JoshC.

With an attitude like that, the only thing you'll be able to pull is one of these leaflets from your local community help centre...

I was actually glancing over all your previous FN reviews before seeing you'd added a review of this season, and that really is one of the most damning comments , and review in general, you've made against a Thorpe maze! It's clear that Big Top wasn't ready this past weekend, and that Saturday in particular was an awful, awful day for the attraction. It's a real shame too, as it does have a fair amount of potential. What worries me the most is the lack of actors in it on Saturday though - surely they can't have planned things that poorly to only have a handful of actors in the maze at any one time? From what I understand, the maze has been having some more work done to it the past couple of days, with some tweaks to some sections, and possibly even more theming on the inside (and it does need it). The first tent altogether needs a bit of a rethink too. With those two things sorted, it would be a fab attraction in my opinion. But then, with such a tried and tested theme, why didn't they get things right in the first place?

Interesting giving it such a high rating - wonder if it's solely because "YOU WILL BE MADE TO WEAR A HOOD SO IT IS SCARY" or if it's something more. I'm curious to find out what End Games will be rated, as I felt like that would be the more 'extreme' of the two. On a complete off topic note, I'm surprised Thorpe never gave one of their mazes an 'Unrated' rating (or even advertised Face it Alone like that). It would have suited the film theme perfectly, and would be a great way to get people talking.

You've hit the nail on the head here as to why it's a bad idea to compare the two. Star Wars is a massive brand with a huge, huge following. Quite a large percentage of people who will watch the film are probably following any and all updates prior to the release, and will probably also jump at the chance to buy some merch. Thorpe is different. Of all the people who will ride the ride next year, only a very small percentage are following construction and build up in a similar way. And of those following, not all will be inclined to buy a t-shirt about it I expect, especially when it's so generic. So doing a bit of a reveal about the ride (not a full reveal of course) may help raise more awareness about the ride, and encourage more people to buy this merch. A much more sensible comparison is to Smiler's logo merch that was sold in 2012. That worked well, but I personally think that's down to the fact the logo was so in itself quite cool and interesting to look at, and the fact that the logo was plastered all over the park at the time. Those pieces of merch worked well as something complete separate from theme parks. This I'm not so sure has the same power.

Towers most certainly do get those types of visitors. There's well known 'Traveller Days' where the atmosphere on park is very different, and there's a noticeable increase in security. Then again, this also occurs at Thorpe.

A visit to Madame Mephisto should help us answer this question... The future is unclear, with many outcomes possible. If you take a trip to the Carnival for the full day, you will likely experience all of the fairground rides, experience some movies up close and personal, and be able to visit the Figaro Brothers. Only fate knows for certain...

Good to see! Clearly they've noted the success of Smiler's advertising campaign and want to build on it. I'm intrigued to see where they go from here. Selling some merch is surely an indicator that the the next clue coming towards the end of this month will give some sort of substantial info?

Something which I don't think has been mentioned in the thread yet is how there were random power outages on park yesterday. This is what led to many closures. This also happened Thursday night apparently, which was why Containment didn't open to the press. Of course, it's hard to say whether these power problems are just very bay luck or if Thorpe are at some sort of fault. I wonder if Thorpe investing in some back up power sources is in any way feasible / viable?

After checking frightnightsjobs.com , it appears there's no acting jobs left, so presumably they've filled up all their slots. The park have general FN job adverts which advertise all possible roles (actors, rides staff. F&B. etc), of which many non-acting jobs are still available. This is why there are still adverts for jobs. --- As for tonight, doesn't seem good. I heard of many problems throughout the evening (though can't be quite sure how true some of them are), and it is a worry. I did notice on social media many people complaining and asking for free Fastrack tickets - even many enthusiasts were doing this! - which is a complete joke to be honest. I did notice Thorpe didn't respond to these requests specifically though, so hopefully that's a good sign...

I think it closes around this time of the day on Fright Nights dates for checks.

Views from last night featuring some spoilers...

Also worth noting how Thorpe are now advertising it as a world first (I don't think they have up until now?): (From TPG Live) Be interesting whether this is a "World First *Insert IP here (if there is one)* Attraction" a la I'm a Celeb and AB4D or whether it will be a more substantial thing.

In theory, it was only press who had signed forms who were allowed to film / photograph inside the mazes tonight. ----- Tonight was fun. Managed two goes in each of the mazes... -BWP was fantastic. Great atmosphere and use of effects! -Big Top was a bit of a mixed bag. First run through was bad, second run through much better. More theming is needed though. Apparently the maze was only signed off at 3pm today and actors went in for the first time shortly after. -Saw was great, with a ton of actors. -Cabin again was great, just needed for actors at the end. -Once again MBV wad the worst. Needs a major redesign really. Roaming actors were good fun and in general, the quality of the acting was top notch. A few things need settling in bit I'm sure it will be a great FN this season!

http://youtu.be/J6pAxF2br_U

New image from the park's Facebook... That angle makes it clear to me that there is no inversion there. Then again, or makes the element look a lot larger than the lift hill (even taking into account perspective and whatnot).

I just can't help but feel that these closures aren't that big a deal. I bet all those rides aren't popular during the hours they will be closed, so won't be missed that much. And in a time where the park is insanely quiet and need to minimise loss, what else can they do? I don't like the fact they're doing this, and I bet Alton hate it too, but it seems to be the lesser of all the evils in my eyes.

I think eB hit the nail on the head (as others have done in the past). This is essentially sado-masochism disguised as a scare attraction. The idea of it is nothing new and is out there if you find it, but this place is very vocal about it. The fact that they are vocal about it, and market it, in this way isn't a great way to go about it though. That offa my biggest trouble with this to be honest.

6:23 looks just like animal abuse surely?

I don't think I could bare that as TPM trip. Would be a eye-opening trip though, especially for newd members.

Be a shame if they just completely gave up on the system like that. The idea could work out in some ways, even if it's just for a Fastrack replacement (make the system digital rather than paper - advertise it as being environmentally friendly or something). Would be interested to hear what the general response to the system from the public was.

Good to see some bits of theming coming about around the park. Hope we can see some more stuff put in, and maybe even some interactive bits and bobs!

If WC16 has any relation to the Big Top I'll eat my hat. Agree with Tommy that this is likely more Fright Nights advertising than anything else, but just chucking in some code cracking for the sake of keeping WC16 ticking along too. Be interesting to see what the third clue is.

But it's not a twisted movie studio this year. Instead, they're going with a park wide carnival theme, and the other mazes are sideshows or something I guess. The Katie Hopkins thing sounds ludicrous though.

This conversation has become rather 'obtuse'......

Have you checked to see if there are any exclusion dates on the Share the Fun vouchers (they might be hidden somewhere in the Passholder pack)? It should say there. If there aren't any, I'd assume you'd have no problem. However, try contacting Thorpe by another social media account or by email for a more definitive answer. I would fully expect the numbers to be low; the event is aimed at a small market at a premium price. However, regardless of whether there is an enthusiast event going on or not, it's good to see it sell out even just once - it shows that there is indeed a demand for it.