JoshC.

The jump into the brakes, and the brake run, have gone in:
 
https://twitter.com/DG95Official/status/1725858289638875338/photo/1

looks very nice
 
 

In an update, the park have confirmed they're repainting parts of the ride over this and next winter, as well as replacing sections of tracks. So presumably they're committing to replacing sections of track which need it, and then repainting the rest so it all looks largely the same.
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1724477605854781893?t=BZRA2KTVbdy3t_nA8qtucw&s=19

looks very nice
 
 

The jump into the brakes, and the brake run, have gone in:
 
https://twitter.com/DG95Official/status/1725858289638875338/photo/1

The jump into the brakes, and the brake run, have gone in:
 
https://twitter.com/DG95Official/status/1725858289638875338/photo/1

In an update, the park have confirmed they're repainting parts of the ride over this and next winter, as well as replacing sections of tracks. So presumably they're committing to replacing sections of track which need it, and then repainting the rest so it all looks largely the same.
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1724477605854781893?t=BZRA2KTVbdy3t_nA8qtucw&s=19

Prep work is happening at Colossus, expected to be for a partial repaint:
 
 

Love it, it's a real Hoot Hoot of a theme.
 
Genuinely though, looks good, hope the concept art comes to fruition. Makes sense with the surrounding area too.

I expect this is the idea. Slowly fading out the old and then bringing in the new.
 
Changing the whole name of the park, even if to Thorpe Island, would be a huge thing, and quite risky, for ultimately very little reward.

(Love you really parmesan)

I’m wondering whether the new logo might have some sort of coaster track or something in it.
 
I know it’s a well-worn approach for a theme park logo, but I would argue that coasters are one of Thorpe’s biggest selling points, particularly with the logo change coinciding with the opening of Hyperia.

Thanks to the wonderful Marc for this stunning update...
 
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02dPUmQbbJ1EiocwwYpsLCQHZ6NHCnr9WnKgeCcTEhB9uXzKJcL1UiyFJuvsb5nMVl&id=100063475932653

The park have said there will be a story, to some degree. I imagine that will mostly be communicated by videos / marketed. In terms of at-the-ride theming, I doubt it will be much beyond landscaping, stylising buildings, logos/images and not much else. The plans don't indicate any theming.
 
I don't think the ride needs much theming anyway. As said above, the height will do the talking. The location around the lake will add to the vibe. A good, long soundtrack will help create an atmosphere. Onboard audio hasn't been confirmed or denied yet, but could still happen, and would add a lot. I expect there could be actors during the first few days/weeks around the plaza, just to add a bit more to the area. 
 
In other news, here's a look at what's been built so far in terms of supports/track:
 
If absolutely everything goes to plan, then - according to the original scheme of implementation in the plans - the ride could be ready by mid-March. Obviously there's a lot of variables there, but I think there's a good chance the ride could open at the start of season.
 

The twisted outerbank dive is complete!
 
 
 

Slightly amended plans: 
 
 
In short, the existing building which was set to be retained, refurbished and extended will instead be demolished and rebuilt. This is on advice from the construction team, who believe it will be more efficient.
 
The exterior is also set to be slightly different too.

Some onsite photos:
 
 

The twist is going up...
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1717167617008374160?t=YwUfuPXkXvJ28Rx_a1gyiA&s=19

Josh really needs to stop talking to himself in an attempt to drive discussion. 
 
Doubt anyone actually cares about Angry Birds going. Few cared when it arrived.

The story is that it's the UK's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, I doubt this will be anywhere near as well themed as the swarm but I'd seriously love to be wrong but I'm expecting a fairly loose theme and mostly just stylized.

The twisted outerbank dive is complete!
 
 
 

The twisted outerbank dive is complete!
 
 
 

The twisted outerbank dive is complete!
 
 
 

As the 2023 season has officially come to an end, I thought I may as well do a little review of it.
 
Food options have vastly improved, mainly in snacking and desert options. Main meals at Aramark establishments have been a bit ropey. However, the addition of the Last Call Cafe and bar is great! Thorpe is the best Merlin park for food 10000%
 
It was the first season in which this “new” Merlin have really took control of Thorpe with several new improvements to improve the quality of the resort and a new picnic area! If last closed season we got those improvements, this closed season we are in store for lots more!
 
Operations were pretty decent this year, few periods of downtime with stealth either completely or one train and Colossus was out of action for a while but big picture I never really waited horrendous queue times until fright nights which is a positive!
 
Events generally took a step back this year, they peaked last year and this year either reduced in size or stayed the same. They really do have to look at family shows, because there just isn’t the audience for it everyday.
 
Fright Nights was solid this year, again I feel like reduced from previous years but we got something new! But really it’s for the Fright Nights section.
 
Feel like we have lots to be positive about and the communication from the park has been impeccable. I do genuinely believe the days of run down Thorpe park are nearly over, there’s a lot of work to be done but I’m confident that a good chunk of improvements will happen this year.
 
 

The twisted outerbank dive is complete!