Benin

Yesterday's front pages annoyed the hell out of me. Two massive worldwide issues going on atm. The UK Covid numbers are more than the rest of the EU combined, then we have the numerous protests in support of those across the pond. Our media ignores those and looks at a 12 year old case about a middle class white girl who died due to the neglect of her parents (even if they didn't kill her themselves, they left 3 children in a hotel room alone, but of course they don't get blamed for that either). And some say we're better than the Americans.

Have no trust in any government designed app full of my personal data. Especially one they've rushed out.

Judging by what other parks are doing groups are being kept together. So you'll be sitting with each other.

It'll be frustration more than anything. There are naturally bigger things but the inability to go outside and do SOMETHING (especially given the hoops one may have to jump through when things are cancelled) will be causing a lot of cabin fever. I'm worried that my wedding and honeymoon will be moved as a result of this. Does that make me a bad person? This country has been proven to be full of self centred people time and time again. Fortunately I've not seen any enthusiasts on my social media moaning like you describe. Might be worth an unfollow? Besides, it's been made clear by our government we can travel wherever we like even if we have the symptoms. So expect people to march on the parks and demand they open soon (even though when looking at the parks that have opened it'll be a nightmare, but what is an enthusiast without something to moan about?)

The spike section is so utterly pointless. Like, if you're gonna have a ride like this surely a more substantial backwards section such as Pegasus and Firechaser Express is the way to go? Strange ride for a strange park.

Half the information to the press is often deliberately leaked (hence always unnamed sources). Usually to guage public opinion on a particular idea/route. The main issue with this slogan is the change from something incredibly simple to something very vague (and weird, how does one stay alert from a virus?), with the added subtle caveat of the colour change to green that will make the public think things are safer. When really things haven't actually changed yet at all.

You should work from home BUT only if you can work BUT only if you can get there BUT only if you social distance on transport BUT only if you have to work. If Labour were making the same mistakes here then people would moan. But then again they've not been in charge for the past 9 years with austerity, public funding cuts and a completely divided country to show for it. Is it any wonder some people want the Tories out? Added to this is watching how other countries are approaching this situation. Have you seen the Irish roadmap compared to ours? Vastly more detailed to the UK one where 3 of the 4 countries it was meant to apply to have turned around and gone "nah mate that's nonsense"? Only the other day was the end of Cameron's 5 years. Preceded by his "Chaos with Ed Miliband" tweet. Strong and stable indeed.

It adds very little because of how far into the situation we are. What's the point in testing now when travel is limited? Why weren't we testing those who came over from Madrid for the Liverpool match when Spain were beginning their lockdown? Simply put we're closing the stable doors but the horses bolted 2 months ago. Look at how other European countries dealt with this and it's no wonder we've got the highest death rate.

Meanwhile the UK will only start testing arrivals to the country at the end of this month. So don't hold your breath on our lot opening anytime soon. Because we're run by idiots.

Shame it's really short layout wise. Also how on earth can the name not fit with a park owned by a chocolate manufacturer?

When you see how much they'll pay people to advertise you it's no wonder people do it. [/This post is sponsored by Raid:Shadow Legends]

Is the history of it that interesting? It opened as the biggest ride on park for years until the park actually got developed like any other park. Then it suddenly and mysteriously died. Mean the most interesting part of the ride's history was when the tunnel roof was removed because it was dangerous. Or when the bear models were added. The Railway had a far more storied history.

JOYvelen

Still waiting for an UK park to invest in one of these big new Vekomas tbh. These look good, the Invert certainly provides some intrigue.

Thorpe is too small to pull off full on themed areas unless they started doing a Phantasialand. Which isn't gonna happen. I'd wager even Thor's Hammer at Tusenfryd would've been a better fit for Thorpe. We definitely all wanted something that wasn't a coaster back before it opened. Just again the weird choices made led towards a lost and confused attraction.

But they have a roller coaster, and with the fair backing of positive reviews across the board. Beyond Merlin getting bogofs and over the top WORLD'S FIRST CROCODILE THEMED DROP TOWER advertising (compared to how Paultons have promoted the area) there's nothing much new for them that they're already competing with. That's also assuming Chessie's development doesn't get delayed as well. I also nearly fell off the sofa when you spoke about Chessie having access to more money. You have SEEN the Rainforest addition right?

Paultons being one of the few British parks with an eye on the future makes me more relaxed about any potential issues. Will just postpone the planned trip for this year.

Just bin the thing and call it a failed experiment that they clearly rushed through to be the first and as a result created an attraction that makes no real sense.

The entrance for the hotel looks awful. Made worse by the lovely brickwork next to it. Weird choice.

It don't look great. Very strange design choice from the park.

I'm gonna have an interesting discussion with work Monday after they put me on temporary unpaid leave yesterday (long before the 80% announcement). Though I can't imagine they'll have me back in cos they'll literally be paying me to do nothing (work is dead for me, most of my projects went as one site stopped all non-essential work). Fortunately NatWest seem to be happy to defer loan and mortgage payments. So I'm not looking down the potential barrel that much right now. Unless this continues past August.

And in doing so has almost killed a fair few industries. Absolute nonsense to tell people to not go out to these places but not say what's in place to help these businesses out with the lack of trade. Literally only do so to ensure that the Tory friendly insurance companies don't have to pay out millions to ensure businesses don't go under and people end jobless. Awful.

I'm not too sure that there's much competition for "best UK dark ride" these days. Especially when the usual winner is currently closed.

All it takes is one idiot to ruin any planning. And it's a proven fact we have idiots living in this country. Some are even in prominent government positions. Fact is that it's a proven deadly virus and the government and business response is to shrug shoulders as if nothing is happening. Should've seen their faces when I mentioned Tarin had to self isolate at NHS request after showing symptoms. Because even though she's young, oh look she's an at risk person because of underlying medical issues. I do think people are over reacting a bit with the store emptying, but I also think acting as if nothing could go wrong is a poor decision too. I mean if it wasn't for footballers being tested positive those matches would've taken place this weekend with full(ish) crowds. The current plan for herd immunity as well is just. Weird. We'll just let people get infected and then see who survives. Like what? It's a weird angle to go with considering some of the potential risks that go with it. The POV of "oh it only kills the elderly and those with health issues" is exactly the problem I have with this. Numbers might be low in the other age groups but there are still numbers if it. I'd rather see measures taken to make those numbers zero then a collective shrug, talk of Blitz spirit (though we are clearing out shops so that might be correct) and be good with personal hygiene.