JoshC.

Ah, I didn't know that these experiences are similar sizes to round rides! I more just thought it could be classed as an 'experience' as it has flashing lights and smoke, and it away from the general ride area..

Love those statues - first time I saw it, I just had to get it... :wub:They need to make a Swarm bear though. Would be amazing.

As for the idea of Swarm replacing Alive, I think it could work, just won't happen. Saw Alive's hours have been cut, which either shows lack of interest or cost cutting (I don't know, nor really care that much tbh). If they replace Alive with a Swarm themed maze / attraction, then it could create a story of how 'The Swarm are spreading' (which they sorta are really) and such, which I think adds an extra dimension to the story, and would be easy to portray with TVs / audio / whatever. It would certainly be a nice addition, if they did it well.Why don't I think it will happen? Too close to Saw, too much theming would just be wasted, and it would seem pointless to keep replacing a full time maze every 2 seasons just to keep up with the latest coaster.. I think something a little bit closer to The Swarm's home - the marquee (if it does become redundant from the hotel and such..) or the larger side of the beach; both places have been outlined as potential spots for rides in the MTDP.As for the 'experience', it is possible it is the fire engine besides Depth Charge - the MTDP is hardly set in stone after all, especially for smaller things. I've always assumed the fire engine to be said experience, but meh. I'd love the idea of some bolt-on ride for Swarm. However, I won't be too fussed if we don't end up with one (or with a new ride at all really)... Anyways, it's all about the wait for Nemesis Inferno Sub Terra!

I read it as he knows of no one in the GP who find it thrilling, as opposed no one in the GP likes it full stop. :SIn honesty, with a bit of effort, X could be pretty decent.

The replacement of Saw Alive for a Swarm attraction (not necessarily a maze, though probably) could work with a theme of how 'The Swarm is spreading' and such. After all, we've got an attack at a theme park, and it will surely spread - an alien race isn't just going to attack one small area. Okay, not the greatest idea in terms of where the attractions are, and I personally think it is doubtful, but it is certainly feasible. As for the bolt-on ideas, I like them - if they're executed correctly. What's wrong with extending attractions to have support rides just for them? It creates greater continuity in themes; bit like having a themed land, expect just around a specific ride brand. Just as long as parks don't get too dependent on one ride's idea, I see no problem in it. As for a 2013 location, I've heard rumours the MHFS is doubtful, and it's actually somewhere else. Where, I do not know, and how true these rumours are is of course a different matter; guess it's a case of the waiting game!

I'm still in the weird position where I slightly prefer Spinball.. :SI like the theme to Fury much better, but I find Spinball's layout and that more fun. I put it more down to riding Fury more, but Spinball has to strange slight edge. Though my mind changes a lot; they're both good rides I'd say..

Am I the only one surprised that there's H&S approval require for LED lights on a train? I don't understand why that's needed..? :SThanks for that though!

I've changed my vote now to say I'd be interested in going. :PIf I get into my first choice uni, travelling up to AT for a day or two is much more feasible than I previously imagined. So yeah, would love to try and get there for October.

Alton Towers:Majorly want..

Yeah, it went down as quickly as it got going really. Really unfortunate for the park. Didn't Rush open late in 2008 (beginning of April?); the last time it had some major TLC?

Voted excellent.Don't think there's much more I can add to the reviews I've already written to be honest. The theming is top quality, the effects are very good, the story is set out fantastically and is made believable. Then, there's a brilliant, well paced ride that leaves riders wanting to go again and again and again... The ride has been thought through perfectly to ensure there's no 'bad' place to sit, and I've found it extremely comfortable as well.The ride is the Mary Poppins of roller coasters for me - practically perfect in every way.10/10

I need to go to Europa Park!That ride looks absolutely awe inspiring and incredibly in every aspect!

Yep - they're selling Bouncebacks again this season.I believe next day ones are £6 at the moment (might be £5, but probably £6). Also, any time ones are about £12, and FN ones are being sold at £18.

This seems to be the perfect event for the park.There's something for everyone with regards to taste in music, and I'm sure most people would love the atmosphere. Also, from an enthusiast perspective, I'm not really bothered that some ride music will probably be lost out on for this, simply as Thorpe have got a perfect mix of everything! Personally, I loved the Twisted Carnival / Cirque du Freak events from the past couple of Easters, so a little bit disappointed they're making way for this (I'd love it if it could be brought back as a May/June half term event though, instead of another Head Rush...), but nonetheless, intrigued and excited for this, and Thorpe have certainly made me want to pop down there that weekend! YAY!

Well, it seems heads are already turning to the park's next major addition:Taken from Dan Hotten's Facebook; I found it on TTF.The translation is "Transylvania. It is big. It is fast. It is closer and closer and closer. Unique in Germany, opening in 2014."Interesting to say the least. After seeing how Merlin have done the past couple of years with theming, the quality of theming should be pretty awesome. One thing which interests me the most though - why is it being advertised now? I'm not all that clued up about Heide Park or anything, but advertising something which is coming in 2 years time is a bit...unusual?

Any Being Human fans see a resemblance?

Not gonna lie, I think they're both pretty good. I agree that the one used last year sounds somewhat more dramatic, but either sound just as good on the ride if I'm honest.

Probably would find that a Sunday would be slightly quieter (bar Easter Sunday of course), though most days will be as busy as each other I'd guess. The best way to put it is it'll be packed whenever you go, so if you're planned on going, just go whenever it's most convenient for you!

Not really moaning about, just simply saying that it may give a small minority a little grumble. (Of which I'm not one of; I'm glad they're opening earlier, I was just saying the small minority of people may not be).One thing I did notice is the queue boards on park were showing that some ride opened at 9:30 as it was. So, by the looks of it, they're changing opening times to extend them - whch is of course only a good thing.

Anyone want to see the aforementioned fence that's been put around MHFS? What a stupid question, everyone wants to!

So, I popped down with the family to Thorpe Park, for what was the fourth time this year. However, with two of those visits being before the park opened, and my visit last week being all about Swarm, today felt like my first 'proper' visit of the season.With a 10 o'clock opening, and the sun shining gloriously, we headed to the park for half 9. We arrived just before, and to what was not really my surprise, the gates were open. It seems as though Thorpe are making a habit out of opening earlier this season, which I have mixed opinions on. Whilst it's great that they're making the effort and helping guests who arrive rather early, those who will be planning on arriving say 10-15 minutes before opening may get a slight sour taste in their mouths (a similar feeling that my friend got last weekend). The decisions are probably for the best and please the majority, but I won't be surprised if some people get a little bit annoyed by it.The glorious sunshine.As the park had opened early, we decided that we may as well go for Swarm. I like this little idea of putting up these signs; it just 'feels' right.Water effects behind the leftover stage. They were working slightly more in sync than before.The queue for Swarm moved incredibly quickly. It was just after the tower, and we never stopped for more than a minute or so it felt; the staff really must be praised for how well they worked on getting the trains through!The Swarm arose to the heavens.One thing which I half like / half hate about Swarm is that the near misses do look much nearer off ride than on ride. I like it because of how visually stunning it is, but dislike as I fear people may be left feeling short changed afterwards. We decided that we may as well try the front row queue out, and see what the system was like. We queued for the pass for a couple of minutes, and then we were in. As a side note, I like how they've added numbers to the split queueing. Probably makes it easier for staff if someone asks 'Can I go on the left hand side of the ride?' for example. Anyways, we were directed to the right hand side of the ride, and were greeted by a massive front row queue; it took up about 2/3 of the length of the bit in the station. I don't mind queueing extra for front row if that's my choice, but I was surprised (and other front row queuers were shocked) at how long it was. I also think there was too many from rowers put on the right hand side as opposed to the left; we had the huge queue, whereas the left was struggling to get people in the front.. Many people were giving up there front row passes just to sit anywhere, seeinghow the queue for it was so long. Sorry Thorpe, the front row queue needs a rethink or getting rid of. The dispatches were running extremely well, and at times they were waiting for the train to finish the circuit to send the next train - much praise should be give to Swarm's team! Also, as ever, the ride was fab.. Yeah, not much else to say. If the only negative point I can really think of for this coaster is the fact the front row queue doesn't work, this just shows how good of a ride it well and truly is!ORP.. :PWe moved our way to Storm Surge, and queued for about 10 minutes. I really don't know what to make of this ride any more; the boats aren't spinning (which, at beginning of season, is not good), but the water squirters were permanently turned on, which left for a good bit of water being splashed upon us. Really and truly, it's an okay ride made out of a hunk of junk.. It was also INCREDIBLY squeaky. With the hot weather and big attentions of the coasters, the water rides didn't have much of a queue, so we ended up on Rumba Rapids. Okay, it's not the longest rapids, or the best looking, but I love this ride so much - the pre tunnel and in tunnel waterfalls are just working so well, and you do get quite wet on the ride. Much love for this ride, and hope it gets a spruce up in the near future.There was also a Dr Pepper event today. The whole idea was to set a Guinness World Record for the most people in a pair of pants (I believe), and there were some games set around pants and stuff. Nice bit of fun for guests I guess. Swarm in the background.The big pants (no, not Stealth...)We headed back over to the dome and decided that we may as well get the new Annual Pass refill a-ma-bob. I really dislike it if I'm honest. It seems smaller (which people may say doesn't matter, as it's unlimited, but a smaller cup = more refills), it looks ugly, and it just doesn't feel right. The only plus I have about it is the fact that the label seems much better. Rant of the day over. We then headed over to Roast and Relish (R&R for short ) for lunch. So, pretty much you choose a gammon baguette or pork baguette (and the baguettes are fresh and are of more than generous size!), have free stuffing, crackling or sauce and that's that. I love the place. At £4.75 a baguette, or 4 for £15, I think it's well priced and you get more than your money's worth. I'd highly recommend the place for anyone who likes their meat.Being close to Swarm, the tables have subtle, yet appropriate, theming.Swarm shadow.We headed all the way to the other size of the park to go on good ol' Loggers Leap. Good solid log flume, not much else that can be said about it. We passed Saw Alive on the way. It had a big queue...I'm disappointed in how 'leftover' Canada Creek feels. There's been so much focus on Swarm side, the other side of the park seems a bit forgotten. If CCR has gone, and isn't returning, get rid of the track, the barriers and open up that space a lot.A fence has now been put up to conceal Miss Hippo's Fungle Safari. Sign of future development, or lack of it?Crazy bikes have been moved next to the Loony Ladders, opening up a nice bit of space.The new Ben and Jerry's unit by the Lost City flats has yet to open. Shame, could've done with one today. :(We threw in quick rides on X:\NWO (which still feels faster than normal, but lacks the extra dimension without the strobe lights) and Quantum (a good fun, ride). A final couple of shots to do with Swarm:By midday, the mist under the plane had conked out. Under the lift hill / drop.How the Swarm area looks now...How the area looked on the 14th April last year.And I'll leave you with that.

Really gutted I can't make this - darn college! Hope everyone has a great time tomorrow. Hopefully similar ERT events can occur in the future; think I remember one happening a couple of years ago?

I assume the cycle order of 1-6 goes in order from least intense to most intense?Just out of interest, does anyone know what cycle Samurai operates on, generally, when it is open to the public? After experiencing it on "it's most intense and longest cycle", I'm just slightly curious as to what I'm generally experiencing..

Woo - a big happy birthday! :PMust admit, when I rode it on media night, it seemed much smoother. May give it a few more rides this season, seeinghow that side of the park should be a little less busy..

The instrumental is played, but it blends in quite well with the rest of the audio. If you're not listening out for it, you probably wouldn't notice it.. :PAs a side note about You Me At Six fans, I remember seeing a discussion come up on my FB feed last night about how 'Thorpe Park named their roller coaster after the band's new single'...