JoshC.

Saw Derren's live show tonight. After watching it, it's sort of reminded me just how big a deal his involvement is. He's an outright showman and loves his detail, and just seems to love getting a reaction from people. Having someone like that, who has such a big influence on the project, surely means only good can come from this!?

To complain that a ride wasn't open for a preview event is laughable. Th13teen opened as it is now I believe. Smiler and Zufari are the only previous examples of major attractions which have opened late under Merlin. And to elaborate on what Mark pointed out, every attraction (major or not) at Thorpe bar Vortex and Big Top, has opened on time, finished.

Saw, Th13teen, Raptor, Swarm, Polar X-Plorer, Flug, Oblivion Black Hole all say hi.

For the record, I believe the train that was behind BBQ is now inside the building. There's also likely more of them already inside. Maybe the delay could also be down to wanting to open on full capacity rather than part capacity?

The worst thing about this change is that pluk has gotten rid of his monkey face avatar.

Nope; just head to the exit of the coaster you've chosen at the end of the day (unless they've already told you to go elsewhere)

The phrase picked out was "War has evolved", which was graffitied onto the front side of the board. That too didn't return.

Last season, the billboard graphics were replaced. Previously they just used vinyl(?) which had already started to peel off and look a bit naff. So they used a better material to ensure it lasts longer, but never got "hell" put back over it, for unknown reasons.

Actors haven't been officially confirmed, just live action. However, a couple of articles, which feature quotes from Merlin not lifted from press releases, have mentioned actors, so it seems pretty certain now. On a different note, here's a video from ExposureDigital, who were involved with the creation of mindswanted.co.uk

Pre show building? Obviously going to be the world's first coaster with a washing machine element.

http://www.treasuretally.com/collections/legoland-pop-badges-2016 They're pentagons

Interesting you mention about it being "rated 12". It's not any sort of rating, it's just a recommendation the park set themselves in case someone young finds anything disturbing. It'd be interesting if the BBFC, for example, did have to age rate some (screen based) attractions in the UK. Surely the disturbing / upsetting nature of the film in The Passing could have warranted a 12A rating, or maybe even a 15? I know that Hobs Pit has a rating from the BBFC, and from what I heard, they had to change things about since it would have been rated 15 otherwise. And course, Sub Terra also apparently had one, but since there's no reference other than a recommended age limit, I don't quite know if that was a publicity stunt?

^I blame not enough caffeine... Already been done

>The year is 2016. >2016/14 = 144. >144 years ago was 1872. >Derren Brown's Ghost Train is set in 1871. >DBGT sequel maze confirmed. Next!

Well if you were deafened in the queue then of course you wouldn't have heard anything on the ride...

To be fair, I don't think they've said "first to ride" in the minds wanted competition, but instead to just attend an exclusive VIP / press night? So they could in theory do soft openings (or they would like to call it) without making the competition seem pointless. That's not to say I think there will be soft openings, but I don't think it should be ruled out.

BREAKING NEWS - FAMOUS PEOPLE NOT IMMUNE TO DEATH

As Ryan says, this isn't something exclusive to Merlin. For recent examples at major parks, look at Baron's July opening last year at Efteling and Taron at Phantasialand (with it's still unknown opening date). Even parks like Plopsaland and Hansa have done it, so it really isn't uncommon. I can see the appeal, as it means that there's less pressure to finish off an attraction during the winter months, where weather can create delays in the construction schedule. At the same time, this doesn't really explain the likes of ABL, IAC or Galactica, for example, all of which didn't open with the rest of the park (though I guess if you look at them on a case-by-case basis, they all have their reasons). It also means there's good opportunities for on park advertising, encouraging return visits and building up into the busiest time of the season.

I see people's concerns given that Smiler was planned to open on 23rd May 2013 until the 22nd May. However, given some of the unfavourable publicity Thorpe received from the 12p ticket thing, plus there still being a close eye on Merlin from last year, I would assume that if it were to be delayed, they would announce it within a reasonable time frame.

A couple of photos from today: Couple of these signs have been put up. Possibly a good sign that the ride will be opening on time; what's the point of directing people to a ride's entrance which won't be opening for a long time? Don't know if this is new or something I just haven't seen before? Sorry for blurriness, but there's loads of these corner supports in the queue now. Nothing else of note to mention. Train carriage (if it's still outside) is completely covered so you can't see a thing!

For the record, Thorpe have said via Twitter that they don't plan on running RnR this season.

TPM social to Heide please. Chuck in Hansa for Gerstlauer goodness too if you like.

Name/logo of restaurant from PhantaFriends.de, which will be serving Bavarian food... The restaurant is still being constructed from what I can gather, and is Raik-side of Klugheim. Speaking of Raik, it is now testing.

If the reason for the closure is because of an incident on another Top Scan, I imagine Thorpe/Merlin will want to be as safe as possible and cover all bases. Following the Smiler incident last year, it's not all that surprising they want to be extra careful. I'm sure if they could cover all their rides and guests in bubble wrap, they would.

terrortomb: "Still a better ride than Storm Surge...still a better ride than Storm Surge..."