JoshC.

I noticed the new paving on my last couples of visits. Personally, I thought it was just over a potential development of the building for future years (maybe bringing back a 4D film next year?), but it would seem early to be doing that admittedly.. It is the perfect place for some sort of attraction though if they can sort the building out. Only time will tell I guess!

Alton had rubbish attendance figures in 2011 (and is away from London), whereas 2011 was Thorpe's best year attendance-wise (and is close to London). Makes sense when you think of it like that. Solely looking at attendance figures is silly. If you were to do that, Storm Surge is the park's best investment ever...

Sounds like a really unfortunate day to go. On my previous Summer Nights, I haven't had to wait more than 5 minutes for ny wristband, and there was only 2 or 3 booths open. As for the way people were queuing, I found that the queues were so minimal it wouldn't really matter if you did go through the gates again, as there was so little queue..

I think there's other factors which can affect grey outs. For example, if you're dehydrated, been riding rides for a long period of time, etc., so it could vary from person to person. I've come close to a grey out on Swarm, but never actually had one. Only Saw and Inferno have given me grey outs - but both times it had happened, I had re-riden them a lot, and it was a hot day.

An interesting picture posted on ScareTour with the caption: "Who is this strange explorer and what does he have to do with Hocus Pocus Hall at Chessington?"

I don't think it's new ride hype, as it's got better and better for me! Could be that because it's a less intense ride, and just meant to be a bit of fun, it offers something completely different from all the other coasters on park, so seems better. I guess time will tell... And nah, it may good, but it ain't THAT good...

So, my original opinion on the new X has changed completely. I seriously love the ride. Yes, okay, it's not exactly the most thrilling coaster, but I find it really good fun. What I think I really like about it, but only realised tonight, is that thanks to the light show, each ride feels slightly different, adding to the re-rideability (12 times this evening!). Also got 2 goes with just the lasers on this evening - really is a great experience. Didn't think I'd say this, but I do no prefer X to NWO and, dare I say, it's my second favourite ride on park right now..! X - 8/10

Where did the park advertise Swarm as intense? Never heard them use that word once. They advertised it as extreme, which is different from intense. Swarm isn't an intense beast like, say, Nemesis. But it has its moments - the helicopter turnaround in particular is not only intense, but sustains that intensity for a period of time, which is a bit unusual. Anyway, next big thing. Am I right in thinking all B&Ms have had 1.4m restrictions? If so, wouldn't want to see the next big thing a B&M; the park needs a major family coaster in my opinion.

Duel. Alton's stupid reversal decisions or Chessington's stupid operations?

According to the park themselves, Swarm was very positively received by those who rode it. The trouble was, not enough people came to ride it. Why that was could be put down to many things, but it certainly isn't down to it being a B&M.

But seriously, I appreciate everyone has different opinions, but I can think of loads of reasons why I top spin would not suit Thorpe...

Zumanjaro? What a strange and silly sounding name. As for the ride itself, meh, another tall drop tower stuck on a tall roller coaster. Personally, I think I prefer the look of a sole tower standing by itself - looks more imposing. These types of rides add a whole different meaning to 'bolt on' attractions... (I'll grab my coat!)

Am I the only one who thinks that, bar the length, it looks okay? Not gonna lie, it doesn't set the world on fire and I'm not dying to go out and try it, but I don't think it looks bad, in honesty.

It was packed today. I was there till about half 12 and rides I saw unavailable were... -Stealth (down all the time) -Vortex (down all the time, though was testing) -Loggers (down till 12ish) -Rush (broke at 10:10, reopened later though) -Storm Surge opened late (and then had a 140min queue! ) -Slammer still broke. Was a shame to see, especially at the park's busiest period, when the reliability this year has been very good otherwise!

This made me laugh more than it should have done... http://www.designboom.com/technology/mini-roller-coaster-turns-the-street-into-amusement-park/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

As others have said, there are so many factors to consider when you look at 2012's attendances. To solely say Swarm didn't bring in the crowds is unfair really. I personally think that Swarm will have a different type of pulling factor - other coasters (Stealth, Saw and Colossus) have had a key marketing gimmick which draws people in, and people decide to return of their own accord. Obviously, a UK first ride is not gimmicky enough for the general public, but as the general consensus of guests is that Swarm is a very good ride, then word of mouth will eventually spread. Why do you think this, just outta interest?

I've just had a thought... If the Blair Witch (or any attraction really) uses the CCR route in any way, will it open later than the other mazes? The maze is likely to have the majority of it outside in the open, and I think having it open at 3pm, when it's still light and that, would definitely detract from the experience. Even if they were to use the woods up the hill - which I think is doubtful - it would still be rather light. I'm not saying open it ridiculously late, more like 5-6pm (depending on if the clocks have gone back). But I do think opening it any earlier and it could detract from the experience..

I'm not entirely sure what system I prefer. Personally, I think Thorpe's system is fine as it is. £5 extra for Standard AP holders and a rise in price for everyone, and you can choose between mazes, night rides, or a bit of both. It's consistent with the pricing of Summer Nights, too. Alton's system is also good, as it allows for people who don't want to do the mazes not to have to fork out extra. It also helps keep queues small most of the time. In a bit of a cop-out answer, I think each system suits the individual parks fine. Thorpe have more scare attractions, and have a lot more focus on them at Halloween, so it makes sense to have an added extra price. Alton have less scare attractions and I feel have them as a sideline for Halloween, with the focus being more on all-rounded for everyone, so having 1 free maze and 2 paid mazes works well.

I feel scared for Mr Fish now...

I liked the idea someone posted a few pages back about the camera being with an actor who was guiding the group around. I'm not sure how well it would work, and I'd personally not want the end of any maze be met with a photo or DVD booth... That was one of the things which ruined The Passing for me last year.

Interesting for me to read this back as well actually! I think my viewpoint is pretty similar. Thorpe should remain a park where the main focus is the thrill rides; I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I still think the park should focus on a broader age range - probably a focus on children as young as 8, up to about 55-60 year olds. A family-friendly major coaster is a must now, and would work a treat. I agree with you about having more rest rides though. It helps break up the day, and creates a more even spread of what families want to do. Add in a show of some sorts - using either the cinema or the Arena - as well, and I think it'd be great. The recent shift is almost spot on - the park feels a lot more friendly to kids and families now, without the loss of a fun day for friends too. Hopefully the next couple of years will aid that!

I was there on the Saturday, and the queue never went above 80mins. Get a feeling your friend could be over-exaggerating a bit...

Isn't that last year's one though? It has last year's logo and park-wide theme (which doesn't make sense for this year), and last year 4 mazes were included in admission, as Passing was a paid extra.