MattyMoo

Bit off topic but I totally fangirled over ToT when at Disneyworld Orlando in April. Immense in every way. Had been on the DLP version too and loved that. As much as I'd love to see it, I can't really see Merlin reaching Disney levels of dark rides/immersion in theming any time soon - however, props to The SWARM which I do love.

That drain issue sounds vile - that must be quite some stench if it's caused people to actually throw up because of it, wow! I'm sure the cardboard will do the job *thumbs up* That's really sad if that's true regarding the Lorikeets - there's obviously some issue/problem behind it being closed, that would make sense - "essential maintenance" for 4 months, would not make sense.

Even at 32 and 27 years old respectively, the other half and I would genuinely be very disappointed if Lorikeet Lagoon was closed when we visited without it being stated on the website. It's a nice - different - little attraction. Would be sorry to see it go, but it wouldn't surprise me with how things seem to be going at Chessie. I know I harp on about it but it really was a fantastic place in the 90s, truly magical memories from back then!

Just looking on CWoA's Facebook: "Oh Chessington, how times have changed. 20 years ago you were a place full of joy and excitement. Now you are old, in need of repairs and a refreshers course in service. What happend? Where did it all go wrong? Went to write my feedback on your touchscreen and that too didn't work properly. Just had to laugh." EDIT to ask - what's the deal with this smell around Dragon's Fury that people complain about? Is it sewers, rubbish, or both? Also Lorikeetgate continues, people saying that some staff saying the birds are ill, others saying it's never reopening. CWoA of course say the classic "essential maintenance". That's lasted since the season started. Brilliant.

Go and complain about it and they'll give you a Fasttrack to add to the problem!

Can I butt in to say that I hate Nando's and don't "get" it whatsoever. Bye!

I would be incredibly surprised if the budget was £30m. As I understand it, there was already talk of cost cutting after the initial tenders for construction were submitted and then resubmitted. All this said - I am hopeful - of WC16 being decent, I could even end up visiting a Merlin park again in 2016 because of it. (I haven't even seen Angry Birds Land in the "flesh" I haven't been to Thorpe in so long)

WHAAAAT! I had no idea Lorikeet Lagoon has been closed - what happened there?! I <3 the Lorikeets!

Am working from home today so have This Morning on in the background - Leah Washington is being interviewed currently.

Oooooh time travel - maybe WC16 is Dr. Who themed?

^ Red wine hangovers are the worst and a gift from Satan himself, from experience. Closely followed by cider. And as to partly what Smidget was saying - I hate the whole "shaming" BS that seems to be the "thing" nowadays. I also am growing a stronger and stronger dislike for Social Media more and more every day, mainly because of lazy slactivism/being seen to "care" about an issue because everyone else is. Makes me feel sick.

So did you find the website before Jart did? Or are TT's forum times 1 hr out because of daylight saving time and all that malarky!

As my girlfriend always says when I talk to her about Merlin parks - "Why can't they just make a nice happy ride for once?" Either way - I guess it's good to finally be going full steam ahead in terms of advertising, hype etc.

I'm just doing some digging - the website itself isn't actually on Google yet, but it's appearance on forums, twitter etc. are. "Jart" wasn't the first poster of that link I can find - MarkC, a new user also with 1 post, posted it on TowersTimes at 8.12pm. Always suggests Merlin PR Meddling when a 1 post brand new user just happens to join a forum and then make a post with a link to a brand new website for a new attraction

Who's Jart?

Taking bets now on when Merlin will offer that experience on 2 for 1 due to lack of demand.

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.