Mer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARC SIMPSON!

Same! And people who have a cold and keep sniffing or ding that thing where they snort it into their throat. Or people who have a bad cough, especially those loud sealion coughs! Grr indeed!I never got extra time and either never finished the exam (especially maths) or just about finished on time Can't help but wonder what if people had known about my ADHD which was causing me to lose focus easily etc, what if I'd got extra time? Would I have got the A in science I should've got? This is why we need time travel Although if Back To The Future is anything to go by, it can have serious consequences!

That last line needs a capital letter and a fullstop love...Anyway, just thought I'd share my love for Tidal Wave :DI love the impact of the wave on the station and the way everyone's like "Aaah!" Plus it adds to the atmosphere and the theme! It was making some huuuge waves on Tuesday, probably helped by having full boats as others have said. I love the noise of it thundering down the drop then the giant, satisfying splash :DDoes anyone know why they sometimes have the water turned off on the drop? I've never really known I don't like it when they do this, it makes it look silly and takes away some of the excitement, not seeing the water flowing down the drop.

^^ I have :lol:I just have my own little terminology Dead is when things are walk on. Quiet is when rides have short queues

So went to Thorpe today with college peeps.Overall I had a lovely time, mainly because I was catching up with college friends and they hardly go to Thorpe, so their excitment made me feel more excited than usual!The park was so quiet! The longest we queued was about 30 mins if that for SAW The Ride.I got there before their coach arrived, so took the opportunity to browse the shops. I'm very impressed with the merchandise this year, across Merlin parks in general! I love the new Thorpe clothing and how it's styled, it kind of takes away the geekiness of it. Lots of variety to choose from, I was wondering around for ages! Now that's the sign of good merchandise, when you can look and look. Before at Thorpe, there was just keyrings, mugs...yes much of it is still the same but there are more keyrings, like the Colossus one, I like how the word Colossus can be spun around the keyring, representing the ride, and how the handles of the mugs are like a piece of ride track. It's the little things like that which show how much effort Merlin are putting into the merhcandise this year!Theey haven't yet got any ride bears But they do have Thrillseeker Bear, which has red hair B)Met up with friends, so good to see them again!Ride count: and queue timesSAW The Ride - 20-30 minsStorm Surge - 20 minsNemesis Inferno - 20 mins, front row queueStealth - 10-15 minsRush - 5 mins, almost walk onVortex - less than 5 minutes, more or less walk onColossus - 15-20 minutesLogger's Leap - 15 minsSlammer - 10-15 mins, although one cycle took forever to start, I mean much longer than usual and no communication to us.XNWO - walk onTidal Wave - 15 minsSeeing as we were only there from 11 - 16:45, 11 rides is a good count!The SAW team and Storm Surge team were great, Inferno too, the train stopping for about a second before entering the station. The Slammer team didn't appear to be bothered. I know it was a quiet day and quite hot, but there's a difference between having a chilled day at work, and looking fed up and walking as though it's sooo much effort.Samurai was looking rather sorry for itself, I forgot to take a picture but basically there was a cherry picker and the arm was on it's side with the pods facing SAW. Later on it was facing the other way and a piece of the platform was missing, at the back centre. Apart from that reliability seemed pretty good, saw one shutdown on Stealth but after 5 minutes it was back up and running.XNWO - like the new music and the lighting on Animation 3 but I was expecting more...but then again, I don't know why, it's Thorpe. But what has been done is better IMO, it's a change to the dull "hammer" music the queueline used to have and it makes the ride more "fun". It adds something, and that's a start! Vortex is getting very juddery, you can really feel it, and the bars lower very fast now, no wonder the operator has to do a warning over the PA! But the ride has audio again! I seem to remember last year it having none.Speaking of which...audio was pretty odd and amusing today. Vortex's queueline announcement playing in the Zodiac queueline, Colossus station announcements playing in the queueline and on the lift hill, and on the Storm Surge lift hill I had the operator coming out of the speaker asking Ricky to do some batching Nice!Inferno's station is absolute poo, they really should sort out the dispatch theme and bass cannons. I don't know what actually happened to both of these (I was probably told but I have forgotten!) but now they don't work, the audio quality is poor and there is no atmosphere. The constant main theme cutting in and out without that bass...ugh.Colossus has some new stationn music! It still has the backing drums/beat of the theme, but a different tune. Not sure how to describe it, but I think it suits it.Staff as I said were pretty awesome today, except for Slammer. Lots of interaction and happy people :DSo overall a nice day, mainly due to spending time with friends, the pleasing merchandise, good staff and quiet park for a change!

I voted Alton.Thorpe are great for the mazes, as they are free, but the storylines aren't really there so it's just about actors making you jump and doing creepy stuff in your face, which gets repetitive.Theming varies, non-existant last year.Smoke and lights can be good too, and the music.Rides at night are good fun B)Only been to one Chessie Halloween event and that was in 2008. I don't remember much but I remember seeing good theming, don't remember what they did with music though apart from the entrance theme changing? Rides at night were awesome - Vampire and Fury OMG ;)Alton, although charging for mazes, has mazes with actual storylines etc. Boiler House in 2009 was pretty crap and wtf though. Terror of the Towers actually scares me a bit, with the dark objects that don't move. Better than actors in some ways, and it's a good length! I've only done Duel Live once and that was in 08, don't remember much But I prefer Duel as it is tbh!Theming is good, and the park looks great at night, loved how they lit the towers up last year!And Nemesis and Oblivion at night are just awesome!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK9!

"The door buttons are now activated. This is Twickenhammmmmmm! This train is for London Waterloo. The next station is Feltham."

^^ Really? ;)Usually when I go I just go in, turn right etc, go along, and either carry on to the right hand station or left and up the stairs to the other one, if that makes sense

Mark9's Alton Towers Birthday Weekend CelebrationFriday 10thHeaded up to Towers on Friday 10th. Me and Ian met up with Mark, Chris, Alex and Sophie in Tesco, wahey! Went for noms at a pub nearby, then headed off to Splash Landings hotel I absolutely love it there, the theming, music, smells...everything! Such a brilliant atmosphere! They now have a giant deck chair by the windows and there was a character there with some children. The simple things like that are one of the many reasons I love Alton so much!We did think about swimming but it was too late obviously, and not everyone had their swimming stuff.Checked into our rooms, and discovered we had a lovely view of the outside pools, mmm! Chilled, had drinks, played Top Trumps...headed down to the awesome bar...had some gorrrgeous cocktails! I think we would all recommend the Woo Woo! As for the blue vodka slushy thing...it was tasty (from what I can remember!) but pretty strong. Needless to say, drunk times! Saturday 11thChecked out of the hotel, sad times. Headed for the monorail, to discover a never ending queue, so we walked to the park.Ride count:Oblivion, a very refreshing start to the day and a good wake-up for a hangover! I never get bored of it, gotta love that drop!Headed to the Flume for a more relaxing start to the day, not much of a queue. Not much to say about the ride really, apart from numerous attempts to take photos due to trees constantly getting in the way! And I got very wet somehow!Next up was Congo, as always a great laugh and again, got soaked. Got a good on ride photo!It was then time for RMT, another great ride for interaction, love the tunnel where you go past Congo! I was rather amused by a man infront of us who looked like Rolf Harris And turning around onride to look at him and watch his hair go flying...Now it was time for NEMESIIIIIS! Great ride as always, queue was about 30 mins. And this time I didn't actually grey out! I actually found it quite bumpy/head-banging, but it didn't give me a hurrendous headache or make me feel like I was going to have permanent brain damage *cough*SAW*cough* so it's al good =)Next it was time for Air, and for the first time in my experiences there, it had the extensions open! I don't know what one is the first, second etc, but the one that goes left and up/down hill was open when we joined, then they opened another extension! It wasn't too bad though, I felt quite chilled in the queueline. The dispatching etc in both stations was actually good and fast too, woo! Good ride on it, although my hair got in my face like it always does! The photo was just great, I looked like Cousin It!Then on the way to Pizza Pasta we did Duel! Yaaay! Definitely in my top 3 of favourite Alton rides. Theming, music, everything. And yes, I jumped at those men again! I focused more on the theming for a change and I just love it! Nommed at Pizza Pasta, then let our food go down in the long Th13teen queue. What can I say about the ride? Hmmm...it's just...yeah. It's aimed at families I know, but there's just something about it which is just...lol!W were going to do RITA but there was a huuuuuge queue so we headed to Oblivion, thinking of coming back to it, but by the time we'd done Oblivion it was getting late and we were getting tired.So yeah, last ride was Oblivion, good fun and a great way to end a brilliant day. Looked at the walkabout photo that was taken in the morning, bought them, went to Towers Trading - shopping time! I love Alton and really wanted a good browse at the merchandise, and to treat myself. They have some great stuff in there, really love how the merchandise is improving across Merlin parks this year. I won't go on too long but I'm sure you will all see for yourselves when you go, it really is a great shop!But...wow, it was HECTIC! That was the only negative of my day, the packed shop. People don't look where they're going either or don't move when you politely ask them, grr!Anyway, after much browsing, grr-ing, pushing and shoving, being pushed and shoved, I bought...Oblivion BearOblivion Pen.Alton Towers keyring setAlton Towers pin badgeOblivion hoodyAlton Towers snow globe.Snow globe:All I'll say is got to love Annual Pass discount!Headed to the monorail, there was a 15-20 minute queue but none of us had the energy to walk and our feet were hurting. I got my wish; we had the Splash Landings train. Had a giggle at the voice over man and his amazing Caribbean accent!Chilled at the Alton Towers Hotel bar, a well-needed sit down! Then the entertainment started...hmm. It's great they do it of course, but it was awkward as it wasn't busy and we just wanted to relax! Headed off to get noms, with a stop to Tesco first, for snacks. Ian went and got painkillers and drove to Wetherspoons as he wasn't up to walking. Alex had issues with the self serve checkout, then Chris had fun with the recycling machine, which made some interesting noises!Went to Spoons, love the cheap food there! Had spicy noodles which were yummy and a glass of wine, mwuhaha.Then it was dessert time. Well, when Ian earlier on left Tescos and didn't want to walk...he was actually buying a surprise birthday cake for the Lord of the Nines and arranging with Spoons for them to bring it out with ice cream! How nice! The staff were great about it all too.Needless to say, we were all stuffed after all that food! Headed off to Travelodge, checked in, chilled out, had some drinks and played Disney Monopoly. Fun times!Sunday 12thAfter some delay with people getting ready on time, we FINALLY left for our McDonalds breakfast. The only problem? It was raining. And it was horrible, non-stop rain. So unfortunately, we decided against a second day at Towers. Which I agree with as it is horrible, but it's a shame too, it's nice to get to do 2 days on park.Had a good journey home, although I didn't want to leave!Thank you to Ian for picking me up and Mark for dropping me off home ;)Infact thanks to everyone for such a fun weekend! Love you all <3

Yep as people above said, in heavy rain rides can close, plus it would be very uncomfortable. Especially hail stones! From my experiences working there, it wasn't a rule that rides had to close because of heavy rain, if it didn't affect operation. But like I said, generally it's not great to ride in that kind of rain. I can't remember fully which rides have to close, but I know Stealth has a higher chance of rollbacks in the rain, Nemesis Inferno can have problems. Depth Charge, Stealth, Detonator, Vortex, and Zodiac can close in high winds. Not sure about Colossus or if the wind affects its speed (I should remember as I worked on it for 2 years!) but as we all know, it doesn't like the cold ;)And yes in storms they will all close except XNWO and Time Voyagers I believe, as the rest and tall metally structures

Ditto, happy birthday to those people

I hate how it's ok to say to someone "You're really skinny" but it's harsh to say "You're really fat". They're both as insulting as each other and I fail to understand why people can't see that. I feel conscious enough about my horrible stick thin figure as it is, and I've had a very irregular appetite over the past month or longer, due to stress and too much going on. I'm really trying to force myself to eat, the pressure itself causes me stress which then kills my appetite.So its also just as insulting when people say I need to eat more or ask if I ever eat. The dam cheek of them! My brother is also constantly moaning about it and making me feel even worse about myself.

Same as what Peter said, although I have a bit more advice :oIt's ideal that you are confident dealing with people and you are a good listener (when dealing with guests mainly). Be friendly, polite, neat, tidy, enthusiastic.You need to be prepared for long shifts in the summer and at Fright Nights. You need to be able to deal with customers, which includes angry guests, disabled guests, problem guests, children who are too short for rides and their angry parents etc etc.Having said that, I can be a quiet and shy person and it didn't stop me getting a job there!So yeah, when they advertise jobs on the website, really try and sell yourself to them But without sounding all over confident and cocky.If you're successful you will go through to an assessment and interview, the assessment centre involves a group of you, and it's basically for you to learn a bit about the park and Merlin, and for them to see how you get on interacting with other people. You get put in groups, do little tasks, team-related things etc. It's easy, just be yourself and you'll be fine :)Again, similar to the application form, in the interview you need to prove to them why they should employ you.Also dress smart. Even if it just says smart casual (I don't know they ask for these days) dress smart, don't feel you are over-dressed. Being smart proves how much the job means to you and how enthusiastic and serious you are about it. You'll then hear from them normally within 2 weeks, by email or phone as far as I know. Don't worry if it takes a while to hear, they have a lot of applicants to deal with and have to consider what area to put everyone in.Having worked there 2 years myself, I can tell you it is great fun and you will make some great friends there. The socials are great fun too You learn a lot from working "behind the scenes" on the rides and the guest interaction can be awesome fun.

No, this is not normal; the procedure at Thorpe on rides with restraints is that they are checked.I suggest to anyone who has this happens to, to go to Guest Services and let them know. If possible, while at said ride, look at the staff member's name badge to get their name.It may sound harsh and moany, but it's really not. If staff are not doing their job properly the rides department needs to know about this and deal with it accordingly. It happened at Alton Towers last time I was there and we informed GS.

Yes, the result on the BGT final proved just that! :)And great post Mark9 :(But honestly, I dunno, whatever someone says there will always be someone to disagree...I swear people were never this bothered or moany about Saturday night TV in the 90s. Noel's House Party, Gladiators, Blind Date (and that was ridiculous!) and Stars In Their Eyes! :DOh the days before reality TV shows...And to contribute to the funny auditionists thingy... Good old Alan Penfold

I'm on both sides here.A naturally talented person shouldn't have to go on a show to be found, they would be found naturally. But these shows have sometimes produced successful artists as Will pointed out.Anyway why are we moaning about X Factor, it's not back on yet? :)And Britains Got Talent gave the autistic dancer a chance to show his talent and prove that something like that doesn't have to stop you doing well or discovering a talent you have. And he's an inspiration to young people, boys who may be shy about dancing and autistic people.

I think Ian's post pretty much answers the question tbh :)The ride is safe, you won't die. S'all gooood.

I go on Tidal in any weather, it's one of the best rides there

People were begging me for ages to put the plum photo of Rob up, when I do I don't get any rep for it?C'mooon guys!

Wow. Shocking results tonight!Not just Ronan coming second but Les only coming 9th and James coming 8th! I know he's my favourite but it's not just that, he was clearly one of the best and I'm very shocked he didn't make the top 3, or even top 5, but 8th?! That is just ridiculous and proves a point about how some people vote for these things. New Bounce came third, a bunch of 4 young and "cute" boys. If people REALLY did vote for the proper talent James would have come higher. But then again you don't always have to win these things to become successful, look at SuBo, JLS etc. James is a fantastic dancer, an inspiration to both young people and autistic people. He will be successful I am sure :)I know there are people here probably tempted to comment and say "This is why I don't watch these shows etc"...but this is like the only kind of these shows I watch and there are talented people on these shows!

Ooh thanks for the photo Josh :)It looks much better now but I do agree with Sheepie.

Hmm I have no problem with the sponsor, although Merlin theme parks do seem to love them :)But it takes away the "storm"/Amity thing so now it's just a teacup ride with some WWTP music and a teabag company :DThe worst bit as others have said is the teapot. They could have painted it blue or done something nice with it. They could always suit it to Thorpe's target audience...Storm In A Shotglass sponsored by Smirnoff.

From tonights show I think the top 3 are in no order Circus of Horrors, the 11 year old dancer and the impressionist. It will be very tough! I've already voted 3 times for Circus of Horrors I really want them to get through so much! The impressionist had me in stitches but when I saw the dancer...if I had to choose I'd choose the Circus of Horriors and the dancer. If you look at the talent side of things, I know it is a talent being an impressionist bit the CoH and dancer have got far more. No one has ever danced like that before, it's usually just street and break dancing or group dancers. Also the impressionist like year didnt win the final but he's doing well now and got lots of notice. And look at Susan Boyle!If other people think like this then hopefully CoH and the dancer will get through. But then again the second vote is done by the judges, and if the dancer gets the top vote...aah!I don't care how much money it will cost, Imma keep voting for Circus of Horrors!EDIT: Shame about Circus of Horrors but so glad Les and James got through!I love James even more since I found out about the splint he had to have in his leg...and his autism. It's so inspirational! Even for adults like me, makes me feel really proud of him yet I don't even know him. Now that is quite something :)And he's only 11!Really want him to win now!