JoshC.

Python reopens today... Reworked entrance and queue area, with single rider and turnstiles for their Reserve n Ride style system. Would indicate that virtual queueing is here to stay...

As I say, it's something they can "re-evaluate"... the posh term for cut.. I tried out Derren Brown's Ghost Train: Rise of the Demon: Venture into the Tunnel (DBGTROTDVITT) yesterday. I don't really like it. The new mid scene makes no sense - we're evacuating a train, because of gas and all that which is outside the carriage and leaking in. We then do through some random mesh tunnel, passing a couple of trains despite never really walking on train tracks, then some random projection of a demon on a high up wall knocks a moving train carriage down a hole. There's no logic there. Genuinely, the scene would have been a lot better if you were led into the area, told it's a safe place whilst workers clear an emergency route, then have the lights go off and a couple of demon noises from various areas of the room. Gives you reason to be in, explains what the area is, and gives you a reason to get out.

Yes, there is that. And that could be a major shot in the foot for themselves if people remember and believe that. From a personal perspective, I know anything like that is pure hyperbole, so I always have my own expectations. If people at least know / understand this is still the same old X, just with more theming, that'll be half the battle won for getting people to like the ride.

No one posted any of our updates here? Wow, I am disappointed guys. I am tired so can't be bothered uploading them here now, but a couple of quick words from me: -The queue is very nicely themed. -The ride has theming and effects dotted throughout. It varies between real effects, screens, lighting, smoke, etc -There is a post show, but it's rather lacking in my eyes - it's basically just a loud noise. -It shouldn't be forgotten that this is just X with a new theme. Don't go in there expecting some super scary thing. It is still a low-thrill ride with scary theming around it. And that's fine, so long as that's what you expect. For anyone who's done them, I'd say this ride takes leaves out of the books of Platform 13 at Walibi Holland and Van Helsing's Factory at Movie Park Germany. Think of X merged together with those two rides and you've got a good idea of what the experience is like.

We finally have a lift hill!

The park have shown off the cars, they look very angry... https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156117460221276&id=20116456275 Opening is now set for April 7th (a week Saturday)!

Tonight is the Media Preview Event for The Walking Dead - The Ride, ahead of Saturday's official opening. Spoilers will no doubt appear sooner or later, so please post them here! This thread will also be used going forward to discuss the ride, etc. For anyone interested in following updates tonight, you can get the best from our Facebook page..

I imagine one of the reasons for getting an actor to play the demon as opposed to an animatronic is cost. A full animatronic would require a lot of money being spent to look realistic, hiding mechanical components, etc, as well as making sure it's kept working. Hiring an actor means you just need to pay for a good costume (which is comparatively cheaper) and staff, and you get life like movements and no mechanics to hide. I'd imagine in the long term an animatronic would be cheaper, but what's more appealing - a large sum up front for something that will last for 10 years, or chunks of money each year for a few years, after which you can re-evaluate and change the scenes?

So instead of having to wait several years to finally spend a day with you (during a cold and wet day in murky Southend no less), you're telling me all I had to do was spend a couple of hundred quid at Thorpe? Darn it!

I think going cashless in some places is a good idea. When I was at uni, one of the food places on campus went cashless to help speed up the paying system (people could pay by debit card or by the uni's own top-up card system, which is similar to contactless payments in terms of speed), and it worked well. So there is potential there. But as others say, it isn't a great idea for all. Teenagers visiting in groups probably won't have cards, or be willing/allowed to take a card, severely limiting their choice. Imagine what school trips will be like (many bring packed lunches, but a fair few don't). And for those that only bring cash into the park, they're pretty screwed too. I think they've been too forward with this. They tried it in Fin's over Fright Nights, and that seemed to work. But one successful trial in one place isn't enough to say they should role it out across pretty much all F&B places, especially with little advertising.

And here lies my biggest issue. They've got a roller coaster themed to one of the biggest TV shows in the world (even if it is a bit past its best). It's not a major investment, sure, but it doesn't mean that they can't push it and milk it. But instead of focusing on the attraction, even if it is the 15/10 scare rating claim thing, they're just tacking on rubbish like this. They have a whole scope of potential for things they could do to get people talking, yet they scrape the bottom of the barrel. But I guess all publicity is good publicity, and this is getting a fair few people talking, so they'll be happy...

Mini Rookburgh update... An entrance archway had been formed on Berlin street, taking out a small part of the bakery that was there. This will probably be the more grander entrance to the area, with access likely also possible from around the Fantasy area where the advertising signage is. As for construction, it is thought that all digging is done at long last, and some more footers have been placed. So hopefully we'll see more track go up soon.

That looks fantastic; Finnish Taron! Between this and Junker at PowerLand, Finland have got a very tasty-looking line up coming along.

From SSC...

Tiki Waka's circuit was completed at the beginning of the month, but the Tiki Trail still is not. Testing still hasn't begun as a result and the area isn't near completion yet, so the opening of Exotic World (which was meant to be this week) has been delayed, with no new date set yet. If anyone wants to hear a snippet of the IMA score audio, here you go... https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156041715906276&id=20116456275

So the thing is a new show, called Dragon Slayer - https://www.warwick-castle.com/dragon-slayer/ The show incorporates fire jousts, battles, stunts, horse processions, fire, projection mapping and more. It's set around the mythical, and "forgotten", story of the Guy of Warwick. The shows take place on selected dates in August, ticketed as a separate event, and is 90 minutes long! Special food will be available too. Prices start from £15, with the standard 20% discount available for Annual Passholders. Perhaps a tad expensive, but I reckon it could be something pretty special.

Me again... This looks BEAUTIFUL. https://phantasialandblog.de/huettenbau-nach-mass-in-africa/

Peckish is still around this year - on the sneak peek of the map, you can (just about!) see it. Pulled Meat appears to have a bitten the dust, though I wouldn't be surprised if it returned during Fright Nights, and even summer if it's busy enough..

In an article written last week, the park's CEO has said they're still experiencing problems with digging the tunnel for Valkyria's drop. Apparently, they've only managed to dig 5 out of 8 metres down so far, with the clay-ground being the major issue. The park still hope that the ride will be finished this summer, but they're saying 'it will open when it opens"... Source - https://www.expressen.se/gt/lerkaos-hotar-lisebergs-rekordsatsning-I-sommar-/

I imagine that's more a case of comfort. Colossus' restraints are extremely tight and I imagine tall people struggle to get in and out of them, let alone sit in them comfortably. Your best bet would be to try the test seat out before queueing, and seeing how you feel. Maybe try talking to staff too and seeing what they say.

If you are taller than the max height restriction, you will not be able to ride. Staff will have height sticks and will check if you look too tall. If a ride doesn't have a max height restriction, and you fit in comfortably and meet the other restrictions, you'll be fine.

Carthage Land, in Tunisia, opened with a spinning coaster this past week, which features the largest full scale King Kong animatronic in the world. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1634168873334350&id=128162647268321 Because, you know, why not?

Neat video (in English!) about the new rockwork... It's growing on me, that's for sure..

Short interview with Bradley Wynne about Wicker Man: http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/detail.cfm?pagetype=detail&subject=news&codeID=336828 Nothing particularly new it interesting, but it does confirm that Holovis were involved with the pre show. In other news, it looks highly likely the ride will (soft) open today..

As expected, Phantasialand have got Universal Rocks to redo the Deep in Africa area, to include rockwork of similar quality to Klugheim: https://phantasialandblog.de/wenn-felsen-eine-seele-bekommen/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post This closed season has also seen continued renovation of the Chinese hotel and the partial removal of the bakery on Berlin street, which will eventually be used as an entrance into Rookburgh next year.