JoshC.

pluk is a right proper Essex lad who is well reem.

Banned for quadruple posting in the 'Drawings...' thread.

Indeed; I hope everyone has a frightfully good time!

I do agree they should have some system for those without smartphones to use RnR. I dunno if there was any system set up during these trials, but if there wasn't, I do hope it is being looked into!

Yeah, I love Face it Alone, but this is too far. I like the idea of it being like a horror film, but when the only way the experience ends is when you complete the 7 hours or they think you're medically unfit to do it, that's a bit too far for me. Like Turtle mentioned, there's a video online about the newer experience. The individuals mention how they get locked in freezers, eat live worms, simulated waterboarding and christ knows what else. I like scare attractions, and would love to try some of the stuff in the States (Blackout looks good, but probably my limit). But this attraction sees the 'line' of going too far, spits on it, then does a 100m dash past it.

How far did the Blair Witch queue actually extend to?! 2-3 hours must surely be a long way... --- I'm extremely tired, so really can't go into all my thoughts about RnR at the moment. Long story short though... Ny the looks of things, it's being treated as a free Fastrack service by guests, and hence not enough people are using them. This mucks up the quotas the park probably aimed for (giving more to Reserve and Ride guests), which causes loads of problems. If they then tweak this, it means that RnR guests have to queue - defeating the point of the system - whilst still reducing the throughputs of the maze queues. I'm gonna sound like a broken record, but Thorpe need to try RnR with no standby queues. It will give guests the incentive to try it, and make sure that they do actually get full out appropriate feedback on the system. More and more guests are being exposed to the system, so understand the idea behind it. The system is okay (though does seem to have problems still, particularly with not opening at the right time). These trials have given the park something to build - now let's see them build on it!

The Southparks article tells us essentially nothing new... -We've known for a while that the next big thing will most probably be 2016. -Every big new thing since Inferno had been more expensive than the last. -A dark ride has been rumoured for ages. -Merlin love IPs. -Given the visible work happening, the places they list aren't surprising. All just seems very conjecture-based and chucking all the rumours into one place!

Trial is to test the computer system, ensure it works and so forth, and how to communicate it to guests. You shouldn't be able to reserve rides until the queues open at 3pm, I believe.

As ever, if there's no visible work happening on a ride (especially a ride like Samurai where you can see everything), then it's more than likely they're waiting for a part or something.

Has an unhealthy obsession with Nemesis Inferno...

As I've said time and time again, Thorpe need to bite bullet and try it with no standby queue. It's how the system was designed to be used, and creating standby queues and whatnot makes the system more complicated. I possibly think I'd have got moot done last night if it wasn't for the standby queues. Let's hope that next year (or later this year), they can give it a go and see if it works out!

Think Paige makes a good point too, in that the main audience for the film is either in school (on weekdays) or unlikely to visit the park because of Fright Nights. It's supply and demand really - if there's not enough people wanting to watch the film, run it less often. Simple.

You don't know that I benefited from the system failing. In fact, I actually wasted a bit of time today because of the system and its failing. Despite that, I actually managed to get all mazes done and have a very good time. Indeed, it was infinitely more fun than sitting behind a computer tweeting Thorpe Park about why their system is useless when you're not experiencing it first hand...

Quick words till Saturday evening, when I'll post full reviews... Got in all mazes thanks to RnR; wouldn't have done without it. There's some problems with it, but I think Thorpe are overcomplicated it with too many queuing systems. Possible spoilers ahead (worst to best): MBV: I had a leak of actors and it was unentertaining for the most part. How is this the only 5* maze? Saw Alive: Good fun and I enjoy it. Possibly the most consistent maze I've done. Just not as good as the above. BWP: Really enjoyed this this evening. Plenty of actors and they use the space well! CITW: Not as fun as last year, and the idea of being a room and things happening is lost. Still very good though and plenty of actors. Studio 13: Great theming, loads of great actors, nice story that creeps through. Good scares and great fun. Prefer the way the ending is executed too. Face it Alone: Did Studio 13 and it was absolutely ruddy brilliant. Just sheer and utter brilliance and my favourite maze experience to date. Well done to all involved in that!

I also think it's a bit weird to remove X, especially given the new market. Of course, I can't say who I heard it from. Heard it a while back, but didn't think much it. But with the removal of seats and with the recent discussion of a dark ride, I guess anything is possible. Just something I thought I'd chuck out there really!

Interesting stuff. I've been hearing some rumours about X not having long left. Maybe that space and the arena could be making way for development? Fingers crossed that something is done to the arena though!

No trick or abuse of the system. Just choosing the shortest queue when my previous reservation has been fulfilled.

They've had problems with the system. I think it's fine now but is having trouble coping with earlier issues. I arrived into the park at 5:30 and have got MBV and Cabin done; currently queuing for Studio 13. I personally think the system would be better if there was no standby queue, add the ratios are not going well given the problems. Shame.

Glitch with system. Things will be more reasonable quickly.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that has to be 6 (or however many) weeks continuous? So, you can't say do 4 weeks at the end of one season, return next season, then be eligible for the Magic Pass 2 weeks into new season.

My 6th ( ) anniversary on here was two weeks today! Drinks all round for the October joiners

Rogan JoshC. better be a hot curry Mer..! Personally, I love the idea of member resin statues; they'd be a crowning jewel of my collection... Or failing that, Alton Towers should at least create a Limited Edition 'The Josher' resin - http://forum.maniahub.com/topic/10669-how-would-you-improve-the-smiler/#entry184656

I'm evidently being a bit dim here, but what Merlin attraction is getting a new show?

Not even appearing in signage any more (unless there's one I missed!); the You're Next character was cropped out of the main promo image and the logo no longer appears on posters either. Can only assume it was the plan for a long time that they wouldn't return this year!

Making the farm return is always a nice idea which I suspect most on here would love to see happen, but I just can't see it happening. The buildings themselves are now used by local schools/something I think, so it may prove difficult for the park to essentially kick them out. Another issue is the fact it *could* end up treading on the toes of Chessington, which I guess is something Merlin want to try and avoid. It's also worth remembering that Thorpe's target market, whilst being more family-friendly, is still focusing a lot on 16-34 year olds (thrill seekers). Whilst I'm not saying that a farm area could be enjoyed by all, it's not the most worthwhile solution for the continued cost of it. Worth remembering as well that there's a big empty island between Thorpe and the old farm area, meaning that the waterbuses can't make their way between the old farm area and the core of the park.