Benin

I mean who could've forseen backlash when it was slyly (read not) announced on the same day the first batch of RAP bookings were made available?

Surprised they've u-turned this quickly. But I'm sure RAP users won't complain when the situation hasn't changed this season.

Now this is timely.

Metlin and Nimbus have rejigged the qualifications for RAP as a result of all the various issues they've had over the years. This has, rather naturally, peeved people off, especially as this announcement was tucked away on Monday when they were releasing the first booking slots for RAP this year.

What has actually happened? Nimbus have split their "Difficulties With Queues" into two new categories. "Difficulties With Crowds" and "Difficulties Standing".

Going forwards at Merlin parks you will only qualify for RAP with a "Difficulties Standing", "Level Access" and "Toilet Needs" box. Naturally a lot of those with neurodivergency based disabilities have been given the Crowds box instead.

Here's the thing, RAP in its current guise could not continue. Prior to pre-booking requirements the queues were ridiculous and defeated the point. And of course there was a fair amount of "abuse" of the system through poor staffing (I.e. not writing down correct times) and terrible guests shouting until they got their way. Pre-booking meant a limitation on numbers which worked but being able to book for specific dates was a nightmare when no idea when they would go up. Plus still had a few people unaware they needed to pre-book specific dates in first place.

Sadly it's always felt inevitable given the whole "free Fastrack" perception on top of people gaming the system ruining it for those who need it.

Fortunately for my end the changes do not affect us. However it should be noted that other UK parks will still accept the Crowds box for their equivalent system. However, why is it such a problem at Merlin parks at all? I've seen it busy at Efteling which is understandable, but at Europa last year felt like we were the only ones really using their system (and they don't even time you out on stuff really).

Currently Merlin have termed it as a trial for Feb Half Term. Though it's probably just to let the PR storm settle before main season begins.

So thoughts? Who's affected by the change and will you renounce your MAP as a result if you have one? Have Nimbus just randomly allocated you the wrong box for your disability?

The prices at Towers are probably such to avoid hitting the local B&B market too hard.

It does feel expensive though considering the lack of overall quality. Though my visits the last two years were fine, wouldn't really wax lyrical about them either.

Just looking at possibly doing Efteling for a week in May and one of their 6 person renewed lodges is comparable to Splash Landings price wise. However I know the trip will be just... better.

CBeebies Hotel pricing is just awful though.

Closed season bingo!

Closed season bingo!

Closed season bingo!

Closed season bingo!

Movieland Italy is a fantastic park purely due to its bizarre Mafia led nature.

Barely much left from those days. No chill ride on the waterboat from the farm. No CCR or Loggers Leap. Spent many a time on the crazy golf or in model world.

Good old nostalgia eh?

Since I don’t do mazes I rely on the resident expert at home for those.

Liseberg's was good.

Walibi Holland mazes were a bit meh.

Toverland was ok.

Best part of Walibi Belgium was the Zombie Bar on the lake but no idea if they do that anymore.

General atmospheres are good though. Probably would need a fastpass equivalent though if available since you know, QUEUES.

Could hit 1k pph if it had 5 trains on.
 
Which I've no idea when last happened.

Just replace Rumba with a water ride the little grots can be pinned down into so they can't get out.
 
As always, the UK should get a Chiapas-esque ride. 

Its cool to have an Easter Egg or two within a new or reimagined attraction (say for example, Piraten in Batavia having a survivor boat from the fire and a Roland Mack animatronic), but when the majority of the attraction becomes "DO YOU GET IT?" it misses the point somewhat as you feel like they're trying too hard to bash you over the head with references.
 
 
The other issue is that the park has been so run down that a number of rides have needed a full refurbishment. Sub Terra came back out of necessity more than anything, Duel was in a sorry state since it opened, Nemesis was also refurbished out of necessity or be closed.
 
Don't really think it's anything to do with nostalgia. Just those are the rides they could either redo over a closed season or needed to be done for reasons.

Its cool to have an Easter Egg or two within a new or reimagined attraction (say for example, Piraten in Batavia having a survivor boat from the fire and a Roland Mack animatronic), but when the majority of the attraction becomes "DO YOU GET IT?" it misses the point somewhat as you feel like they're trying too hard to bash you over the head with references.
 
 
The other issue is that the park has been so run down that a number of rides have needed a full refurbishment. Sub Terra came back out of necessity more than anything, Duel was in a sorry state since it opened, Nemesis was also refurbished out of necessity or be closed.
 
Don't really think it's anything to do with nostalgia. Just those are the rides they could either redo over a closed season or needed to be done for reasons.

Private land so can do what they want within reason.
 
Including charging for parking. There's problem some different laws/rulings written up for the various situations of car parking. 

Voltron is really REALLY good.
 
Relentless in pacing and doesn't let up aside from the turntable and final brakes. A good variety of elements as well keeps things interesting and the airtime I don't think gets mentioned much.
 
And if people think it's rough then they clearly don't know what a rough ride is.
 
Blue Fire walked so Voltron could run. Straight into my top 3.
 

Colossus being closed would improve my visit 😉

Colossus being closed would improve my visit 😉

Colossus being closed would improve my visit 😉

The push for digital only ORPs. That said they're still about and have 2 physical ones that I've purchased since 2023.
 
Can I change it to things you now see all the time? Because vloggers. And (especially at Towers) cosplayers are just everywhere. Saw someone last weekend in full Phalanx get up complete with name badge and box with fake egg of Nemesis creature in it. It’s weird to me.

The push for digital only ORPs. That said they're still about and have 2 physical ones that I've purchased since 2023.
 
Can I change it to things you now see all the time? Because vloggers. And (especially at Towers) cosplayers are just everywhere. Saw someone last weekend in full Phalanx get up complete with name badge and box with fake egg of Nemesis creature in it. It’s weird to me.

Sounds like the discourse over Nemmie Rebs atm. Saturday didn’t feel much in the way of roughness at all. Way people go on about it makes it sound like riding an old school Vekoma.

I get the reference however..
 
The only thing worse than people moaning about Christmas stuff in shops in August is forums talking about halloween.

[/benderlaughingharder.gif]
 
The quiet years were always the years that visits were made because of the groups. The rides were always second.
 
Plus the stagnation of the UK in comparison to mainland Europe on top of often cheap access to those parks makes them far more exciting than heading to a Merlin park with a hope of a good visit rather than an expectation.