Mer

Totally just jumping in here... As an ex ride host/operator, I can confirm that queue times are not deliberately changed/manipulated because of Fastrack! The operator will phone control when the queue time needs updating - it is an estimate based on what extensions are open, how far back the queue is*, if the ride is running reduced capacity etc...so it will never be 100% accurate, that's impossible as you can't predict any minor hold ups. And it may be rounded up by 5-10 minutes, as it's surely better for the queue times to be, say, 5-10 minutes longer than they are (rather than too short and then guests being disappointed). But no, Fastrack is totally unrelated, it is part of the sales department and not the rides department. Chances are, the ride hosts will know nothing about Fastrack sales figures themselves (and I dare say a fair few dislike Fastrack due to the batching issues that Josh mentioned ) *Hence why at meets, there have been times where, with Rush for a good example, I have assured people and said what I think the queue time will realistically be, despite it going as far back as Quantum and looking long!

Wow, stunned at the ignorance that reeks in this topic. As someone who has ADHD, I'm quite offended by Altitude's posts...but I won't take it personally and at least most people are understanding Unfortunately, there is still a lot of ignorance and misunderstanding surrounding ADHD (and I know that with a lot of people it's not intentional - as others here have pointed out, it can be hard to understand mental health conditions unless you have personal experiences with it). Poor media - such as TV documentaries that only show extreme cases and are advertised as programs about "naughty children" - doesn't help. Thankfully, there are plenty of blogs and websites which are informative and give real, personal accounts of what it's like living with ADHD. There is so much I want to say and luckily, most of it can be said through this image: Also to add to that: sensory processing disorder. Something which can occur in people with ADHD as well as those on the autism spectrum, and would make queueing at a theme park extremely difficult. Difficulty with social interaction/peer rejection due to their behaviour and struggling to follow/keep up with conversations. The difficulties with regulating emotions and sensory processing can cause overwhelm, which can sometimes lead to meltdowns. And somewhere like a theme park can sometimes be over-stimulating for them. Treatment can help ADHD, but it isn't a cure and they may still have difficulties queueing. So yeah, there is a LOT more to it than just the diagnostic symptoms. I personally haven't had issues with queueing because of ADHD, no doubt because of my love of theme parks and how in awe I felt as a child when I visited. But I can fully understand how it could cause issues for other people. Oh and by the way - the evidence that a guest needs to show in order to get the RAP needs to be dated within 6 months. So I couldn't just go with my diagnosis letter from 2011 and get a pass, for example. This means that either they need a recent letter from a consultant, ie a diagnostic report, or a report/letter which they may have through having regular appointments or ongoing treatment, or a letter written by a doctor specifically stating how/why they are unable to queue. Not sure when this came into place, but it's how it is currently, and I know that it hasn't always been this way; it used to just be a letter/report from a doctor/consultant etc (plus they no longer accept DLA letters for RAPs, unless it's the high rate). And no, it's certainly not a "perk" and people aren't being "rewarded"! Are people here for real??

This is bizarre. Matt paid £15 for his, others paid £20...maybe they're not selling as quickly as usual and are desperately trying to sell tickets?

Oh blimey, I keep forgetting about Drayton/having to actually pay for it Is there anyone left who I can get the family rate thingy with?

Hmm they are now £10 for MAP holders? Random...

Can't wait for this! Will be a fun weekend, great to see everyone and a much-needed break! And Blivvy is back!

"You belong to Geoff."

^ Probably not. And even if they did, Merlin staff have a strict media policy so they wouldn't be allowed to say anything anyway Relieved that the park is back open! Shame the same can't be said for everyone: From this BBC article. Top class muppetry right there

People have been discussing this a fair bit in the MAP holders FB group. One person said they wore their Smiler hoodie out and a stranger told them they were being insensitive! Which is pretty insensitive itself, to go up to someone you don't know and make such a bold claim. I can kind of see where they're coming from, but then again it's likely to be enthusiasts who wear the merch, and they're certainly not going to be insensitive (plus will be more knowledgable on how rides/operations work, not sucked in by ridiculous media claims and more supportive of Merlin). As some have pointed out, you could argue that you're wearing the merch to show your respect It would depend on how obvious it is too. The hoodie with the massive logo would obviously draw more attention than the one I have (the "Corrected" one). I just hope I won't need an umbrella at any point soon as the only one I have is a Smiler one

I find the worst thing about spiders isn't so much seeing one...it's when it's gone and you don't know where the feck it is (but you know it's in the room somewhere)! Had one of those big house spiders in my room for about a week last year, we'd literally just moved so my room was a complete mess, and I could hear it scuttling over bags/paperwork when I was trying to sleep Of course, it only appeared at night and I wasn't feeling great during those few months anyway, plus with all the mess from moving, I really had no energy to try and find it during the day (plus I had hoped it would vacate eventually but NO)!

That would be because it's not a crappy, right-winged, sensationalist tabloid; it is a broadsheet (which are more serious and intellectual and known collectively as "quality press") and has a centre-left, social liberal political stance List of UK newspapers

Some of them are, yes! Some are trying to make excuses by saying that Alton is their nearest park, they don't want to travel miles to another attraction, and the main reason they bought the pass is because of Alton. Right, well if you only wanted it for Alton then you could have saved money and just got an Alton annual pass. But having said that, at least they have the option to go any of the numerous other attractions!EDIT: This is actually hilarious - Thirty accidents at Alton Towers in three years Some of them are pathetic. The one about the staff member falling in a trough and not knowing how literally made my day

Haha - I was only thinking yesterday, "I wonder what the Ropers make of all this!" There are various papers claiming that surgeons have managed to save the legs of one of the front row victims, according to their gran. Well, it was initially given to the Sun and other papers have pretty much copied it! Hopefully this is actually true - and if it is, even more shame on the papers who claimed that they had already lost a leg! http://m.burtonmail.co.uk/8203-Alton-Towers-Critically-ill-victim-set-sue/story-26643712-detail/story.html The BBC news report during the 10pm news failed to include that though and still mentioned the "life-changing injuries". Also, here's one [FB status] I made earlier: Can't believe that MAP holders are asking for their passes to be extended either! Firstly, there are 31 UK attractions you can use them at. Again, number 9 in the T&Cs clearly states the right about closing attractions etc and no refund, compensation etc will be payable. Ok so it doesn't specify extensions. But it doesn't need to, because pass holders agree to those T&Cs and Merlin have those rights. Thank god for all the decent, understanding people out there to balance things out!

Yeah I wouldn't look into that too much. If people book and it ends up still being closed, they will be refunded, can go another day this season, or go to another UK Merlin attraction on that day (or any subsequent days it remains closed due to the incident). Makes sense to leave the option to book if they don't know yet if it will still be closed.

Just an update: the park will remain closed tomorrow. I was so shocked when I heard about this. When I first saw it on my FB news feed - not gonna lie, I wondered if it was a prank, or something minor blown out of proportion by the media! Until I clicked on the links and read the articles obviously. I felt awful for the rest of the day, and that video was just... I couldn't help but think things like, "The people there watching/queueing would have known what was about to happen. You wouldn't know whether to watch or look away." Thoughts are with everyone involved, with particular concern for the staff involved, who will undoubtedly be traumatised and devastated. If it does turn out that it was their error (either partly or fully), then that's even more tragic and I hope they have lots of support around them, because there will be some people whose consideration for their feelings will be drowned by anger and hate. (Sorry for being so depressing!) Also agreed that Merlin and Nick Varney have handled it well. He must be absolutely gutted and he looked so upset in that Sky News report

I just watched it on YouTube, found the Sky News live feed and went back a back until I found it, pretty sure it was the whole thing. Before the press preview bit.

What did I just witness?!?! Right before I'm meant to be getting to sleep as well

Well this has been most entertaining to read on my way home from work

As I'm sure quite a few here are aware, a while ago I created a fan page for the awesomeness that is The Spirit of London taxi ride at Madame Tussaud's https://www.facebook.com/SpiritOfLondonTaxiRide Check it out (and don't be shy to click that magical Like button hehe )!

Easily done, what with all the alcohol that was consumed at your recent trip!

Merlin staff get £10 entry to MOS itself. In terms of magic passes date/event restrictions - check with the employer and/or the attraction

So I got to see the new Star Wars exhibition this evening. I'm not a fan of the franchise by any means, but it is very good! It starts in a way at the end of the Marvel 4D film, which I liked, and the whole section is well themed - even with mist in Yoda's swamp. Lots of interaction and of course great photo opportunities too! There is a good photo opportunity here - you can't see it in the photo, but to the right, you can stand and pose/reach out ARGH! You can sit next to Chewbacca and fly! https://vimeo.com/128541909 Interactive-ness!

On a bank holiday Monday as well... Have fun guys!

Not sure why I'm on the attending list as I never confirmed that I was a yes I'm working that day (well, I will be if the trains are running ), however depending on where the meal etc after is, I might rock up for that

Oh blimey, that music! I really like Zufari's queueline music Doesn't seem to be anywhere online though, shame! Oh and the music they have in Penguin Bay Which I'm sure the penguins totally appreciate http://youtu.be/iGfKNLU61cQ