JoshC.

Personally, I thought a winged coaster was enough of a selling point for Swarm. If Inferno's 'gimmick' is having the track above you and your legs dangle, then having nothing below OR above you should be enough of a gimmick to sell. Then there's the whole inverted drop thing which - though maybe not as marketable - could still be shown to be pretty special. Perhaps the public aren't too dazzled by this though? Maybe all they want is the world's first or world's only ride; after all, Colossus and Saw both had 'world's first' attached to them, Stealth can sell itself with it's height and speed, though was a European record at the time as well, and Inferno had the typical 'World's greatest' tagline shoved on (I think). Swarm was a UK first and Europe's tallest - and that's all they've really done. They've used the word 'unique' for the drop, but nothing about how it was a world first drop or anything. Maybe the public really are quite narrow-minded (or perhaps tainted by marketing in general) and believe that if something isn't a world first / record breaker, then it's unlikely to be any good... Let's just hope that isn't the case though, ey?

Ah right, was unaware of that. Completely understand it's hard to predict things like that and other things like taking of a train and such have to occur - but yeah, just a suggestion.

Massive thanks to Thorpe Park for doing this - an ERT, tour of the ride area (as well as the chance for a lift hill walk) and workshop after park close for free is something well and truly brilliant for any park to do. Somehow managed all 11 rides, though my shoulders have felt a bit tender today.. The tour was great too; my personal favourite being walking under the final inversion. Also great to meet some people for the first time, always nice to put faces to names and a thanks to everyone for being friendly and such. (Annnd, a thanks again to whoever offered me a lift home - though I've forgotten who that was now :$). One thing I'd just like to say though - if we're lucky enough to have another ERT event organised, I think the 'advertised' start time should be say at least 10 minutes after park close. It was said the ERT was 6-6:30, and we didn't get on till 20 to 7 ish? I don't have a problem really with waiting around and that (did leave more opportunity to chat to people), but it just allows people to ensure they can get timings right with getting home and such. (Not a grumble - if it is coming across that way - as after all, there needs to be a bit of time given for staff to have a break, get organised, etc., but just something to consider for next time I'd say ). Again, thanks to Thorpe and TPM for getting this organised, and - fingers crossed - we'll get a similar event at some point in the future!

The Swarm is based on an alien invasion / devastation scene. Very easy to understand in my opinion when you look at the ride area. Okay, some people may get confused by why there's a church there, but hey ho, really can't see making it overly complicated. As for not knowing about it, it's one of the most common themes about these days (devastation, end of the world, etc.) in not only theme parks, but films, TV shows - everything. Really, there's not a lot to know for it. Then there's even the queue line TVs, which explain exactly what's happening. Could be some negative reactions from the public being conveyed there, but almost definitely opinion, and not fact. The ride theme had been decided to be an alien invasion / urban devastation from early on, so they'd have done research to ensure something as trivial as 'not getting it' did not occur...

Number 12 I'm almost certain is Saw Alive.

I can attend - woohoo!

The past couple of seasons there's been the AP evening on the Thursday before FN starts, would be surprised if it didn't return this year to be honest. As for one after the season closes, can't see that happening, unless Thorpe decide to close the park to the public a day earlier, which just wouldn't make sense really..

So then, went to Chessie today with the family for our first visit since the park fully opened. We'd gone to a zoo day in January, and were more or less happy with the place (though learnt to avoid the chicken shack..) Now, the past couple of seasons, I'd been enticed to go to Chessington earlier in the year. In 2010, Wild Asia drew made me go during opening weekend, and last season I went to celebrate Vampire's 21st over Easter. This season, however, nothing has yet made me want to go to the park (well, probably not the best way of wording it actually, as I love going to Chessie, but nothing has actually made me want to go back, I've wanted to go back of my own accord, as opposed to what Chessington have done - if that makes any sense...). Nonetheless, we went excited and looking forward to the day.. One thing which really has stuck with me about the day is the staff. They were brilliant, absolutely brilliant. From platformers and operators being helpful and always having a smile on their faces (and the latter effectively using the PA systems on all the rides), to staff who were just walking round and being funny and chatty (one commenting on my Swarm baseball cap, and one waving to us whilst we were on the Skyride). It's little things like this which turn a good day into a great, and all the staff deserve praise for how well they were interacting with guests. *Claps* As expected, the park was very quiet. Only a couple of school trips were going on, which didn't really affect the standard Tuesday crowds I'd assume. Longest queue I saw was Tiny Truckers, which was apparently 10 minutes according to the queue boards, and longest we queued was just a shy over 5 minutes for Dragon's Fury; all good. On top of having good weather - sunny and warm, but not too hot - for most of the day, our choice of day was pretty much perfect. Though we knew we'd pretty much not need it, we went to AS to get my nan's disabled wristband. The card was only signed once during the day, which was for Vampire for 10 minutes, even though they were struggling to get a full train.. Not complaining, as it's not like it really mattered. It was kind of the Skyway team to also let us exit through the entrance (due to there being less stairs, making it easier for my nan), as I know some staff usually frown upon random things like that.. Another stand out point of the day was Bubbleworks, for all the wrong reasons... Our boat seemed to have some pretty bad issues, as for the duration of the ride, part of the bottom of the boat was skidding along the bottom. Almost certain it wasn't to do with how we were sitting in the boat, as however we positioned our selves, part of the bottom would always skid. This meant we were always tilted at a precarious angle during the ride, with the water being rather close to the edge, and splashing over quite badly following the boat behind us dropping before the final scene. Two boats also caught up with us, and all in all, the experience wasn't a pleasant one. We were waving at security cameras (and shouting, which I guess was a bit pointless, considering they don't record sound, but ah well...) for most of the ride for attention, but none was given seemingly, which again, wasn't the greatest of experiences. The issue was brought up with AS, who assured as the security cameras would be checked and the boat removed for inspection. As said, almost certain it wasn't to do with how we were seated, as no matter how we balanced ourselves, it made no difference... Dragon's Fury was brilliant today, probably got my best ride ever on it - SO spinny. Enjoyed the likes of Black Buccaneer, RMT and Lorikeet Lagoon as well. Also watched the Madagascar show, and I have to say, I'm not a fan. Nothing really I enjoyed if I'm honest. Though, to be fair, I guess it is aimed more for children / families, and I'm not the biggest fan of the franchise, so if I don't like it, then it's probably true to the franchise and suits those who enjoy this sort of thing. Will say though, it is a good quality show, so congrats there. Went for a spin on Kobra as well, which was good fun. Loved the operator, who was great with interacting with everyone. Also, he was able to slightly confuse me for a short period of time - thanks for whispering my name across over the PA system and making me slightly paranoid that I was hearing things. Nonetheless, nice to get a chance to finally meet you briefly (as, no doubt, he'll read this!) One thing which has annoyed me with Chessie this year is their need to staple 'NEW FOR 2012' in shops, signalling that new merchandise is in stock. I doubt many people, if any, actually care if there's new toys, teddies and sweets in shops, people are more going to care about how good the park looks and new additions they've got in the park and zoo... Little bug bear of mine at the moment. Also, with this week being National Insect Week, the park had a few insects 'creepy crawlies' on display near the exit of Rameses Revenge. When we went past, you could even hold stick insects or a millipede. There were also little things being given away, pencils, rulers, etc. Nice little thing from the park there I'd say! So, that is that really. Despite Chessington's lack of drawing power to me this season, I really enjoyed my trip. The staff were brilliant, and the atmosphere was great as well. Many are quick to slate the park for one reason or another, but despite all the criticism, they have a LOT of positives about and I'm pretty sure most people who are going there are willing / wanting to go back again. However, I think we'd all agree that the one thing Chessington really needs is a bit more investment in the actual park - a new coaster and another general ride or two would do the park some real favours. Hopefully next year sees the first of a couple of large investments to come in the next few years! (As a side note, may add a few pictures to this post if have the patience too; my laptop seems to hate me at the moment...)

Love it! Would love to see something like that at Chessington..

"If I wanted to see plants (and trees), I'd go to a garden centre...". Probably the first time EVER I've heard a complaint about too many plants there Liam (though I do sorta agree) Just goes to show that with Merlin adding these post-apocalyptic themes that they still need to do a lot of upkeep, despite what people say...

Ah, good. Well then, I *should* be able to go, though can't be certain till the end of the week. (By the way - thanks Thorpe and TPM for organising this!)

Just out of interest, when is the event meant to finish, roughly? Presumably the history of Colossus and exclusive extras are after ERT?

4 damaged cars!? How on earth can that happen? :S I understand wear and tear and the occasional mishap occurs, but half the cars needing repairing is surely a pretty big issue?

Was that by any chance the Harvester in Ottershaw? Because if so, I was also there yesterday evening, though having a Katsu chicken and a Rocky Horror...

With all these reversals, you do have to wonder that if SW7 is poorly received, if Alton would close it after a week and decide to build a different coaster instead...

Thanks for that Sid

Didn't know where to post this really, but anyways... With articles on the site / posts by Hob Bot, how hard is it to check over spelling and grammar? Without being rude, there's pretty much mistakes in every single one, from just simple spelling errors to annoying things like the using 'your' 'you're' incorrectly. Sometimes, half of it just won't even make sense. I understand no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, but it just feels like they're posted without being reread or checked over at all, and that doesn't really reflect on the site well.

It was just a matter if time before something like this happened. After all, they've tried other cost-cutting methods, and they were reacted to badly. However, it's a shame as to that the rides they had to choose. Th13teen is their new coaster, and is still popular, so to open it an hour later isn't the best. Air being near to Sub Terra means that the sensible option would be to go for that or Nemesis afterwards. I guess it's not that big a deal really, but still a shame. As for people saying it will affect people's day, as they have to go back and forth to areas... As someone who doesn't visit reguarly, when I went last year I found myself revisiting areas of the park multiple times - in fact, I went to Forrbidden Valley, Dark Forst and X Sector twice. I still got on all the rides I wanted to go on and more; going back and forth didn't ruin my day at all. Yes, it will be a pain for some, but I don't think this is that big a deal - plus, look at the other options we could have had...

Hope it does kick the bucket to be honest. Seems to have a bit of a hassle all the time, and is hardly a good ride that's bringing in the crowds.. A shame nonetheless, as Thorpe have seemingly put a lot of effort into it over the years.

Doesn't the MTDP say the little game zone by the Fish and Chip area is a potential flat spot? If so, could it be possible to utilise the area for an attraction that could go in P4D? For example, having it as a queue area then have a bridge to the now-theatre for the ride? Or perhaps even ditch the chippy? Or would that be farfetched? I too have heard rumours of an attraction going in the theatre, but size and a suitable queue area large enough would be some of my concerns... Just outta interest, what's the footprint of Venegence?

Yet another brilliant viral from Thorpe! Great to see the park putting the ride back in the limelight just before half term, what with the Swarm bit in The Sun yesterday as well. Can they do no wrong with this?!?

Thorpe just don't do SRQs it seems. The plans for Swarm showed one, but or was dropped in favour of a front row queue. There's always the debate about how well SRQs work anyone, amd that they make things worse, not better. Personally, I think if a queue is designed to suit one well enough (arguably Stealth's and Swarm's designs were poorly thought out...) then there's no problem with them.

Pretty much what I was thinking.. I'd be surprised if those guests were from Germany, Holland or France, for example. As Pluk says though, there are some beautiful areas at Chessie, and there are many good parts to it, with good atmosphere and detail. Just get some more investment and upkeep into the actual theme park and not the zoo and they'd be so much better.

A few words from me about my trip yesterday; -Admissions were working very well. However, doesn't look great when people who had hired out Lakeside for the day got to get in early through the AP queue. Saw a lot of people confused / a bit annoyed that people were getting in early. Wouldn't it be easier for them to enter much earlier / through staff entrance? -Staff were very good, all smiling and helpful; very good to see. -Swarm was running brilliantly. -Nemesis Inferno had a couple of blips during the time I was there, a bit sad. No other breakdowns that I saw though. -X was good. UV lights during the ride are a great idea. Would like the music turned up a little more on ride though. As a side note, there was a small closure to clear up sick when I was in the queue, and the announcements for it would barely audible - needs sorting out. -Annoyed that the whole Saw Alive path is closed off now. Means having to walk over Colossus hill, which is a bit mire effort. . Seriously though, would have prefered them to jut close the entrance to the queue off, and keep the walkway and benches as a quieter area, just to satisfy my laziness. -Mexican place has changed slightly, and for the better. More choice and customization. Made a great thing even better! The place was the busiest I'd ever seen it too. All in all a good day. Was there from half 9 to half 2, and got 10 rides done, included 2 back rows on Swarm. Quite easily could of had more had we not spent ages eating lunch, and would have stayed longer to utilise Swarm's 20ish minute queue, but after the sunburn I got on Friday, my arms were on fire... .

So how long has this age restriction been lifted? Saw no sign there yesterday, and everyone of all ages was free to go on. No changes seem to have occurred, though the operator was telling people to sit down more often (though, more likely because there were silly people standing up / changed seats than a change...) Woo for the restriction being lifted. Many have been quick to shoot Thorpe down for putting it in place, but it seems the lifting of it has just been ignored...