JoshC.

The element isn't actually called that as far as we know. I believe the nickname for it came up on TST a few months ago. I hope AT don't start publicising that element as 'the Staffordshire knot', as it goes against the theme of the ride (well, what we know of it) and just doesn't seem worthwhile. Enthusiast nickname, seems okay, but not as an official thing or anything. But hey, let's knot get tied up in names of elements?

Ah, fair enough. It does seem to be case though that Merlin outlets are a bit hit and miss with speed, and it can come down to luck sometimes, but I just seem to be lucky!

I'm not sure if that's directed at me, RideAddict or both of us, but I've given my reasons with the problems of BK:

The billboard was officially confirmed by the park when they released details of it going backwards? One thing I did notice that confused me: It says from the 10th March, but the park opens on the 14th no? :S

Sunday 31st is Easter Sunday I think. Bank Holidays tend to be a bit unpredictable in my opinion, with some being quiet and some being busy, so I'd say avoid that as it's not worth the risk really if you're going with people who don't visit often / visit rarely. I don't normally do Sundays so I can't really give much more insight to be honest. The 17th is during Open Weekend, which again could mean it's quiet or busy, but likely relatively quiet. The 24th seems like a pretty good date if I'm honest, though the 17th shouldn't be too bad either. Both those dates are 10am-6pm, so even if it is a bit busy, you should get everything done easily! As I say, I don't normally visit on Sundays - so others may be able to be a bit more helpful. Hope this helps though.

FTW - for the win. Standard internet abbreviation. F&C - Fish & Chips. FCC - Fried Chicken Co. All pretty common abbreviations here which are easier to say; just like with KFC. I hope BK does leave Thorpe to be honest. In my experiences, the Merlin owned food outlets aren't slow at all, bar Bar 360 and similar 'restuarants'. In my experiences, Burger King has never been particularly great, especially compared to quality of the other places at Thorpe, and a Merlin equivalent of it would well received I think.

TTF have posted an article with regards to The Smiler's merchandise - http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/news/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1360264498&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1,10,11 So, the shop will only have Smiler merchandise, nothing else, and there's 82 different products!? Looks like my wallet will end up being very light after my trip(s) to AT this season...

Isn't horse meat a regular thing in other countries, such as France, anyway? I think the thing I'm concerned about is the misrepresentation of the product, which should be the only concern for the public. Anything else is over reaction and fear mongering in my eyes.

Well maybe it should burn to ground ASAP, then none of this would be happening? But I do agree, I seem to be the only so far who has expressed a great dislike to Slammer as a ride. All other negative comments are about the reliability / operations - so I don't see why people think there's great negativity towards the ride itself? I'll leave the Slammer discussion alone now - think I've gotten my opinion across too well!

Have a pint on me then; that should build your confidence back up a bit!

A couple more photos from Cedar Point's Facebook:

I'd wait until it looks less of a construction site before jumping to any sort of conclusions. It'll look much better when it's not a construction site and has trains flying through it. <3

The fact that on the TV advert mentioning Smiler they say 'New Ride opens May 2013' in the small print makes me think they're confident that it will opening in May. Of course, some may say 'Well, they must have been confident about it opening in March originally, so that means nothing', but the fact that they accepted it wasn't going to open then makes me hope / think that new schedules that were made would leave plenty of time for the ride to be finished fully - I don't see why they would advertise a new date if they weren't confident of the ride being open then. In other words, I expect the ride will open in May, no worries.

Mexican Cantina was my favourite last season; but Amity Kebab and Roast Relish! Bar 360 is for when I'm feeling rich, but is still very nice. Presumably we're going to be getting a Burger Kitchen this season? BK is going at AT and Chessie, and I think there were only banner signs for the Canada Creek one near the end of last season, so would make sense. If BK does go, hopefully we don't just get two Burger Kitchens - would like to see some variety! As for PH - never go. Too expensive, too busy and not a wide enough variety compared to regular Pizza Huts.

http://www.newsparcs.com/en/article/00006007-how_bolliger_mabillard_established_its_strong_reputation_interview_with_director_walter_bolliger A great article about B&M, featuring quotes from Walter Bolliger. Nothing particularly groundbreaking, but still an interesting read!

It's interesting you claim that there's hate for Slammer from this forum / online forums in general, yet the most recent Theme Park Awards had Slammer voted as the UK's best flat ride by members on this very forum. Just a bit of food for thought for you.

I've only just read your Raptor vs Swarm battle Mark, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. Usually I don't like seeing comparisons between rides due to all the different factors that are taken into consideration when they're being designed and such, but I think the way you compare them in 'rounds' works really well! Do hope you do more in the future. Would be particularly interested in seeing a battle of some B&M Inverts.

The trouble with the uniqueness argument is that it just doesn't hold. Look at X:\NWO. I think it's the only totally backwards in the dark coaster in the world (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). But it seems likely with all the rumours that it will be turned forwards. So just because something is unique, doesn't mean it's immune to removal.

Oh Mack. This ride looks incredible. Plus, love the colour of that track! *Adds Etnaland onto list of theme parks I want to go to*.

Towers have just released 3 new photos of Smiler - specifically of the 'Staffordshire knot' element. My particular favourite... The others are on the 'Construction' part of Smiler's minsite - http://www.the-smiler.com/the-ride/ EDIT: Beaten to it...

Pointless task? Yep, because guest experience means nothing at theme parks...

I don't know when I expect it to go, but the sooner Slammer has another hissy fit and Thorpe decide to shut it down completely, the better. I know many have different opinions to me on this, but Slammer is just slow, boring and uninteresting. The low throughput and (presumably) high maintainence costs just don't seem worth it...

Wow, that looks great! March - hurry up. I want Zufari times.

I can't see Loggers' lift there. What I can see though is the entrance to the tunnel remaining pretty much as I remember it from last season!

Eye don't think cats would be the purrfect retheme for X, but you never know!