JoshC.

Well doesn't this look good? Wouldn't be a bit surprised if all we see is the removal of the rockwork and all that this season, and (praying to God and all other religious figures...) see them replaced next season. I've heard on other forums (I think it was TST) that Zufari received a £4 million budget cut (and I heard the bidget was £8-10million...), and now the rest of the park is getting a £5million spruce up over two years. Hmmmm.... I've made it no secret that, out of all the UK Merlin parks, I was looking forward to visiting Chessie the most this season. Now, especially with a trip next week planned, I'm not too sure...

Just as a random question, does anyone know if backwards ORPs will be avaliable at all during the year?

As Ryan says, it was no doubt for their film, hence why the rides were closed to the public whilst he was riding them (can't have ordinary guests in the shots now...) In the past, I've noticed that celebs get a sorta 'supreme Fastrack privledge' where they can basically just get on anything fine and dandy, normally with a couple of staff members escorting them around (saw this happen with Stacy Solomon a couple of years back). I guess it's the celeb's choice as to how much 'extra' stuff they get. Do think the celeb thing could be done a bit better really..

Coventry.

Seen the new Swarm advert a couple of times on Channel 5 today. Very similar to last year, with a shot of the billboard and fire, as well as one seat going backwards. The Crash Pad logo appears also.

Sundays tend to be quieter anyways I think. Seems as though this weekend wasn't exactly a popular one to go to theme parks in general..

Whilst that is true, I find comparisons between the front row and backwards rows a bit pointless. The front row isn't marketed. Front rows are always there on roller coasters; they're nothing too special. However, people want to go on them for various reasons, hence why front row Fastrack make sense. But the backwards rows are marketed (and relatively heavily this season as well). It's something that people are solely queueing the whole time for, and it's something with a low throughput. As I've said before, it's like the backwards rows are 'like a separate attraction', whereas front row isn't. So yeah, the way I see it, whilst there's similarities between the two, you can't really compare them, especially for things such as Fastrack...

Yeah, didn't really think it through.. Did have a coat with me, so was only without that for a few minutes. Hands were freezing though!

Looks great. The whole comfort thing isn't a fear for me at the moment. The merch looks great as well. Seriously, fantastic stuff. I approve. My wallet, however, won't; the price of those clocks is £12..

Thanks Han! Yeah, it was strange that the waiting made me less nervous, it seemed to have the opposite effect on many. Those that are friends with me on Facebook can view the video of me jumping from the ground now (I hope to get it on Youtube soon). Here's a photo of me from the top though: (and yes, I know that I look a bit petrified here! )

Personally, when I go to Towers later this season, I'm going to be awe-stricken by The Smiler. Don't think I'm going to be paying attention to a little bit of missing roof on a toilet block...

I assume there's no audio there whatsoever and it's just silent? If so, that's a bit disappointing. I'd have preferred some screaming or something, just to make it feel like it's still 'something', rather than something that's been completed ignored. Maybe they're trying to go for the whole abandoned warehouse feeling by doing absolutely nothing, but it doesn't really work with Colossus and Saw so nearby in my opinion...

Didn't know where to put this, as it's not hugely important, but may as well put it here. http://planning.runnymede.gov.uk/RBCNGE/ngeResultsForm.aspx?intref=RU.13%2f0215 Thorpe have reapplied to have the dome open to 3:30am. It turns out that when last year's application was passed, it was only granted on a '1 year trial' (ending in May), to see if it would work out. This was probably due to the fears of local residents (on top of reducing the number of nights from 70-ish to 42). There were many fears from the locals about this, but whether those fears have gone unfounded I dunno. One thing the application says specifically is they need a decision of it ASAP so they can organise the summer event, otherwise the organisers (so I presume MoS) may pull out and look elsewhere. Will be interesting to see where this goes...

I haven't watched the video, nor do I intend to until after I've ridden to avoid any spoilers. I guess what we have to remember is that the public opening has been pushed back by at least a week, so obviously the park know the attraction is incomplete. Without watching to video, I don't know how much is needed to bring it up to standard, and whether 11 days is enough for that to happen. Fingers crossed ey?

I just make myself look presentable. From there, I don't particularly care about the brand or anything, so go for clothes which are reasonable priced and will last. The only item of clothing which I really look for good brands and such is for shoes, as I seem to go through shoes ridiculously quick. Even then, I just look for good brands on offer, not fussed which.

Just to let everyone know, I did my bungee jump nearly an hour ago, and WOW, it was incredible! I must say, about an hour before my quarter past 4 slot I was feeling deadly nervous. However, there was a long wait (many people were doing it, all for Comic Relief) due to strong wind calling it off in the morning. The waiting seemed to calm me down and I was fine. The jump was just amazing and incredible, and something I definitely will do again at some point. SO worth it. Now, on to the important stuff. I raise an incredible £213 for Comic Relief, which in the space of a mere few days is just amazing. Thanks to everyone that donated, have said they'd donate soon (the website is still taking donations till 14th/15th April) and to those that spread the word and wished me luck. Every penny is going to a brilliant charity and it's just so worthwhile! I've got a video from the ground which will be uploaded ASAP (hopefully tonight or tomorrow in my internet connection is good enough). I've also got a DVD coming soon taken from my ankle, which will be great to upload. Again, a massive thanks to everyone!

It's a real shame that this has happened but, as Pluk says, it's better they cancel it and offer compensation than give everyone a poor day out. I've also heard that Dragon Falls and Runaway Mine Train won't open with the rest of the park due to work on their theming..

Hope everyone has fun today! (Don't be ill though ) Still very jealous of everyone attending.

The fact that they're contemplating selling backwards tickets / having Fastrack for it is bad enough as it is to be honest. If they do decide to sell Fastrack ones for it though, as high as possible please.

The thing is, there's no way of judging 'scary'. What's scary to one person is boring to another. So, really, it's quite easy to get away with marketing it as the most terrifying coaster, as there's no scale to formally judge it. It has a horror theme, and a couple of moments which scare people, so it's simple for marketing.

If it's £4/£5, I will scream. That is too cheap. Last season, front row for Swarm was £6. If it's anything below that, then, well, I dunno. That's just stupid. Really stupid. Too many people would take the opportunity up, and it will make the backwards queueing system even more ridiculous than it already sounds. Never thought I'd say this but, please Thorpe, make the price high.

The site seems to have received a bit of an update - http://www.thorpepark.com/ Dunno if it's just because it's new and all that, but I'm not a big fan of it. Seems a bit chunky and the previous version seemed easier to use. Also emphasises greatly on the 5 major coasters, and calls them 'World Class' rides.

Heya Ash and Ethan - nice to get to know a bit more about you! (To be honest, I've been on this forum nearly 5 years and have never introduced myself in this topic, so you're technically doing better than me )

I've got to wait a whole extra week!