JoshC.

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.

I'll be going when I want to go. [/Rebel] As for Face it Alone selling out for Saturday, that's good to hear! I assume it's partially down to large numbers from the TTSP meet, but it's still good to see that it's popular enough to be selling out (first time I think a FiA has actually sold out I believe?).

About blooming time. Good to hear though.

Thanks for the pictures! The plain white van is obviously a massive clue. 10 cookies to anyone who can track down the company that owns it just from the licence number.

To clear up some facts... Stealth's layout is as it was on the plans. The picture holtjammy16 posted was from the MTDP in 2004, which was used to show the council the rough size and location. The Stealth/Rita rumour is a staff favourite on VIP tours it seems. They say that Stealth and Rita were originally one ride, but were split between the two parks because neither could accommodate this super ride. This of course sounds very odd, since the parks choose and design their rides individually. Presumably there is some truth behind it. Given that Rita was a very forced ride and relatively rushed compared to other Alton coasters, I wouldn't be surprised if it was something along the lines of Thorpe were planning a launch coaster for a long time, Towers needed a new major coaster, then the big names at Tussauds were able to wrangle a bit of a 'deal' if you will with Intamin, leading to Rita. Of course, this could be completely wrong, but I expect there's some sort of validity to the rumour..

I keep changing my mind with this one; some pictures make it look like two inversions, some make it look like no inversions. Hard to tell the scale of things from photos, but I wonder if this is the record-breaking 52m loop?

Let's face it - the majority of the general public who won't be going to Towers (and in particular, Scarefest) this year have been put off by Smiler, either because its crash has scared them away, or the fact that they want to be there when it's open so they can ride it. The closure of an old log flume and a dark ride that doesn't attract long queues isn't going to change that. Given the look of this year's scare attractions as well, if that's someone's main reason for travelling to Scarefest, I don't think that the closure of one filler ride will make much difference to most.