MikeyT

I have many thoughts on Thirteen now. Perhaps a few more once I've ridden it again next week.I reckon the reception of this ride will only get better as time goes on. Much like Hex, which didn't live up to many people's expectations in its opening year, It wasn't until tweaks were made and in subsequent seasons that the ride has not only been a hit with enthusiasts but also with the general public as well.I think the main thing that raises people's expectations beyond what the ride delivers is the superlative language that was used in the viral marketing. Such as the ultimate coaster, and phrases such as "never has so much theme park technology been used all in one ride", or something to that effect.This may have backfired on somewhat as it may deter people- ie, the intended audience for the ride and instead attract people who are perhaps expecting something more thrilling from the ride.However, once all the PR stunts have been forgotten, we're left with the main promotional tool for the ride, and that is the TV advert. Now this is something that I think was very well done, and believe the ride delivers. The look and feel of the ride is conveyed very well here. Some would say again that it will scare the intended audience, however I think people are all too quick to patronise children; they love to be scared as well and deserve unique attractions that are thrilling for them.This is Thirteen's niche I think. A ride that a very wide spectrum of people can go on and families can enjoy together.I found that youtube review really fair personally. The ride does have its faults, yet taking everything as a whole, it is a solid attraction for Alton Towers and a worthy replacement for the Corkscrew for me. It shows that Alton has taken a huge risk investing in Thirteen, I've never known a ride to divide people's opinions so much, some love it, some hate it! I personally think it could have been something more, yet I still love it.

Found this amusing review of Thirteen whilst browsing Youtube. I'm sure I recognise a few names at the end there

Happy Friday the 13th everyone! Have a lucky day

Both Gates open at half 9 ish, however on Lodge side you're held at the containment gates until 10. On Explorer side, you're allowed into Wild Asia I believe.

Happy Birthday Rich and Dan H

^ That's exactly what people are saying though. Telling someone that "you'll go where you're put", is not how people expect to be treated. Yes you tell people in a polite, friendly and sensible manner (whilst being as quick and efficient as you can be), but you don't take the easy option and be rude to guests. It takes a lot more guts and confidence to explain something clearly and treat the person in question with respect.

That I agree with, but it's the way you convey this to the guests. Telling them "you'll go where you're put" is not acceptable. Making queueline announcements and having efficient staff that explain this politely is good customer service.When the guests become rude and start shouting, that's when we can become blunt

And THAT is great customer service

I don't think Steve was telling anyone to go somewhere else, but was just asking a valid question. Gemma is as much welcome here as anybody else, but why specifically a theme park fansite?

Just a reminder that we have an awesome Future section to talk about this sort of thing!

Gosh there are just so many contenders, I'm not sure I can pick! Any of the B&Ms (though I'm not a fan of Sheikra), almost every single dark ride and of course, some overlap.Main contenders are Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, Splash Mountain, Spiderman and The Mummy. Actually Bilge Rat Barges too. Haunted Mansion as well? Lol.

Put E45 cream on them and it will reduce the appearance quite a bit over time.

Even better, sites like these help to promote the theme park and entertainment industry, there are a lot of people out there who are interested in theme parks, but let's say, aren't as fanatical about them as we are.They see this site, they do some exploring, and eventually they join the forums and become hardcore theme park fans. It all starts from somewhere. Speaking on total general terms here, TPM's news tends to have the basics which the general public may read, yet also there is the opportunity for fans to discuss and debate in more depth here on the forums.

I agree! I love that ride, then again, I think the whole Land of the Dragons area is truly awesome.

I think it's really important to show the loading system for riders during the queueline, considering the amount the general public get in a panic when it comes to finding seats, restraints and sitting next to friends.Anyone who has queued for Whizzer/ Monkey Swinger and experienced that fantastic batching system will understand the frustration and chaos of loading a ride without dedicated seats. People panic. Having the gates would show people how the ride is loaded. People will always want to wait for the row they want though, gates or no gates!

Runaway's track is banked at the start though? The upwards straight before the first helix?

Awesome reports from the two Disney Parks there. I've got to say I agree with you on Dinoland and Fantasyland. Dinoland especially is really a let down next to a truly phenomenal park.Animal Kingdom really does need sorting out though, it shouldn't be in a position where they cannot close one of its main rides for any prolonged period of time. If EE did close, it would be chaos and the park would struggle to cope. Animal Kingdom need another E ticket attraction before they can close Everest for any amount of time IMO! Disney World Orlando really needs shaking up: right now it's something more Akin to a Six Flags park, rather than what you'd expect from Disney.Fantasyland also, even without construction, it still feels a bit dated (also like Tomorrowland). I would love for Orlando's Fantasyland to be something similar to Disneyland California's, that one truly is beautiful! In short, I'm not too pleased with Disney World Management recently. Other Disney Resorts are still doing their awesome thing though!

Yeah, That's the problem with Griffin's really- LoTD wasn't very well designed in the fact that it's tucked away, making it difficult for guests to come across it. This is why many of us think they should get rid of Truckers and open up that end of the area. I do think it's a great little area for children, shame it's not as well known by many of the guests!I can really see Chessie having really defined areas with entrances to each, having 'transition areas' like you get in the Universal and Disney Parks. A good example of this would be the area between Land of the Dragon's and Wild Asia- that's going to really work as a transition area once they develop the areas into their desired continents.

Aww Adam! Sounds like you had an awesome trip! You're making me want to go again so badly. I totally get where you're coming from with the staff from the Disney and Universal parks. On the whole, all the parks have awesome staff, it's just that Disney have a huge reputation and PR when it comes to their Cast Members, so we expect more,I've had wonderful and not so wonderful experiences at every single park I've been to, the best experience being at Epcot. Outstanding Customer Service! But yeah, like I said, awesome trip report so far! Looking forward to Animal Kingdom one!

^ That probably highlights how weak that area of the park is! Needs some definition. I wonder if we'll ever see the return of those loading gates that were removed a few seasons ago? As the park becomes busier, there becomes even more of a reason to bring them back!