Sheepie
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Everything posted by Sheepie
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Construction has begun, technically. It's the very beginnings of groundwork and prep for when the track arrives and they start vertical construction at the end of August/ start of September.
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Alton Towers used to follow a formula of 4 years between major projects. The only exception of this is the time between Air and Rita, which was 3 years. Thirteen was an extra year, although it put the time-scale back on track for large developments. I would imagine Alton are now following a 3 year rotation of large investment, much like Thorpe. I don't personally see Secret Weapons as exclusively rollercoasters, but would like to think they could represent any large investment attraction.I don't agree that Alton have worried too much about themeing, Air hardly has any, Thirteen is good where it exists but the whole concept is very vague and fragmented. I love Air and Thirteen, but do agree with you that they're underwhelming once you've tried some of the other great rides at Alton Towers.Alton Towers always has and always will be a family park- something for everyone, and will reap the rewards of being so.
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The BBC did a similar experiment with the opening of Colossus. They had two groups, one had been kept in controlled conditions, the other was allowed to watch the ride and get excited about it. I'll see if I can find a video.
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I got the impression that Benin was playing up to the idea of the park that they must build World's First Attractions.
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Which UK Theme Park is the best for Halloween events?
Sheepie replied to TomW's topic in General Discussion
I heard very mixed reviews on Thirteen Live. When the actors were there it seemed to be very good indeed... though that's where the problem seemed to lie, the actors weren't there enough of the time. I heard reviews where guests had spent over an hour in line, not to encounter a single actor. That's not a very good show is it.I also heard about numerous instances regarding actor Health and Safety due to people being a bit silly as usual. This is one of the reasons why we don't have Haunted Hollow Live any longer. If they can find a way to make it work then I'd say go for it.It also seems as though the coaster itself benefits from night time riding! -
Could it not be that they're removing the current "uncover the truth" signs because they're gearing up in preparation for the next stage of their marketing?
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Which UK Theme Park is the best for Halloween events?
Sheepie replied to TomW's topic in General Discussion
^ I don't think people are being harsh on Alton at all- it's winning in the poll! And also, me and several other people on this page agree with you Dan. -
Hehehehahahahohohohahaheheheheh. *Shouts* Stop tickling me.
Corr, sorry about that, it's those darned Saw Alive people, they don't know how to scare people so resort to tickling you for the lols.
Richard! I've got an audition in 2 weeks. Nervous much!
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Great report Nicky. Although I am shocked by your thoughts on Splash Mountain! You've got to love Haunted Mansion, such an epic ride!
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Why hello Dan....*pokes* ;)Edit: One for Holly to appreciate.
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it depends on which perspective you're coming from. When designing a new ride, throughput should definitely be a major consideration throughout the process. Questions such as can the ride and operations department really cope with fastrack, disabled guests and their standby line once the ride is fully open, need to be honestly answered. Major rides should have at least 1000 an hour. Even better if it's pushing over 1200 (for the UK). I feel that this is an acceptable figure and would allow the ride some breathing space, as well as the guests!However, if you've got a story based ride, that's capable of getting large numbers of guests an hour, but a problem occurs that affects the audience's experience of the ride then I believe in this case that ride show is more important than the efficiency, or throughput an hour. If the ride is of a good quality, then people don't mind the wait.
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A reminder that personal insults are not acceptable on the forums. Such incidents are taken seriously and appropriate action will be taken.
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I don't really like the idea of chart music inside the park itself. When it was first introduced around the turnstile area, I backed up the idea because it provided a good atmosphere to an area of the park that has no apparent theme and therefore nothing to clash with.Then it spread to the Dome, which whilst I wasn't happy with, I could cope with it and it didn't bother me too much. But now, with it playing out on park, I feel really disheartened by it all. Chart music does not belong in a theme park where it clashes with established themes. Bring back the themed music for the themed areas of the park.
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I heard back from Broadditch Farm this morning. I've been invited to their auditions! ;)I'm surprised to hear back from them so promptly. Merlin take note!
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Holly, Ciarran and Callum's Legoland trip 13/06/11
Sheepie replied to Pickles's topic in Your Planned Trips and Reports
I loved the TR Holly. I'm glad you lot had such a great time. I can't wait for the next meet. Although sadly I can't go to the Lego one. -
Haha Rich you do realise how cute you are don't you?
What does the error say? Sometimes you need to do it a few times.
Actually, your member group says "gone away". I'll send a note to Ian and Marc who can change your status. Once that's changed you can enter chat and talk to us commoners who aren't as cute as you.
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It's very easy for us to sit back and call the shots to how the business should be run. You know what, I'm sure Merlin themselves know exactly what you have suggested. Merlin have to 100% guarantee that their money will see returns and profits, for shareholders and for Blackstone.To prove to Blackstone that they can make a profit from their investment I would imagine that they need to carry out such research in order to get the capital released to them. Even though Blackstone do have theme park experience, I'm not so sure these big investment banks truly realise just how unique a business a theme park really is. They're special and needed to be treated differently.
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It just makes you think how in touch with their audience the Studios and development team were in their time, and Pearsons/ early Charterhouse period knew this and completely trusted the creative input from Wardley and the team.I can understand during this economic climate why businesses are ever more cautious about investing money unless they know that they're going to see a return, hence the surveys and extensive market research. Although it'd be nice one day to return to having a bit more faith in your creative and development teams.
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I remember looking at those SW6 wooden coaster plans and feeling very underwhelmed. I think people were so for the project because of the fact that it was a wooden coaster rather than the quality of the attraction and layout.I think having the project cancelled may do the park a favour if they ever get round to making such a ride appealing to the public. Wooden coaster design has progressed so much since then, and any coaster designed for the park now will surely benefit from this.GCI could do some fantastic things if let loose on Alton's landscape.
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AHA! Love it Benin!
Shhh!