Benin

It's so adorably cute, like Daemonen There's a POV somewhere. Looks like it's got a bit of bite to it and one or two good leg choppers. Jealous of those riding it.

It'll be a Vekoma Jr Boomerang and some kids rides nicked from another Sea-Life funfair area. And still be the best thing the park has done in years.

I don't think anyone would say those are unpopular opinions. The Vekoma SFCs are generally fantastic coasters and certainly better than the other fayre at Paultons currently. I don't think there are many good Junior Boomerangs though. They're all a bit meh filler.

I mean I don't watch his vlogs or keep tabs on his every move so that was information I wouldn't have known without additional explanation. Fully aware of all the stuff that came out last year. But posting vague comments without explanation as to why it is a problem doesn't really contribute to discussion when most of us aren't following the lives and times of numerous vloggers. Besides, filming POVs probably means in this regard that he has gone through the proper channels to film them. Rather than officially doing some for the park.

Seems to work fine at every other park that have an equivalent system (which is most parks due to legality). Hell most don't even have a time card and are far more open for abuse but aren't. Probably because the UK is full of entitled idiots (and that's just the MAP holders!).

I too like to post random things on message boards without sufficient evidence.

If I recall they already state that RAP does not mean instant access anyway. But restricting it to wheelchair users only like you suggested is a fair more discriminatory system that the current one. Especially when there are immediate steps the parks can take to attempt to resolve some of the issues.

That's not very fair on those who are disabled but don't necessarily require a wheelchair. You cannot force all disabled guests under one thing because it's essentially discrimination and removing independence (a very important factor for many who suffer from disabilities). In the same vein that's why I'm unsure if a Blue Badge requirement at minimum would be problematic in that not everyone who qualifies for RAP can qualify for a Blue Badge or PIP. Disability stuff is hellish to get through these days. As I say it appears to not be under anywhere near the level of abuse at other UK parks that we've used the RAP equivalent at. Merlin parks need to start by ensuring the system is being used correctly and telling anyone who argues this where to go.

Like when Legoland changed theirs. I think with Covid rules coming in a few of the exit access RAP have been changed to the Fastrack queue. That certainly would lead to some of the issues seen here (or for example, Thirteen at Towers, and Duel had zero disabled access last year).

Should also say that Covid systems haven't helped either as a lot of RAP queues now share Fastrack ones. Fine when it's not being run of course but then....... Also when are Thorpe going to fix the Saw and Inferno lifts?

It's a various combination of things. Easiest step is to bring the staff up to scratch on it. Start writing down times properly (they rarely do at Towers), and ensure the rules are being followed (saw mention of people not having the wristband holder with them? Like no guys you can go away). I remember explaining to guests clearly the rules (GS didn't tend to) and most were fairly happy, even if they arrived early and they had to wait. In terms of limitations it's variable. Whilst the 3 carer rule is fairly useful for groups (we use this to fair affect for example), Blackpool only allows 1 carer per disabled guest. And they don't even have a time card but barely seen anyone else using it on my visits. Perhaps as it's not as openly known due to it being Blackpool? Paultons whilst allowing 3 carers max limits one visit per attraction (or they did when last used it). There are possible solutions to stop the abuse (although 1 ride per attraction is a bit too restrictive in my opinion and could be labelled as discrimination by those arsey enough), but are Merlin too fearful of backlash to make these changes? Should also be noted that Nemesis is apparently having some issues with non-mask wearers having to sit at the back which in turn prevents RAP users from going on the ride. Which is completely ridiculous. Though with Chessie the main query is how you apply kids to this if we presume the adult is disabled. They aren't considered as carers so what do you do with a 2.2 family? Or 2.3 if you're Merlin? I've not been in this situation as of yet but that's a potential pitfall. @Mark9 I remember RAP being rarely used back in the days of working there. Never to this degree of hell at any rate unless you suddenly gained a number of exit passes as well. But seeing stuff like this is just going to put me off visiting. It's enough effort as it is going to parks with a wheelchair user without having to deal with this on top. EDIT - In terms of qualifying for the system I'm not sure on the best situation as every disability is different and not everyone qualifies for the same things. Though perhaps with Blue Badges now available for Autism and the like this might be easiest to bring in. Other parks have similar systems (Efteling) and allow doctor's notes but don't really seem to have this problem. And again they don't even have time cards!

#PrayForAquatrax

Looks like another great addition to the park, and very good to see that they're moving forward with next year's addition as well. Hopefully the next step is the Cobra and Edge area getting some themey goodness.

Find it amusing that people will pay through the nose for a map that if you were sensible could find a PDF of online and print it off yourself. Or pay £10 for 2003 Thorpe Park.

Probably won't mention the other one until May when the new area opens. I'm not too enamoured by this marketing. Though probably more because I'm not 80s obsessed.

I love baby B&Ms

Blackpool is always a weird one. When it's on form it's a really nice park, but when it's bad it's really bad (much like Thorpe can be). I'd certainly agree it's the currently most well rounded of the UK parks. But a distinct lack of direction and removing fan favourites has been problematic. Icon was also just average as an addition. In terms of depressing seaside towns, Hemsby wins that argument.

An indoor Vekoma suitable for families? What a preposterous idea, would never work.

I think what doesn't help Thorpe is the way the entrance plaza has often evolved into a mess of temporary fences and queues. The plaza itself needs fixing more than the entrance itself (beyond a clean and repaint). It's not really the worst in terms of building and gates, just standard compared to other similar sized regional parks.

Narrator - "They hadn't."

I vaguely remember seeing it run from top of Loggers Leap (because it'd been broke all morning) and running over. I miss having an exciting new ride to look forward to.

God I remember when Lego did winter openings when I was a kid. Fond memories of Pirate Falls in December.

+1 for Breakdance and/or Poylp. Bring back Sub Terra too whilst at it. Daft thing is that there's already 3 empty patches of ground (not sure if they've used the old Toadstool area in DW's Land of Stereotypes) available that they could've filled with anything for years and either use upcharge stuff (Ripsaw) or a memorial lawn (Submission).

Zodiac was definitely, but it at least got a lick of paint and themeing before it died and got replaced by Drayton's one. Can't remember with Det. Probably was given the location on WWH.

What it does show up is that the Towers line up is sorely lacking in support attractions, so hopefully these will be deemed a success by the higher ups and might see some permanent ones put in the future. Especially when you consider the amount of rides that the park has closed without direct replacement in the past few years.