JoshC.

I guess it's a case of what floats your boat then. :PPersonally, I'd slightly prefer it to open on 2 trains on time than on 1 train early, but that's more because I prefer not to feel like I'm stuck in a non-moving queue. Tbh, whichever situation happened, probably would've got on Swarm at the same time, so it's not like it ruined further course of events.

Today seemed strangely quiet. Swarm did reach a 90min+ queue near the beginning of the day, but had died down by 2pm to about 40mins. Colossus started off big, but was 5/10 mins for a fair bit of the afternoon. Saw and Inferno never really peaked about the hour mark either, with most flats and water rides never really getting above 20-30mins. For Easter, pretty good. Not sure whether any other day this Easter break will be like that mind..

Yeah, park opened half an hour early. I've no problem with that, but if they're going to, may as well do it properly, no?

Swarm's effects were a bit off today. No water or mist in the morning, though the water had returned by the afternoon; good to see that they got it running eventually. Also a bit disappointed that in my previous 2 visits the mist has gone off, and the second fire engine has lacked any sort of effect. I hope something gets sorted soon.Another small grumble was how Swarm only started with one train this morning. Personally, unless the other train has a technical issue (which seemed doubtful), then there's no excuse for the brand new roller coaster to operate on one train during the Easter break. It turned what should have been a 10-15 queue into about a 30 minute queue, and we were unfortunate enough to be right at the front of the queue when they decided to add on a second train, adding more waiting time. I do hope there was a good reason for starting on one train operation, otherwise I'm disappointed. On the other hand, when they have two trains running, the team are doing incredibly well, and that should be applauded!

Thanks for that astounding report Mer - really enjoyed it, and looking at all those photos. It's nice to see the Thrills Workshop how it's meant to be; last time I saw the inside of it, most of the stuff had been moved elsewhere / out of the way for a Swarm train to be put together. Also good to see that those Storm Surge models are proudly on show; I know a few of the people who put them together for coursework, and they well and truly put months of effort and research into them!As for the thing you said about the fire engine being in the staff car park, I think I got a sneaky snap of it last May: (Sorry for poor quality)Really glad you and Ben had a great trip! Very good to see Thorpe doing all this for us 'geeks', though looking at those plans for the woodie do make me disappointed with Saw, and that's coming from a Saw fan..!

'Xplorer Central' have uploaded copious photos of a Behind the Scenes event of Swarm, which was held for the ECC: http://xplorercentra...uk/?page_id=400Here's the cream of the crop (all photos used with permission, and with thanks to XC):Roughly proposed queues, and their lengths. Though cut off, the main queue line is 450m and can hold 90 mins worth of queueing time. Nice shot of the helicopter in the making.By%20the%20looks%20of%20it,%20if%20you%20are%20putting%20your%20arms%20up,%20you%20are%20a%20mere%20couple%20of%20inches%20away%20from%20some%20thematic%20elements.<a%20%20data-cke-saved-href=The accessible rickety jetty was omitted from the plans 3 days before the council accepted them. Could this mean the council weren't too keen on the idea?Love how casual the presenters look in this mock up.. XDInteresting proposal. Very interesting the original concept was 'alien machines', and we've ended up with 'alien life forms'.Comparison between the two.The meaning of LC12 - revealed!More story stuff. Love the teasing 'in the UK... for now' bit. Original plan to have bits of theming in the actual lake.So yeah, all very interesting stuff. Explains a couple of bits and bobs too. Of course, there's more photos in the link above; mostly very good!

Thanks for that brilliant TR James - really enjoyed it! :DAbsolutely jealous of the fact you got on a quiet day too - those rerides! Glad you had a great day, and it really makes me want to visit Germany and their theme parks all the more.

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!