Marc

I don't get the screen hate - I personally thought some of the best attractions out in Orlando were the ones fully screen based! Although obviously that may differ elsewhere across the world.

I think what a lot of people sometimes forget is these parks are there to entertain the general public, the general public expectations of a theme park trip is significantly lower than what a coaster enthusiasts would be. I'm a frequent visitor to Thorpe and am well aware they are not perfect, but each time I go I'm able to enjoy my day out get on, which lets be honest here are a selection of very good rides and enjoy my day out, I can visit as much as I like all year for under £200 a year, that includes the other top theme parks in the uk and a whole host of other attractions, the value for money here is quite incredible really. Having differnt opinions is good and promotes healthy discussion which is the point of these forums but please let's try keep this on topic and all look forward to getting on The Ghost Train, which is ultimately the reason we are all posting here!

Maybe they just need to test the sign updates as it should? Anyway let's be happy there's progress!

Maybe wrong but this maybe where they can open the track to pump in sand to quieten it down - think inferno has this too.

I imagine it will be Merlin Magic Making who will decide if it's ready rather than Derren - I just can't see them opening the ride on the weekend when the parks more busy. Exciting to see progress though after all this time!

I doubt they need Derren there to open the ride, not that I think they would soft open at the weekend.

Rita can and has rolled back! If the rollback is caused by lack of power rather than the elements then I guess any ride could roll back!

Did see Colossus open when I got thetr but was getting evacuated later on. Staff member outside stealth said they were waiting for the bunker to cool down - that did reopen shortly after

Ha over on some universal forums they are giving it 2 months ?

I guess it makes a change from people claiming they over estimate to sell fastrack tickets!!

Maybe done the ground works but RCS built the ride it's self .

Ride construction services as far as I know did swarm - as far as I know TG do a lot of ground work for Merlin and not just smiler / saw.

Mmm out of the many coasters Merlin have constructed its the Gerstlauer ones which have problems.. yeah defiantly merin..

I remember a few years ago rumors cropped up of it being converted into a bowling ally / arcade - would of been awesome for hotel guests!

Thorpe Park have confirmed to us this is fake. As you were!

Please lets try keep this on topic - Im sure Insider wouldn't post without being confident in the information being posted. We will just need to sit tight and wait and see and wait for further information from the park!

From the Thorpe website - may actually be its first full day down since it opened! (Other than weather!)

£50 for the annual one or £30 a day. The annual one is pretty good value if your a frequent visitor!

Dont get me wrong I'm not disputing that - what im trying to say is why would Merlin lower prices if it sells out at the prices we think are too high?

Whilst I agree hotels are pricey, the fact they sell out a lot would indicate to me they are not too expensive. Prices are driven by demand, when it's quiet they are cheap, when it's busier they are more.

Have moved all Merlin discussion to a more relevant topic!

I think its fair to say Merlin had their own share of bad press last year too!

Hasnt Shanghai's delays and over spend caused budget cuts including removal of attractions, open hours and closure of F&B units.. All sounds very farmillair to me.. http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20160216/31480/x-reasons-why-massive-cuts-are-happening-all-over-disney-parks

Thing is when you consider how small a country we really are I think we do have our fair share of (non Merlin) theme parks - we have parks like Drayton Manor, Blackpool, Paultons Park, Flamingo Land just to name a few which are often forgotten about when people claim Merlin have a hold on the industry in the UK - and are offering competition.

If you don't like how they run the parks its very simple to just not visit the parks. Although i would argue that all businesses set out to make the most profit they can (Yes even Disney) The amount of hatred towards Merlin on here and other forums does amaze me, whilst i'm fully aware they are far from perfect, they are far from terrible IMO too. It was only 10 years ago when DIC bought out Tussauds our parks were being ran into the ground and were considerably worse ran than they are now.