MattyMoo

Cannot remember where those plans are from originally...
 
But if you think Thorpe/Merlin would build that, abject disappointment is around the corner...

A permanent double Flow-Rider?
 
Was the temp one really that popular?
 
Will there be a point to add an attraction which will presumably be shut for most of the season?
 
Wish they'd just get rid of Neptunes Beach and use that space to make the park look a lot more welcoming...

So... Top Spin.

Pretty much every aspect of a ride is important really, it's not just a bit of a thrill, it's an experience.
 
 
 
That was the geekiest theme park thing I've ever said.

Rameses fountains are powered by a stupid button - so you have no choice of fountain level. Either full, or nothing. Operators press it, there's a delay. Accuracy is ****.
 
Ripsaw has a sliding control, so you can CHOOSE what level to have it on, it's almost instant rather than any delay. Accuracy is awesome, and so almost all water related things are deliberate!!
 
Reason why Rameses water is not touching front row? Bar pressure through the fountains. They can raise them much much higher, and it's LITERALLY just a choice of changing the bar. Ripsaw is the same, and often changes such as over winter to try and make sure the operators dont soak the gondola (they find ways, dont worry!!)

It's a load of bollocks though. 15 people would make naff all difference to Rameses, whereas 15 people would make a difference to lightweight samurai.
 
If Rameses sensors trips the first (and only thing) it does is to lock the gondola into position. Then you're stuck anyway. You need power to the ride to bring it down, be it under manual or battery powered. A miniscule amount of people on the ride (or even a full batch) would make no difference if there's no power. If there is power the only thing it'd do is make the battery lowering *slightly* faster.
 
Chessington bringing in ridiculous rules for no reason.

If I remember correctly (and bare in mind it's been years since I went in Rammy's control box), there were 9 different settings possible for the ride to run, but most were either not programmed in or used during public opening hours. 

Just in case anyone wondered - that video is exactly the program that Ramases operated on Tuesday (2nd cycle has more spins).

The operator has a choice of 3 program's, the two shown and a third. The one with 4 flips is most intense and the others are less intense so the operator will tend to do the less intense one(of his/her choice) first! Unless they press the wrong button of course which happened to us meaning we got the less intense one second!
They are the only 3 program's that I am aware of, the only three I have ever seen in videos or in person. Would be interesting to see if there were any different cycles on the ride not used though

The water jets are pretty powerful compared to rain though! And you don't tend to have a Topspin getting rained on every 10 minutes
 
EDIT: Forgot to mention - and this is no word of a lie - someone on Ramases Revenge behind me yesterday said....
 
I WISH THEY HAD ONE OF THESE AT THORPE PARK
 
I wouldn't make that sort of sick joke up

Shame that they've decided to use the Lego Friends brand - it's sexist, stereotypical tosh. 

The water jets are pretty powerful compared to rain though! And you don't tend to have a Topspin getting rained on every 10 minutes
 
EDIT: Forgot to mention - and this is no word of a lie - someone on Ramases Revenge behind me yesterday said....
 
I WISH THEY HAD ONE OF THESE AT THORPE PARK
 
I wouldn't make that sort of sick joke up

The water jets are pretty powerful compared to rain though! And you don't tend to have a Topspin getting rained on every 10 minutes
 
EDIT: Forgot to mention - and this is no word of a lie - someone on Ramases Revenge behind me yesterday said....
 
I WISH THEY HAD ONE OF THESE AT THORPE PARK
 
I wouldn't make that sort of sick joke up

Well I shall be visiting today for a few hours after college time to test out how good through puts are

The water jets are pretty powerful compared to rain though! And you don't tend to have a Topspin getting rained on every 10 minutes
 
EDIT: Forgot to mention - and this is no word of a lie - someone on Ramases Revenge behind me yesterday said....
 
I WISH THEY HAD ONE OF THESE AT THORPE PARK
 
I wouldn't make that sort of sick joke up

Good tactic although with Thorpe's usual crowd it'd probably encourage them to take even longer

Just got back from Chessington after visiting with my girlfriend today... I've been before in September and thought it was dead - but it seemed even more dead today! The most people I saw congregated together was for the Madagascar LIVE! show at 4pm!
 
All in all a very good day indeed - didn't exactly hammer the ride counts (too old for all that) but it's so nice to be able to walk round and go on anything without queuing AT ALL. Everything was walk on all day from what I saw.
 
Staff were good to very good - very friendly though some evidently a little bored (but I don't blame them on day's like today!) We had lunch at the Chicken Shack which wasn't too shabby at all to be honest - plus they had Stowford Press on draught so that scores major brownie points - was impressed with how well stocked the bar was actually!
 
Rides we went on:
 
Zufari
Ramases Revenge x3
Scorpion Express x2
Bubbleworks
Vampire x2
Tuk Tuk Turmoil x2
Kobra
Toadie's Crazy Cars x½
Lorikeet Lagoon
Hocus Pocus Hall
Shrimps at the Sea Life Centre
Dragon's Fury
Dragon Falls
Tomb Blaster x2
Flying Jumbos
Eclip... I mean Peeking Heights
Rattlesnake x2
 
I think that was everything! The park certainly looks in better shape than previous years. Shame Skyway is down but that looks permanent until next year it would seem. First time on Zufari and was quite impressed - Rhinos were very close indeed, and the driver was particularly good as he decided to "accidentally" reverse back into the cave to get us wet. The ride looks far more established now plant wise than when it first opened and was really rather good all in all! The Hotel looks pretty awesome I have to say, and the Wanyama Reserve around it is well presented still with plenty of animals.
 
As anyone on my Facebook will know - first time we went on Tomb Blaster, my gun wouldn't work at all - so 0 scored. We go again later on, and my gun works - but the laser doesn't, which makes it far more difficult! Still, just a grumble really - not fussed when there was no queue whatsoever.
 
Scorpion Express - first time on it. It's OK but I don't like the "openness" of it now. Feels less thrilling/scary. Good effort to rejuvenate an old ride but could've been better. Got a little wet from the scorpion.
 
Vampire and Fury seemed more fierce than I remember
 
We had a really long go on Tuk Tuk Turmoil in the afternoon due to no queue - and due to the fact, one of the bumper cars managed to get wedged/mounted on top of another so they had to push it off - sounds worse than it is, but I'm surprised there's the force in them to do that! That said - they do seem more powerful than Dodgems I've been at at funfairs etc. Lorikeet Lagoon was great as ever, the birds were obviously hungry - one of the birds feeding from our pots was the one with only one eye, as it had been attacked by another bird! Went on Kobra for the first time (I know right? So out of the game...) and I tolerated it...!
 
My girlfriend wanted to go on Toadie's but the op said it was closed as a car had left the track - not sure that's possible but that's what he said - we went on later, and on our go round, it stopped as the power tripped on one of the cars - so we had to walkthrough the circuit - can't say I've done that before!
 
Have to say that Falls really looks poor with no rocks, at least they've tried to jazz it up a bit with the banner at the top before the drop but I can't wait until the ride finally gets the refurb it deserves...
 
Now - my big bug bear for the day - was Ramases Revenge. That said - I was so pleased it was open after recent down time, but it took me 4 or 5 attempts to ride the thing. Why? The 15 guest rule. Apparently it can only operate now when at least 15 people are riding due to weighting issues. I asked a ride op late in the day, when I finally got on if this was a new thing (because I know it is, as I've ridden RR before by myself and no-one else on the entire ride!) and he said it's always been like that. Maybe since he's been there perhaps My first ride on Ramases, there were around 15 people, and after 1 cycle, ride op asked if we wanted to go round again... most people did, but a handful got off. So we then couldn't go round again, which I find crazy. We waited for a good 5/10 minutes but no passing guests wanted to ride, and by that time, the instant re-ride buzz sort of goes! Managed to get on later in the day, and had 2 rides. 2nd ride certainly seemed more spinny/forceful but I may have imagined it... anyone know the true story behind this 15 rider rule? My view is it's probably because Ramases is nearing 20 years old, so they want to make sure it's only operated as and when is worthwhile, but I may be wrong. Anyway - I managed to ride and rekindle my youth again so I was pleased!
 
All in all - thoroughly enjoyable day and I do honestly feel the CWoA "magic" is back to an extent... it's certainly getting there. Also, kudos to the Madagascar penguins for walking over to us to make us take a photo with them Just little things like that that make all the difference. Ride op on Toadie's was a particularly friendly chap, as was the lady operating the chocolate treats stand near Ramases, and we often got asked how our day was going by staff which is nice!

I'm going on the 21st and fully expect the park to be pretty empty from past experience
 
Last year we headed straight for the Smiler, purely because it was unreliable so wanted to make sure we got to ride it
I wouldn't recommend the "short cut" from Forbidden Valley to X Sector across the gardens unless you fancy killing some time. It's very picturesque but takes some time - and energy Longest queue last year was the Smiler in the morning, at around 30 minutes - other than that, it was 5/10 minute queues for everything. 
 
I'd now probably advise heading to Nemesis and Air first as everyone is likely to head to X Sector first for The Smiler.

There's a board at the main entrance by the Otters, there's one near Wild Asia and there's an even bigger board in Market Square. There might be another near Hocus Pocus Hall but I might be wrong!
 
Yes I thought the Tomb Blaster style queue boards need a little more information on them... I mean you'd probably guess that was the queue time, but you'd be forgiven for not realising.
 
Also - the queue times were more like 0 minutes yesterday, not 5 - yet CWoA doesn't seem to like saying 0 minute queues

If you send the train as quickly as you can on Swarm, you will get higher throughputs. It's really not a difficult concept.

Swarm can dispatch the second the previous train leaves the lifthill.
 
You're an idiot. As long as the following train doesn't have to sit on the brakes then OF COURSE it makes it go quicker. 15 seconds adds up over the hour, and the day. Look at the London Underground where every single second counts.
 
You only need them to send 4 trains 15 seconds quicker and then you've got an additional 28 riders out than you would've done (as loading is less than 60 seconds on Swarm).

Just got back from Chessington after visiting with my girlfriend today... I've been before in September and thought it was dead - but it seemed even more dead today! The most people I saw congregated together was for the Madagascar LIVE! show at 4pm!
 
All in all a very good day indeed - didn't exactly hammer the ride counts (too old for all that) but it's so nice to be able to walk round and go on anything without queuing AT ALL. Everything was walk on all day from what I saw.
 
Staff were good to very good - very friendly though some evidently a little bored (but I don't blame them on day's like today!) We had lunch at the Chicken Shack which wasn't too shabby at all to be honest - plus they had Stowford Press on draught so that scores major brownie points - was impressed with how well stocked the bar was actually!
 
Rides we went on:
 
Zufari
Ramases Revenge x3
Scorpion Express x2
Bubbleworks
Vampire x2
Tuk Tuk Turmoil x2
Kobra
Toadie's Crazy Cars x½
Lorikeet Lagoon
Hocus Pocus Hall
Shrimps at the Sea Life Centre
Dragon's Fury
Dragon Falls
Tomb Blaster x2
Flying Jumbos
Eclip... I mean Peeking Heights
Rattlesnake x2
 
I think that was everything! The park certainly looks in better shape than previous years. Shame Skyway is down but that looks permanent until next year it would seem. First time on Zufari and was quite impressed - Rhinos were very close indeed, and the driver was particularly good as he decided to "accidentally" reverse back into the cave to get us wet. The ride looks far more established now plant wise than when it first opened and was really rather good all in all! The Hotel looks pretty awesome I have to say, and the Wanyama Reserve around it is well presented still with plenty of animals.
 
As anyone on my Facebook will know - first time we went on Tomb Blaster, my gun wouldn't work at all - so 0 scored. We go again later on, and my gun works - but the laser doesn't, which makes it far more difficult! Still, just a grumble really - not fussed when there was no queue whatsoever.
 
Scorpion Express - first time on it. It's OK but I don't like the "openness" of it now. Feels less thrilling/scary. Good effort to rejuvenate an old ride but could've been better. Got a little wet from the scorpion.
 
Vampire and Fury seemed more fierce than I remember
 
We had a really long go on Tuk Tuk Turmoil in the afternoon due to no queue - and due to the fact, one of the bumper cars managed to get wedged/mounted on top of another so they had to push it off - sounds worse than it is, but I'm surprised there's the force in them to do that! That said - they do seem more powerful than Dodgems I've been at at funfairs etc. Lorikeet Lagoon was great as ever, the birds were obviously hungry - one of the birds feeding from our pots was the one with only one eye, as it had been attacked by another bird! Went on Kobra for the first time (I know right? So out of the game...) and I tolerated it...!
 
My girlfriend wanted to go on Toadie's but the op said it was closed as a car had left the track - not sure that's possible but that's what he said - we went on later, and on our go round, it stopped as the power tripped on one of the cars - so we had to walkthrough the circuit - can't say I've done that before!
 
Have to say that Falls really looks poor with no rocks, at least they've tried to jazz it up a bit with the banner at the top before the drop but I can't wait until the ride finally gets the refurb it deserves...
 
Now - my big bug bear for the day - was Ramases Revenge. That said - I was so pleased it was open after recent down time, but it took me 4 or 5 attempts to ride the thing. Why? The 15 guest rule. Apparently it can only operate now when at least 15 people are riding due to weighting issues. I asked a ride op late in the day, when I finally got on if this was a new thing (because I know it is, as I've ridden RR before by myself and no-one else on the entire ride!) and he said it's always been like that. Maybe since he's been there perhaps My first ride on Ramases, there were around 15 people, and after 1 cycle, ride op asked if we wanted to go round again... most people did, but a handful got off. So we then couldn't go round again, which I find crazy. We waited for a good 5/10 minutes but no passing guests wanted to ride, and by that time, the instant re-ride buzz sort of goes! Managed to get on later in the day, and had 2 rides. 2nd ride certainly seemed more spinny/forceful but I may have imagined it... anyone know the true story behind this 15 rider rule? My view is it's probably because Ramases is nearing 20 years old, so they want to make sure it's only operated as and when is worthwhile, but I may be wrong. Anyway - I managed to ride and rekindle my youth again so I was pleased!
 
All in all - thoroughly enjoyable day and I do honestly feel the CWoA "magic" is back to an extent... it's certainly getting there. Also, kudos to the Madagascar penguins for walking over to us to make us take a photo with them Just little things like that that make all the difference. Ride op on Toadie's was a particularly friendly chap, as was the lady operating the chocolate treats stand near Ramases, and we often got asked how our day was going by staff which is nice!

Just got back from Chessington after visiting with my girlfriend today... I've been before in September and thought it was dead - but it seemed even more dead today! The most people I saw congregated together was for the Madagascar LIVE! show at 4pm!
 
All in all a very good day indeed - didn't exactly hammer the ride counts (too old for all that) but it's so nice to be able to walk round and go on anything without queuing AT ALL. Everything was walk on all day from what I saw.
 
Staff were good to very good - very friendly though some evidently a little bored (but I don't blame them on day's like today!) We had lunch at the Chicken Shack which wasn't too shabby at all to be honest - plus they had Stowford Press on draught so that scores major brownie points - was impressed with how well stocked the bar was actually!
 
Rides we went on:
 
Zufari
Ramases Revenge x3
Scorpion Express x2
Bubbleworks
Vampire x2
Tuk Tuk Turmoil x2
Kobra
Toadie's Crazy Cars x½
Lorikeet Lagoon
Hocus Pocus Hall
Shrimps at the Sea Life Centre
Dragon's Fury
Dragon Falls
Tomb Blaster x2
Flying Jumbos
Eclip... I mean Peeking Heights
Rattlesnake x2
 
I think that was everything! The park certainly looks in better shape than previous years. Shame Skyway is down but that looks permanent until next year it would seem. First time on Zufari and was quite impressed - Rhinos were very close indeed, and the driver was particularly good as he decided to "accidentally" reverse back into the cave to get us wet. The ride looks far more established now plant wise than when it first opened and was really rather good all in all! The Hotel looks pretty awesome I have to say, and the Wanyama Reserve around it is well presented still with plenty of animals.
 
As anyone on my Facebook will know - first time we went on Tomb Blaster, my gun wouldn't work at all - so 0 scored. We go again later on, and my gun works - but the laser doesn't, which makes it far more difficult! Still, just a grumble really - not fussed when there was no queue whatsoever.
 
Scorpion Express - first time on it. It's OK but I don't like the "openness" of it now. Feels less thrilling/scary. Good effort to rejuvenate an old ride but could've been better. Got a little wet from the scorpion.
 
Vampire and Fury seemed more fierce than I remember
 
We had a really long go on Tuk Tuk Turmoil in the afternoon due to no queue - and due to the fact, one of the bumper cars managed to get wedged/mounted on top of another so they had to push it off - sounds worse than it is, but I'm surprised there's the force in them to do that! That said - they do seem more powerful than Dodgems I've been at at funfairs etc. Lorikeet Lagoon was great as ever, the birds were obviously hungry - one of the birds feeding from our pots was the one with only one eye, as it had been attacked by another bird! Went on Kobra for the first time (I know right? So out of the game...) and I tolerated it...!
 
My girlfriend wanted to go on Toadie's but the op said it was closed as a car had left the track - not sure that's possible but that's what he said - we went on later, and on our go round, it stopped as the power tripped on one of the cars - so we had to walkthrough the circuit - can't say I've done that before!
 
Have to say that Falls really looks poor with no rocks, at least they've tried to jazz it up a bit with the banner at the top before the drop but I can't wait until the ride finally gets the refurb it deserves...
 
Now - my big bug bear for the day - was Ramases Revenge. That said - I was so pleased it was open after recent down time, but it took me 4 or 5 attempts to ride the thing. Why? The 15 guest rule. Apparently it can only operate now when at least 15 people are riding due to weighting issues. I asked a ride op late in the day, when I finally got on if this was a new thing (because I know it is, as I've ridden RR before by myself and no-one else on the entire ride!) and he said it's always been like that. Maybe since he's been there perhaps My first ride on Ramases, there were around 15 people, and after 1 cycle, ride op asked if we wanted to go round again... most people did, but a handful got off. So we then couldn't go round again, which I find crazy. We waited for a good 5/10 minutes but no passing guests wanted to ride, and by that time, the instant re-ride buzz sort of goes! Managed to get on later in the day, and had 2 rides. 2nd ride certainly seemed more spinny/forceful but I may have imagined it... anyone know the true story behind this 15 rider rule? My view is it's probably because Ramases is nearing 20 years old, so they want to make sure it's only operated as and when is worthwhile, but I may be wrong. Anyway - I managed to ride and rekindle my youth again so I was pleased!
 
All in all - thoroughly enjoyable day and I do honestly feel the CWoA "magic" is back to an extent... it's certainly getting there. Also, kudos to the Madagascar penguins for walking over to us to make us take a photo with them Just little things like that that make all the difference. Ride op on Toadie's was a particularly friendly chap, as was the lady operating the chocolate treats stand near Ramases, and we often got asked how our day was going by staff which is nice!

Just got back from Chessington after visiting with my girlfriend today... I've been before in September and thought it was dead - but it seemed even more dead today! The most people I saw congregated together was for the Madagascar LIVE! show at 4pm!
 
All in all a very good day indeed - didn't exactly hammer the ride counts (too old for all that) but it's so nice to be able to walk round and go on anything without queuing AT ALL. Everything was walk on all day from what I saw.
 
Staff were good to very good - very friendly though some evidently a little bored (but I don't blame them on day's like today!) We had lunch at the Chicken Shack which wasn't too shabby at all to be honest - plus they had Stowford Press on draught so that scores major brownie points - was impressed with how well stocked the bar was actually!
 
Rides we went on:
 
Zufari
Ramases Revenge x3
Scorpion Express x2
Bubbleworks
Vampire x2
Tuk Tuk Turmoil x2
Kobra
Toadie's Crazy Cars x½
Lorikeet Lagoon
Hocus Pocus Hall
Shrimps at the Sea Life Centre
Dragon's Fury
Dragon Falls
Tomb Blaster x2
Flying Jumbos
Eclip... I mean Peeking Heights
Rattlesnake x2
 
I think that was everything! The park certainly looks in better shape than previous years. Shame Skyway is down but that looks permanent until next year it would seem. First time on Zufari and was quite impressed - Rhinos were very close indeed, and the driver was particularly good as he decided to "accidentally" reverse back into the cave to get us wet. The ride looks far more established now plant wise than when it first opened and was really rather good all in all! The Hotel looks pretty awesome I have to say, and the Wanyama Reserve around it is well presented still with plenty of animals.
 
As anyone on my Facebook will know - first time we went on Tomb Blaster, my gun wouldn't work at all - so 0 scored. We go again later on, and my gun works - but the laser doesn't, which makes it far more difficult! Still, just a grumble really - not fussed when there was no queue whatsoever.
 
Scorpion Express - first time on it. It's OK but I don't like the "openness" of it now. Feels less thrilling/scary. Good effort to rejuvenate an old ride but could've been better. Got a little wet from the scorpion.
 
Vampire and Fury seemed more fierce than I remember
 
We had a really long go on Tuk Tuk Turmoil in the afternoon due to no queue - and due to the fact, one of the bumper cars managed to get wedged/mounted on top of another so they had to push it off - sounds worse than it is, but I'm surprised there's the force in them to do that! That said - they do seem more powerful than Dodgems I've been at at funfairs etc. Lorikeet Lagoon was great as ever, the birds were obviously hungry - one of the birds feeding from our pots was the one with only one eye, as it had been attacked by another bird! Went on Kobra for the first time (I know right? So out of the game...) and I tolerated it...!
 
My girlfriend wanted to go on Toadie's but the op said it was closed as a car had left the track - not sure that's possible but that's what he said - we went on later, and on our go round, it stopped as the power tripped on one of the cars - so we had to walkthrough the circuit - can't say I've done that before!
 
Have to say that Falls really looks poor with no rocks, at least they've tried to jazz it up a bit with the banner at the top before the drop but I can't wait until the ride finally gets the refurb it deserves...
 
Now - my big bug bear for the day - was Ramases Revenge. That said - I was so pleased it was open after recent down time, but it took me 4 or 5 attempts to ride the thing. Why? The 15 guest rule. Apparently it can only operate now when at least 15 people are riding due to weighting issues. I asked a ride op late in the day, when I finally got on if this was a new thing (because I know it is, as I've ridden RR before by myself and no-one else on the entire ride!) and he said it's always been like that. Maybe since he's been there perhaps My first ride on Ramases, there were around 15 people, and after 1 cycle, ride op asked if we wanted to go round again... most people did, but a handful got off. So we then couldn't go round again, which I find crazy. We waited for a good 5/10 minutes but no passing guests wanted to ride, and by that time, the instant re-ride buzz sort of goes! Managed to get on later in the day, and had 2 rides. 2nd ride certainly seemed more spinny/forceful but I may have imagined it... anyone know the true story behind this 15 rider rule? My view is it's probably because Ramases is nearing 20 years old, so they want to make sure it's only operated as and when is worthwhile, but I may be wrong. Anyway - I managed to ride and rekindle my youth again so I was pleased!
 
All in all - thoroughly enjoyable day and I do honestly feel the CWoA "magic" is back to an extent... it's certainly getting there. Also, kudos to the Madagascar penguins for walking over to us to make us take a photo with them Just little things like that that make all the difference. Ride op on Toadie's was a particularly friendly chap, as was the lady operating the chocolate treats stand near Ramases, and we often got asked how our day was going by staff which is nice!

Just got back from Chessington after visiting with my girlfriend today... I've been before in September and thought it was dead - but it seemed even more dead today! The most people I saw congregated together was for the Madagascar LIVE! show at 4pm!
 
All in all a very good day indeed - didn't exactly hammer the ride counts (too old for all that) but it's so nice to be able to walk round and go on anything without queuing AT ALL. Everything was walk on all day from what I saw.
 
Staff were good to very good - very friendly though some evidently a little bored (but I don't blame them on day's like today!) We had lunch at the Chicken Shack which wasn't too shabby at all to be honest - plus they had Stowford Press on draught so that scores major brownie points - was impressed with how well stocked the bar was actually!
 
Rides we went on:
 
Zufari
Ramases Revenge x3
Scorpion Express x2
Bubbleworks
Vampire x2
Tuk Tuk Turmoil x2
Kobra
Toadie's Crazy Cars x½
Lorikeet Lagoon
Hocus Pocus Hall
Shrimps at the Sea Life Centre
Dragon's Fury
Dragon Falls
Tomb Blaster x2
Flying Jumbos
Eclip... I mean Peeking Heights
Rattlesnake x2
 
I think that was everything! The park certainly looks in better shape than previous years. Shame Skyway is down but that looks permanent until next year it would seem. First time on Zufari and was quite impressed - Rhinos were very close indeed, and the driver was particularly good as he decided to "accidentally" reverse back into the cave to get us wet. The ride looks far more established now plant wise than when it first opened and was really rather good all in all! The Hotel looks pretty awesome I have to say, and the Wanyama Reserve around it is well presented still with plenty of animals.
 
As anyone on my Facebook will know - first time we went on Tomb Blaster, my gun wouldn't work at all - so 0 scored. We go again later on, and my gun works - but the laser doesn't, which makes it far more difficult! Still, just a grumble really - not fussed when there was no queue whatsoever.
 
Scorpion Express - first time on it. It's OK but I don't like the "openness" of it now. Feels less thrilling/scary. Good effort to rejuvenate an old ride but could've been better. Got a little wet from the scorpion.
 
Vampire and Fury seemed more fierce than I remember
 
We had a really long go on Tuk Tuk Turmoil in the afternoon due to no queue - and due to the fact, one of the bumper cars managed to get wedged/mounted on top of another so they had to push it off - sounds worse than it is, but I'm surprised there's the force in them to do that! That said - they do seem more powerful than Dodgems I've been at at funfairs etc. Lorikeet Lagoon was great as ever, the birds were obviously hungry - one of the birds feeding from our pots was the one with only one eye, as it had been attacked by another bird! Went on Kobra for the first time (I know right? So out of the game...) and I tolerated it...!
 
My girlfriend wanted to go on Toadie's but the op said it was closed as a car had left the track - not sure that's possible but that's what he said - we went on later, and on our go round, it stopped as the power tripped on one of the cars - so we had to walkthrough the circuit - can't say I've done that before!
 
Have to say that Falls really looks poor with no rocks, at least they've tried to jazz it up a bit with the banner at the top before the drop but I can't wait until the ride finally gets the refurb it deserves...
 
Now - my big bug bear for the day - was Ramases Revenge. That said - I was so pleased it was open after recent down time, but it took me 4 or 5 attempts to ride the thing. Why? The 15 guest rule. Apparently it can only operate now when at least 15 people are riding due to weighting issues. I asked a ride op late in the day, when I finally got on if this was a new thing (because I know it is, as I've ridden RR before by myself and no-one else on the entire ride!) and he said it's always been like that. Maybe since he's been there perhaps My first ride on Ramases, there were around 15 people, and after 1 cycle, ride op asked if we wanted to go round again... most people did, but a handful got off. So we then couldn't go round again, which I find crazy. We waited for a good 5/10 minutes but no passing guests wanted to ride, and by that time, the instant re-ride buzz sort of goes! Managed to get on later in the day, and had 2 rides. 2nd ride certainly seemed more spinny/forceful but I may have imagined it... anyone know the true story behind this 15 rider rule? My view is it's probably because Ramases is nearing 20 years old, so they want to make sure it's only operated as and when is worthwhile, but I may be wrong. Anyway - I managed to ride and rekindle my youth again so I was pleased!
 
All in all - thoroughly enjoyable day and I do honestly feel the CWoA "magic" is back to an extent... it's certainly getting there. Also, kudos to the Madagascar penguins for walking over to us to make us take a photo with them Just little things like that that make all the difference. Ride op on Toadie's was a particularly friendly chap, as was the lady operating the chocolate treats stand near Ramases, and we often got asked how our day was going by staff which is nice!