JoshC.

Really? Always thought it was one of those things that was popular in just Britain and kinda known in the US.. Shows how much I know about Britain's international status really...

I watched the Opening Ceremony as well. Admittedly, I was not planning on doing so, but I sorta got suckered into the hype of it and decided to watch it. I really did enjoy it, actually. It was a brilliant story piece full of British humour, which is exactly what a country's Opening Ceremony should be. People were complaining that it was 'too British' - I'm sorry, what would you want instead? To be fair, there'll be some things people won't get (Rowan Atkinson / Mr Bean playing the piano was CLASSIC, though maybe an example of things that won't be fully 'got'), but when showing off Britain, there'll be many things other countries will not get. The inflatable children character villains, five rings going up in the air and the lighting of the cauldron were pretty spectacular as well (though I almost feel as though the introduction of the young athletes lighting to pieces wasn't as good / clear as it should have been). Couple of negative points from me as well. Dizzie Rascal performing, though I understand why to a degree, I personally just feel that he isn't 'good enough' to do something this big, but heyho, it happened, and I guess he did alright. The James Bond / Queen thing was good, but the jumping out of the helicopter bit was a bit...anti-climatic and it felt a bit like 'Oh, why?'. Also, Paul McCarthy?! Just why in my opinion, so many more choices which would have been better in my opinion... So yeah, really enjoyed it and a huge well done to everyone involved it! The one other thing to gather from it would be this - if anyone asks what 'Britishness' is, or what it means to be British, I would tell them to watch this Opening Ceremony and that would explain it to me perfectly.

Haha, I had that happen to me on my latest visit. I genuinely thought I was hearing things when I heard my name in that snake-like voice...

I prefer back right the most for the water effects, though either side back row (usually on the outside) are my favourites! Front row comes rather close though!

It certainly is strange, I agree. Enthusiasts certainly do seem to 'put it down' if you will, whereas the public absolutely love it. Perhaps it's down to the fact that flying coasters have developed for the good and later version have been much better, and enthusiasts 'appreciate' that much more. Isn't Air the only flying coaster in Europe as well? It might well be that it's quite unique to guests, and hence enjoy it much more? The gimmick of it as well is one guests still lap up today. Also, when you look at Oblivion for example, that;s still regarded as one of - if not, the - best dive machines there is. Had that ride type been bettered so much more, I believe that Oblivion would be in the same situation as Air is now. I don't think Air consistently ranking as the least favourite B&M in the country is a testament to the ride and the enthusiasts' views on it. Though those comments see it as boring, it does what it's meant to do, and it does it well. It's just that what it's meant to do isn't that much...

Apparently Rita has reopened today..

Not gonna lie; really don't like the way they've done. I much preferred Saw's 'story first' approach, followed by you on ride (and uninterrupted). Also liked how Saw's featured the whole lift hill, as opposed to just near the top (I guess you could say Saw doesn't show the first part of the ride, but you get my point - the lift hill can show some nice expressions I think). Swarm could've had a really good, minute long back story made - in fact, it could have just been made from all the little blipverts we saw leading up to the opening and the first part from the TV advert and that would have been more than enough. Quite disappointed with how it looks, and I'm not sure any more if I'm willing to part with £12/£13 (guessing that's the price?) for it...

Some people may find this slightly amusing... http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2012/6/Merlin-Entertainments-Group-Ltd/SHP_ADJ_194026.aspx The Sub Terra adverts were complained about as they were claimed to be racist, with all the fear being induced by the black man in the advert, as opposed to the Nemesis egg. Needless to say, all is fine and nothing racist was found..

Yeah, was said over Facebook or something wasn't it? Certainly suggests Boiler House won't return.. Not to sure on Alton's positioning of mazes, as last season wasn't Carnival of Screams in the BH tent as well? Only time will tell I guess... (Oh, and to make this post vaguely on topic, woo Fright Nights! )

Has anyone got a place on one of the focus groups then? Wish I could've made it, but unfortunately I was busy..

From what I've heard (and seen of the car park), it's been packed. As a large amount of visitors will be on school trips which have been planned for a long time, the weather isn't going to put people off. I'd expect the rest of this week to be heaving. I dunno when schools break up, but presumably it's this week / next week; so there's bound to be a fair few school trips going on into next week. Then, after that, it's summer!!!

Don't see any reason to panic just yet.. A little rumour plus something referring to chainsaws (ie, more than one, unlike Asylum's one) is nothing to worry about. Would be interesting if it did happen, mind, considering it's probably Thorpe's most well known maze. Personally I couldn't see it fitting in at Scarefest - don't know why, really, but I just don't - but then again, never been to Scarefest, so would be hard for me to comment.. XD

Thorpe's target market is teens-young adults, though I think it's specifically 16-30. What with FN being their main event, I'm not surprises they're making a focus group for 18+; they'll want to attract those people more I guess. I too would love to see a Curse replacement. Would love to see Thorpe continue to push the boundaries with the mazes as well; perhaps have a 'recommended for 15+ (or 18+)' so they've got more options open to them. Only time will tell I guess

Can't remember how many times I've said this with regards to Swarm, but I'll say it again... Brilliant. Top notch stuff. That is all.

Arguably, adding anything to the top would make it worse, as it would show how bad the rest of the ride is.. I'd much rather them put more effort into theming Swarm, or any other major ride on park, than this turd which hopefully will leave the park before the decade comes to an end... (Of course, in an ideal world, we'd all want every ride to be themed / look amazing, but treating as a choice under such difficult economic times, I know which option I'd rather have...)

Adz over on TTF posted this, with regards to the holes: He's normally reliable for most Merlin things, so it looks like we are in for additional theming! Whatever it is, a huge kudos to Thorpe/Merlin. It sounds as though they may well be responding to some of criticisms that the area wasn't immersive enough, so have decided to add in more theming as a solution. Can't wait to see this!

Simple question, simple poll - on average, how many of your recommended 5 fruit and vegetables would you say you get a day? For me, I normally eat about 3 or 4 pieces a day, though I've noticed since I've finished college, I'm eating a lot less healthily of late, so about 3 a day is right for me..

Haha, thanks for that Sid The Stealth statues are slightly cheaper actually at £5. Saw and Swarm statues are £7.

This image was posted by 'Rollercoaster5000' over on TTF: A Studios North van has also been spotted on park.. A bit strange really, so just what is it for..?

I thought the electronic, £5 all day lockers were slightly bigger than the pay per use ones?

Technically Liam, Furius Baco is Europe's fastest winged coaster... [/pedantic] Anyways, my rankings: 1) The Swarm. Love everything about the ride and it sits firmly as my favourite ride to date. 2) Nemesis. Brilliant, brilliant ride. The location makes it so unique and it just has this 'feel' to it which makes it special. Only just pipped by Swarm in honesty. 3) Nemesis Inferno. Fantastic ride which flows really well. Great layout all the way through, and has a great mixture of force and elegance. Also love it when the the tunnel is full of mist and has all lights on. 4) Joint Oblivion and Air. Really difficult to separate the two. I do enjoy Oblivion, even if it is a one trick pony. When I first went on it in 2006, I guess you could say I was at the point of being scared - something which I don't think has happened to me on any other coaster since. I love the story and theming, but feel it lets itself down at the end and just needs something a little extra to finish it off. Air, on the other hand, is a good, solid ride. That's it; nothing special. I enjoy it, but it doesn't blow me away. Perhaps worth noting that, with Air and Oblivion, there's nothing wrong with them, as they're ranked highly in my favourite coasters, but they're just not really that close to other three B&Ms in this case...

Ah, right past my college. Didn't bother going to see the relay as I don't really get the point of it tbh, but ah well. Seems the majority of people involved with it / who watch it enjoy themselves, which is only a good thing!

Gotta be Inferno. I love Inferno's layout, theme, audio - the full out experience. Though not the best example of a B&M invert, I enjoy it each time and is one ride I always love to go on. Colossus has a great layout and audio. However, it's ageing badly and isn't that comfortable. There's just something that doesn't draw me to it; I like it - don't get me wrong - but I just don't feel the need to go on it when I'm on park. I guess you could say that, unfortunately, it's the bad experiences you remember the most, and Colossus has a few bad experiences with its roughness. To be honest, Colossus doesn't even rank in my top 3 coasters at Thorpe... Inferno quite easily for me.

Is pretty good with Photoshop! (Well, I presume THAT Storm Surge picture was made with Photoshop...)

Has reached 200 rep points, and is probably rather happy at that!