JoshC.

Some final new things, from Jack Silkstone's video: A mini stage has been set up in Amity This will apparently be used by the roaming actors Some posters have appeared around Swarm island: They're plastered on the station building too. Not a fan of these. Way too many, and they lean very heavily on a theme away from the original Swarm story. Things change I guess, but it feels like adding something for the sake of it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Finally, a new graphic on the service road gates by Old Town Burger King (which originally had the Old Town logo on): This seems to be a big nod towards Exodus, somewhat mimicking the lift/drop

I've heard every rumour under the sun about Colossus lately, from "the park are happy with it as is and won't do anything", to "the park are planning to give it some attention soon, including a possible retrack" to "the park are going to scrap it in the next 10 years". At the moment, I don't think there's a lot to go on with any of it! I believe the park had to switch to the new seatbelts as Intamin don't make the previous ones any more. Haven't had any experience with them, so hopefully the fiddly-ness is just because they're new!

Colossus opened 20 years ago today! To celebrate its successful opening on what was a moderate Thursday in March, where the ride welcomed 7000 guests, we have taken a quick look back at the ride that put Thorpe Park on the map! https://thorpeparkmania.co.uk/articles/09-03-2022/20+Years+of+Colossus (This was heavily inspired by @Mark9's original 10 year article, which currently isn't on the main TPM site, but can still be viewed here!)

The development stalled because of Covid, is the short answer. It's why things stopped almost as quickly as rumours surfaced, and why the park haven't spoken of it. In terms of fan sites, here's a recent article from one which discusses recent patent files: https://behindthethrills.com/2022/01/new-patent-seaworld-surf-coaster-train-layout-restraint/ The key features are over the top lap bars (a la Mack and Intamin), and seats with vertical movement. And a totally comprehensive, reasonably recent (Dec21) look at the specific project: https://bgwfans.com/2021/bgwfans-leaks-seaworld-orlandos-project-penguin/

I think it's worth remembering that every year, everything is always last minute. Whether that's the park making the most of every second of closed season, or just poor planning, is debatable. But that's always how it is. Storm Eunice has probably thrown in extra challenges, delayed some things and thrown schedules off. We've seen that with Chessington and Towers already. But even then, it does feel a bit shoddy. Watching through Jack's video and the park's other official videos, it seems as if: -High Striker! is "coming soon" -The Playground is "coming in the Spring" -We need to "watch this space" for the toilet refurb in the Lower Dome PLUS -Damage to Dodgems taking longer to repair (not the park's fault, I hasten to add, but another thing) -We *might* have plain white boards around Old Town still -An unknown surrounding any work in Vibes That's a lot of things being done still when the park is opening for passholders, as well as a buyout day. I'm sympathetic and understanding surrounding the issues that will have come up from Storm Eunice. But at the same time, it's a poor introductory look for the park from a brutally honest view.

An article update from Merlin about the new ride at Gardaland, and the Jumanji partnership in general: https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/newsroom/news-releases/2022/sony-pictures-entertainment-and-merlin-entertainments-join-forces-to-bring-jumanji-brand-to-life/ Specific highlights: -Merlin are working with Oceaneering on the ride -Framework are creating the VFX -Another Jumanji "activation" at a different theme park for 2023 (I wonder where.....) -Possibly more Jumanji attractions at other Merlin locations -Jumanji themed rooms at the hotel

A recent article was posted: https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/guenzburg/guenzburg-das-legoland-baut-in-guenzburg-eine-neue-achterbahn-id61789116.html It suggests that the new coaster will "briefly go upside down" and that riders will sit either side of the tracks. That would certainly suggest a B&M wingrider, and it adds more fuel to the fire that they have developed a 'junior' version in some way, suitable for a lower height restriction. It would likely be the same set up as Chessington's one too. Also, an inverting roller coaster at a Legoland park. I never thought I'd see the day.

Current update about Walibi Belgium: Last month, following complaints and disputes from locals, the park had their most recent noise permit document revoked. This was issued in 2018, and meant that the ambient noise level that the park was allowed to have was increased. This allowed the park to make some of their more recent installations, like Tiki Waka (Gerstlauer Bobsled) and of course Kondaa. This this document revoked, they have to go back to their most recent one, which was issued in 2015. Whilst it's not clear what this means exactly and what the park are able to do, it is expected that when the park opens for their season next month, they won't be able to run some of their newer rides, specifically Tiki Waka and Kondaa. Obviously a major blow for the park; all the more considering they had to shut for a couple of months last year because of flooding. Something to keep in mind for anyone planning a Belgian trip sometime soon.

Corrr, it's been a while... Asterix isn't open for the season yet, but they have been cracking on with construction of Toutatis. Here's some images from a recent (but now deleted) video: As a reminder, this is a multi launch Intamin coaster which will have a swing launch mid way through the ride. The park hope to get track work finished by the summer I believe, so they can start landscaping and theming.

Exciting times for the park. And that teaser video is fantastic! There's been lots of rumours about what this will be. It's long be thought that it will be a Big Dipper, like Lost Gravity at Walibi Holland (where the cars have the winged seats). That visual pretty much confirms it, although it will have cars of 4 rows, rather than 2 like the other Big Dippers. That teaser video also shows Lost Gravity's layout too. There have been lots of rumours of this investment being a duelling coaster (in part because Big Dippers have low throughputs), but that's still not confirmed. More recent rumours have suggested that this will be a multi launch coaster, featuring a vertical launch. The theme is expected to be in some way connected to Nikola Tesla, who was Croatian, as well as electricity in general (which fits with the video too).

A better look at the extension if the wall feature in the Dockyard: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNpcLXJ-mB/?utm_medium=copy_link It looks good, but the large black space makes me feel like there's more to come / it just isn't finished.

We have another resort update: https://fb.watch/bP70P-s8x_/ Really nice video; tone of it is *justttt right*. Key updates of things not known: -The addition of a playground by Depth Charge, called The Playground -The removal of Wet Wet Wet -The refurbishment of the toilets in the Lower Dome -New queue boards and an improved queue system. Some nice additions. A playground by Depth Charge is a bit full circle, given there used to be one there up till like 2008/9. Ultimately it's a harmless addition which will give the younger guests something extra to do, but it does once again highlight the ever see-sawing nature of the park. Also, slightly grumble. Loads of things are coming soon. High Striker, The Playground and a toilet refurb not ready at start of season. That's a lot of things not ready that really should be. I'm sympathetic that there's been storms which have delayed work. But really, it's a bit poor to have so many things not ready.

Let's have a crack at writing up my 2014 experience then! I was in the same position in 2014 as I saw in 2013; I could only manage one visit to Fright Nights because of being at uni. But after the successes of 2013, I had to go. And with Face it Alone returning, that just sealed the deal. When it came to Face it Alone, I took a risk on my maze choice, opting to go for new-for-that-year Studio 13. The previous year, I'd gone with familiarity in Saw Alive, a maze I knew like the back of my hand. So why not up that fear factor a bit and go with a maze I didn't know at all, and would only manage one run before my Face it Alone experience. The pre-amble was much the same; meet at the BBQ and sign the waiver. The Director and his Assistant were there again, chatting with Face it Aloners and trying to ramp up the fear. It wasn't quite as effective this time, in part because I knew what to expect, but also in part because the actor playing the Director wasn't as strong I think. I do remember speaking with him though, and the topic somehow going onto Alton Towers, where he said "Alton Towers? Yeah, they've got CBeebies Land now...THAT is f*cking terrifying!". That made be chuckle. With waiver signed, the 4 of us doing Studio 13 were taken over, a very short walk from the BBQ, and made to line up single file by the entrance. And then just left there; no one else around. This was a very different 'start' to the experience compared to last year, and where my heart did start to pump. After a truly unknown amount of time, the first person went in. The rest of us waited, silently, for our turn. Studio 13 had the chainsaw ending of course, and it was only once the chainsaw started revving when the second person was dragged in. That gave me time to rationalise what to expect: it was one person only in the entire maze. But what would that mean? Would the entire cast hound you? Maybe. Since it was only a few minutes, how intense would things be? Thoughts were running through my head. The chainsaw started to rev and then I was yanked by my shoulder into the maze. The first part of the maze just saw me pushed and pulled and hounded with loads of in-story questions. "You're hear for the studio tour?" "Why are you late?" Why are you alone?" etc etc. I then had my "photo" taken (the blinding flashing light effect from the maze), and was pulled into the next scene. This was the make up / wardrobe scene, and I was forced into a chair and had make up sprawled all over my face, before being spun around in the chair repeatedly. This left me a little dizzy, but I had no time to relax, as I was picked back up and pushed around by two actors, taking me through all the scenes. Honestly, the maze was a blur from here. Actors would invade my personal space and act intimidating. But at the same time, this didn't feel as intense as last year's incarnation. It was still a step well up from the level Thorpe mazes usually were, but it was all a bit rinse and repeat. Get pushed and pulled around, have actors crowd around you, and then move you on. Things changed towards the end of the maze. I was following the maze route, then I was pulled backwards and shoved into what I can only describe as a cupboard. I don't know what it's purpose was in normal runs (whether it was an actor hole, a storage cupboard or something designed with Face it Alone in mind), but it was very small and pitch black. I just stood there, facing the door, waiting for something to happen. To my surprise, a door opened to my side, and a new actor appeared. They had some sort of duct tape in hand, and decided to wrap a load around my head and mouth, and also tie my hands in front of me. I then had a bottle of water dumped on me for good measure too. Things had ramped up very quickly, and I was pulled around to the final scene. For those who don't remember, it was this bedroom scene: In here, I was greeted by a hillbilly-esque actor, who said he'd been waiting for me, and wanted to introduce me to his daughter (who was on the bed). Said I should kiss her. I don't know what my face would have shown in this moment, but I can assure you, I wasn't enthusiastic about the idea. In any case, the actor decided to encourage me, and pushed me onto the bed so I was lying on top of 'his daughter'. And with my hands tied in front of me, it wasn't exactly easily to move. Unsurprisingly, the hillbilly was 'disgusted with what I was doing', so dragged me off her and onto my feet. He grabbed the chainsaw and said he was going to give me to the count of 3 to get out of his sight. I started making my way to the exit corridor, and immediately heard a "3", and he started chasing after me. The chainsaw was being revved behind me and in my face, and he was right behind me even after I left the maze. And so ended Face it Alone 2014 for me. What I found particularly interesting was that all 4 of us had the exact same experience. I didn't know any of the other people doing Studio 13, but we all spoke afterwards comparing our experiences, and I remember them being exactly the same. That was very different compared to last year, where everything was a lot more fluid (in more ways the one, I guess!). It will be interesting how similar this was to @Inferno's experience! So to round off, Face it Alone in Studio 13 was not as intense as my Saw Alive experience in 2013. Part of that would be down to familiarity and knowing vaguely what to expect. Part of that might be down to the cast, or the concept not being new and so having less focus on it. But at the same time, the last minute or so of the experience was definitely up there and pushed the boundaries in different ways, which is a big part of what Face it Alone was trying to achieve.

The Access Hub felt like it was crumbling apart, so I imagine they had to knock it down - I'm sure a well placed hammer would have done the job. It has now been relocated to the right of the turnstiles, which is where people can hire wheelchairs and Radar keys (good call!). Inferno is also getting a working lift to the station again for the first time in at least 15 years. A dedicated RAP queue is good, as is the new fencing, but the mishmash of fencing and paving isn't the greatest look (a minor complaint I know). All in, some good changes on the Accessibility front.

Most newer additions do; examples off the top of my head: Swarm, I'm a Celebrity (when it existed), Ghost Train, Walking Dead The Ride and Black Mirror.

Honestly would be surprised; primary reason being the side view of the trains we've seen does not suggest a spinning back row: At the same time, I don't think we should necessarily discount it yet. After all, details like the train assembly are not something that is needed. And I wouldn't be surprised if Thorpe have at least considered it. But even then, if it's something they were to incorporate from the get-go, one would expect it to have its own queue. Current plans only show 3 queues, which we should assume to be Main, Fastrack and RAP, so it feels unlikely. tl;dr - spinning row feels incredibly unlikely, but I wouldn't discount it just yet.

Though not totally out the question, it would be slightly surprising for Intamin to go back to the old style tri-track as pictured in the plans when they've been using their new style track for original layouts. Memory may also be failing me, but I think the second row of each car of Intamin trains is raised in comparison to the first row, whereas Mack rows are all level? Might be the key indicator for the plans?

The Swarm opened 10 years ago today! We at TPM have an article looking back at 10 years of The Swarm, right from the initial plans, through construction to the changes since it opened. Whether you believe in Lez Cougan or not, have a look here... https://thorpeparkmania.co.uk/articles/12-03-2022/THE+SWARM%2C+10+Years+On

TPM now has an article up: https://thorpeparkmania.co.uk/news/14-03-2022/Project+Exodus+Plans+Submitted I'll be updating it over the next day or so. It does give a fairly comprehensive look at everything covered. This is the most interesting thing to me right now. The plans don't reference theming. But what's more, they make very little reference to anything design/style related! The track colour isn't mentioned, aside from the high points being "light in colour". There's no details about the buildings beyond their dimensions. Historically, Thorpe planning applications have also shown what fences would be used in the queues, including material, dimensions, etc. Why this isn't mentioned I'm not sure. Maybe it simply isn't required now? Maybe they plan to submit those details later, if needed? Being 2 years away from opening, there's still plenty of time to finalise these things (even if the park have a solid idea in mind right now). One thing I didn't pick up on, though, was that the position by the lake will be "the main theming feature": That would certainly lend itself to being light on theming, and give us a potential direction of the style of the ride.

PLANS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED. Some highlights: -The ride will feature trains of 20; 10 rows of 2. The trains will have lapbars. *Not too surprising, but nice to know. -No manufacturer is confirmed; this is not of interest for planning permission, but it is acknowledged it is of interest to roller coaster enthusiasts. Equally, the application just mentions ride comparison are done to a 'similar ride in Europe' -The ride will reach a maximum speed of around 130km/h (though this is not definite) -The ride will have a light track colour high up, similar to Stealth *This was mentioned in the consultation period. I haven't found confirmation of *what* the colour is for the high points, or the low points. This is usually contained within there somewhere. -The ride's highest points are: 72m, 50m, 48m and 43m *This puts to bed an initial thought I had that the park might try to go for the world's tallest inversion record. -Lots of trees will be planted around the station building -During construction, the lake will be infilled partially. Originally, the supports were meant to go into the lake, but it looks like they will go into a small part of land within the lake. I guess this is a compromise between having a nice looking lake and ease of maintenance. -The expanded construction area appears to just be for the *full* demolition of Loggers Leap, as opposed to just the bits in the way. So no extended layout. -Construction should start late this year, and the whole process should last 16 months. So Spring 2024 opening Now some more photos: An interesting look at an alternative layout Trees In past applications, we have gotten a look at the design of buildings, etc. But I can't find any of that. Usually we'd even get fencing plans, saying the style, height, material of every fence in an application. Again, doesn't seem to be here. Interesting, in a geeky sorta way. All I can say about the station is it has walls and a metal roof (a roof shouldn't be taken for granted). So there's no clarity on theming, style, colours or anything. Random note: the transfer track is after the station and at the start of the ride, as opposed to at the end of the ride / before the station. Somewhat different.

Grand National's minimum height restriction is increasing from 117cm to 132cm: The ride has been receiving a fair amount of work this closed season, so maybe this comes from a review of the ride following this.

The area has now been blocked off: Sauce is obviously Heinz It's also been confirmed to Chessington Buzz that the name of the new area will be Shipwreck Coast. The two new rides will be called Trawler Trouble (Timber Tug Boat relocated) and Bobbing Barrels (Zamperla Watermania). Whilst we're here, there's been some nice repaints to existing areas for 2022, as seen by TPG: Wild Asia: Mexicana: Forbidden Kingdom: More images and other bits from TPG's live feed: https://live.themeparkguide.biz/?live=CWOA22 Also worth checking out Chessington Buzz's Twitter feed too: https://twitter.com/ChessingtonBuzz

And a look at construction: (Above image from Chessington Buzz too) A couple of alternate views from Theme Park Guide:

One would imagine they were told at the time "the codename of the roller coaster is Project Exodus" as a bare minimum. That particular clip would have been filmed only a couple of months before the plans came out so they might have been told a bit more. As for anything else, well that's anyone's guess. At this stage, there's not much else to know. We're still 2+ years from opening, so whilst the park will have theming and name ideas in mind, for example, they might not be set in stone. We're still a while from construction even starting. They might know more (and if they do, it will all be under NDA), but really - at this stage - I imagine there's not too much more to know!

It has been confirmed that Enso (spinning Icon) will only be on one of Icon's three trains. Due to the limited capacity, it is - unsurprisingly - an upcharge. £15 - standard ticket. You virtually wait the length of the queue of Icon £25 - VIP ticket. You only wait 10% of the queue time for Icon I guess £15 is comparable to Steel Taipan's spinning seat (Steel Taipan being the near Blue Fire clone at Dreamworld in Australia, which also has a spinning row on one of its trains), although that doesn't have much of a wait to get on I believe? I get the reason for the upcharge. But even though it's a pretty unique experience, it's just so expensive considering you can literally experience spinning launched coasters at other parks included in the park ticket. Saucey: https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/icon/