JoshC.

I was going to post that gif Benin, but I think I've used that a couple too many times this season with regards to Merlin merch.. Merchandise has definitely improved the past few seasons and this highlights that!

Personally, I'd feel more shocked that someone died on a ride than being turned away from a ride, but I guess for the public, it would all depend on how the press deal with it. As you said at the end though, it is lose/lose, which is the bad thing about this situation. As for better ways of dealing with this, I guess without knowing all the details and that, we will never know whether this was the best way of handling this..

Just to clarify, all I'm saying is it may be a contributing factor. The media and a 'traumatised' guest(s) can spin things to make it seem as though Thorpe are in some sort of wrong, whether they are or not. If, for example, some twit was to muck around on Rumba, fall out and get themselves killed / seriously injured, and it was reported nationally, it would not look good to the majority if you saw 'Teenager dies on rapids ride' or something as a headline. Of course, with all the information, many will understand it was 'some twit who mucked around' and wasn't the park's fault, but there will also be many who think 'well that's unsafe, not going there' and so forth. All depends how it is reported, of course. I remember a few years ago reading an article in a local paper about how an 8ish year old girl 'fell out' of Billy's Wizzer at Chessie, because the seats didn't lower fully, and the op asked everyone to stay in their seats, but she didn't (well, along those lines). From what I remember, she wasn't seriously hurt, but of course, family bring it up with the press, saying it's unsafe / irresponsible of the park, yadda yadda yadda. Had say this girl died / seriously injured, and the story went nation wide, despite Chessie being at no fault, it would look bad on the park in many people's eyes, just for the simple fact there was a death. tl;dr - Someone dies or gets seriously injured + Media Spin = Bad Publicity.

The way I see it is that Thorpe are in a winless situation. If they've pinpointed that accidents / bad situations arise from just young adults, then the way they see it, if they stop them from riding, such problems will go away. Now, as has been seen, this causes a backlash - rightly so, in my opinion - by teenagers, as it is discriminating against them for problems caused by the small minority of people in the age group; which is nothing new of course in current society. So, what if they decide to just let everyone go on in, except the few that look 'suspicious' (or tell them to behave before riding) some may ask. This leads to a problem that is just as, if not, slightly more, discriminatory, as people will feel segregated, and quite possibly wrongly in many cases, all because of a couple of incidents. The thing is, if Thorpe just do nothing and carry on as normal, they're going to see it as an increase in the risk of incidents occurring. All it takes is one of these incidents to go public, and whether it is the fault of the park or the guests, it will reflect badly on the park with the way today's media can be. If they just decide to close it off to everyone, then it's a ride down - which is able to be enjoyed by everyone in the terms of the given height restriction - which isn't good, especially as it's a water ride during the Easter break, and when supposedly the weather is becoming more suited to water rides. So, whatever they do, Thorpe are in the position which will upset guests to some degree or another. I dislike this restriction, and agree that how it currently is, it is discriminatory. However, if this is a temporary situation and, at the moment, the 'lesser evil', then it's a case of having to lump it for the time being. The only people at fault, really, are the guests that have made Thorpe do this, and this is a disappointment. A bit similar to last season, where three rides had to have their restrictions changed (though, in those cases, permanently), it is a case where Thorpe are losing out through no fault of their own...

Or it's just yet to be added? Like the thematic parts of the train?

Another £6 odd of my money goes to Merlin... They are very nice though!

Banned for having two words combined into one for his name.

It most definitely is not not in Florida, or anywhere in the US. The queue line TVs say how there's a crash scene / explosion at Thorpe Park, and have callers from the local area. In other words, it is themed to be in Thorpe Park. Personally, I'd have loved it if Thorpe put a subtle sign somewhere giving a name of the island, such as 'Now in *insert name here* island' or something. Let the name be two words, and have the two words start with L amd C respectively - Lake Conetina island for example (bad example, but ah well..). Would be a nice touch and make the whole thing that little bit more surreal. However, having 'The Swarm' written on the charred wood piece on the island entrance suggests they are simply leaving the area to be called 'The Swarm island'.

That first inversion seems slightly faster than Swarm's? Or is that just me? (At least it's slightly different as well). I speed of this doesn't really bother me; speed isn't everything of course. However, I'd be more interested to hear review of the finished product, especially as the ride seems to have a lack of theming compared to other B&M wingriders...

Absolutely brilliant stuff by Thorpe!

Completely random point which I don't think has been mentioned, but Thorpe have got rid of of the SRQ on Flying Fish and has been replaced by a 'First Plaice Queue' (pun intended ). I doubt it's actually a front row queue or anything, but more a nice little thing to make people smile.

Hunger Games Having wanting to see it for a while, finally saw Hunger Games today. Haven't read the books, so didn't know much about the film (other than the whole fight to the death thing). Was well acted by all the characters, has a story line which doesn't drag on but doesn't feel rushed and everything about it clicks together. There are a couple of things which I feel should have been done differently, as there were a couple of bits which were a little bit too predictable / weren't given enough suspense, and the ending feels a little bit...weird. (Though this may be inherited from the book). Good, solid film, will probably end up reading the books and look forward to the sequel. 8/10

Perhaps the planned extension for Pizza Hut mentioned in the MTDP will mean a slightly changed layout / more service space, making the flow easier? Plus, £9!? Jesus, the price just keeps going up. Wasn't it like £7 two seasons ago? Just reaffirms my position that I won't be going to PH any time soon and I'll stick with the in house outlets and get my 20% off..

Still seems to be having a fair bit of trouble if I'm honest. It sounds incredibly squeaky and noise (sometimes it sounded like a woman screaming...), and not all the lap bars are locking at the same time either, meaning they have to be 'manually locked' (don't know how to describe really; hope that makes sense). At least it's up and working, and getting a few decent high swings. Am I right in saying it had troubles opening in 2008, and then was a bit off for a while before it's accident, the last time it has a major overhaul?

You didn't ride it this season then it would seen! Got pretty darn wet on it both of my times, wetter than you would on Loggers in one case..

The trouble is, if any incidents were caused by teenagers and they didn't institute a 'one size fits all' policy turning teenagers away, and instead turned away those who 'looked like they'd do something stupid', Thorpe would receive just as many complaints as they are now. However, as has been rightly brought up, just because someone is with an under 12, does not mean they won't do stupid things, or the under 12s won't do stupid things It's an unfortunate decision, and one I doubt any of us actually think is good that this is happening. To be honest, it's a lose-lose situation for most of the guests and for Thorpe. As is the way in the life, the stupidity of the small minority has ruined something for the majority...

Banned for being a teeny weeny bit lustful in the chat room...

Yep, it was Mike Vallis! Saw him round the park a few times actually (not that I'm a stalker or anything... )

Banned for being a Facebook stalker!

Popped down to Thorpe today for a few hours, as part of my birthday and to check out the Mash Up event: We arrived about 15 minutes before park opening, and the sun was gloriously shining. Unlike my trip on Wednesday, it was meant to stay more or like this the whole day! Brilliant birthday weather! Unsurprisingly, it was busy. This was expected by us, but in a way, it seemed as though some of admissions was a little bit overwhelmed. We joined the AP queue, which was about the length of the make-shift fence they have, where we were instructed to 'fill up all the spaces', which made us packed in more like sardines, as opposed to queueing. There was no one scanning tickets / stamping hands, so I had a bad feeling that we'd be waiting for a while to get in once the gates opened. About 5 minutes before gates opened, it seemed as though someone had the clever idea of scanning APs before gates opened, only to realise they didn't have a stamp to show whose passes had been scanned. After about a dozen or so people had their APs scanned, gates had opened and the queue moved slowly for APs to get scanned, whilst ordinary ticket holders could flood in with the copious scanning machines they have open to them. It is a real bug bear I have - there are only a couple scanners in the designated AP queue, whilst there's loads for normal ticket holders. I understand the difference in numbers, but a couple more can't hurt? Or maybe making sure that tickets are scanned earlier? Admissions has been pretty good so far this season, but today they seemed to muck it up a little... First ride up was Swarm, deciding to get it out of the way. Despite the slight getting-in hold-up, we got there before the majority of people, resulting in a queue which should only last about 20 or so minutes. Everything was going smoothly, and we were handed back row left, which was good. Then, three rides before we were due to go on, there was some technical glitch. What, not a clue, but a glitch nonetheless. One thing I loved was how there were themed announcements (one for riders on the breaks staying to remain seated and calm, and another saying that 'Due to ongoing investigations, this area has had to be temporarily closed off', or along those lines at least). They did the job. After a few minutes, and a test run, everything was working again it seemed (which led to a loud cheer from everyone in the station and queue!). Then, two rides later, another glitch occurs, leaving one train a third of the way up the lift hill, and another half-way in the station. More themed announcements and another short wait, everything was all sorted again and the ride was operational once more (which didn't receive a cheer from anyone, seemingly as people were not convinced..). Anyways, we got our ride, and it was good to see that the mist and water effects were working in the morning this time. Also, got caught by the water squirter by the fire engine (on purpose; I did stick my hand out of course!), though more on that in a minute.. After Swarm was said and done, we decided Saw times should be had. After 'trekking' all the way to the other side of the park, the queue was closed off and the blades had stopped rotating - it was evidently not operating. Seemed we had a bit of a jinxed touch. Instead, with a half hour(ish) queue, and to help with my quest to have the special 10 rides this season, we opted to do Colossus. The silent disco at Colossus only takes place at certain times, and we weren't in the time slot, so no disco for us. Ah well, not big issue really. I assume this was something to do with said silent disco, and finishing touches were being made? Flying overheard. Despite lack of theming, I like Colossus' 'photogenicity' (made up word, but meh XD) Bright light, dull paint coaster. Up the lift hill. It's been absolutely ages, a good year and a half at least, since I queued for Colossus any longer than the final stretch of queue, so it was nice to see parts of the ride from the queue. Following my extremely rough ride on Wednesday, which reminded me why I avoided the ride, I enjoyed the relatively comfortable, yet forceful, back row ride I had. Only one small uncomfortable jolt during the ride; not too bad. Gives me faith in the ride, and makes me remember it is actually an alright coaster. Saw had reopened, with a 40ish minute queue, so we decided to go for it. I noticed how the ordinary music had extended into the Saw Plaza, which certainly made it feel...different. I think it's a ride that benefits from having unique audio if I'm honest. As for the ride it's, we were in front row on the second car. I still enjoy the ride, but one thing which annoys me more and more is how quiet and empty the inside section feels. The theming and sound effects that are there are good, but it just doesn't feel as though there's enough. Even just background music would work. A bit of a shame I've grown to dislike the inside a bit, but I still enjoy the ride, and don't find it rough, which is good. A couple of piccys: PIGEONS!! I like the shop sign, it reminds me slightly of the font used for Swarm as well for some reason.. A new sign addition it would seem..? Lunch was had at the noodle bar, and was slightly disappointing. It seems as though they're using different noodles to previous seasons, and they're not as nice really. A bit of a shame, as I liked the noodle bar in previous seasons, and I'll probably end up eating at the outlets on the other side of the park from now on; Desparados, Kebab or R&R for me! Also, a shout out to thorpeparkjack - I think I saw him headed off to Loggers as I was eating, but it only registered that it was him after 10 seconds after I saw him! General wondering around occurred, including a quick view of Sunken Garden as well as rides on Rush, Vortex and X:\NWO. Quite enjoy those rides; all add something to the park's line up. Rush was operating on both swings today (yay!) but was incredibly squeaky and noisy (will try and upload a video tonight / tomorrow), whilst Vortex was on a good cycle and X was really fun, as ever. Strange thing with X, after my first go, I found it pretty boring (probably as I was comparing it to other 1.4m rides, which seemed much better), and I only ever went on it a couple of times for a few years. About 2009/2010 my love for it was founded, and I continue to enjoy it! Sunken Gardens look pretty as ever. Mash Up DJ or something. Ministry of Sound merchandise. Mash Up stuff. Two-swinged Rush! Vortex has numbered seats...since when? A quick peep over to The Swarm to see what the 'Rockioke' was like (it had an hour-ish queue, which we opted not to do to instead check out Mash Up stuff). We didn't actually get there in time for the 'Rockioke', but this caught my eye: Quite new; the sign certainly wasn't there Wednesday (though I believe it was there yesterday). Anyone who can guess the important Thorpe Park employee on the right gets a prize or something.. XD You can also see the water splashing towards the plaza; it makes it just past the fence and can get people wet. I guess the effect has been made slightly more powerful (felt it when it caught my hand onride) to reach that far; looks good! I guess this could be what Mer mentioned about improving the water effects? Just after 2, we headed over to the arena to check out the Mash Up show. It was a 'mash up' of bike stunts and free runners, with an announcer, who was giving out free shirts and bags, commentating it all. Worked really well, and is the first time I can ever recall three entrances to the arena being open at once! The stunts were obviously really good, and the routine was well choreographed; there was even a set piece they called 'The Swarm', which took inspiration from the ride apparently. Well done to them, and to Thorpe for getting them in. No video, but a few photos: Bike balancing on poles. The human flagpole. More human flagpole. Bike balancing. The guy with hat and sunglasses was the announcer; he was really good! Front wheel flew off (planned, of course..) Invest in a unicycle maybe? There was also a bit of slacklining going on. Now for those who were like me this morning and had no clue what slacklining is, pretty much, there's an elasticated strip slightly elevated and secured. You then do some freestyle tricks on it; a bit like a thin trampoline if you will. I've got a video of the professionals doing it (again, to be uploaded tonight/tomorrow), and there was a workshop for people to try it out themselves I believe (though I didn't stick around for that, having to leave). For now though, here's a couple of pictures: Superman pose. Of course, it's very difficult to balance on this thing. Slacklining was being billed as 'extreme balance sport'. This guy was the best I think. Did some amazing tricks and was obviously very passionate about what he was doing! It looks like he's falling, but that's part of the trick.. In short, anyone making the trip to Thorpe this weekend - check out the arena! Last photo - Ministry of Sound balloons! So, after about 6 hours on park, had to move on as other birthday things were happening. I'm sticking with my views on this event which I had when I first heard about it - it's brilliant, but I personal preferred the Twisted Carnival / Cirque du Freak thing they've had, but that's my taste. I loved the use of the arena, and those sort of events should take place more often in the arena. Very good event for the park that's worked a treat; I can see it pleasing all those who go there, and it returning for a good couple of seasons over Easter weekend! Well done Thorpe!

Banned for not liking Ant and Dec.

Only trouble with that is...it's 230ft? The MTDP outlines 'round rides' won't exceed 25m in static height, and 30m when operating (ie, about 100ft). And they can't very well dig a hole, can they? Unless I've missed something there..

Banned for having a food product in his signature; especially one which is not very nice!

I voted no. Simply put, Thorpe Park have a wide array of flat rides, and a topspin just doesn't add that much to what they've already got. It's a ride that usually gets you wet - Thorpe have 5 water rides as it is, so another water-based ride would have to be a bit special, which topspins are not. To not add water effects to this sort of ride would be wasteful, though. Also, it's just not that unique - many, many theme parks have them, and it's not really a ride to scream and shout about in honesty. It would have to be extremely special for it to be of any worth to the park. As said, Thorpe have a wide array of flats, some of which are quite unique. If Thorpe decide to get a new flat ride, they should add something which further adds to this line up, not be a ride that makes other rides seem better. (As a side note, I'd love to see Thorpe go for an enclosed ride of some description - would work a treat if given the correct thought!)

Though, no music was playing on Depth Charge when I went on it, which was a shame, as I like DC's music..