's less noise about it all now. The Passholder Group on Facebook closed down. Jack Silkstone, who has been the main source of such things for a few years now, has moved into a more professional capacity so isn't making the little update videos. Fansites (like TPM) have succumbed to the time thing. And there's just very few places providing general updates. -Lack of anything to be excited about. There's no plans to the council for anything new. There's no rumours of anything new coming. Other parks in Merlin are getting things and Thorpe aren't. We're kind of just ticking on by. It makes it hard to have the same enthusiasm. On a personal level, I found 2024 to be such a huge buzz of a year for Thorpe. New coaster, obviously, but the Sparkle Project invigorated lots of other parts of the park. There was optimism for the future and such a positive. Since then, they've followed that up with a much-needed open space by the front of the park (although that execution has split opinion), and nothing else. The park is effectively exactly the same as it was 2 years ago, even down to food outlets. With seemingly nothing new on the horizon, there's only so long one can revisit the exact same place before a bit of burnout hits.

This might be a time thing but I’m not sure but does everyone else think the excitement from 2021-2024 has died down now at Thorpe Park. Nothing really happening throughout the year, nothing really to look forward to. I think if Fright Nights stays the same this year, I think maze wise it will. Then it’s quite a boring year and much of the same for next year. There used to be quite a big fan base active on social media but I think that’s completely gone now

4 ‘Thorpe Park Lates’ dates have been announced for 2 Fridays and Saturdays in August. 14th / 15th and 21st / 22nd once again staying open till 9pm. Sounds like they’ll be making use of launch pad with live DJ sets. Great to see!

Does anyone else find that last, or second last little turn out of sync with the rest of the ride. Obviously it's lining you up to come back to the station. A bit of an anti cimlax.

I’ve returned to Paultons’s Park for the first time since I was a kid, this time with my own toddler who has recently made the magic 1 meter + 4 years old combo, meaning we could go on early everything. It’s probably been over 20 years since I was last there, and the place is now completely unrecognisable. WHAT A PARK. And what a breath of fresh air! I have read reviews and watched videos etc, and had high expectations. But honestly I was blown away by just how good Paultons actually is now, especially when it comes to their newer things. Every expectation I had was exceeded. The rides, theming, food, staff, availability, atmosphere, overall experience, value for money, prices in the park, everything was spot on. Valgard is truly spectacular, and will be unbelievable when the new water coaster opens next year. The back to back large scale additions this year and next are an extremely positive sign of things to come. Can’t wait to see the park continue to grow over the coming years. It’s so encouraging to have had such a positive experience at a UK park, and to see it doing so well. I hope it continues to go from strength to strength as we gain Universal. The future of the UK theme park industry may be shaky across the board, but there are some real positives - Paultons very much being one of them.

Feel like pure sh** man, just don't need this Stealth negativity in my life. Therefore I am happy to confirm that Stealth will be operational for FOREVER. Anyway, Colossus will be the first coaster to go 'cos turquoise paint is very expensive now.

do you ever miss the old days of parm pap? the days back when there was exciting stuff upcoming, and we all waited in eager anticipation? now it is all bad news, and parm pap feels obliged to continue sharing. but no horizons are oncoming at the thorpe of the park in the near of the future and we will all miss the excitement of the construction of a new realm of thrills that happened previously if it happens again parm pap will be there. ready. unless, of course, I have left. LL OO LLLLLL.

Preventing pipe leakages, why not newspaper and bootlaces?