JoshC.

Why are China getting all the good stuff!?

I shouldn't think so. If you've been a couple of times, you should have been put on their system by now as a 'registered disabled person' or something like that, which stays on each season (unless you don't go for ages I spose). I would take the note you got for last season though just in case. My nan's been on there since about 2007 and hasn't had to bring a doctor's note in at the beginning of each season. My mum's even on there after she was given a disabled pass back in 2004 or 2005 (basically, when they'd give one at to anyone... ) and could probably 'get away' with getting a RAP...

I've got a couple of RAPs at hand; though I think think is a 2009 one. Anyway, the list is:StealthColossusNemesis InfernoDetonator RushLoggers LeapTidal WaveSamuraiSaw - The RideVortexI'd say that list is pretty fair. Only used the RAP once last year so can't remember any changes. Personally, I wouldn't have Vortex on the list, but hey-ho. Only reason would be it's another ride to have if say you're stuck waiting for 90 minutes after going on Saw or something. I wouldn't be surprised at the addition Storm Surge this season, but afterwards, having it on would be a bit silly. I think the way the system works is reasonable and fair. I do believe the criteria for what entitles you to a RAP was made stricter last season too, so all is good

Outfit is probably one of the better people to be a temp mod. Yeah, he's a bit 'abrupt' if you will, but he does it in a way which doesn't break any rules or hugely insulting. So with that, he knows what's right and what's wrong. Good luck to him

I'm surprised at just how childish you are...

Some kids act older than their age. I've heard loads of 7-9 years at Chessie moan about how allthe rides are babyish.A family with, say, a 13 year old, 9 year old and 7 year old, ten Thorpe may well appeal more than Chessie...

Realistically, yeah.But not every family will want to go to Chessington, they may decide to go to Thorpe, etc. etc.Shall we not get into this argument...

You mean all this came down to not realising the size of greenery? Whoops. No way talking about big garden, Thorpe doesn't have enough space for that. Nothing wrong with the odd patch here and there though. Yeah Holly, it's not like you're never out of order and insult people, is it?

Thorpe have enough space to add greenery. I'm not saying they should have every single part of the park plastered with plants and that. Personally, I'm saying that just the little bit of greenery here and there can't be a bad thing. And how small a space are you talking about for rides!? I'm just talking small patches of grass here and there (like by Vortex / Tidal Wave) and a few plants around the place. Added rides it the smallest spaces physically possible would probably be worse for the park, what with all the congestion and that..

*sigh*I do hope you're trying to be funny...

I like the track idea there, but I seriously cannot stand those supports. One of the ugliest coaster support ideas I can think of...

Annual Pass terms and conditions. So really, you shouldn't have been able to go to the Dungeons, but money is money I guessHowever: You technically shouldn't have been able to buy one anyways... It's dependent on the member of staff really. Last season, when I went to get my AP from Thorpe, I was told to actually collect, I'd have to be with someone over 18, because I was under 18, so they could 'buy' it. I was given the token thing (the whole idea of speeding the queues for APs up..), went back at the end of the day, no problem at all. Technically, you shouldn't have been allowed in, but some staff are more lenient then others I guess.

The second person who has misinterpreted ElectricBill's joke comment...Whilst I can understand the point of 'I don't pay £40 odd to stare at trees', it is nice to have some greenery and nature around. Little bits of green here and there and a small garden is no big deal really. It's not like have the odd green patch will take up the entire space of a ride now, is it?

^ Who's said you were wrong? People just disagreed with you; having their opinion. Don't have an opinion if you can't accept others'...I'd like to see a bit more greenery scattered around the park; adds more colour and feel to it. As for Sunken Gardens, isn't it's days numbered? If (or when) rides go on the island behind Stealth, win't SG have to go for a walkway to the island?

But the point being made is it isn't just 'like'. It's a form of obsession. Anyway, troll has gone, let's verge away from it now

The thing is, everyone will have different views. You may like them, others may not. Bottom line is, they've become less popular (as Benin rightly pointed out, when was the last one built?) and parks are less inclined to build one now. Chances of LC12 being a stand up are unlikely, so, y'know..

I think the problem I've had with Thorpe in more recent years is their direction. I honestly can't stand all the pop music and the other things that Thorpe have added, that are seen to be the 'cool thing' to 'young' people. I like the rides, I like the scenery (though they may not be a lot) and I like going there. I just can't stand some of the decisions they make.But of course, the decisions they have made are probably one of the reasons why they are doing so well. They have a defined audience which they've done well at appealing to. They're getting busier and more popularity, yes, and they're adding many rides (I won't say they're better, as that's a matter of judgement, not fact) and that's amazing for any park. If anyone can name me any park that's added at least one attraction each year since 1998 (and in the past 24 years, only had 1 year where they haven't added a new attraction), then please do. In that sense, Thorpe are phenomenal.I personally would go as far to say that Thorpe is one of the better parks in Europe, on paper. So why does it fail when it matters? The theming and effects is one let down. Rumba Rapids for example. Short layout, but the chance to get people really rather wet. Yet in fails miserably. Theming isn't exactly the best either. Staff is another one. They're not the happiest nor the most entertaining - they're just there as if they're working in a supermarket, with the same old same old going on. I could go on..I think it would be unrealistic to say anything is perfect, and Thorpe just isn't perfect. I think we all know that, and so do Thorpe and Merlin. And because Thorpe isn't perfect and because it has it's flaws, I will happily criticize it and still go, as long as I enjoy it.

^ Totally agree. She's had some catchy pop songs, wears 'different' (some may argue unique, but meh) clothes and becomes a sensation. Personally, I don't really like her songs - they're not my 'thing'. She's just another artist doing her thing the way she thinks is best. People like her for one reason or another, and that's fair enough, but I don't see what all this 'she's a God / legend / icon' who-har is about...

The 'old' Thorpe was simply amazing. Sure, not the best park, not the best themed, nor the bets presented, etc. etc. But it had a charm to it that I'll always remember. The train ride to Thorpe Farm, gazing behind the rides, looking across the lake and Treasure Island, hearing the stories from my of what used to be. Thorpe Farm itself was also amazing. Got to love Pot Bellies as well; delicious! And of course the jetties to and from Model World. Must admit, I really do miss all of that, along with the old Flying Fish.Got quite a lot of Rangers related stuff too! Money boxes, book ends, toys, little finger puppet type things and of course photos with them all. I liked all the related rides as well - especially Mr Rabbit's Tropical Travels - that was always a must for me. Whilst we're round there, Wicked Witch Haunt and Pirates 4D were also great, if not a little scary for me. There's so much more that I have to say about the Old Thorpe really, probably too much rambling though. In short, I totally loved the Old Thorpe. (Unfortunately, I don't have any Ranger related music )

To be fair, I think we all sort of expect something to go on over closed season. I was just saying that visible things to the rides is quiet this time round.

^ No...Just that in comparison to previous closed seasons, it's been quiet...

Zodiac has been deconstructed (ie had pods taken off). Not much else in the way of winter maintainance to be seen. Samurai still has its pods, Rush still has its arms, no scaffolding to be seen...Quiet closed season really...

Ah right, thanks for that

Sorry if this sounds stupid, but I thought the European equivalent of the ADIPS (there is one different?), was much stricter than the ADIPS? So how on earth does Europa get away with that sort of thing.Or is it more a Merlin thing?

^When the name was stated, it was said to either be X-Raptor or Raptor. I actually prefer just Raptor..And a very nice video too..