MikeC

******SPOILER****** A friend has just posted a picture on Facebook of registered ride names, and one of those listed is titled "The Smiler". Could this be SW7's official name? I have to say the name is awful, but I'm sure it'll grow on us in time (just like "Sub-Terra" did).

It was obvious that Alton were holding off until closed season to start construction work (as is the norm for them). Things are finally moving now.

Cedar Point didn't exactly hang about with this one.

Either Th13teen or the Runaway Mine Train for me.

Stormforce 10 for me. I love the extensive themeing, and hey, it even has a reverse chute.

You could try, but it will be packed all week as it's half term.

YO! Sushi!

Apparently it's packed today, with some ride queues exceeding an hour. It'll probably be like this for the rest of Scarefest now.

Isn't it just? Also, what's with that Vekoma boomerang graphic?

There's quite a bit happening around the park at the moment. Firstly, the Apocalypse queueline is finally going to see a new system, where riders can wait separately for the stand up floorless element It looks like there will be a new 4D show for Christmas There's a completely new line of merchandise in the park now. Preparations for the fireworks finale are already underway That's it for now

The staff were all busy setting up the lights and gear for the fireworks. It looks like the cabling is in place, and the large green areas have all been fenced off.

Thanks Josh! My pleasure: There's a big display with SW7 merchandise as you go in Towers Trading. The mugs themselves are £5.00

Day 2 I did many rides, but day 2 was all about the mazes more than anything. I was on park just after 11.30 and was soon at the Box Office buying a ticket for The Sanctuary. Aside from Sub Terra, I've never really done a scare maze before. I had no idea what to expect, so was really nervous beforehand. ***SPOILERS*** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *The Sanctuary* This was just absolutely incredible from start to finish. The whole experience was extremely unnerving and the actors took their roles very seriously. The best bit for me was the screens section, which was accompanied by a very strange odour and plenty of mist. The water effects were new and exciting – 1984 meets Asylum, basically 10/10 *Carnival of Screams* Pretty good, with plenty of shock moments! I have to say that I hated the inflatable walls section, as it made me feel very claustrophobic and trapped. 8/10 *Terror of The Towers* The queue for ToTT was a good 50 minutes, but it was so worth it. Several people in front of me were too nervous to go first, so I found myself leading the group. The frights never seem to end and the actors have no qualms about showing you what they’re capable of. One actor rubbed their face against mine and demanded to know what may name was – that was pretty freaky, but still enjoyable 10/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total ride count: Nemesis x9 Ripsaw x3 Air x2 Sub Terra x1 Oblivion x6 Enterprise x1 Sonic Spinball x1 Rita x3 Th13teen x3 Merchandise: “Don’t Look Down” hoody SW7 mug Highlights: Seeing the real chained oak tree The rides in the dark The Sanctuary Thanks for reading

Well that’s my biggest (and best) trip of the year over. I know Alton received some criticism for their choice of lighting in certain areas, but the whole atmosphere was just incredible. Day 1 I arrived at the park just after 4.00 and headed straight for Forbidden Valley. I did Nemesis several times and then made my way over to Air. I don’t normally bother with Air, but the park was quiet, so thought it’d be a shame not to have a ride. The queue for the front row was only around 15 minutes. It was starting to get dark by now, so I took the Skyride over to Dark Forest for a ride on Th13teen in the dark - fantastic as always! The queue for Rita was pretty bad (no change there then) and as per usual it broke down. I left it for a bit and went to X Sector for some Oblivion action. I grabbed a bite to eat in the Dark Forest, and then waited for Rita again (front row this time round). After another ride on Th13teen, it was back to Forbidden Valley for Nemesis in the dark. Nemesis is a completely different beast at night. Ripsaw next! Just as last year, the ride op treated us to a special cycle, complete with random fountain work. Yes, I got wet, but thankfully nowhere near as bad as last year I stayed till around 8.30, then it was over to Towers Trading via Haunted Hollow; very disorientating at night.

I'm not too sure if dual loading caused any of the actual issues though. We heard of all sorts of problems with the lift before it opened, then of course it stranded the guests on the press night and Gerstlauer were back in. Then of course the wonderful open day where a normal shutdown ended up in trains of dummy's going around and Gerstlauer in the next day installing trim brakes on the MCBR. And then that didnt work so Saw spent its first few weeks of its life on 6 cars / shutting down for engineers to "check" the chain at certain times of the day, every day. Oh and its never managed to hit its quoted throughput, even with Gerstlauer in to try make it possible, with 16 per car I guess this will get pretty much the same throughput as Saw can?

As pointed out to me earlier: Full article here: http://www.rideenter...nto-the-future

I would agree with your review 100%! I also went on the preview night, thought the whole event was great! I was a little disappointed that the atmosphere as as hole are seemed lacking I.e just plain white lights, little music etc... but the mazes made up for that! The roaming actors were very good, funny, but also gave some scares too! Love the experimentals!

Having been to Tulleys farm for the first time on saturday, I have to say HellEments was pretty good. I wasn't going to book the passing till I tried the one at Tulleys but booked it all now, as I know Thorpe will do something better Will be going on friday, and will try to get lots of pics!

Colossus is closed and is likely to remain closed all week as some of the supports in the pit need some work.

Took this shot of the site earlier today:

I did, several times. I'm wondering if this is some sort of subliminal message, which reminds me:

Thanks, I'll take a look

Sorry for the daft question, but will SW7 actually have a vertical (or beyond vertical) drop? I'm hearing mixed opinions.

Ooh, what could this be? Taken from the Gertslauer Facebook page:

I dont know wether this has been posted already, but the passing sounds awfully similar (well in the sense that your in a bag) to Hell-ements at Tulleys farm. Not that I'm complaining as it is pretty awesome! Won an award last year I believe... Heres A Link: http://www.halloweenattractions.co.uk/shocktoberfest/haunts/Hell-ements