MattyMoo

A number of times at WDW we were given a tag at the start of the queue, which we were to hand in before getting on the ride, so they could update their queue times accordingly. Seemed to work well - estimated queue times at the park always seemed to be bang on.

The general feeling I get with Chessie at the moment is, just when you think the park couldn't get any worse - it does. Really is such a shame - I'm living on the memories of the good old Chessie of the 90s!

Bit OT but just what is that? I remember seeing that monstrosity when visiting and thinking WTF...

That looks like rebar for piling to me

Have you guys never witnessed Kay Burley before? Bit off topic but that's classic Burley - breaking the news to volunteers searching for April Jones live on air that the missing person inquiry becomes a murder inquiry. I remember seeing that live and could not believe she did it.

Blimey. I was just saying - I personally don't think it will re-open until next year. I can't see it being removed entirely though, especially if it's human error and not mechanical error - but then, we haven't really had a severe accident of this nature (that I can remember) before at a Merlin park to go by as a comparison? There's some sick irony in the fact that it was the Smiler's birthday mere days ago and the other week AT were advertising for a rollercoaster tester too It's all just so awful.

Just spotted this... http://I.imgur.com/RiACa5n.png

"Started yesterday, the petition has so far only gained 12 signatures" Slow hand clap please for the journalists at the Daily Mirror.

How do we know? Just out of interest, not wanting to argue I believe it to be true because of the chap I've been speaking to, who was involved with the construction of the thing you see.

I believe that is exactly what has happened. Gerts will have a log of exactly what has happened in the control room so will know if that's the case anyway.

Is that near the shop? Looks like some sort of access gate, so maybe to make sure no-one climbs over it?

Thorpe's twitter confirms Saw is closed all day.

Having seen bending schedules for the reinforcement, there is a heck of a lot of rebar on the project - but then, it's a bloody big building so I guess that's to be expected. Expect some exciting photos of steel reinforcement and mesh on site mid June #hotgossip

We're off to Disney Orlando on the 18th April for 2 weeks - booked up a good handful of rides on Fastpass+... any tips/must dos? By all accounts from sites I've looked at, it shouldn't be toooo busy, the 2nd week we are there is one of the 8 "best weeks" to visit. Also added on the three park ticket for Universal. I'm not an HP fan but my girlfriend is, even so I reckon I'll be seriously impressed with the park. Been looking at the app for wait times - Seven Dwarves Mine Train seems to get up to 140 min wait time, but then it is new... We've booked some restaurants too at Disney, Be My Guest, German Beerkeller, English pub (for the lolz) and the Sci-Fi Movie Drive In restaurant. Needless to say - we can't wait for our trip. Dreamliner plane too!

Wez Cougan, his brother

WC16 = Wooden Coaster 16. Yessss, We'RE fInALlY GeTTiNG a WOoDiE! PS. InB4: Disused theme AGAIN Thorpe?

Other than perhaps what's been done to the Vampire entrance

On a completely different rant, YOU'RE and YOUR, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaghhhhh

Thought this was the best place to dump this link... http://venturebeat.com/2015/03/18/angry-birds-maker-rovio-entertainment-sees-revenue-dive-9-and-profits-fall-by-half-in-2014/7

There goes a flying pig... Vampire certainly sounds like some sort of big problem/fault - but the other rides, not so much...

Whatever the state of the forum - whether turbulent times, or awesome times, you can rely on one thing. I'll hold on to everyone's bags.

From Chessington's Facebook - no Vampire until further notice. Let the complaints commence! "Hello Adventurers, due to some unexpected maintenance issues, Griffin’s Galleon, Bubbleworks, Rameses Revenge and Dragon’s Fury will not be operational until the weekend of 21st and 22nd of March. We are working very hard to have these rides up and running as soon as possible. Unfortunately Vampire will also be out of action until further notice due to a delay in receiving essential parts. We are working with the manufacturers to have this rectified as soon as possible, but in the meantime we apologise for any disappointment this might cause. We look forward to welcoming you all very soon to enjoy Year of the Penguins. Be sure to watch our Penguins of Madagascar Live! Operation Cheezy Dibbles, our brand new show!"

Rameses new cattle pen queue? Srsly? Any pictures? Top marks for some of the posts regarding this new Vampire addition - made me spit out my coffee. I particularly liked the idea of painting some animals on it and putting up some adverts for the hotel Vampire: Voyage into the Jungle!

If Scorpion is shut too, that's more like 4 main attractions in my eyes along with Dragon's Fury, Bubbleworks and Vampire!

Anyone want to stick up for Merlin on this one? Absolutely astounding, 3 of the top attractions at the park shut on opening day. The fact it's an off-peak day today is not a viable excuse. I hope no more rides close or there'll be no space left on that sign...