MattyMoo

Some are confused as to the Derren Brown connection to a ghost train also The ride/experience has had a mixed reception this year to say the least - what I will say, is when I rode it - I was very impressed with the themeing, the preshow, the theatrical and imposing nature of the trains inside and level of themeing - but the actual "ride" itself - not so much at all. But worth a ride if the queue is less than 30 minutes I'd say, and it's being improved for 2017 with a new ending/finale... so maybe this year will be a better season! Also - what Matt said - if Slammer and Rush are operational (the latter has very very little downtime, the former... not so much - she's a stubborn one) then ride them as they are very unique rides (Slammer in particular). Don't overlook Detonator either, a very punchy drop tower - packs far more of a punch than taller towers! Storm Surge is good for a nice view of the park - fair comment everyone?

Could be worse - you could've spent £33m on the real thing.

This. I've never owned a MAP and I'm proud of it

Only merch I have is Smiler related - I love the Smiler branding, it's genuinely iconic (even before the unfortunate accident) I've got the yellow cushion, remote control cushion, mug, laser glass paper weight, umbrella and key ring charms

On a random note - was in Guildford the other week for the first time in a while (used to live near Guildford all my life until moving to Southsea)... I couldn't believe how many new restaurants there were around, especially near Five Guys Looking forward to staying well away from Wimpy at the Spectrum this year Is Ride Add1ct coming? I need a red wine buddy for bowling... that is, if they can find the only wine glasses in the house again

Own lives should not stand in the way of meet organising, they knew the rules when they signed up

Count me in for Skating, Bowling, Meal. Anyone heading up from Portsmouth, I'll be training up to the land of Guildford!

In addition to what Adam said - leave Derren Brown's Ghost Train until the afternoon also! Or just leave it out completely? SAW, Stealth, Swarm and DBGT have staffed bag drops where you give your bag to an attendant and give you a wristband to collect it after your ride.

I guess the facade of the building(s) in "Wild Wood" won't be too dissimilar to Gloomy Wood at Alton Towers... except Gloomy Wood has a lot of real life bona-fide trees

Start the season as you mean to go on

Guildford is normally a go-er. And will probably do Thorpe opening at least

I miss you pluk, it's been too long

It'll be ripped out before it's spruced up

Cheers for this folks. Fingers crossed MOS doesn't clash with the small matter of me getting married... and no, it's not to Jart.

Christmas trees... does this mean that winter openings are happening?

Call me a cynic but I'm 99% sure that "advert" was never intended for television use at all and the story was just created to try and re-build up some "hype" for the ride

Should be able to make this meet, as is traditional - and would meet at the Spectrum, as is traditional. And would probably eat prior to the Spectrum as not willing to risk another WimpyGate haha

I give up, another Christmas ruined

I'm only interested in the member awards, this kind of delay is typical of Merlin tbh.

I quit this shambles of a forum, this would never happen on Towers Times.

I predict I won't have to change my signature

The results are late, I say there's a voting fix gone on that's being investigated

The excitement is nearly real.

To add to above - I think Detty does it's job perfectly, very small footprint, high throughput, and packs a punch. I can't really see what else it can do? (Other than maybe have a second tower LOLZ). I've certainly seen worse "themed" drop towers than Detty, you leave her alone Thanks for that picture of Zodiac - looks very different there, wow! Forgive my ignorance but are there many other thrill flat rides that Thorpe could get to fill gaps in the park? I can understand their hesitance to do so with S&S problems (as much as I love Slammer & Rush)

I still can't see how the Tug can be Old Town themed if the two "new" rides are staying where they are - maybe it'll be changed into a giant pasty to match the pasty shop? My stance on the new old rides for 2017 is sceptical but intrigued... one thing is for sure, Old Town/Canada Creek needs some work doing to it for sure so if these new additions means that happens and accelerates things, then that can be no bad thing. But if the rides are just dumped there and look shoe-horned in and "Old Town" remains as is, then it'll be the biggest fail since DBGT "opening May 2016"