JoshC.

Thought this was an interesting topic last year, so may as well do another one this year! So, what are your theme-park related plans for 2014? For me, there's chances of hitting up a couple of new UK parks. After not managing to fit a trip to Drayton Manor last year due to breaking my ankle, I'm very hopeful of getting my first trip in this year around summer-time. I'm hoping to make it to TPM's Oakwood trip this year as well, depending on dates and what exactly I'm up to during summer work-wise. There's also a slight possibility that I'll be making it to Adventure Island as well, though no idea with that one. Then, of course, a fair few visits to Thorpe, a couple to Alton, once or twice to Chessie and maybe once to Legoland. 2015 or 2016 is the aim for me to hit up a few of the big-name European parks. Realistically, I'll probably visit Germany and one other country, but those decisions will come nearer the time...

Moral of this thread: Awards on theme park forums are meant to be fun.

I think pluk means Nick Leslau, some millionaire who actually owns the land and leases it to Merlin. From what I remember, after the takeover in 2007ish, there was a 30 year lease to Merlin for Thorpe, Alton and Legoland (but not Chessington!) Not entirely sure on that though mind...

Am I right in thinking that TPM is 10 this year (or was 10 sometime late last month)? If so, will we be seeing anything special to mark that landmark?

The rabbit could be a hint to Peter Rabbit I guess? Other than that, nothing that screams out any sorta hints after looking at a list of some CBeebies shows... TowersStreet posted on their FB that the "characters" will be revealed by Alton this weekend, so not long to wait I guess. (Link to TS FB: https://www.facebook.com/TowersStreet?fref=ts)

I'm interested in seeing how the restraints will be received for Banshee, as they're going for the restraints only seen on wingriders to date. B&M don't normally tweak things a lot; they seem to get most things right first time. Whilst I doubt it will cause any major differences to the ride experience, it will be interesting to see if it actually does...

Stay in. Far too many people to be dealing with going out. DVD or Blu-Ray?

Birthday. Sun or snow?

Colossus (5) Detonator (5) Logger's Leap (5) Nemesis Inferno (6) Quantum (4) Rush (5) SAW: The Ride (4) Slammer (4) Stealth (5) Swarm (6) Tidal Wave (5) X (6) Swarm + Slammer -

I've heard rumours about something new going to Oakwood, but nothing more than just people saying "Well, there's going to be something, but I can't say what." Other than that, I don't think there's anything big or exciting happening anywhere in the UK really! One project I'm really looking forward to is Arthur - The Ride at Europa Park. It's Mack's first suspended coaster, and is powered, and has interactive moments where you can make the seats spin to view certain scenes, apparently. It seems like an amazing dark ride experience with the fun of a roller coaster added as well. It'll be really interesting to see how well it works (then again, I can't think of many, if any, bad Mack project thus far...) and if the idea takes off at other parks! The opening of Cinecitta World in Italy is another thing I'm looking forward. Genuinely can't wait to see pictures of the place once it's open, as so many of the attractions look to have top-notch theming. Will be interesting to see how the tweaked Intamin 10-inversion will be received as well. There's a couple of really good-looking coasters I'm keeping my eyes on too - Helix, Heide Park's wing coaster and Banshee at Kings Island all look pretty sweet. Helix specifically surely has the potential to challenge for a top 10 spot, and from what I've heard about other Mack Megas, it should not disappoint. But that's something we won't find out until it's open, I guess. Also agree with you Spider about Chiapas; a real shame it didn't open this year, but I can't wait to read reviews of how it actually rides!

The Sale has no specified end date. Merlin will announce an end date whenever; expect it to be sudden and possibly around the middle of the month! In other words, they want you to buy ASAP! I'm not sure about the family pass; you can have a maximum of 3 adults, so in theory, you should be able to. Best thing to do would be to contact Merlin directly; probably through their website.

Lack of actors in Sanctuary?! There were more than plenty in 2012! Anyways... no Asylum next year. Thorpe Park or THORPE PARK (or ThOrPe PaRk)?

Colossus (5) Detonator (5) Logger's Leap (4) Nemesis Inferno (7) Quantum (3) Rush (6) Samurai (1) SAW: The Ride (5) Slammer (7) Stealth (5) Swarm (8) Tidal Wave (3) X (5) Swarm + Samurai -

Colossus (5) Detonator (5) Logger's Leap (4) Nemesis Inferno (7) Quantum (4) Rush (6) Samurai (3) SAW: The Ride (5) Slammer (6) Stealth (5) Swarm (6) Tidal Wave (4) X (4) Tidal Wave + Samurai -

I NEED to stop posting Cyanide and Happiness pictures here, but I think this is always something to remember when on the internet...

Colossus (5) Detonator (5) Logger's Leap (5) Nemesis Inferno (7) Quantum (5) Rush (6) Samurai (3) SAW: The Ride (5) Slammer (4) Stealth (5) Swarm (6) Tidal Wave (4) X (4) Swarm + Slammer -

Colossus (6) Detonator (5) Logger's Leap (5) Nemesis Inferno (5) Quantum (5) Rush (6) Samurai (5) SAW: The Ride (5) Slammer (3) Stealth (5) Swarm (6) Tidal Wave (5) X (4) Swarm + Slammer -

Nigloland is a theme park in north-eastern France. From the looks of it, there's nothing particularly 'special' about the place; just your standard, fun theme park. However, next year sees the addition of a Mack Megacoster - Alpina Blitz. I expect most people are aware how awesome Mack's Megacoasters look, and this one is no different: (All images from Nigloland) Looks like another fun coaster from Mack!

http://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/terms.aspx - Section 9 here. After a bit of thought, I'll be getting a Premium Pass this year (first time ever; quite a significant decision for me actually!). From what I've got planned, the perks of the Premium over the Standard (specifically the London attractions during August, Warwick Castle stuff and free parking) are actually of use to me now, so it makes sense. The 'Birthday Club' and free entry to FN is all the better as well. Little concerned about the priority entrance to the park thing though. Does that mean Standard holders will now how to join the masses? Doesn't feel right to me; if people are giving their loyalty to the parks, they should get the privilege of having a dedicated entrance. Seems to me like this is the solution they've come up with to the slow moving AP queues for getting into the park - rather than make AP entrances better / quicker, let's just be more picky about who gets in... As for the VIP Pass, I think it's a nice idea. The Exclusive Experiences (lift hill walks anyone?) and Behind the Scenes tours seem like a great idea (I wonder if Thorpe was a test run for Merlin for these sorta things, and if there'll become more widespread across the Merlin parks sometime soon?), and little things like the free unlimited drinks and global entry sounds good. Certainly there is a market for that, even if it is a very small one. Not gonna lie, if I was going to be travelling around the world one year (like I plan to in the near-ish future), I'd probably go for one. Admittedly, it is very steep - baring in mind it is an INTRODUCTORY price too - but for the convenience it would bring, as well as the extra incentive to visit more of the attractions, why not...

I think you can. Also, SCB, I think VIP pass holders get the drinks capsule free, and other holders have to pay for it. I remember a questionnaire a year or two back which mentioned about it. XD

Spain; says in the video description!

Christmas jokes - they're simply crackering!

One to get everyone in the Christmas spirit (warning - swear word ahead):

Banned for being wrong.

Forgot about doing this. For me, Nemesis wins. Easy. List for anyone interested... Nemesis Th13teen Air, Oblivion; Smiler Sonic Spinball Rita RMT