MattyMoo

What can they do with Market Square though, for example? There's not exactly ample space to do anything special, is there?
The most I expect them to be able to do is make the area look fresh. Change the look of things, make it feel different and new. But I genuinely cannot see a lot that they can do other than just make it a new version of what it was or making it more open. Would love to be pleasantly surprised though.
As for other things - well, Scorpion Express (from what we've heard) isn't going to have the return of major rockwork, a major part of the Runaway Train. I don't blame anyone for being upset / annoyed at the park / Merlin for it. The blooming thing should have been looked after, then it wouldn't have needed this whole spruce up business. I don't care if Chessie didn't promise the return of the rocks or whatever; simply put, they shouldn't have needed to get rid of them. Unless they replaced the rockwork or pull something really special out the bag, I can guarantee the ride will be received with a disappointing reaction from many-a-enthusiast. Of course, we'll have to wait and see.

I'm going to guess it is because there are areas of the park which are shockingly dilapidated, have been left to rot and have had tonnes of theming removed, and instead of fixing them they dig up an area that was acceptable and spend their time and money on that. Confirmed falls is being left, pretty much confirmed train is a half arsed compared to what we lost, Transylvania in general is a mess, their newest attraction is an embarrassment etc etc etc, so we dig up market square. It's madness.
If the things I mention above have been in any way remedied I'll eat my shoes, we basically know they won't be from 'rumors' and history. It has been going on there for years, people only get so negative about things like this because they care, it is so sad to see Chessington in seemingly terminal decline from what it once was.

It'll most likely be replaced by trees, planters and hook-a-guest's-wallet-to-give-to-Merlin.

It'll most likely look like that for the rest of 2014 though...

Erm still not sure about this one, I think it will be a decide on the day sort of situation!
So yeah... may be there, may not be there... You'll have to wait and see

Don'y worry you already have one in me

Sidders better be going, I need a cider buddy for later
I reckon Mystery Member is RideAddict

A Mystery Member? What kind of sorcery is this??

Sidders better be going, I need a cider buddy for later
I reckon Mystery Member is RideAddict

I thought Sidders would be more of a 'Thing 1'

Maybe it's no one and Peaj is just sat there laughing at us

Good spot!
I see Sidders has vanished off the lists and I have reason to believe he shall be in attendance

Maybe the Mystery Member will be THORPE PARK?

Out of interest is anyone likely to stay in Guildford after 6pm for a drink or two?

I honestly think this will be an Air Race.
EDIT: from their website " Air Race takes riders are taken on an amazing journey which replicates the experiences and sensations of acrobatic aeroplane flight With banks, loops, dives, and weightlessness, that will test even the most experienced thrill seekers"
I don't believe, I know this is an air race now, they have essentially copy and pasted that tweet from zamperla's website but they tweaked it slightly.

I loved the queue line for Runaway Train, going into the cave whilst hearing the sound of the ride going around you. It made the ride experience begin as soon as you are in the queue.
It would be nice if they bring that back but I seriously doubt it.

I went to Thorpe today to renew Merlin Passes.
The entrance is in exactly the same state as it was in November, so it looks like we won't be seeing an updated entrance this year. Aside from that, nothing out of the ordinary to comment on (although the staff in the annual pass building did have angry birds mousemats!)

Said this myself a few pages back - I still hope to be pleasantly surprised but I reckon it won't be back until the Summer. If we're lucky.

I don't think the current negative attitude towards Merlin is due to us having unreasonably high new attraction expectation. It's due to all the downgrading that's been going on. We're seeing themeing getting taken down and either minimally replaced or not replaced at all. Throughputs for ride's are getting slower and slower. Too many attractions closed in a single season and yet tickets prices are raised.
Towards the end of this year there was less to do, the peak time throughput of rides was painful and they respond by making the hotel bigger? It's a size 11 in the face to the customers really.

My favourite thing about this is we can finally do a proper true comparison of the two rides we've always really wanted to compare.
Flying Fish Vs Scorpion Express.
Which one looks worse now than in it's original state?
I personally hope Scorpion has a half built pond also!

I'm not saying Merlin can't build wonderful new attractions, I'm just aware they have an equally long history of being half-arsed and negligent with quality. It's still an apprehensive wait and see for me.

I'm not at all happy about this.
Chessington really has gone down the pan in my opinion. Runaway Train used to be good because, although the ride hardware isn't that good, the rocks really made it special.
Merlin coming in, ripping it down then not replacing it is ruining Chessington in my opinion. They pride themselves in being a themed experience - in 5 years there won't be any theming left if they continue this way!
I'm sure they could more than afford to re-build the rockwork - look at how BPB restored the facade on Valhalla.
If Rameses Revenge isn't back this year then I don't think I'll bother visiting.
Appalling.

You're now embarking on an optical procedurreeee.......
The music is by far the best thing ever to happen to the project, followed by Smiler Shop TV.. then followed by the colourscheme and the ride itself.

Followed by their attempt to keep all 'marmalising' effects working.... last time I went only The Giggler was on/working..

I remember absolutely loving Mr Blobby, and going beserk whenever I heard the song.