JoshC.

*The following post comes from someone is vaguely supports RnR as an idea* -One the biggest issues with RnR is the question of what to do whilst you're virtually waiting. Since RnR usually operates on the most popular and highest throughput attractions, the worry is that many of filler rides won't be able to cope with the new-found popularity. -Another issue is that there can be a real wait after you've done your virtual waiting. The theory, I believe, is that once you've done the virtual waiting and joined the real queue, you should be on the ride within 15 minutes. But a mixture of technical problems with the system, lack of knowledge of the system, and stand-by queues operating mean this can be longer. -Another problem with the idea is that some see it as not answering the problem of sorting out ride throughputs and operational efficiency. Rather than making things better, they've just moved the problem elsewhere. I personally feel like there are solutions to many of the above problems (which I have mentioned in the past), but won't go into them now to avoid heated discussion. Stand-by queues will still be running for the next trial.

This is an excellent point. Tidal Wave is in the centre of the park and is a very memorable thing to look at. It features heavily during advertising and on merchandise, so it's a big part of Thorpe. Of course, the question that Thorpe have to ask themselves is if it's worth keeping it open when they need to minimise loss so much. Everyone will want the answer to be 'Keep it open', but that may not necessarily be what happens. How do you define plenty in this situation? Given there's 17 Fright Nights dates and they'll probably see over 150,000 guests (just a guess, but could easily be a lot more?) over those dates, are enough people really riding it to warrant its expensive running costs right now? At the moment, the thing for Merlin is surely about minimising loss, not making money?

I should have known that a comment about RnR running during FN, something known for a while, would descend into chaos and conversations had a billion* times before. *Possible understatement.

It hadn't been confirmed either way yet. However, it's been confirmed it will be running for all of Fright Nights, including the AP preview night.

I've found that the social media accounts for Thorpe haven't been the best, but they have improved a lot the past few months; being quicker to respond, and usually more helpful. It's entirely possible that they don't have the latest information though, which isn't great of that's the case.

Tidal Wave is one of the most expensive rides to run (because of the sheer amount of water that needs to be cleaned). So it's not surprising that it's closing if cost cutting is the reason behind it. Not great, but if that's the reason, then it at least makes sense.

They probably mean Containment; it will probably be marketed as an Escape maze.

Merlin have recently released their September trading update on their website: http://www.merlinentertainments.biz/results-and-presentations The update says how the UK parks have indeed had a bad year, mostly because of Smiler, and not helped by poor weather and other factors in August. Gardaland have had a strong season so far though. The presentation also confirms that Thorpe are getting a high investment next year, and both Chessington and Heide Park are earmarked for high investments in 2017 (though not Alton Towers, which was widely assumed to be the opening year for SW8).

#14thFrightNightsThisYearForMe There will roaming actors this year, but they can be very hit and miss. Sometimes you can see them multiple times in one night, sometimes you won't see them at all. They may interact with you, may walk past or may perform a short acted out piece. Normally the roaming actors have more humour about them though (I especially think that will be the case this year given Big Top is the new thing). If you're not into the mazes, it will be very easy to avoid all things scare. There will be audio changes after 3pm most likely and there might be some extra theming, though in recent years the extra theming is usually located by the mazes, and not with the rides.

Is a real charmer

Comparisons to Taron are silly. Taron is an extremely major project and Phantasialand's first thrill ride in years. This is, at best, a medium investment for Heide.

Isn't there an area currently being created replacing one of the park's small water rides? I'm pretty sure there's rumours of a dark ride rpelacing that area. It's a bit small though. HTTYD is a good IP though. Shame it is an IP though.

For me personally, it's the fact that it's falling apart and losing its magic. From key rides being closed for lengthy periods of time (Skyway, Tomb, etc), to rides' theming falling apart, to a lack of good investments, to there being basically a complete disregard to any visitor aged over 12. Chessington can be a fantastic little park, but they're not doing a lot right lately.

I genuinely loved Chessington. But it's hard to love and defend the park in its current state.

Just as a reality check, the clues all fit in with a Doctor Who theme: A - Doctor Who adventures can happen anywhere, and an abandoned warehouse would be the perfect place for a villain to hide out in. B - Totally looks like a Dalek. C - Could easily be linked in with weeping angels (keeping eyes open) or some villain wanting to control the world with people's minds (like The Master did towards the end of David Tennant's story). D - Very generic phrase. E - Very generic phrase, but could be the Doctor telling his companions (us) about our journey. F - Lights to lead the way, all from different time periods. G - See above. H - Evil Doctor Who villain who is constantly watching (I'd say The Master). I - See above. J - Doctor speaking to his companions. K - Pocket watch. Time. L - A hidden code from The Doctor. M - Villain phrase. N - Victorian-looking bottle. Victorian period is popular with Doctor Who. Equally, the clues all fit in with Hunger Games... A - The "arena" for the games is set inside a small warehouse, making the games much more dangerous. B - Bright light for when you get transported to the arena. C - The Capitol are very controlling; it's like they are controlling their minds. D - Dark secret about the Hunger Games E - Being in a fight to the death is a journey like no other. F - Those lights are the only source of light in the games. G - Fits in with the game idea. H - The Gamemaker / President is constantly watching everyone? I - See above. J - Either some people in The Games trying to form an alliance, or the Capitol working together. K - Race against time to survive. L - Secret code to get some important survival stuff (similar to in the first film where there's a specific way to get to some treasure). M - Not sure on this one admittedly. Maybe some sort of hallucinogenic weapon in the games? N - See above. ---- Sorry to elaborate the point. I'm not trying to pick your idea apart (and thanks for gathering all the clues in one place!), but all of these clues are very generic and could lead to many different things. Some clues are very hard to fit together with others. Even though it seems like the park are trying to give clues as to what the ride's theme is (and the IP, if there is one), they simply won't give out enough information in these teasers for anyone to possibly work out the theme. I'd even bet that they've purposely put some false leads out there to throw people off the scent. For the record, I don't think it will be Doctor Who or Hunger Games or Silent Hill. Out of all of them, only Doctor Who would really fit in with the park now, and I just can't see it being the case now. However, I do think that this is how all those in know are like when they read this thread...

CoasterDude owns a Youtube channel called "CoasterDude". Talk about original.

Step 1: Rename "Chessington Resort" to "Chessington World of Disappointment featuring an alright Zoo and nice-looking hotels". Step 2: Sit back, have a cup of tea and revel in a job well done.

I don't think we should necessarily rule out another launch coaster. Stealth is a coaster that is all about the launch, but I don't think that should rule out a ride which incorporates a launch into its layout. A ride like Helix, for example, could fit into the park well enough, especially if they didn't focus on the launch so much during marketing. Dive Machines and Flying coasters shouldn't be ruled out either of course, but it's hard to see either them going to Thorpe in my eyes. Wood and just a full out airtime machine are what the park really lack in their line up.

Does MBV have the same layout again this year then? Or is it too hard to tell?

I would personally say it's best to know as little as possible. Otherwise the experience is lessened. Just know that ANYTHING is possible and it is an extreme experience.

Whilst I haven't done all the mazes for FiA, I'd say Saw I'd a good shout; it was apparently the most extreme last year. However, I'd recommend just choosing your favourite maze / the maze you like the look of best. They're all pretty extreme and fun of its your diet of thing.

Nothing to worry about; the sign has always said keep hands on shoulders, as this sign from 2013 shows: (Image from TTP)

You see, I can totally understand this point of view - and given how badly the ticketing process was handled with The Passing, I think in hindsight that could have easily be a free attraction - I'm all for this. Escape attractions are becoming all the craze, and it's great to see Thorpe and Alton joining in and keeping up with the industry. There's no way this could not be a ticketed attraction for logistical reasons, and having a charge for it is pretty fair in my eyes. It'll be interesting to see whether it's worth it or not. For a bit of perspective though, Towers are charging around £8 for one of their mazes. So, in theory, this is decent value for what is a more unique experience.

For those who are interested - the plans were approved today for the Air enhancements.