Marc

It makes sense now! And all this time I thought you just liked Storm Surge!

Firstly it was U.S strikes which killed the civilians so Europe have "murdered" no one, secondly Isis murder 100's of innocent Syrian people every day, us not doing anything would be pretty much saying we are just fine with that.

Strange rows to pick almost seem at random, I can only assume it's got worse in the last year, it was never comfortable but never to the degree they've closed seats, you would think they will surely have to do something about it in the near future, I just hope they can keep the winged trains - I feel it gives it a massive advantage over other launches

I'm not any more worried about an attack then before, if we are attacked it will not be because we are bombing Syria and it would of happened anyway, despite what the media may tell you. I agree with this - the point I was trying to make is we are not going to go and bomb killing 100's of innocent people, as you say the real problem is the civil war and IS gaining more and more power, thats why they must be stopped. Air strikes alone wont stop this, but theres no negotiating with these people, they are monsters and must be stopped.

I'm pretty surprised at the reaction to this, everyone seems to be upset we have started bombing IS in Syria ignoring the fact weve been bombing IS in Iraq now for a number of months, all thats happened is we are now attacking them in their main base. Also saw the following quote re operations in Iraq against IS: So I'm not sure why people think suddenly there will be a load of innocent people affected.

To be fair - as guests we have very limited knowledge of what happens on these rides and the possible reasons for Merlin choosing to close mack log flumes if indeed that is what they are presently doing.

I do agree with you, I just can't see them spending all that money to remove it without real reason but I guess we will see in a few months time

I doubt it's down to budget - I'm sure Legos flume isn't affected and probably has similar costs.Just can't see them closing all of one ride type at every park to save money - if parks need to save money they will do do individually id imagine.

As much as I'm sure some people would get pleasure from that being the case I'd find it very unlikely that suddenly every Merlin flume is unable to open due to poor maintenance the same year. There's obviously something much deeper here behind their decision to close them

The flume site has been ear marked for development for a long time, the fact the ride is being removed (likely to cost significantly more than keeping it open) maybe they have plans for this area?!

I think there's obviously a reason for the closures rather than trying to annoy its customers..

I'm pretty shocked my self about the amount of closures but minus hex none of them really surprise me. Most of them can also be pretty easily hidden away. By this I guess we can assume alton are not expecting anything to get any better next season and have adjusted the ride line up for the amount of guests they are expecting.

The trough is dirty from the lake water it has going through it. Tunnel I agree with hardly looks great. Changing loggers to a clean water system would be a hell of a job and probably easier to rip it down and start again.

I don't see why people think loggers isn't looked after properly? Most of its issues come from the water it uses rather than the ride it's self.

If these rides are to be removed there will obviously be a reason for it, just because you don't know that reason don't mean there isn't one.

Id be extremely surprised if people are put off visiting because Loggers Leap is closed, its not like they are closing Stealth or something, along with the new investment I dont think Loggers being closed is really going to affect anything in the grand scheme of things.

Loggers did seem to have down time this year on my visits, also noticed temporary pumps had been hired in to keep it open during peak season. Also whilst I accept the point it's not going to help the parks family brand, I Woukd be surprised if wc16 was not marketed towards the whole family

Are you aware of Thorpes / Merlins finances? Nail on the head. I like loggers as much as anyone, its a loss no doubt. Its all well and good to say Merlin are still making money which they are, but they have halved, that is a significant swing in the wrong direction. Its all well and good saying they shouldn't be making these cuts because they are still making profit, but what company in its right mind waits till its running at a loss to make adjustments to the business? There is of course this too, Rumba had a whole new PLC not so long ago which obviously no one knew about but is a significant investment, improves operations and extends the rides life.

Thorpe x Loads Alton x 6 Blackpool x 1 Drayton Manor x 1 Paultons Park x 1 Portaventura x 3

To be fair as much as I'm not a fan of the ride id say saw is probably one of the better themed rides at the park - atleast the station - indoor section is actually quite well done imo

Or maybe it will fit in with the rides theme which we know little / none about?

I've heard of that on Slammer before - when moisture gets into the air lines sometimes the bars don't register as locked when they are, they can press a button which blows air through the system (the noises you were hearing) to try to clear this.

I agree they should be professional - to be fair we had some staff ride the swarm in the evening with us, they had songs playing over the pa getting staff and guests involved and generally a nice atmosphere.

Slammer broke down at around 4:15 with the paddles stuck in the air - assume it wasn't fixed in time

You would think it was their last day and they were all unemployed now! Discrasful