Sheepie

I do absolutely love Thirteen, as many know. I could ride it over and over and find each ride just as enjoyable as the last. The second half of the outside section is a little bit of an anti climax, but the crypt and backwards portions of the ride are such a giggle, especailly with the reactions of the rest of the train.I've said it before, it has its faults and is far from a perfect experience, but I would happily queue an hour for it.

I would imagine this is a very educated guess based on previous construction periods. Track usually arrives around that time and does not take long to complete. The track will be finished by the closed season so they can complete electrics, testing, themeing... ect.

Hey guys! Just a few days until the meet. I can't wait! :DI tried to book the table for the meal today but had no luck. If I can't book it before 12 then I may need to ask someone else to do it as I'm going to be unavailable for most of the afternoon and late into the evening. I've been doing 13- 14 hour days at the theatre. :)Just to confirm that I'm booking the table for 7pm on Sunday 10th April. I'm going to ask for a table for 11. Is that right/ sound good to you guys.I have... Ellie, Dan A, Tommy, Chris, Dan H, Jord, Ian, Merky, Mark, Will and myself down for the meal. Monkey Puzzle Menu<<<<<< Here is the menu for the Monkey Puzzle. It's quite expensive, but I assure you, extremely yummy! ;)I am going to PM everyone on the attending list my mobile number should they need to contact me, either prior to the meet, or during the meet itself. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need to ask anything.I'll be at the meeting point early on to meet and greet people, but there's nothing stopping people exploring the park beforehand- as long as you're at the meeting place between 10:30 and 11 am.I think that's everything. Feel free to chip in if I've forgotten something.

I just, I just need to.SCREAAMMMMM! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The £20M figure is probably for the entire project, including all related buildings and infrastructure. It's the first time Merlin have had to create a new "land" as such, with toilet facilities, retail and food outlets.From the plans, it does look to have the "old school" mantra of having the coaster interact with paths and non- riders, although Raptor appears to have more physical scenic objects throughout the ride. I will be disappointed if we get a ride that is not up to the same standard set by Raptor. Exciting times for Thorpe these next 12 months though. I love following construction.

Station of awesomeness. Full update from Raptor's preview day to be found on Theme Park Review. Fantastic photos taken by a very talented member there.Everything about this ride just oozes quality on an epic scale I don't think I've seen on any ride the company have produced. The amount of actual scenic elements to this ride surpasses any Merlin ride and many others across the industry too.The station is basically concrete, which would have been where they may have saved some cash on to theme the outside section so well. The good thing is though, the concrete feel of the station and tunnel fits so fluidly and beautifully with the theme and makes total sense. It's got such an intimidating, industrial tone. I love it. Also notice how they load the trains....

Right guys, regarding Sunday 10th April- meal and hotel...May I have a show of hands to all who are attending the meal at the Monkey Puzzle. That way I can book a reservation as there are a lot of us. If you don't wish to sit with the group then feel free to eat from the bar... :PI'll need to book it some time next week so if people can let me know, that'd be awesome. I would say prices are around £15 for a starter and a main. You may be able to squeeze a dessert in there as well, but I'm not sure as I haven't been there for a while! ;)Edit: How does 7pm for a reservation at the Monkey Puzzle sound for people? Just to allow people to settle and get from where they're coming from (some people have work). Let me know!

Speechless times...Picture Trip Report: Raptor OpeningThis ride gets even better with every new picture I see of it. I LOVED the plaque with all the designers and people involved with the project. Brilliant.I'm honestly jealous, amazed and just blown away by the beauty of this coaster and the themed environment Merlin have created for this ride. Excellent.

I've got to agree with you Will, I'm just listening to the Album now, and I'm really enjoying it so far!

Woo!Irish accents=

Professional POV from the right hand side: The section of track after the second inversion looks brilliant.

AHAH Oh Ryan! :')

Couple of videos for you guys. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyDLi0npXdw Not sure what happened with the first video, lol!

Booo! Aw, never mind Adam. Enjoy skiing though! I'm sure we'll see you at another meet.

By Easter, do you mean Easter Weekend, or the holidays? Haha, I just find it amusing that they would strive to get it on for three trains for that last weekend... and then it's back to off-peak again!

Indeed, Merlin take into account all associated funding for the entire project, whether that is marketing, PR stunts... anything that's to do with the ride until the thing opens to the public. From what I've heard though, the funding for the infilling is a totally separate budget.It's still a large amount of money though, enough to do the ride justice hopefully.

I will not have sarcastic comments in the meet up thread please, I've put a lot of effort in to make this trip positive and encouraging for members who've never been on a meet before. Meets are a pleasurable experience which doesn't need any hostility.Whilst I do agree with Benin that it's all about the social aspect and not necessarily the park itself, it's your choice whether you want to come, and I'm not going to make any further comment on your reasoning for you not coming, because that's totally your choice.Monkey Swinger FTW, that is all.

I'm sorry we're not worth the effort. Your loss!

Wibbly wobbly..... timey wimey stuff!

Double post, but double post for good reason.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHw3sJkhp6k Epic, epic, epic! Nothing more needs to be said.

Holly I don't mind buying you lunch the following day if that helps at all. We won't leave you out!

Awesome news Mr Nine!Just to keep on track of the hotel/ meal situation on the 10th...Michaela, Mark, Ian, Will, Skunky, Tommy, Chris, Dan, Ellie and myself, with the possibility of Holly as well. I also quickly saw on Facebook that you were considering booking a room Mark... which would equal things out as I assume Michaela would join you both.Sounding good guys!

Welcome Rob! It's awesome to get another "northerner" on here! I loved your 'Gods in the sky' comment, though I don't think you have much to fear, as long as you're sensible! :DI'm sure we'll see you about. Happy posting times!

That's something I was going to do for everyone nearer the time, one step ahead of you there Dan. *Pokes tongue*

I'm so happy you can both make it, Noob if there's anything I can do to make your first meet more enjoyable then please let me know.