JoshC.

I've found the cause of the flood, it shouldn't be unexpected..

About Thorpe Park's lack of greenery - "If I wanted to see grass I'd go to a garden centre"

The sooner people stop expecting a brand new ride, the better. Otherwise, it could well lead to disappoint and such.
The only time I can think Thorpe have EVER opened a new ride mid-way through the season is Rush in 2005, and the planning application for that was submitted around early Autumn in 2004 (the same time as Slammer). Personally, I'm against the idea of opening rides mid way through seasons any way; always seems a bit messy, especially as it feels like closed season should be the time to build things and the like.
I would still expect Thorpe to be working on the 3 year plan, so 2013 to be a medium-investment year. However, do any of us really know the actual costs of the Snoozeboxes? For all we know, despite what they are, Snoozebox could have a large cost to them, which in turn means we're perhaps seeing more invested this year than a normal medium year.
Another thing to note is that, since 2007, the medium and small investments have been cheap. Flying Fish cost about £1 million, and I've heard the X:\NWO refurb thing cost about £600k (not sure on that though..). 2008 was pretty much free I'd assume, bar getting voice actors for Time Voyagers. I can imagine Alive cost in the region of £1-2 million to create (could be wrong here, more a guestimate), though the running costs are a lot more than other attraction. 2011 was pretty much another freebie with Storm Surge. So, in the 4 'non-large investment' years, the park probably didn't spend more than £5-6 million?
It just doesn't seem likely to me that we'll get a new ride. Most new rides would require planning permission, of which we haven't seen yet. So, any new ride would have to require little to no permission - for example, be indoors. The rumour of Vengeance moving to the 4D theatre had been around for a while now, but the big question would be 'Why?'. It just seems to be little more than a low throughput filler ride; something which Thorpe shouldn't really consider if they're expanding. A retheme of Saw Alive to a Swarm maze has also been suggested, but again, what's the need? It's expensive to run and the novelty wears off quickly - just doesn't seem worth the effort really.
So, what do I think will happen in 2013? Well, I can see X getting attention if the strong rumours are the case, and perhaps being marketed as new (depending on how much work is done). It's likely a cheaper option than getting a new ride, rejuvenates an old ride and helps give attention. I hope we see general touch ups around the park, but then again, that's always said every year Thorpe doesn't open a coaster, so is that wishful thinking? We'll have to wait and see...

The sooner people stop expecting a brand new ride, the better. Otherwise, it could well lead to disappoint and such.
The only time I can think Thorpe have EVER opened a new ride mid-way through the season is Rush in 2005, and the planning application for that was submitted around early Autumn in 2004 (the same time as Slammer). Personally, I'm against the idea of opening rides mid way through seasons any way; always seems a bit messy, especially as it feels like closed season should be the time to build things and the like.
I would still expect Thorpe to be working on the 3 year plan, so 2013 to be a medium-investment year. However, do any of us really know the actual costs of the Snoozeboxes? For all we know, despite what they are, Snoozebox could have a large cost to them, which in turn means we're perhaps seeing more invested this year than a normal medium year.
Another thing to note is that, since 2007, the medium and small investments have been cheap. Flying Fish cost about £1 million, and I've heard the X:\NWO refurb thing cost about £600k (not sure on that though..). 2008 was pretty much free I'd assume, bar getting voice actors for Time Voyagers. I can imagine Alive cost in the region of £1-2 million to create (could be wrong here, more a guestimate), though the running costs are a lot more than other attraction. 2011 was pretty much another freebie with Storm Surge. So, in the 4 'non-large investment' years, the park probably didn't spend more than £5-6 million?
It just doesn't seem likely to me that we'll get a new ride. Most new rides would require planning permission, of which we haven't seen yet. So, any new ride would have to require little to no permission - for example, be indoors. The rumour of Vengeance moving to the 4D theatre had been around for a while now, but the big question would be 'Why?'. It just seems to be little more than a low throughput filler ride; something which Thorpe shouldn't really consider if they're expanding. A retheme of Saw Alive to a Swarm maze has also been suggested, but again, what's the need? It's expensive to run and the novelty wears off quickly - just doesn't seem worth the effort really.
So, what do I think will happen in 2013? Well, I can see X getting attention if the strong rumours are the case, and perhaps being marketed as new (depending on how much work is done). It's likely a cheaper option than getting a new ride, rejuvenates an old ride and helps give attention. I hope we see general touch ups around the park, but then again, that's always said every year Thorpe doesn't open a coaster, so is that wishful thinking? We'll have to wait and see...

Not at all, you either didn't bother reading it properly or didn't manage to understand it. It's not about word mincing or sugar coating, it is about saying something with a point and with reasoning. Your initial post can be summarised as 'everyone else has said stuff to bash Merlin without reason', which belittles the reasoned opinions of others, adds nothing at all to the discussion and in fact just stifles it. You still haven't managed to give us your actual opinion on the crashpad and pricing.
I didn't refer to this
as it doesn't even make sense. 'Thorpe's done it on purpose'? What else do you think they've done, built and priced it accidently? The economy being poor doesn't mean prices will have to be higher, it will often mean the opposite. I'm no economist but that is just nonsense and explains nothing at all.
Finally,
if that is you attitude you have to other members when you are making abrasive and aggressive posts that are barely above spamming then I think it would be better all round if you didn't bother at all. This is nothing to do with having a different opinion or because of 'who you are', it is because your posts here are very poor, add noting and will stifle meaningful discussion. If you want to come back to this topic with an actual opinion on the crashpad then please do, otherwise don't and PM me if you have a problem with this. Thanks.
---------------------------------------
Meanwhile, back in reality...
They are crazy prices! I guess it is just because of the price of metal at the moment, that is probably about the scrap value of the metal itself. The snoozboxes must cost a fortune to make, but then they hold that value in the materials so it is quite low risk. where as if you build with bricks it is worth next to nothing when you knock it down.
I was under the impression Thorpe were kind of leasing the land out and just taking a slice of snoozebox profits, that might be wrong though.

I think one thing which has surprised people is that the prices were MUCH higher than expected. When TPM had a Q&A session with Thorpe around the end of August / beginning of September (link - http://forum.maniahub.com/topic/9758-thorpe-park-snoozebox-details/), this was said:
Of course, this was by no means final ("we hope", "yet to be fully confirmed"), but people would be expecting a similar price. Personally, I was expecting to see a maximum of £150 per room (not including tickets). When the park started marketing the Crash Pads at the beginning of October, it came to light that it would be from £56pp, and people were hopeful that would include breakfast and park tickets for all.
Now, we're looking at a minimum of nearly £69pp (based on 4 sharing). This comes with breakfast and 2 park tickets. So, say the 2 other people don't have AP and need tickets, and get a BOGOF. That's still over £20 extra for those two people. Unless I've misunderstood something with that; haven't really read the T&Cs to be honest...
So, I definitely think one reason for people complaining about the prices is that the possible prices have just gone up and up. It's no doubt taken people by surprise, annoyed some and such. The fact that you can stay in a "proper" hotel or get more included in other park packages for a similar price, or less, has also confused people and certainly made them question the need for the expense.

Yesterday was really great for me - it just felt so fantastic. Nothing special really happened - no 'major' presents (sweets, clothes, a couple of games), and just the standard Christmas lunch which was as amazing as ever. But, I dunno, it just felt great. Maybe it's because I'm valuing my time at home more now I'm at uni, but everything about yesterday just felt so special.
Happy holidays everyone!

It is a discussion forum, if people want to comment on the pricing then they are allowed to.

Right In an attempt to go through every post that has been made so far, I get through each individual topic made so far...

Right yes, everyone has made a good point on this subject, we come to the meets at the end of the day to get to know the others within the community in person, and 1pm is half the day gone already.

Now I understand that on certain days transport can be a bit of an issue for some people so in reality there should be no one really getting there from after 11am. However I know in past meets that those who do get there before opening have a mini meet before the main meet before the park opens so rather than their be loads off mini meets before they join up we will meet up together at the beginning. After all the 30 minutes leading to park opening is a fantastic opportunity to be social without the distraction of the rides in the background. This also gives us the opportunity to hit the rides as a group whilst the queues are quiet - so after reading peoples posts on this matter in future, when there is a meet at a theme park:

We will meet 30 minutes before park opening, to take opportunity of the low queues before another meeting time at 11am for those who couldn't get there for park opening. After which if you do arrive later (or want to join in between opening and 11am) you will have the contact numbers of the team so we can arrange to meet you so you will still be able to join us.
Group Photo's are making a return this year - As I also agree we want to remember these good days and show what a great bunch of people we are!

so being added to the beginning post

A group photo will be taken usually around lunch time as at this point, everyone who should have arrived to the meet who is attending will be there. It also means we get 5 minutes to let our food settle down before more activities.
This is where I've come in to spruce things up and one of the reasons why this topic was made so more ideas came to the table. Some things mentioned are on the cards to happen this year. Alton Towers & Chessington for example will be making an appearance on the agenda. In regards to Thorpe Park the will be a lot more meets there as we are the Official fan site for Thorpe Park so naturally quite a few trips will be based there! However The Beach Party Idea I love and think is a good thing to break up the year mid season so is something I will look into and Paulton's Park is something I will consider for the future. Overnight stays is also something I am looking into and the Guildford 2013 trip is a little test to see how it goes. If it goes well which is looking likely at the moment there will be many more appearing in the future. So to summarise:

There will be a variety of trips happening at Thorpe Park throughout the year as we are the Official Fan Site, but there will be an excursion to Chessington & Alton Towers during the year plus some additional social event extra's. Once an event is over there will usually be an after party if you don't want the fun to stop with a possible over night stay.

More subjects I will respond to later but please keep contributing to this topic in the meantime as after all these meets concern you!

Sunken Gardens and Nature
Another thing I quite like is nature. Unfortunately, as we know, there's not a lot of quiet, green spaces around the park, yet it always interests me just how much wildlife survives around the park (probably scrounging from food which is just chucked on the floor and such, but meh, still interesting). So, here's a nice little section dedicated to the park's only real green space, Sunken Gardens, whose days could well be numbered, and random wildlife I've seen...

Pwetty flowers (think these were by Vortex actually).

The tranquillity of Sunken Gardens. Even with the loud launches of Stealth, and the roars of Swarm in the distance, it always feels really peaceful.

Sunken Gardens II

Sunken Gardens III

DUCKS!

Nature-y, I guess. I believe under the bridge in the distance is where there's a arm with a sword poking out, relating to something from the 80s? One of the older members who visited the park back then may know more information if they have a clue what I'm referring to..
A Look Ahead
2013 sees the introduction of The Crash Pad. I am in the minority in thinking the look of them won't be that bad, especially as once you're inside the park, you really just won't see them / pay attention if you do catch a glimpse of them. I also remain hopeful that, like most Merlin shipping containers, that they'll be well-styled. Despite the high prices (at least, I think they are), I believe that they'll be a success - especially for the club nights. It will be interesting to see just how popular they are however, and if this testing of the water shows that Thorpe do need a proper hotel. It seems highly likely that there won't be a new attraction (as in, something brand new installed) next season, with the only rumour circulating around being Vengeance moving into the old 4D theatre. Personally, I hope it doesn't happen - the ride doesn't have the throughput to cope with the park, and just wouldn't be a worthwhile investment in my eyes; I'd much rather a 4D film put in place. There's also the rumour of X being refurbished hugely, with new, forward-facing trains. Whilst I hope that there is a fair bit of money injected into the ride, I'd personally prefer it to stay facing backwards - why take away the thing that is most special about the ride? Apart from that, I'd like to see some spruce ups here and there; just generally improve the park's appearance a bit more.
And so, that is more or less it - another season down. The 2012 season for me has been a bit quieter Thorpe-wise for me, due to illness over the summer and moving to university in October, which has been a shame, as with the introduction of the world-class Swarm, the park is really improving. Hopefully the 2013 season at Thorpe for me should see me on park a little more, and show everyone how the park doesn't need to add big, new attractions left, right and centre to draw guests in. To round this all off, like this last season's review, I'll post my 2012 Thorpe Ride Count:
The Swarm x15
Colossus x14
Vortex x8
Nemesis Inferno x6
X:\No Way Out x6
Saw - The Ride x5
Flying Fish x5 (16 laps in total)
Rumba Rapids x4
Rush x4
Samurai x3
Loggers Leap x3
Zodiac x3
Detonator x2
Stealth x2
Storm Surge x2
Depth Charge x1
Quantum x1
Slammer x1
The Passing x1
Experiment 10 x1
Thank you for reading; any comments / criticisms would be greatly appreciated! Look out for my PTRs and reviews next season!

I totally agree with this!
Inevitably, the question with this is - how do you decide which members are able to go? Personally, I think the best way to do this would be to have the topics for such exclusive meets (ERTs, etc.) to be accessible only to members until after the spaces are filled / after the meet (I assume this is in some way possible), and not advertise them on Facebook / Twitter, like Ellie says. Or, in times of need, make it viewable to the public when it seems as if there are going to be plenty of free spaces. This way, it ensures that at least semi-regular members who contribute to the forum in some way see the topic, and such meets are full of such members, and then the public see that we have such meets, and that if they become a member of the community (note the word community here, and not forum or site), then they can join in such things as well.
Just something to throw out there.

I totally agree with this!
Inevitably, the question with this is - how do you decide which members are able to go? Personally, I think the best way to do this would be to have the topics for such exclusive meets (ERTs, etc.) to be accessible only to members until after the spaces are filled / after the meet (I assume this is in some way possible), and not advertise them on Facebook / Twitter, like Ellie says. Or, in times of need, make it viewable to the public when it seems as if there are going to be plenty of free spaces. This way, it ensures that at least semi-regular members who contribute to the forum in some way see the topic, and such meets are full of such members, and then the public see that we have such meets, and that if they become a member of the community (note the word community here, and not forum or site), then they can join in such things as well.
Just something to throw out there.

This. I don't understand why we advertised on facebook to people who I assume have never even been to the site, meaning people joined up just to attend and then disappeared again.1. BEACH PARTYYYYY. Something completely different from theme parks (like we've had at Guildford) are really good for bonding/socialising. Or overnight stays?! (in half terms). The premier inn in Chessington was good fun!
2. Monthly would be nice but it's not always going to be possible so I agree with Josh, 6-8 weeks!
3. Well if its a Sunday, a couple of weeks. If not, a couple of months. Although I have all my holiday booked off for work now so if its a Saturday it's not possible for me. Weekdays are a maybe with plenty of warning.
4. A variety of meets would be nice.
5. At park meets, I like that there isn't structure but for other meets, structure IS the way to go. An itinerary I mean.

Constructive.
I've been on one meet (Swarm ERT), which I enjoyed. But it is true that the splitting of the group took away from some of the point of getting to know everyone, the 6 or so of us that went on Colossus got of to find the rest of the group we had left at the hot dog place had wandered off and we didn't see them again until ERT. I had to turn up a bit late and had trouble finding everyone, a contact number or someone monitoring facebook/this site is essential.
I'm generally put off of meets by the exceeding amounts of faff which inevitably result from trying to get a large group of people deciding where to go next. I don't get to parks as much as most of you so my ride time is precious. I understand the 'point' of meets is social, not ride whoring, but there should be a balance which could probably be achieved with a loose itinerary and hopefully helped by having someone in charge (hi peaj!).
Due to the unpredictability of my work I have trouble confirming I'll be available on a given date, so the longer notice the better. I like the idea of a meet calender being written up over closed season.
Finaly, when we are given some sort of treat by Thorpe that have limited numbers available places should be given to active members, not some randoms who have just turned up for the day out of nowhere and have never been on the forum.

1) The usual really. Thorpe trips, perhaps a Chessie and Alton one thrown in if they're popular enough, as well as the normal Closed Season meets. ERT trips are great as well if possible!
2) Regularly. I know that will mean different things to different people, but hey-ho. I don't see why one can't be done every 6-8 weeks say, as long as enough people are turning up. It's trickier around certain times (Closed Season, exam times in May/June for example), but 6-8 weeks seems achievable.
3) For me personally, I don't normally need too much warning, but that depends on the time of year. As a general thing, I think a minimum of 3 weeks during open season / for 'smaller meets', and anything up to 6 weeks for 'larger meets' / closed season. One random thing I'll throw in here - is it possible to try and keep a mixture of days? As in, not have all meets on a Saturday, say - have some on Saturdays, some on Sundays, etc., with the occasional midweek one? Even with advanced warning, people may not be able to make certain days outright (for example, Sundays for me are particularly difficult to do), so to have a mixture of different days will help more people come along.
4) All day meets perhaps (maybe say, meeting an hour after opening to allow people time to get there)? As it's stood in the past, official meet up times have been about 1 or 2 in the afternoon? If a park closes at 5 or 6, that isn't too long, especially if people need to leave early. As Benin says, a quick meet for say an hour doesn't make a proper 'meet' really. (This was something which knocked my confidence on my first meet - it didn't stick together as a group for long. Not saying that it created a bad reflection on anyone, but for someone who was shy and nervous, it didn't help. Fortunately, that didn't stop me from attending a future meet, which was much better, but did knock my confidence for a bit to be honest.)
Also, make sure a group photo happens and is always posted in the appropriate topic after the meet? Helps keep those fond memories and may encourage more people to join in, seeing a happy group together each time.
5) TPM meets should be about meeting people from the boards, primarily. You can to a theme park with anyone, and ride the rides any time (this would presumably be the case for most of us, considering we're on here! ). So really, just get to know people, make friends, see people you've met on previous meets, spoken to in the Chat Room and so forth, and then ride some rides and such. And the most important thing that should happen on a meet - everyone has fun!
I've only been on 2 meets in the 4 years I've been on here, but now I'm a more confident person, I will no doubt be going to more in the future. I look forward to seeing what exciting things are planned!

Very recently posted on Chessie's FB:

Looks fab, just like the concept art! Really can't wait for this...

One of the reasons I like the Colossus meet so much is because everyone was together for the ERT and I was able to talk to other members on here rather than sticking with the ones I know the most. Granted we didn't meet until the end of the day, but it's the only one I've been on in which I felt like part of a community. Even though people were still in smaller groups it still felt more "together" than other meets have.

1) The usual really. Thorpe trips, perhaps a Chessie and Alton one thrown in if they're popular enough, as well as the normal Closed Season meets. ERT trips are great as well if possible!
2) Regularly. I know that will mean different things to different people, but hey-ho. I don't see why one can't be done every 6-8 weeks say, as long as enough people are turning up. It's trickier around certain times (Closed Season, exam times in May/June for example), but 6-8 weeks seems achievable.
3) For me personally, I don't normally need too much warning, but that depends on the time of year. As a general thing, I think a minimum of 3 weeks during open season / for 'smaller meets', and anything up to 6 weeks for 'larger meets' / closed season. One random thing I'll throw in here - is it possible to try and keep a mixture of days? As in, not have all meets on a Saturday, say - have some on Saturdays, some on Sundays, etc., with the occasional midweek one? Even with advanced warning, people may not be able to make certain days outright (for example, Sundays for me are particularly difficult to do), so to have a mixture of different days will help more people come along.
4) All day meets perhaps (maybe say, meeting an hour after opening to allow people time to get there)? As it's stood in the past, official meet up times have been about 1 or 2 in the afternoon? If a park closes at 5 or 6, that isn't too long, especially if people need to leave early. As Benin says, a quick meet for say an hour doesn't make a proper 'meet' really. (This was something which knocked my confidence on my first meet - it didn't stick together as a group for long. Not saying that it created a bad reflection on anyone, but for someone who was shy and nervous, it didn't help. Fortunately, that didn't stop me from attending a future meet, which was much better, but did knock my confidence for a bit to be honest.)
Also, make sure a group photo happens and is always posted in the appropriate topic after the meet? Helps keep those fond memories and may encourage more people to join in, seeing a happy group together each time.
5) TPM meets should be about meeting people from the boards, primarily. You can to a theme park with anyone, and ride the rides any time (this would presumably be the case for most of us, considering we're on here! ). So really, just get to know people, make friends, see people you've met on previous meets, spoken to in the Chat Room and so forth, and then ride some rides and such. And the most important thing that should happen on a meet - everyone has fun!
I've only been on 2 meets in the 4 years I've been on here, but now I'm a more confident person, I will no doubt be going to more in the future. I look forward to seeing what exciting things are planned!

Well, I've rummaged through my ORPs, old and new, and scanned a few up. Here's a few of my highlights:

Quite possibly my first go on Depth Charge. I look so unimpressed..

A lot happier on this one!

Me looking very innocent on Vampire. This is from 2003!

My first go on Rattlesnake in 2004.

My only go on Corkscrew in 2006. My face... :')

Despite my bored, vacant expression, this was my first go on Stealth over opening weekend (front row too!)

First go on Oblivion, also in 2006. To be honest, I was scared.

First go on Saw, thanks to the Ride it First competition!

During FN last year, 3 of us 'played dead'. The fourth guy joined in - much love to him! :')
That's it from me!

Well, I've rummaged through my ORPs, old and new, and scanned a few up. Here's a few of my highlights:

Quite possibly my first go on Depth Charge. I look so unimpressed..

A lot happier on this one!

Me looking very innocent on Vampire. This is from 2003!

My first go on Rattlesnake in 2004.

My only go on Corkscrew in 2006. My face... :')

Despite my bored, vacant expression, this was my first go on Stealth over opening weekend (front row too!)

First go on Oblivion, also in 2006. To be honest, I was scared.

First go on Saw, thanks to the Ride it First competition!

During FN last year, 3 of us 'played dead'. The fourth guy joined in - much love to him! :')
That's it from me!

Sunken Gardens and Nature
Another thing I quite like is nature. Unfortunately, as we know, there's not a lot of quiet, green spaces around the park, yet it always interests me just how much wildlife survives around the park (probably scrounging from food which is just chucked on the floor and such, but meh, still interesting). So, here's a nice little section dedicated to the park's only real green space, Sunken Gardens, whose days could well be numbered, and random wildlife I've seen...

Pwetty flowers (think these were by Vortex actually).

The tranquillity of Sunken Gardens. Even with the loud launches of Stealth, and the roars of Swarm in the distance, it always feels really peaceful.

Sunken Gardens II

Sunken Gardens III

DUCKS!

Nature-y, I guess. I believe under the bridge in the distance is where there's a arm with a sword poking out, relating to something from the 80s? One of the older members who visited the park back then may know more information if they have a clue what I'm referring to..
A Look Ahead
2013 sees the introduction of The Crash Pad. I am in the minority in thinking the look of them won't be that bad, especially as once you're inside the park, you really just won't see them / pay attention if you do catch a glimpse of them. I also remain hopeful that, like most Merlin shipping containers, that they'll be well-styled. Despite the high prices (at least, I think they are), I believe that they'll be a success - especially for the club nights. It will be interesting to see just how popular they are however, and if this testing of the water shows that Thorpe do need a proper hotel. It seems highly likely that there won't be a new attraction (as in, something brand new installed) next season, with the only rumour circulating around being Vengeance moving into the old 4D theatre. Personally, I hope it doesn't happen - the ride doesn't have the throughput to cope with the park, and just wouldn't be a worthwhile investment in my eyes; I'd much rather a 4D film put in place. There's also the rumour of X being refurbished hugely, with new, forward-facing trains. Whilst I hope that there is a fair bit of money injected into the ride, I'd personally prefer it to stay facing backwards - why take away the thing that is most special about the ride? Apart from that, I'd like to see some spruce ups here and there; just generally improve the park's appearance a bit more.
And so, that is more or less it - another season down. The 2012 season for me has been a bit quieter Thorpe-wise for me, due to illness over the summer and moving to university in October, which has been a shame, as with the introduction of the world-class Swarm, the park is really improving. Hopefully the 2013 season at Thorpe for me should see me on park a little more, and show everyone how the park doesn't need to add big, new attractions left, right and centre to draw guests in. To round this all off, like this last season's review, I'll post my 2012 Thorpe Ride Count:
The Swarm x15
Colossus x14
Vortex x8
Nemesis Inferno x6
X:\No Way Out x6
Saw - The Ride x5
Flying Fish x5 (16 laps in total)
Rumba Rapids x4
Rush x4
Samurai x3
Loggers Leap x3
Zodiac x3
Detonator x2
Stealth x2
Storm Surge x2
Depth Charge x1
Quantum x1
Slammer x1
The Passing x1
Experiment 10 x1
Thank you for reading; any comments / criticisms would be greatly appreciated! Look out for my PTRs and reviews next season!

Sunken Gardens and Nature
Another thing I quite like is nature. Unfortunately, as we know, there's not a lot of quiet, green spaces around the park, yet it always interests me just how much wildlife survives around the park (probably scrounging from food which is just chucked on the floor and such, but meh, still interesting). So, here's a nice little section dedicated to the park's only real green space, Sunken Gardens, whose days could well be numbered, and random wildlife I've seen...

Pwetty flowers (think these were by Vortex actually).

The tranquillity of Sunken Gardens. Even with the loud launches of Stealth, and the roars of Swarm in the distance, it always feels really peaceful.

Sunken Gardens II

Sunken Gardens III

DUCKS!

Nature-y, I guess. I believe under the bridge in the distance is where there's a arm with a sword poking out, relating to something from the 80s? One of the older members who visited the park back then may know more information if they have a clue what I'm referring to..
A Look Ahead
2013 sees the introduction of The Crash Pad. I am in the minority in thinking the look of them won't be that bad, especially as once you're inside the park, you really just won't see them / pay attention if you do catch a glimpse of them. I also remain hopeful that, like most Merlin shipping containers, that they'll be well-styled. Despite the high prices (at least, I think they are), I believe that they'll be a success - especially for the club nights. It will be interesting to see just how popular they are however, and if this testing of the water shows that Thorpe do need a proper hotel. It seems highly likely that there won't be a new attraction (as in, something brand new installed) next season, with the only rumour circulating around being Vengeance moving into the old 4D theatre. Personally, I hope it doesn't happen - the ride doesn't have the throughput to cope with the park, and just wouldn't be a worthwhile investment in my eyes; I'd much rather a 4D film put in place. There's also the rumour of X being refurbished hugely, with new, forward-facing trains. Whilst I hope that there is a fair bit of money injected into the ride, I'd personally prefer it to stay facing backwards - why take away the thing that is most special about the ride? Apart from that, I'd like to see some spruce ups here and there; just generally improve the park's appearance a bit more.
And so, that is more or less it - another season down. The 2012 season for me has been a bit quieter Thorpe-wise for me, due to illness over the summer and moving to university in October, which has been a shame, as with the introduction of the world-class Swarm, the park is really improving. Hopefully the 2013 season at Thorpe for me should see me on park a little more, and show everyone how the park doesn't need to add big, new attractions left, right and centre to draw guests in. To round this all off, like this last season's review, I'll post my 2012 Thorpe Ride Count:
The Swarm x15
Colossus x14
Vortex x8
Nemesis Inferno x6
X:\No Way Out x6
Saw - The Ride x5
Flying Fish x5 (16 laps in total)
Rumba Rapids x4
Rush x4
Samurai x3
Loggers Leap x3
Zodiac x3
Detonator x2
Stealth x2
Storm Surge x2
Depth Charge x1
Quantum x1
Slammer x1
The Passing x1
Experiment 10 x1
Thank you for reading; any comments / criticisms would be greatly appreciated! Look out for my PTRs and reviews next season!

Personally, I'm not a big fan of Oblivion. The theme is brilliant, and the build up to the ride is simply superb (one of the few rides in my life I have been 'scared' before going on...), but I dunno, the ride itself is a bit meh. On my ride in October, the lift hill felt quite rattly and uncomfortable. The drop is good, but that's all there is to the ride - even though I enjoy the drop, I feel a bit shorted changed by the whole ride.

To me, Oblivion as a whole experience is great, but the ride itself is just 'okay'.