mrmonkey

I think Thorpe needs a new family-thrill coaster - I know everyone wants something massive and intense - and thats fine - but Thorpe needs something to balance up their line-up! examples would be Dwervelwind at Toverland, Polar X-plorer at Legoland Billund, Die Schlange von Midgard at Hansa park etc

I will be passless too! just saying! x

Hey I'm up for this if any spaces left?

So is anyone planning or up for a Winter wonderland meet in London this winter? Its good fun... but expensive!

I know - I'm in london! but might try and make a special effort!

This is sad news, I never went, but does anyone fancy going before the end of the season! I want to ride there ghost train Shreiksville before it closes!

Hansa To me is one of the most exciting theme parks in Europe in terms of development - and looks really charming! Anyone know of any trips going before the end of this season? If not I need to get there next year!

The other day I had one of those google searching days, and ended up looking at ariel views of Thorpe on googlemap, and then ended up researching the Cemex site, and actually its history is very fascinating, It was originally owned by RMC (former owners of Thorpe park). It seems the site has been up for sale since 2011, with housing proposed for the site, which Thorpe have questioned as its so close to the park! And since then It seems things have gone quite. Cemex basically want to relocate as the offices are now to big for them! see this article on the issues http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/local-news/thorpe-park-questions-wisdom-nearby-6161322 The site itself has some historic properties on, and a group are trying to get the 1990 offices listed as architectural importance. I can't help wondering if Thorpe have wanted to buy this, even if they couldn't build on the land, It would make a fantastic Headquarters, not just for Thorpe but for Merlin entertainments as a whole! They could have design studios there etc etc. Thorpe could then move their offices and admin over there, and therefore create room within the park for development namely the Lower level of the dome etc! It's interesting to note that when Thorpe had the 'my heritage' attractions on the peninsula, the exhibits and public area reached right out to the grounds of the Cemex! so it seems over time the borders of Thorpe have shifted etc! A hotel has also been considered for the site (independent of Thorpe park) but was deemed too much of a strange configuration for developers (if they were unable to do structural changes) It would also be in Thorpe's interest to own the land to prevent the development they are concerned about, much in a similar way to Disney World buying acres and acres of land as a buffer from development!

True, but they could at some time swap out to new offices, and therefore use the whole of the lower level! However I agree I doubt it would happen.

OK one thing I'd do Is closed the tired rumba rapids, and have a complete reworking of it. basically using the rides infrastructure I'd develop a brand new rapids experience, and on different levels, an elevator, drops, extensive theming, indoor/darkride sections (think valhalla), oh and FIRE!! I Think rapids still have there place in the theme park industry, they just need to keep up! Also I'd do the same with loggers leap, Id extend the course and add 2 extra drops, one of which backwards, another back in a dark tunnel creating a rare 4 drop log flume! Basically bringing new life to a couple of classics!

I've always wondered if they could fit a dark ride in the lower level of the Dome? Something similar to Atlantis and Europa would work V well! Also the Dome/entrance brings to mind Hansa park, who over the last few years have swapped out there very 1970's entrance buildings/structure with themed buildings, which they've done in sections! However I don't think Thorpe are so bothered about theming for theming sake..unlike Hansa and other German theme parks!

I'm possibly interested..... If DBGT is open by then.... and therefore a double header!!

Great, thanks!

Is there any plan for a meet at Thorpe once DBGT has opened! Really keen to try this ride out!... but want to make sure its when its actually open - so delays considered

Hey is anyone up for this. Its £55 which seems quite a lot, but it sees, to include actual scare mazes, behind the scenes, and loads of other cool stuff. I was tempted to go myself anyway as I'm in the 'industry' so to speak. but thought it would be much more fun to meet and go round with others. Check out the link..... http://www.scarecon.org

Any places still left on this trip? wanted to get to Europa for years!

But do you think it could be a pre-cursor to actually getting Pandas?........ because the marketing kind of gives that impression

So... and sorry If I've missed something, not been on a while will this Pandamonion... is it actually going be a real panda enclosure? As that would be a real coo for the Park! making it one of the best zoo's in the UK... that would really boost gate sales! I know China are quite strict with what zoos can have Pandas... but there are only a couple in the UK!

Hi MCchappy the last 2 videos are both magic mill I.e. phantom fantasia is the magic mill too

Hi - those links don't work - I'm getting an error messageThanks

Yes please I'd love to have it - do you need my email? Thanks

Well The Flying Dutchaman is open - and looks awsome - check it out on youtube:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6FOVqzSzlk...related&search=The walk through and dark-ride section look particulaly impressive.

Theres the WHOLE onride Video of the ride (when It was Phantom Fantasia) on YOUTUBE For those of you who never rode it and for those who need some memories being brought back:-

Yeah Phantom fantasia/ Wicked Witched Haunt was a classic and one of the best dark rides in the UK I think ( after Prof Burp's and fifth Dimension that used to be at Chessington) the Theming and Athmosphere where great - the carrage turned to show you different scenes through various Windows etc - I liked the scene where there was a banquet and henry the 8th's 6 wives appeared and dis-appeared round the table, and the bakery where this woman was making pies which had human fingers sticking out of them! It was quite a random ride - but was all the more unique for it!