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Everything posted by JoshC.
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Yesterday's episode was a bit stupid really in my eyes, especially the way it started. 'Oh, I've been told to press the button, but there's two. Should I do the logical thing and ask which one or just be silly and press whichever one I want to?'
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Stealth Appears In Upcoming Red Or Black Gameshow!
JoshC. replied to Geo's question in Quick Questions
But, they didn't advertise The Swarm in it...at all? All there was was a VERY slight glimpse of LC12 posters, as shown in the screen grab, which are near-on impossible to see during real time, and the island of dirt, which means absolutely nothing in a way of advertising. -
First I've heard about them being removed.Though I agree they're very precise, but I guess it could just be how they are starting it?
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The trench could be for a pond, couldn't it?I believe they're making some sort of pond / whatever you want to call it in that general area; if I'm looking where everyone else is that is..
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The MTDP states Island A is one potential location for a 2015 coaster, the other being Island E (where the tank advertising currently is). Therefore, it could actually be 2018 (or whenever the second coaster after this will happen) that that island link could be used..Though, I'd say it more likely for Island A for 2015, due to the simple reason that it would flow better.But yeah, will be interesting to see how the island copes with the situation of being a dead end for a couple of years.
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Woo for reaching 100 rep. (Waits for some comment relating to e-penises and how rep isn't important and that I should get over myself...)
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The visit was rather expensive with all the buying I did, yeah.. ORPs weren't too bad though, as we got 2 photopasses. I bought one, my mum bought me one as the usual 'holiday treat' then my uncle and cousin got a £2 for £12. Yeah, it's a lot when you think about it, but as said, it was my actual summer holiday in a way, so it probably worked out cheaper (and more fun) than going away elsewhere on holiday.
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^It's not criticism for the sake of criticism on my behalf. I'm not saying the sign is a bad thing; it's certainly a good thing for the sake of the public, as it further aids as to what on earth is going on with the tank. Personally, it could just be made a little more believable by having the sign a bit further away. After all, it would be no good saying 'Entertainment actors are operating in this area' near the Stealth area of Les Coogan, would it?
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Like the sign, but sorta detracts attention from the tank and the atmosphere around that.. Shame in some ways the sign couldn't have been positioned elsewhere so that it's close enough to the tank for it to tie in, bit far enough for it to not detract from the tank.
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Butttt... Hersheypark announced their's first, right?
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Technically, it's not America's only wing rider. What with Intamin's redesigned one at Hersheypark (and the possibility of a B&M one at Dollywood)...
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I'm gonna bend the rules slightly, as the last photo I was tagged in was one from my AT trip and I don't wanna show myself in an ORP again. Tagged in it 3 weeks ago; photo taken over a year ago... Yeah..
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So much for Swarm's 'unique, head first' drop then, ey?
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I dunno what it was, but I just found the boat ride more interesting, even though most do seem to think the opposite. The elevator was just such a bore and really didn't capture my attention or imagination at all. At least with the boat ride I found myself somewhat interested in what was happening, and had the highlight of that waterfall in it. Terrible ride, but the boat ride was the more interesting part for me. Definitely feel it should be next to bite the dust...
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That King Nemesis sign nay as well have been made from the get-go.. :DAgree with the tightness between Air and Oblivion and Rita being last; Th13teen needs to be a couple of places higher though. XD
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(Split into 2 posts due to number of images per post restrictions)With Rita out of the way and a quick toilet break achieved, we noticed Th13teen trains carrying passengers.. Th13teen had reopened! As this must have been fairly recent, we decided to venture to the woods for a second time. Though it did end up being a longer queue than we expected (probably the longest queue of the day at just under 40 minutes), we didn't really care - we all enjoyed the ride. I don't think I really need to go into much detail about it again, but even after knowing what experience awaited me, I still found it enjoyable and a great ride - to me, it is far from a little kiddie ride with a one trick pony ending. It gels together well, but suffers from trims and terrible marketing. In some ways, I think it would have been better to go for a more upbeat theme for it to have been more of a success. Anyways, enough rambling on about Th13teen, here's a few more pictures from the queue line:The hooded figure.The half-swallowed up van.The second Th13teen ORP. I seem happy... :DSo, with Th13teen out of the way for a second time, it was time to bid farewell from the Dark Forest for good this time, and time to go back to secrecy with the X Sector and finally ride Submission. Windows on the way there.Nice weather complimenting a nice scenery.It was raining earlier?So, we finally reached Submission. Unlike last time, when there was a full queue, we were greeted by a near-on empty queue - it pleased me muchly. It was quite amusing watching the cycle prior to ours - when the ride was hung upside, a 5p just dropped to the ground; certainly made everyone around chuckle. Now, I've read a few reviews of people saying that the restraints were more than a little bit uncomfortable, so I was slightly worried, especially as they reminded me very much of a Top Spin's restraints. However, ever being squished in at the edge of the row against the side barrier, I found them quite comfy. Granted, they weren't like air's, nor were they they most comfy thing around, but I couldn't see a reason for complaint. Anyway, as for the actual ride itself, I found it very much like a Swinging Ship, Magic Carpet and Sky Swat all thrown into one. It sounds like a recipe for disaster, but I dunno, it was just great fun. It gets the best bits of them and turns it into something that works really well - it's just a good ride. However, what spoils it is the theme and the theming, or the lack of it. I didn't hear any audio for it, couldn't see any sort of theming and it just felt like and 'here's a ride plonked here, you queue for it, you ride it and you leave it' job, which is not what AT rides are like. Despite the great ride experience, I felt short changed by the lack of everything else, which is not great really..Now, in a sensible move, we wandered over to Sonic Spinball for a spin. Now, after my go on it last time, I rated the ride higher than Dragon's Fury at Chessie, which seems to be against the general opinion. I more put it down to riding Fury more often more recently, but a second go sounded good to see if that was the case.Nice shot of the Towers.Spinning around.Random photo.Just in case I forgot what ride I was queueing up for...You can guess where I was trying to get the car really..And I failed.Last one.I one thing I like about this more than Fury is the queue line. The little games make the queue seem that little bit quicker, and the actual queue layout is not as painful as the cattlepen of Fury. That, and interaction (sorta) with the ride itself. The half-full queue did move quickly really. As for the actual ride, we got a great spin, better than last time, on it due to get the weighting right. However, there's just something about it that didn't really give me the same feeling as last time. I don't know what it is, but I just don't rate it as highly any more. After all is said and done, I think the ride experience is as good as Fury, but I think Spinball's queue line clinches it for me; it still has that slight edge over Fury. Spinball ORP.The SBNO Beastie lies behind the fence of dullness.After some more treking, it was last ride of the day - Runaway Mine Train. After missing out on it last time due to it being closed because of the valleying incident, it was nice to be able to do a complete run-around of all 7 coasters. As I said, I like mine trains and this one did not disappoint! I enjoyed the theme, the theming, the interaction with CRR, the layout - it was just an enjoyable ride. One niggle was the operator, who seemed very half-hearted when giving announcements, even the 'Choo Choo' she gave sounded a bit 'Why am I here?' (I don't think it was 'Choo Choo Lady' though, it's worth saying). Apart from that, a great little mine train.Nice bits of theming work well for me.Speeding past.Despite the lack of enthusiasm on my face, I am enjoying the ride!Couple more photos before I round off:Congo River Rapids. Was disappointed not to get on any water rides during the trip, but the bigger rides took priority. Could have fitted this in at the end, but didn't fancy a 3 and a half hour odd car journey home wet..Another view of the Towers.Nemesis wins it for me!That's my trip really. As you can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was certainly worth the wait. The weather was just what we wanted, the staff were more or less all brilliant: chatty, friendly, helpful and added to the day. The rides were brilliant as well - it was just an amazing day. Popped into the shop in Towers Street to pick up the ORPs from the day and did a fair bit of shopping; bought: the Monorail Mug Pack, Nemesis and Th13teen mugs (I'm a mug for Mugs, okay? ), Th13teen hoodie, Th13teen bear, replica Th13teen necklace from the advert, Th13teen paperweight and Alton Towers Monopoly. Okay, I splashed out more than a little bit, but this was basically my holiday for the year. The only real problem I have with AT was the wasps - there were tonnes of the blooming things around, and it did make getting drinks a bit of a nuisance. Apart from that, the place is absolutely perfect. I can't wait for my next visit - whenever that may be!
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The rest of my Alton Towers PTR... ;)After Th13teen was out the way, along with a bit of shopping, we have Rita a miss due to a relatively large queue. Instead, we headed over to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - a ride we missed out last time, despite really wanting to try it out.I was surprised that we got through a nearly full queue quite quickly. The little 'pre show' if you will is interesting, though after seeing it upteen times, it loses whatever magic there was to start with. The boat ride was okay I guess, though I was more interested in ensuring water didn't fill the boat up - it was only a couple of inches from coming in! It sorta reminded me a bit of Bubbleworks, not in a good way; instead, it was the way of 'this could be a bit better'. The waterfall caught me out and was the highlight of the attraction - I thoroughly enjoyed that part. The TV room was a bit of a bore really, it just seemed a bit shoehorned in really. The glass elevator was what I was looking forward to about the ride, though, it was a bit of a let down. I guess where it's more a kiddie ride it is doing it's job, but I would have preferred to have Oompa Loompas involved heavily in the ride, to give it a charm.From the start of the queue.Twirling Toadstool followed.Next up was Twirling Toadstool. Not going to dwell on this ride too much; much like any of these types of rides, it needs some sort of added effect to be worthwhile - that's why I find Monkey Swinger at Chessie much more enjoyable! Now, probably the ride I was most looking forward to. Hex. I'm pretty sure saying that word makes loads of fans hyped; rightly so. The queue was out of the building, yet it moved quickly and painlessly. The inside queue was different and imaginative and the TV screens and general setting kept us all more than entertained. It certainly sets the eerie tone that is required. At the time, I felt the pre show was being dragged out a little too long, and it was struggling to keep the attention of some people that I saw. However, on looking back at it, I think it was actually pretty much perfect. The Octagon room was something I really liked and the theatrics involved impressed me. As for The Vault; I had heard about it, but had no idea what it involved - fortunately, this ride had remained pretty much unspoilt for me - I found it absolutely amazing. It left me confused, slightly spooked yet highly entertained. Whilst you can pretty much guess you're not upside down, you really do think you are. The Vault is probably one of the best experiences I've ever had and it was certainly a powerful one!Really does sum the ride up perfectly.Now it was time for a wander over to the Skyride. After it being closed practically all day on my last visit, it was somewhat of a relief to have it there, meaning that long walks and extra careful planning weren't as prominent in our minds. The Skyride.Of at Forbidden Valley we got and it was indeed lunch time. After a little mix up of where what food outlets were where, we ended up having the in house Fish & Chips. Mixed reviews from our group of the place - I happily enjoyed me sausage and chips, but everyone else wasn't keen on the batter on the fish.. Meh, enough about the food really. To let the food go down a little, we did some Ripsaw watching:Top spins - fun to watch, but not to go on.Casually hanging around, y'know.Wet wet wet!After watching a circuit, it was time to 'prepare for air'. Now, last time, I enjoyed air for the simple fact of it's elegance, and how it does the job of recreating flight. However, I was disappointed by the lack of any sort of force whatsoever - something it needed to give it that little extra something to make it special. That, and it needed some more theming, just the add to that overall experience. Of course, like with all the rides, I tried to take it from a clean sheet and see where that got me. Some piccys:Wooosh...Air > Oblivion. Air < Nemesis however.That twist.If anyone looked at my shoes during the day, they'd have thought I was an air-obsessive, but nope.. Train close up.More on that twist!Ride review time.. I forgot just how comfy the seats are - it's certainly something that I think is a key to the ride's success! However, my main views about the ride stayed the same. It's elegant and is certainly a very comfy ride experience - but it needs that little something more. A bit more force, a bit more theming, just something a bit different - something that would have made it much more special than it is.. It's certainly got the ingredients to be a world class thing, but it's like it was under-cooked or something...Superman pose for the ORP had to be done!It was time to go back on ourselves and take the Skyride to the Dark Forest to get Rita out of the way. Some highlights from the way back there:Naff signs. Hate them, spoil every bit of atmosphere created in an area - sort them out AT!Pretty views from the Skyride.Rita from the Skyride.A train awaiting the horrors inside the crypt. As said, Rita was next and we seemed to catch the Dark Forest at a good time. Rita had quietened down to a 20 minute odd queue and Th13teen was down due to 'disturbances in the Forest'; love that announcement! So we joined the queue and awaiting the launch coaster. One thing I really like about Rita's queue line is how you get a good view of the ride, and even a bit of Th13tee, which keeps you entertained and doesn't make queueing feel as bad. Rita nearing the end of her 'escape'.Love this centre piece bit of theming! Top notch.Speeding away from those evil powers of the Dark Forest...Pesky wraiths.As for Rita herself, I'm not her biggest fan. At least it now roughly fits in with the area theme, which is something, but I don't like what they've done. From the announcements to the ORP cover, it's just not that good. I like the control cabin, but that's about it. I think we all know that the only way Rita would ever fit in is in some sort of racer theme, The ride itself is okay I guess, the layout is interesting, but it's just too rough for it to be enjoyed. I know some dislike the first turn after the launch, but I don't find that too bad...more half way through the circuit, that's when pain kicks in. In short, not a bad coaster, just not a very good one.Rita ORP. I prefer the Queen of Speed casing.
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It was a bit naff really.I mean the ending was stupid (spoiler of the ending now..) I hope this series starts to pick up, otherwise it's going to lose my viewing...
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I believe that Thorpe were planning to hold the event for 3 days, like with previous events, but the council limited it to two. Not necessarily a bad thing - probably means bigger budget per show springs to mind.
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The Swarm adverts probably won't appear on TV till about March time, when the park is actually open. Much like with Saw and Stealth and presumably the other coasters.They'll almost certainly be teaser trailers on the internet and stuff, for those who want to know, though. Anyway, Saw..The advertising was just to get people thinking about the big thrills again, and having it as 'more terrifying than before' suited perfectly..
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Last time I went on Depth Charge, they were playing the chart music.. In fact, in a fair few of my recent visits, chart music has been playing all the way up to Flying Fish. Prior to that, the Fish had Depth Charge's music...
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Really? Darnit. :DThought I remembered seeing it when I had a look, but couldn't be sure. Ah well, as you say, it deserves some more mentioning.. XD
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With regards to the short layout, thorpeparkjack and I were speaking a while ago about that, and we think that the height of inversions and other elements may take a fair bit of speed out of the ride, so it goes through them quite slowly, thus dragging the ride out as it were. Jack fears that may make the ride boring.. :closedeyes:From your rough(ish) calculations Sidders, we know that after the main drop, the speed will probably reach between 55-60MPH (I think that's what you got anyways..haha), and I worked out a rough average speed of the inclined loop (which comes after the second inversion) to be 30MPH. Just random thoughts really, but it seems quite likely that it will go through a lot of the main elements with some sort of elegance and slowish pace to it - which may help in the experience of taking in the theming and near misses, especially on that inline twist!Again, just some musings really, but I'd say that despite the short layout, the ride will last quite a while, and will certainly give the opportunity to take in the surroundings...
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On the top image, near the middle, you can also see an overturned car which seems to be on top of the station building, which also seems to have some interaction with that inline twist.If all of this comes together, that inline twist will be something quite special...!
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I'm certain that Sunken Garden will not be leaving for this project. It will have to make way sooner or later, but that time will not be next year.