MattyMoo

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"

That's themeing.

I've just a had a thought - maybe they'll stick a small Sealife centre exhibit in there (just throw in a few goldfish/Dory's/those things that clean your fingernails) and then it'll match the rides and you could call it "Sea Town"

Surprised the hashtag mods haven't edited that post! That to one side - this is possibly my favourite thread title in quite some time

The twitter account is definitely someone involved with the project and was on site - it appears as if he is involved with heavy plant/exacavator hire/sales EDIT: He's the project manager for the digger company on site

It could just be that there is a "wicker man" as a central theming feature and it's not directly a Wicker Man IP (if that makes sense).

You forgot Loggers Leap M8, it's splashing back in 2017 don't forget. Apology accepted.

Look at those smooth cubs. Must've been made by B&M.

This - the Smiler brand is/was brilliant. Shame there were cuts to the station etc. but the logo and tagline are iconic IMO.

I don't know but expect Alton Towers to tweet some pictures of Doctor Who "by accident" shortly

If not the theme, then a feature. I think it's legit, otherwise it wouldn't be deleted... it could become a dirty word on the forum in the same way D***** B**** was when WC16 was being discussed

Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing. The Storm Surge plaza really does look insane now too.

Someone's dropped one there haha - that tweet has now been deleted... that's got to be the quickest accidental leak of the theme ever!

How dare you, that is Disney level theming right there! It fits perfectly in the area and is subtly located to blend in perfectly with it's surroundings and does not obscure any other buildings or access routes in the area whatsoever. ...that said - I do like to dabble with a ride on the mighty Storm Surge now and again, you do get a nice view from the top. The random arrival of Storm Surge almosts suggests to me that maybe someone knew that the wildest ride in the wilderness wasn't going to stick around much longer Or am I giving too much credit?

I can't believe no-one has posted the exciting SW8 construction photos yet (There's some Herras fencing and shipping containers/site offices plonked in the car park)

For 2017 I'm getting married, we plan to go to Japan for our honeymoon, other plans include probably watching a bit of telly, a few visits to my favourite bar up the road and having a few Two for Tuesdays.... Oh you mean theme park wise... will be booking Tulley's when early bird tickets go on sale in February, and will probably end up at Thorpe Park a couple of times, will be good to ride the finally finished DBGT

*waves and goes back to holding bags*

Good shout on Eclipse - but I guess at least that still lives on

This. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a shorter-lived new Merlin attraction. That's a few million quid they're never getting back!

Most rumours about a closed season repaint for a ride in the world.

Gonna get that printed up on a canvas in the shopping centre, ideal Christmas gift.

Very sorry to hear this news, a real shame but to be expected really (unfortunately). One would assume that Sub Terra won't be opening for 2017...I would hope Hex does as that is a genuinely decent all-round attraction, and very much "Alton Towers". I actually quite enjoyed CATCF when I rode a few years ago but can't really agree that the "lack of family attractions" argument quite stacks up considering there's CBeebies Land, Spinball, Mine Train, Rapids etc. that I would count as family rides, personally!

Being slightly older at the ripe old age of 33 - when discussing TPM with my other half, I was saying how bloody brilliant it is that the younger members on here are so cool and fluid with what sexuality they are or might be, and so open about it, it's incredibly refreshing to see how different it appears to be now vs. when I was in school in the late 90s - I'm not saying that there isn't homophobia and hate at school/college/life any more - nor am I saying that my school was particularly vilifying against it at the time - but just comments on here in general and being so open about sexuality is awesome Or to put it as posted previously - it's great that it's not becoming a "thing" anymore, that's how it should be.