Sheepie

Got my Christmas tree today! YAY!

So if anyone hasn't already checked out the mini site that Magrathea posted above, then please do, it's fantastic.Press release from TT confirms a change for Rita next year, and the general theme looks to be fantastic. Loving the 14m high tree partly made from the steel of Corkscrew. Also in the video you can see one of the towers of the building. Loving the wraiths also.Going to be brilliant. Shun the non believers, shuuunnnnnnnn

You may or may not be aware of the drama that's currently occuring SW6 this evening.Earlier today, an apparent press release appeared. A few points..... the ride was called Thirteen, it was full of publicity suntageness (as that is a word ) and has been billed as a psychocoaster. Towers Times were contacted by Alton Towers Resort who asked for the information to be taken down. So there may be some truth in this. I'm guessing we'll find out very soon, maybe as a Christmas present from the resort?

^ Lucky! Be sure to post a trip report, always good to hear about people's experiences as all the parks change pretty much all the time.Just to clarify, even though Duelling Dragon's will be called Dragon Challenge, it'll always be Duelling Dragons in my book. Such a better name.

Just a quick summary of info for those that aren't too sure.Hogwarts Castle is just a facade that is being plastered over a massive show building that will house Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The ride has been described as a condensed form of Harry's life, special sequences have been filmed with the actors just for the ride. The ride is rumoured to be between 4 and 5 minutes long, it will feature the giant spider from the Chamber of Secrets as well as many other memorable moments from the books and movies.The queueline is going to be one of the most immersive in the world, taking you through many scenes, including the Gryffindor common room, the moving staircases and the station is rumoured to be based in the Great Hall.For those that are unaware as to what the ride actually is, it's basically a Kuka robotic arm, on a track, so the technology and attraction will be on the same scale and scope as Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. There are a rumoured 50 robotic arms for the attraction.Duelling Dragons will receive a Triwizard Tournament related backstory, and guests will get to walk through the champions tent as part of the queue, there will be many artifacts that were used from the Goblet of Fire movie.Flying Unicorn will receive be rethemed and receive a story based around the hippogriff: Buckbeak, you'll fly past Hagrid's Hut and you'll have to learn how to approach the beast before you can ride. :)Of course, there's Hogsmeade, which will have shops, restaurants and will be absolutely amazing, like stepping into the movies and books. You'll be able to drink butterbeer and try Bertie Botts every flavour beans, chocolate frogs, the list goes on.It's going to be epic!Sorry for the long post but thought it might be interesting for people that weren't too sure. And as for this not being in the UK, well it just wouldn't be on this scale, we have stricter planning restrictions, things are more expensive in this country, and unfortunately we don't get the big movie budgets that Universal are able to get.

A look of the magnificent Hogwarts under construction.A glimpse of Hogsmeade, courtesy of Orlando United.For more brilliant updates on the WWOHP: Orlando United It's a brilliant site, definately the best at providing Wizarding World updates

Say hello to the viruses! Hahaha!! I read all of that post in a welsh accent. Out loud, you do it, it's brilliant!

If I may add a few thoughts...Now don't get me wrong, I can completely get where people are coming from, totally, and neither do I side with any of TPB's comments. Remember though, this is a real person, who has feelings. Some things people are saying, whilst true, I feel aren't appropriate to this situation.It's unfortunate that situations like these happen, but it has happened, and it's being dealt with in the right way by the admins. I understand that people will want to share their thoughts on such a public feud, as I am doing so right now, but just be careful how you go about it.Don't give people the satisfaction by fuelling the fire, everyone just chill, calm down, take a step back, and just think that there are more important things in life to get your knickers in a twist about than this.

And losing three TPM members on the tube.Haha! Woops :)Edit- I've decided I don't like the wink smiley.

Haha! This is cringe worthy stuff.Anyone who is considering going to a meet up- this is proof that we're all lovely, friendly people who will make the effort with you as long as you put in a little effort as well.Looking forward to the meets in the new year.

I'm exhausted.Thanks everyone for a genuinely enjoyable day. Brilliant. I want to do it all over again. And yeah my embarrasing tube journey was epic, seriously I may not be able to look Professor X in the eye ever again! Lol!

Under the clock might be good. Can't miss it. I believe there's a Nero opposite the old Eurostar terminal. I've just realized I have no magic pass now, so I'll have to borrow Skunky's :)In which case we could meet everyone after Dungeons?

So people are meeting at Waterloo. But where exactly? It's a big station you know

I can't believe how I somehow missed this topic. I really want to come to this tomorrow. I love London!

Let's just take a look at the evidence...There's a figure going around that Merlin are investing £15M on this project for 2010. Now I believe that's the whole entire project, not just SW6. The same way as the SW4 project was the complete retheme of Fantasy World into X Sector.The reduced price merchandise for the entire season is probably the biggest indication that Rita will be rebranded.The wraith around the area during the latter months of the season suggests that the entire old Ug Land site is going to be completely rethemed. As business men should know, it's essential to have a strong brand to be successful. The brand of this new area will be put on all sorts of mediums. Television adverts, merchandise (which in a way is advertisment in itself), park maps, other Merlin attractions, internet.... the list goes on.This is why Merlin are slowly getting round to rebranding, and relaunching all their attractions: First was Alton in 2008, Thorpe no doubt is getting there in stages, The London Eye earlier this year, and then next season Chessington are receiving their relaunch. I keep mentioning the word brand, but it is important because without a recognisable one, the company isn't going to make as much profit.I feel like I'm waffling and straying from the point ehre a little, and for that I'm sorry, but personally, I believe Rita will certainly be re-themed slightly to make it fit in more with the new ride for all the reasons stated above.

Crunchie! :)Head Lice or Crabs?

This is something all the Merlin parks did a couple of seasons back. The truth is, if you go to any turnstyle and ask for a map, they'll give you one. Alton don't do it anymore, and have picked up several Thorpe maps without having to pay, so I think it's a bit silly to even have it on the website.

Lloyd Daniels! Mmmmmmmmmm.I think he's going out with Joe Mceldry :)Joe is boyfriend material.... just saying!

OMG that's brilliant! I've been having so much fun with this. I was vain and made one with myself in. Made me chuckle anyway, simple mind!My Movie

An important thing with the maps though, they're part of the park's branding. It can be a form of advertising. People who keep the map will find it, and then remember the (hopefully) great day they had at the park, and may want to visit again. Especially children who pester their parents to take them.I think the park would like to do halloween maps, once again it's all down to the budget available for the event. Plus the even was only about 10 days long this year, shorter than the other parks' version of the event.

Woo. Top three were very easy, as were the bottom two. Rest were really difficult!Top 5:Nemesis Manta Expedition Everest Kumba Montu Bottom 5Stealth SheiKra Journey to Atlantis Indiana Jones et le Temple du PerilX:\No Way Out Some of the bottom 5 were really difficult because it's not like they're bad coasters, it's just that I like others more.