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Showing content with the highest reputation since 02/29/24 in Posts

  1. JoshC.

    Sparkle Project

    I went on the BTS tour of the park today. Great tour it should be said; it was headed up by Russ, who is a fantastic speaker. I did mean to ask about the screen, but honestly forgot. It does seem like it won't be fixed for start of season (I believe the park said this in the passholder group a few weeks back too). A real shame. Hopefully they can hide the dead pixels with whatever they put on the screen. Okay, now time for some updates. Everything is still a Work in Progress it should be stressed Toilets Loo enthusiasts rejoice. All the toilets have received some love. Swarm toilets. The walls have been painted green (originally white), and no more foot pedal sinks Megastore toilets are nicely themed Tidal Wave The rebuilt bridge, with the original Pier 13 style. The fire effect is proving very tricky to implement, but is being planned still Big Easy Boulevard Stealth Colossus The park have released that the entrance is a bit flat, and so are looking to add more colour/depth to it, although this will happen mid-season. The shop front looks nice. In terms of the rest of the repaint, and indeed a Sparkle Project continuation, the park hope to do that either next closed season, or the closed season after. The park want to do it regardless, and recognise they need to keep up appearances - literally - now that they've started to do this. Personally, I hope it happens next closed season, as it does look a little jarring in places. The park is looking lovely though, with the Hyperia area coming along and looking smart. There's other small updates too, such as KFC getting refitted and other new food places. Some parts of the park are still a bit tired looking / haven't really been touched. Rumba/Inferno is the big example I would say. And the Sparkling up does highlight how tatty some parts of that area, and the likes of Swarm and Saw, look. I do wonder if this means that, come opening, some enthusiasts will focus too much on those and not the fab stuff that we've seen heavily documented and shouted out about. But yes, it's clear to see the park have put time, effort and money into things this winter, and they're taking strides in the right direction. I'm excited to see what will happen and hope their plans pay off!
    6 points
  2. Mattgwise

    The Swarm

    Station organ audio is back and some audio added to the lifthill too. The most welcome change however is that the Swarm vests no longer lock at dispatch, making for a far more comfortable ride. This brings it in line with more modern B&M Wing Riders.
    3 points
  3. I was in the area due to work so I thought it would be rude not to pop in Tuesday and Wednesday, so thought I'd share some thoughts from this season below. I didn't bother visiting with no Nemesis last year so was my first time in a couple years, meaning it was also my first time on the Curse. Was really impressed with this, couldn't comment on what effects were working/broken as I'd never been on before. Easily my favorite dark ride in the UK. Main reason for visiting was to get as many rides as possible on Nemmy. Got 5 on Tuesday, but was only open half a day so was expecting a better day on Wednesday, but with it only operating with half a train I only went on it twice. One of them I got in the queue just before 4pm, and it still took 85 mins with no fastrack/rap. Got back on Sub Terra for the first time in yearssss, same as I remember nothing special but nice to have a filler attraction back, something towers really lack. The park in general looks really fresh. Oblivion in particular looking really good. Could tell the Smiler has had some touch ups but still looking pretty poor in some places. Towers always seem pretty consistent on the effects and audio front. Audio everywhere was sounding great, didn't notice any broken/distorted speakers. A lot of their speakers are still bose too which I prefer. Operationally wise, pretty poor. The staff were all doing a great job with what they had, but every major coaster bar Nemesis has started the season on reduced capacity. This isn't just due to it being a weekday as well, as I've heard it was the same on the weekend. Rita - 1 train Thirteen - 2 trains (3rd train currently in pieces under the lift hill) Oblivion - 4 trains 1 station. No complaints here, team were smashing it and it didn't have a queue. Smiler - 3 trains Wickerman - 2 trains Galactica - 2 trains 1 station Nemmy - 2 trains Tuesday, till around 20 mins before closing 1 train. Opened on Weds on half a train and remained like that all day. Few other points; - Never been the biggest fan of Wickerman but I was really enjoying it this trip. It was absolutely flying round in the rain on Wednesday, the back row and front row rides I had are the best I've ever had on it. 6 years on its still looking like a brand new ride, solid edition to their lineup and nice they're looking after it. - Same goes for Smiler, never been the biggest fan but no matter where I was sat was riding really smooth and really enjoyed it. Single rider queue on it is lovely too. - Pleasantly surprised to see roaming actors at Nemesis, Curse and Wickerman on an offpeak weekday. They do add to the areas, and I wish Thorpe had this approach rather than the cringe we get there. Would prefer a few actors at Swarm and Saw than the 'thrill makers' - Love the fact the park opens early, believe the entrance opens at 9. On Wednesday I got in just after 9:30, went straight to dark forest. By just after 10, I had done 2 rides on Rita and and Thirteen thanks to them both opening early. - Galactica really doesn't fit in with Forbidden Valley anymore and is looking in a state. The track looks pretty terrible, half the TVs off, projector off in the station. Just looks like they've given up with it, so hopefully a re-theme coming with the new flat next year. - 4pm close. In my opinion if queues are anything more than 10 minutes, especially a park the size of Towers, it should never close at 4. 5pm minimum. - As someone who really likes flats, there really isn't a lot to do apart from going coaster to coaster. It seems they're going to address this though, I do hope there is more coming than the 1 they've already put plans in for.
    3 points
  4. Cal

    Sparkle Project

    I noticed Russ mentioned this too, but unless I'm imagining things they were definitely spinning all of last season 😄
    3 points
  5. Mark9

    Nemesis

    That's pretty much all the eye does. It's given life by the claws around the eye moving up and down like its in anger. There was already some dead pixels so hopefully its an easyish fix. I was very excited for the return of Nemesis and I'm very happy that it's already running incredibly well, pretty much picking up where the old OG left off. I was concerned it might run slow but it isn't. I think it's a success and the energy around Nemesis was electrifying. Managed 6 rides including a front row and a back row and I'm happy.
    3 points
  6. Cornflakes

    Nemesis

    Have some in-depth thoughts about Nemesis Reborn and the new Forbidden Valley, entirely about the new theming, as you all know the ride itself is excellent - It’s Nemesis! Been looking forward to this a lot, but had some reservations regarding Forbidden Valley and its theming, I do think it’s a real shame that Forbidden Valley has lost its Post Apocalyptic, Mad Max-y vibe, but what’s been done with the new theme is - regardless of personal taste - very impressive. Almost every major set piece moves, every set piece has sound, the station and shop have their own small show sequences, the theming is dynamic in a way that Merlin hasn’t really attempted before. The area makes you feel like you’re in a bombastic monster movie, if old Forbidden Valley was about exploring where an event had happened, New is about seeing it, hearing it, and feeling it happen. This whole project feels like Merlin’s first step into the modern era of theme parks, if this is the new quality bar for Merlin there’s a lot to be excited about. Towers' continual commitment to street theatre helps the area shine as well. I’m not under the illusion there will be this many characters out all the time, but knowing you’ll see at least one of them is a lot of fun and helps the area feel alive. I’m particularly fond of the Mushroom Cloud Tour Guide, hope you find your bus king! This isn’t to say everything’s perfect of course, the “school perimeter” fencing is ugly and the gun in the queue line screams “We tried to move the old one but it fell apart, so we threw this together” But what’s wrong is pretty minor and fixable, after seeing the tweaks Alton Manor got last year I wouldn’t be surprised if we *actually* saw this stuff worked on. But yeah, really impressed with it all, Forbidden Valley truly feels like it belongs to Nemesis again. I’m looking forward to spending more time in the area throughout the year and seeing how it evolves over the coming years, they cooked!
    3 points
  7. The park need to decide whether they prioritise the main season or the winter season. If they want to do both, the engineering team need to be expanded. They also said a week or so ago that some rides like Rattlesnake and Griffons Galleon will not be open on off-peak days. Poor decision as Rattlesnake seemed to be one of the few rides that was running well over the weekend. Merlin theme parks really test my patience at times. The general expectation at a theme park is to go and rides will be running. At Merlin it's currently a gamble if anything is open on time or for at least half the day.
    2 points
  8. JoshC.

    Hyperia - New for 2024

    You'll have to forgive a bit of a link dump, but during a BTS tour I got to see a bit more of Hyperia and some fun facts... https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766791884666544449?t=c96RATcXM8UrrzRA8-7ObA&s=19 Some views of the site. SRQ is confirmed. The ride will be complete in the next day or two, weather dependent, with trains arriving on site this week. The exterior of the station building is complete. It was heavily suggested there will be some cool dispatch sequence in the station. https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766797980240109858?t=0xMAcaISYwT5khd0YDG80Q&s=19 No on board audio https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766874159068455258?t=PDHRqEdLGuNipTVLBcEG_w&s=19 Hyperia is easily seen across the whole resort. There will be a backstory to the ride. Not clear whether it's just a short piece they've written to appease geeks, or whether it will be conveyed in the area / queue line. It's fairly basic. I can't share what it is sadly, but yeah, it's a simple story. The ride doesn't need it anyways. In terms of the viewing area. This was planned but has been cut because it was later realised that it would require a lot of fencing which would ultimately distract from the whole area and the view. The ride's camera point will either be at the bottom of the first drop or prior to the splash effect. One final thing. The early thoughts for Hyperia were coming together in April 2020. The ride was approved by the old Merlin exec (ie Nick Varney, etc). This means that Hyperia is a sort of hybrid of Merlin philosophies, old and new. Had it been a 'new Merlin' project, it's possible that things might have been a bit different, with more theming / styling present.
    2 points
  9. Benin

    Liseberg

    Jeez this topic completely missed the MASSIVE fire that happened at the under construction waterpark. In more positive news, the Helix music is now on Spotify. That's my listening sorted.
    2 points
  10. JoshC.

    Rocky Express

    Where's the stupid post guy when you need him? Nowhere to be seen? I'll fill in... Ding dong, the Express is dead Which Express? The Rocky Express.
    2 points
  11. Mattgwise

    Rocky Express

    They have kept the sign so i'd say it seems very possible 😂. You can see it down Monks Walk by Rumba Rapids.
    2 points
  12. MattyMoo

    Thorpe Park 2024 Map

    My biggest gripe is they haven't pointlessly renamed Vibes bar again, what on earth are they thinking? Interesting that Detty says about a "finale" - some sort of fireworks related effect perhaps or reading too much into it?
    2 points
  13. JoshC.

    Park Operations

    That is generally what roller coasters do, to be fair.
    1 point
  14. MattyMoo

    Park Operations

    I've seen that Colossus has been up and down a bit. Opening day availability went to the wall when a storm hit combined with "strong" winds, but that can't be helped - at one point, everything was closed bar TWDTR, Rush and Dobble Tea Party.
    1 point
  15. Hopefully this is the start of slightly stronger ops on Oblivion! In previous years, it's often had slightly weaker operations, with throughputs slipping to 800-900pph on occasions, so I was pleased to see this improved throughput reading! That's an interesting finding with Wicker Man. Clearly it was going a bit slower during your visit, as both of my readings had it closer to 800pph, or dispatches roughly 10s or so faster.
    1 point
  16. Cal

    Samurai

    Samurai is looking fresh!
    1 point
  17. Yeah I must admit I didn't know whether or not to add it to the list, but the park are still yet to announce a permanent closure. Its also still listed as closed on the ride availability page (https://www.chessington.com/plan-your-visit/resort-information/ride-availability/) but looks like this page hasn't been updated for a good while! Its a strange one as I thought they would be desperate to get this back open, and it was seen testing last season. But maybe they have bigger plans for this area now!
    1 point
  18. Not that it makes a difference to your point, but Scorpion hasn't run since mid-2022, and is completely absent from the park's map now. Whether it's died a slow and painful death or just taking a hibernation, who knows...
    1 point
  19. Thanks for this @Matt N always find these interesting! Its so satisfying being in the Nemesis queue, always seem to have a good team running it and the queue constantly moves. Nice to see Oblivion is being ran slightly better this year hopefully that continues. Only timing I got last week was in the Wickerman queue as I was bored and was interested how it does on 2 trains. Were dispatching trains roughly every 2 mins so 720.
    1 point
  20. Cal

    Hyperia - New for 2024

    Thanks Parm this is a brilliant update! I don’t think anyone on here expected the trains to arrive soon
    1 point
  21. For anyone who's interested, I managed to time various ride throughputs on my visits to Alton Towers yesterday and today. The throughput readings I managed to attain are as follows: Galactica (Theoretical: 1,500pph on 3 trains/2 stations): 871pph (3 trains/2 stations, 24th March 2024, average of 10) Nemesis Reborn (Theoretical: 1,400pph on 2 trains): 1,301pph (2 trains, 23rd March 2024, average of 8 ) Oblivion (Theoretical: 1,900pph on 7 shuttles/2 stations): 1,146pph (5 shuttles/2 stations, 24th March 2024, average of 7) Rita (Theoretical: 1,150pph on 2 trains): 394pph (1 train, 23rd March 2024, average of 5), 357pph (1 train, 24th March 2024, average of 8 ) Runaway Mine Train (Theoretical: 1,061pph on 1 train): 473pph (1 train, 23rd March 2024, average of 4) Note: The back car was missing, so the 473pph figure, which assumed a full train of 46, would have been more like 432pph in reality due to the train actually only carrying 42 riders as opposed to the usual 46. The average dispatch interval was 5m 49s, for reference. Wicker Man (Theoretical: 952pph on 3 trains): 829pph (2 trains, 23rd March 2024, average of 8), 770pph (2 trains, 24th March 2024, average of 8 ) I also have a few other side observations and insights to offer: Operations on Nemesis Reborn were noticeably slower today than they were yesterday. Yesterday's operations, listed above, saw dispatch intervals of 90s or less and little to no stacking, with a train often being dispatched as the one in front of it was still completing the course. Today, however, dispatch intervals of no faster than 2 minutes were being attained and stacking was routine. I'm not sure what the difference was, but today's operations were notably slower. I was unable to get a proper timing, but a brief attempt I made at timing saw a dispatch interval of over 2 minutes being attained, and I'd say that this was quite par for the course for the time I was in the queue. Pretty much every train I saw stacked outside the station for a notable period. For some perspective, I waited 60 minutes from the gun for my ride yesterday, while I queued 50 minutes from a little before the Phalanx shipping container lab for my ride today. The Smiler looked as though it might have been running 4 trains today, but I wasn't sure. I say this because the ride was often attaining perfect duelling, which I wouldn't imagine is possible on only 3 trains! I noticed that the intervals on Galactica appeared to be pretty inconsistent when I was doing the timing above. The intervals appeared to range between 80s and over 3 minutes!
    1 point
  22. The Big One by far. The way it whips round to the right is always a bit terrifying. But Hyperia could take the best first drop.
    1 point
  23. A staff member told me Oblivion was meant to have a huge station overhaul for this year, including 5 lines into the station (not sure what the 5th would be for?) which would include the return of the SRQ, but was pushed back to next closed season. Hopefully that still happens for next year! And agreed was nice to see them smashing throughputs on it for once. On Tues they were using 2/4 trains (every other train) as it had no queue, first time in years I've not had to wait on the break run!
    1 point
  24. Angel

    WWTP Radio

    In 2016, a full 3 hour and 45 minute version of WWTP Radio's Stealth mix was uploaded to YouTube, but has since been delete for quite a while. I'm sure someone out there has at least one Stealth mix, as I heard through the grape vine someone on here made an extended mix the park used for a few years. I'm very eager to find this mix and won't rest until it's unearthed and shared with the world once more... Anyone who has this full mix, which includes the songs and ads and segments, please reply to this post. Or anyone who knows where it may be, please do let me know. Thank you!
    1 point
  25. Call me mad but I visited on the opening day as Nemesis is a very missed coaster. All the park updates this year justified a new annual pass for me. I didn't run to FV but I knew if I didnt go there first thing, the queues were going to be mental. Anyway, only ended up waiting 2 hours which wasn't bad for the insane popularity that day. One thing I've not experienced before is the positive energy and enthusiasm in that morning queue. The atmosphere really was electric. I'll go in depth on Nemesis on the other thread. Forbidden Valley was a nice surprise to me. I wasnt expecting such an overhaul of that whole area. The atmosphere there now is just top level. Frankly I could happily spend all day just in that area and Gloomy Wood. It feels like a different park. As I did not go last season, The Curse was also new to me. Feels like a proper ghost train again now. my favourite effect was the hall of mirrors where Emily is riding in an empty carraige in your reflection and then it turns back into your own reflection at the end. I love all the little references and easter eggs in general, such a nice nod to the parks history. Oblivion was smashing it in terms of operations. It had all 6 trains going round and not stacking for too long. The repainted hole was looking vibrant and a bit of a taster for the sparkle project to come. This did however make the station feel very worn and looking like it's in need of a modernisation itself. X-Sector felt very empty even with the end now blocked off to guests. Surely that area must be in sight of a Forbidden Valley style update. Rita was probably the worst for operations. Didn't even bother. If it was on two trains, they were stacked in the station. Thirteen was fine, nothing negative to say although it always seems to have a massive RAP queue which I find funny considering it's supposed to be for those who have issues with queueing. Thought I'd give Burger Kitchen another chance this year. My god the burgers are still awful but they are charging a premium for quality worse than a fast food chain. The burgers are literally like the frozen horse meat you get in the freezer isle. They need to get rid of that Aramark contract and bring back the fast food franchises because I'm not eating there again. It's one thing if they were running it themselves but now they are outsourcing again this is just not acceptable. They are smashing it with the merchandise, some great offerings and proper embroidered items that are going to last. When I went to Engerylandia I was rather disappointed with the lack of branded merch so Merlin in general do a great job here. Overall I had a good day. Nice to see Towers busy and as popular as ever. The new areas are a great sign of the future for Towers if they can sort out the food.
    1 point
  26. The distinct lack of filler rides was far more telling yesterday with 3 big coasters down (Thirteen, Galactica and Wickerman) for a considerable time. Fortunately Nemmie was on full capacity but the park need far more than the one they're getting next year. There's at least 2 spots free in X-Sector, and could definitely fit more elsewhere with some ingenuity. Meant lots of 50 minute plus queues across the board for the majority of the day (exacerbated by many school trips mind). Which severely limited our choices of ride due to the 4pm close. Granted we did spend a fair chunk of time in CBeebies Land though. I'll probably contact the park regarding not being able to combine RAP with Parent Swap as it is very much a killer to our day if we don't have 2 RAP users in the group currently. Also a lack of decent eateries needs to be addressed. Not asking for much but there are so many Burgers & Hot Dogs across the park but few alternatives. Especially if you want a sit down inside. The prices are obscene too. Not visiting Pizza Pasta whilst it's £21 per person (plus baby isn't big on pizza. She's strange). Alty Mans is fab. Dark and creepy as. Couple of iffy effects here and there but on the whole is a fantastic refurb. Between that and Nemmie the future could be bright. Does mean other areas look awful comparatively though. It was great to have Nemesis back. Had a good day overall but that was the only coaster we did due to the limited capacity and queues. There's still a lot of work to be done.
    1 point
  27. JoshC.

    Thorpe Shark Hotel

    Update to this; the park are keeping these for a further 10 years whilst they work on a permanent hotel:
    1 point
  28. Benin

    Nemesis

    Back on fully loading 2 trains this morning. She's back ❤️
    1 point
  29. Benin

    Nemesis

    Started on one then second added around midday. Is very strange. Saw claims of overspeeding which might make sense with the new magnetic brakes and over sensitive modern day sensors. Would also explain the half filled trains. However if on the weekend they revert back to full loading it'll make little sense.
    1 point
  30. JoshC.

    Sparkle Project

    All things TPM reported here and on social media a couple of weeks ago, without having to watch a 40 minute video with ads Thanks for rounding up the key things from the video Matt; appreciated as always!
    1 point
  31. JoshC.

    Detonator

    I'd imagine with Nemesis there would be some sort of grandfather ruling where because it's the same ride, they can keep the same station / airgates set-up. Which begs the question further why Detonator had tweaks.
    1 point
  32. Cal

    Detonator

    Agreed. If it was H&S I'd rather they just made the queue slightly taller. I know its a different park but it amazes me the Nemesis airgates were aloud to stay but this isn't aloud. I was thinking that re the floor. Hope that does get sorted as they've put a lot of work in to make the area look great, but that looks terrible...
    1 point
  33. Cal

    Nemesis

    Got back on Nemesis today. Overall, they've done a great job with the area and I do like the new colour scheme. I do prefer the original music, and the original queue line too. Yes the new queue offers new views of the ride I hadn't seen before, but I quite liked queuing down in the pit and getting close to the ride. It didn't open till around 1ish today so was a bit busier than I expected. They also decided to take a train off 20 mins before park close, causing a queue. Weird decision unless there was an issue with the train. Apart from that though, they were running it flawlessly as usual with little to no stacking. Strange decision to remove the front row queue. Was also annoying having a batcher in the station so you can no longer choose a row. Hoping this doesn't last long, they never bothered with that before and it never seemed to be an issue. Hoping for a better day tomorrow and to get on the back row.
    1 point
  34. Big One by some distance. Though Hyperia should have something to say about that!!
    1 point
  35. Either The Swarm or Dragons Fury for me
    1 point
  36. Swarm for me I think. Dive drops are just lovely
    1 point
  37. Oblivions first drop is my favorite in the UK, and Kondaa outside of UK Definitely think Hyperias has the potential to clinch the title for me 😃
    1 point
  38. Benin

    Nemesis

    She's back on Saturday.
    1 point
  39. ML27

    Sparkle Project

    Watching peoples videos from the tour, the updates made do look nice! However, the flooring across the park needs to be replaced urgently. It actually brings down their work and by now should have all Covid markers pressure washed by now
    1 point
  40. tactic

    Sparkle Project

    No way they're staying with that screen for the start of the season. Just doesn't make sense to pay all that money to refresh the rest of the enterance and most of the park but leave the dodgy screen. Hopefully the new video/graphic is playing on it just to test how it will look when the new screen arrives....
    1 point
  41. MattyMoo

    Sparkle Project

    Just turn the ruddy thing off Credit Coastersnaps on Twitter or "X" as no-one calls it.
    1 point
  42. Benin

    Rocky Express

    Lady Di is riding it with Sir Capt. Tom & Baby P.
    1 point
  43. Damn I'd forgotten about this. Swarm was also meant to have a viewing area of sorts that took you up to the helicopter. There's a reoccurring theme here....
    1 point
  44. I wonder if you’ll still be able to see the splashdown? if not, it makes you wonder what’s the point of that, since splashdowns really are better for onlookers than for riders.
    1 point
  45. The lack of viewing area is a real shame. At the same time, it was always in a silly location, since it could only be located after going on the ride, or by going through the exit shop. So logistically it was a bit weird. Still, that's not enough to have put a damper on it. Just wish it could have happened; overlooking the lake and getting the view of the ride would have been awesome.
    1 point
  46. MattyMoo

    Detonator

    I'll be intrigued to see if Detty gets some crazy queue times just because of the new area. Such a good little flat, one of Thorpe's most bang-for-their-buck additions.
    1 point
  47. As much as it'll be nice to have Nemesis back, Hyperia for me. It took me a while to get exited for Hyperia and although I still have my doubts I do believe we could have something quite special here!
    1 point
  48. Hyperia. Nemesis is great. And will be great. But Hyperia.
    1 point
  49. I'm looking forward to Hyperia but just as excited to see Nemesis up and running again!
    1 point
  50. So today Chessington has the following closed all day; - Mandrill Mayhem - Rattlesnake - Tiger Rock - Zufari - Tomb Blaster - Tiny Truckers - Seastorm - Monkey Swinger - Scorpion Express Dragons Fury has operated for 1 hour so far today and is currently closed. What an absolute shambles. I swear this is getting worse every year. I feel like Thorpe and Towers have both turned a corner and are making the right decisions and investments. The same can't be said for Chessington unfortunately... The park also re validated tickets yesterday due to ride availability.
    0 points
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