JoshC.

Which I believe is the same time for the Ride it First competition?Loads of UK Merlin attractions have these VIP launch things, so doubt Swarm will be any different..

With the trains looking almost exactly like that concept art, I think some people who were saying that 'Swarm won't have fire effects just because the concept art says so' might be reconsidering their views now..

I don't think we'll being seeing any sort of launch on the lift hill at all. I get the feeling that the point of the first inversion is to go through it slowly and steadily, create suspense and tension; build up the scare factor if you will.After all, loads of rides can through inversions quickly, but few can go through them slowly and use it as a form of suspense.

Liam quoted this on the previous page, and I'm quoting this on this page too, taken from the noise report.If nothing else, this gives us a very strong suggestion that SW7 is by Gerstlauer. To be quite frank, I'm getting slightly annoyed by loads of different forums arguing what manufacturer it is. There is one line in one of the more important reports that gives us a strong indication to the manufacturer, so where's all this argument of 'Oh, it will manufacturer x, y or z?' coming from!? I'm all for looking through the plans and working out things from them, but when we're more or less told something from the plans, where's all the 'Oh, the plans are wrong!!!!' coming from.

SFTW is one of those shows that, for some reason, I just like. I don't know what it is, but I find myself every Sunday watching it and enjoying it. One of the few times I'm actually prepared to join one of these pointless Facebook groups tbh..

It won't be the used audio.On a different note, I've heard rumours that testing could be happening as early as next week..! Exciting times..

I believe, then, that the rumours going round may be a misunderstanding / lack of knowledge of the revised idea. I for one did not know of this revision, and didn't know there was a plan to connect said pond to Manor Lake, but meh.

I've heard the same rumour said by a couple of people on these forums (I think due to water contamination or something weird like that), but have never know of any documentation available to back it up.

Just thought I'd let you know Sheepie, and anyone else who may have been interested, that I'm not going to do one for Cheesie now, simply because I didn't go there enough to make it feel worthwhile. Depending on how well this year turns out for me, I'll probably end up doing another Thorpe one and maybe a Cheesie one for this upcoming season.

It was, of course, a pun on the character's personality.

I'd say this year they've been rather good.Anyone who says Lez Cougan acting (and police officers to go with that) shows Entertainments to be a flop would have to be crazier than Cougan himself. The roaming FN actors this year were also great this year. Heck, I'd say that Saw Alive has been pretty good this season round too. So, though not the best it could be, Entertainments are in no way a flop, and I'm hope for an acting presence or two around the Swarm island this season and beyond.

To add to this, I think Gerstlauer bashing comes from how, in the UK, they were more used at 'smaller' parks, not the big name parks people relate to the UK. I don't have a problem with them, and think that their designs are pretty great ones. This. This new ride is just maniac, and I think the compact design of it really adds to the experience. I'm a fan of Saw, and certainly think that it would be better if those elements were more compact. Also, with rides such as Anubis, Novgorod and Takabisha from Gerstlauer, this attraction is VERY promising.

Looks the same as every other update from the time lapse camera to me. But we've got the time-lapse shot, which supports Liam's point, and we know how old that is.. ;)Also, RGG / Go Merlin have got another time lapse video, which shows all the construction up till before Christmas. I can't link the actual video I'm afraid, but I can link to the page it's on - http://rideguidegroup.com/site/viewtopic.php?f=53&p=1978#p1978; it's about half way down.

Surely the Thorpe Belle would be to high to fit underneath the entrance bridge, so couldn't be used as transport?

From what I've heard (in other words, could be complete twaddle):-One train (/ all the parts of one train) is on the park, with the other due in January.-Testing to begin in January.-Helicopter theming was due to be installed the beginning of this month.From what I remember / can gather:-Saw had just under 600 test runs. Tbh, whatever the number was, it was a lot. -Church theming (well, the exterior at least) was completed before Christmas.

Well, there's been no construction updates over the past few days, because there's nothing new. No one will post if there's nothing to update after all.It's the Christmas break, workers are probably off till after the New Year. Construction updates will probably happen when...construction is happening?

^Probably because the island is located away from the core of the park, and the immeadiate rides to the exit are... Depth Charge and Flying Fish. The reason why Saw works so well is because it is close to the core of the park, has thrill rides very close to it, and then has it's own support ride a short distance away..Personally, I agree that there should be no rides on or near the island (until 2015), as that part of the park is still 'in development' if you will.

This Christmas wasn't really the best for me.Normally, the days leading up to and days after Christmas Day is when family come round / we visit family, etc. etc. The actual day, the people in my house (My mum, nan and myself - and my Granddad when he was alive) would spend the day together, and just do our own thing. It's normally the same for everyone else; just together with the people who they live with for Christmas. The past couple of years have been different. Last year, my cousin and her 5 year old son (my second cousin?) spent Christmas with her dad at his then fiancée's; now wife (bit complicated; long story short - her parents, my uncle and his wife, are divorced, but usually were able to spend Christmas together until my Uncle found a new partner). My cousin, however, didn't like it over there because it was 'boring' and how 'laptops were banned for most of the day', and silly little things like that. They were invited there again this year, but my cousin didn't want to go for the reasons aforementioned, as well as more, and instead it came about that she more or less invited herself and son to our's instead.No one in my house really wanted them round, but it's sort of hard to say no. So, for most of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it was a case of looking after my second cousin, because his mum took the day as an opportunity to literally not do anything. Don't get me wrong, everyone deserves a break and all, but that includes me as well, and Christmas is normally a day of relaxing and helping with a bit of cooking for me. What was somewhat more annoying was that, because my second cousin is mad about going on a DS (he had his own, but broke it a few days ago), I wasn't able to go on my 3DS whilst they were around, because he threw a massive strop whenever he couldn't play on mine. It also meant not being able to charge the video camera I got for Christmas, or really do much at all other do run around after my cousin every five minutes. On top of all that, despite getting many presents at the time (far more than I remember when I was a child), he kept saying going on about all the other presents he was going to open when he got to his nan's house in the evening, and kept whining about when his granddad (my Uncle) would be coming. So, it wasn't really a relaxing Christmas, and probably the first time when it was the materialistic side of Christmas that I looked forward to more than the family side.Now, having read over that, I've got a feeling that I may be coming across as selfish, heartless or whatever else. I'm probably coming across slightly as 'OMG, my Christmas was terrible because I couldn't play on my games or do what I wanted to do for one day!!!1!'. I'm not. Simply put, I wanted one day with those in my household to be able to relax, have a bit of fun, not have to stress over anything and just enjoy Christmas Day. I don't think that's wrong in any way, is it?Sorry if this has turned more into a Rant, but ah well. Don't get me wrong, I'm no Scrooge or whatever, and I'm enjoying the festive season, but yesterday was not really a day I would've dreamed about wanting. Nonetheless, glad other's have enjoyed the day and hope everyone else had a great Christmas!

The MTDP states there's no plans for a 'round ride' on the island. Therefore, highly unlikely that there'll be any flats there for a good few years, if at all. Of course, there's the one near the entrance and one on the larger bit of Neptune's Beach, but personally, I'd prefer no flats there, and instead at least one flat on Island A; who wants to trek all the way to an island away from the core of the park and, in turn, loads of rides, just to go on one coaster, then have to trek back? Leaves you with a slight sour feeling in my eyes. Whatever happens, Swarm's island and entrance will be packed for the next couple of years, and beyond.The more interesting topic is what Mark brought up - what more can Thorpe add to their selection of flats? They have a wide selection of flats, far superior to any park in the UK, and to rival many across Europe I'd say, so what more could they add? I can't wait to see what they come up with. One thing I'd say is needed for these 'round rides' is a dark ride - it's something that Thorpe do lack in their line up, and certainly could work well in the park's portfolio.

On the bridge itself, you don't really get any views of Swarm itself (you can see it, but it's more you have to look out for it, and it's still a 'blink and you'll miss it' moment if you're in a moving vehicle.) However, when you're over the bridge and get the whole view of the park, you can actually see part of the church theming if you look out for it! You can also see it when coming from Staines direction - mainly just the main lift and drop from what I've seen. If you know where to look out for Stealth from that direction, you shouldn't really miss Swarm! :)In general though, I'm impressed (and slightly surprised) at how little impact it makes to surrounding areas. For example, I was expecting to be able to see it on my train route to college (as there's some nice views of Stealth that can be got), but it is literally just a quick glimpse of it (which you have to look out for). So Thorpe should be commended for that I guess!

Wait, I won an award!? :oWoooo, wasn't expecting that! Cheers Sidders for running the competition and Sheepie for creating those little trophies!

I may do one for Chessington soon if I get the time, but I probably won't do any others, as I haven't visited other parks enough times this season for it to be worthwhile.So yeah; watch this space! :)EDIT: Thinking about it, could you Sheepie (or any other mod) change the title of the thread to fit Thorpe in it somewhere, like 'JoshC.'s Review of the Thorpe Season - 2011', just so it's clearer? ) Thank you!

Swarm SpotlightWhat would a review of the 2011 season be without mentioning The Swarm!? The park have got everything spot on with the ride during the year, from the strange posters around the park, the crazed roaming actors, the minisite and the explicit marketing on park. There is actually nothing I can think of that could fault it - a big congratulations to Thorpe here! Then, of course, there's been the actual construction of the ride to go on top of that. All I can say is, I am really looking forward to 2012!The site is hardly recognisable now.The first roaming actor / Lez Cougan.Lez creating some commotion with some girls.Poster.This photo makes me smile. You have to 'uncover' the poster, which lets you 'uncover the truth'.LC12 stamp!Advertising tank.Other side.A very realistic chase between a Lez and a police officer.Advertising bit.Advert board and tank.Another Lez!Advert board.A busy construction site.Management enjoying the view..Missing wall by the advertising bit.Final weekend.Me with one of the Cougans.Me with another Cougan.I guess we can only expect more of the same, top quality moves from Thorpe in the coming months, and anticipate what looks to be an amazing coaster, which some like billing as the most exciting project in the UK since 1994.And so that's more or less it. The 2011 season has quite possibly been more exciting for me than the past 3-4 seasons, with Swarm advertising, amazing events and just generally some great days out to the park. Hopefully the 2012 season will have more of the same, and see Thorpe improving their theme park status even further. And, to round this all off, my 2011 ride count...Rumba Rapids: 19Inferno: 14Flying Fish: 14 (50 laps in total)Teacups: 13Loggers Leap: 11CCR: 11Storm Surge: 10X:\No Way Out: 8Rush: 7Saw - The Ride: 7Detonator: 6Samurai: 5Stealth: 5Vortex: 4Quantum: 4Zodiac: 3Depth Charge: 3Saw Alive: 2Rocky Express: 1Colossus: 1Time Voyagers: 1Slammer: 1Experiment 10: 4Se7en: 2The Asylum: 1The Curse: 1Thank you for reading, and look out for my PTRs next season!

Twisted CarnivalThere were many special events during the season, and this was the first major one I guess. Hearing some of the names that were showing up, specifically Tobias Mead and Stevie Starr (aka The Regurgitator) from BGT, I made a special trip to the park specifically for the event, and for those two acts.The park seemed set up quite nicely for the event, with a carnival tent set up in the arena, a stage by Storm Surge and a couple of other bits and bobs. Tobias' dance act seemed suited to the park, with tie-ins to the Saw theme, which worked very well. If you've seen The Regurgitator's act once, you'll know more or less what happen, so I won't go into the details of what each specific act entailed. Twisted Carnival Sign. Tents.Acts performing at the Storm Surge stage.With Tobias Mead!Stevie Starr and his assistant. (Also a chance to see the old uniform! ) With Starr!Also enjoyed watching him regurgitate some girl's annual pass when she asked him, which was really nice of him (and very good)!Thorpe did do a similar event in 2010, which I unfortunately missed. However, these events really do 'work' for the park - it's something everyone enjoys, and the park do seem to get some decent outside acts in. I hope next Easter seems a very similar event return, as it would definitely draw me in to visiting over Easter!Head RushReturning to our May Half term for the fourth / fifth season running was the motorbike, stunt show in the arena. Basically the exact same event as the preceding years, and more or less the same show. As much as people probably enjoy these sort of shows, it isn't doing the trick and pulling in the added crowds. It's gotten a bit old, and I think it is time for Thorpe to call it a day on this event and try something new, and a bit more original. Okay, I'm not saying the event is terrible and failing, but the park could, and should, be able to do better.The set up and the riders.The best bit of the event - an interruption at the beginning of the show asking if anyone ordered the Thorpe Park Pizza! XD One of the better tricks.Cheeky advertising, to get people to know about Sun Scream (which I didn't attend) and FN.Fright NightsThe 10th year of what it probably the best time of year of Thorpe. They certainly kicked it up a gear, with Experiment 10 changing the classic idea of a scare maze at Thorpe, and many roaming actors around the place.I'll start off with Experiment 10. The maze is certainly my favourite out of 6 I've been in at the park, bringing an original concept that pushed how to scare people. Splitting people up certainly plays on a few fears, and the park should try and consider it in future scare attractions, as it really does work. Top quality from Thorpe, great new attraction for the season, and can only get better once the kinks are ironed out.Se7en is a maze I've had a soft spot for, and have regularly enjoyed. This season it seemed to be pushed up a notch, as it wasn't unheard of for members of one line to be taken away and forced to rejoin another later on. The sensory affects, specifically the smells, were as effective as ever. Whilst there are a couple of rooms in the maze which are one trick ponies, there are others which work really well time and time again. Needs more recognitions than it's given in my eyes.The Asylum was better for me than it was last season, but I still don't get why so many people sing it's praises. I've never really find it scary, more just something which will effectively give me a niggling headache. The actors do a good job, but the maze just doesn't do it for in the way the above two do. The Curse, meanwhile, needs to just be rethought and gotten rid of - it is the worst maze on park and has been pretty pathetic to be honest.The roaming actors were great, and I think it is showing that Thorpe have realised that Fright Nights doesn't just have to be about scaring people; it can be a bit of a laugh as well! Sure, some people were creeped by the clowns, but many just enjoyed their presence, and it shows that Thorpe and mascots work well together. Also great to see Barry and Stuart back again, further showing just how good Thorpe are at getting outside acts for them. My only grumble would be about the lack of theming: more park-wide and specific ride theming, like there's been in the past please!Fright Nights entranceExperiment 10 control unit.Hazmat suit actor!I loved the AP night - literally no queues!Roaming clown.Body bags by Experiment 10.Extensive theming right there.And again...Much better theming.Gotta love Barry and Stuart - the ending needs to be improved though; doesn't do the act justice I'm afraid.Me with one of the Experiment 10 employees.Me with the sterner Experiment 10 employee.Me with a roaming clown.Me with happy clown.Seeing this photo reminds me of the guy's extremely funny and hilarious high-pitched voice.I really enjoyed Fright Nights this season, quite possibly my favourite one yet, and I can imagine future events being better and even closer to a perfect Halloween event.Blow $#it Up!The new event for the season, and it was great to see fireworks make an explosive return. The event was planned very well and the show itself went down well with the crowds. The fire performers which I was looking forward to were a bit of a let down, but ah well, can't have everything perfect first time round. My grumble was the long, single queue to buy / collect tickets on the day after opening, which made getting into the park an unpleasant experience; something no park wants to do when people are visiting for the last time of the season. The controversial burning of Jedward was something that I thought the park did well, and the inclusion of it was brilliant. To be honest, there's no faulting the actual final show. The blowing up of the fire engine to advertise Swarm was genius, and something which will be very hard to beat in following seasons..A test of the fire engine.Bad fire performer picture.A picture of the fire engine following the explosion and the fire being extinguished. Food and DrinkOf course, theme parks are never just about the rides. I remember reading a comment a while ago made by AeRo on another forum, 'the whole concept of a Theme Park, is really a modern day equivalent of a sea side Amusement Park'. I dunno why, but reading that just made me think a little about how food outlets and shops are somewhat overlooked at some theme parks, so just a quick low-down and where I like to eat and my views of the AP unlimited drink capsule. A new outlet for the season was the Amity Kebab Co. I like a good kebab, and good kebab this gives. Okay, maybe not the best themed shop to have, but still, it's darn good food for a darn good price, even more so with AP discount! Themed sauce is win.Cost me all of £4.60, which is pretty good really.Another food outlet I tried for the first time was Desperado's Mexican Cantina, opposite Pizza Hut. Again, another great place with really cheap food. It is certainly somewhere I'd recommend going to, especially if people were trying to restrict their spending. Okay, this picture doesn't show the nachos in the best way, but at £3.88, it well and truly is worth it.Then there's the usual Bar Grill 360 and the Amoy Noodle Bar which adds enough variation for me, and shows just the wide variety of choice there is for food in what is quite a small park. Then, of course, I got my £16 worth from the drinks capsule, filling it up a good 5-6 times a visit at a minimum - a brilliant idea by Merlin, and well worth the money for regular visitors.I was going to include some of the merchandise which has made me surrender more money to Merlin throughout the year as well, but I'm feeling a bit lazy, and can't be bothered to go through the looong list.. :$ I will mention this, which is one of the (few) things I ended up NOT buying...Sunken Gardens and NatureAnyone whose read the majority of my PTRs will know of the odd random pictures and birds and fish that I see and quickly snap. It's weird in some ways that, despite all the loud noises of the rides, and the large number of people around, that there are still so many animals that live, and thrive, around the park. Then there's Sunken Garden, which is certainly a bit of a forgotten area to many people, but the upkeep that is put into it surprised me in honesty. It's best to just let some pictures do the talk for this part really..Baby...somethings?Birds nibbling food that's on the floor.GeeseGeese and PIGEONS!Is this a moarhen? I love that sprinkler by the way...The beauty of Sunken Gardens.Sunken Gardens IISunken Gardens IIISunken Gardens IVSunken Gardens VSunken Garden VI - LEAVES!!It's a shame that there isn't a little bit more of this nice, relaxing, green areas around the park. I hope that a little bit more is added around the park soon; I have spent plenty of time round Sunken Gardens enjoying the peace away from the hustle and bustle of the park.