terrortomb

Hi unfortunately. I'm not free on this weekend sadly.

I should be able to attend. I wonder if Duel will be open?

Up for this but WILL NOT be going on Battle Galleons even if we are lucky enough to get a scorcher of a weekend like last year! 

Yesterday I visited the park for one of the Pass Holder days. Here’s how I got on.
 
Vampire was one of the first rides of the day, featuring operations that were neither brilliant or terrible. The station features quirky new lights near the platform which were ok, but in no way do not compensate the fact the chandeliers are still missing whilst the rest of the station remains to be poorly lit like a school disco. The incorrect audio version and mismatch queue with mostly D.I.Y theming remains. The organist had about zero life in him.
 
Tomb Blaster was again in a poor state. The audio throughout the ride is the worst I’ve seen it, with the opening music and sound effects missing until the Mummy scene and the audio afterwards stopping and starting continuously. Some lighting was also broken. Previous issues affecting the ride since it’s terrible refurbishment remained the same. The exterior is still a neglected mess. The cars seem to be stopping longer on the Mummy and Cobra scenes which is the only positive I can find.
 
Hocus Pocus Hall used to be a quirky amusing little attraction, but has literally be ruined by the excursion of 3D glasses. It completely ruins the attraction and makes it inferior to what it once was. What’s more, the pre-shoe has been overdubbed to remove mention of the glasses in a poor way and adds further insult to injury. The attraction is now an embarrassment.
 
Rattlesnake seem to feature very slow operations, where it seemed to be running just one car on the circuit for some reason. The scenery and theming remains in a poor state with ageing models, some of which seem to have been removed. Dragons Fury was still badly stacking. The ride badly needs a repaint as the track has faded so much now, with red looking more like a pale pink. 
 
Much of the rest of the park looks a sorry state. The former Skyway area and castle still look a complete mess and either need thorough cleaning or complete removal. The patch of grass replacing the pond still looks meh and the Cantina Restaurant still looks abandoned. Pandemonium also looks to be part time only, which is mentioned as returning in the Summer. The battered sausage and chips meal was rather mediocre and the staff seemed to mess up a few orders. I suppose it’s still better than PA and I’ll forgive the staff this once because they are new. Zufari ran just two trucks and normal Coke seems to have+been ditched in favour of Coke Zero.
 
In previous years, there has been some of excitement during the beginning of the season, with one full of optimism and potential for better. This time round I didn’t particularly feel that and found park rather underwhelming with noticeably less atmosphere than previous visits. Whether that be I spent 2/3 of the day alone or the fact of possible park overkill, remains difficult to be seen. 
 
Right, before I get complained at I’ll end this apparent negative review on a more positive note. 
 
A lot of the staff seemed more friendly and helpful. Operations may have not been the best, but at the end of day, whilst it’s pass holder day for most of us, it’s technically rehearsal day for a lot of the staff, who are probably new and still getting the hand of the ropes. I would like to also mention how well the Gruffalo team dealt with a shut down due to guest action. It certainly gave me and Tomb a lot of time to appreciate the details in the finale room. 
 
The progression of Land Of The Tigers looks an interesting one. Whilst I will hold off full judgement until it opens, I sincerely hope it will not only provide a new experience to the park, but also delivery a deserved re-working of the Flume, which has been in poor shape aesthetically for several years. 
 
It was also great to spot some new pins new pins in the shop and catching up with numerous members of the enthusiast community. The repainted Squirtalot and Coffin bits were nice additions too.
 
Thanks For Reading. 

Maybe it could become a new mascot? Steel Beam the 'fun' fence... a world's first! 

Old silver fencing from Thorpe Park’s entrance gate: hopefully temporary (like it’s functioned to be).

Have you ridden the ride yet? Could you refrain these thoughts until after riding?

Thank god they “did not touch the blasters...” “until the safety bar has lowered.” Couldn’t help myself! 

Lol, how does a Gruffalow “groove”?! In any case, it sounds definately aimed for kids and I can imagine a lot of dancing around and audience participation... come on TPM!!

Hey all, I'm Sam. I'm one of Timber Creek's mates from school. Just thought I'd introduce myself and let you know I'll be tagging along at this meet if that's alright
I might have met a couple of you guys a few years ago when there was a meet in Disneyland Paris (2015). Anyway, looking forward to it!

Can’t wait for this meet, it’s been a while now.
 
Out of interest, what are we thinking food wise after the park closes?

Thanks Ryan, put me down as a yes! 
And looking forward to the meal too ?

What an interesting selection of results (although some undeniably predictable).
 
Top three UK parks seems accurate as do the ride selections too. It's astounding how popular and successful Gruffalo has ranked upon the polls. Third best UK water ride and best 2017 attraction? Wow. Symbolica still has it for me but Gruffalo for the UK is a top quality attraction. 
 
Derren's placement in everything just epitomises the pros and cons of the attraction. Third best Dark ride, best experience yet it's rated the worst UK ride.
 
it makes me excited (however not surprised) that two of the most promising developments of next year are in the UK (for once). 
 
It seems my inactivity on the forums this year (due to personal commitments) has taken it's toll. Although I made it into a few top 3's it looks like I didn't win anything this year. I'm glad my fellow forum goers consider me TPM's biggest fanboy (again), but am also concerned they consider me most likely to be banned next year. The start of World War 5 maybe?
 
Storm Surge award is perhaps self explanatory.
 
It appears my reign of sexiness is over as Mr Fish is clearly a winner with his fantastic fashion, looks and style. I didn't even make top 3 females either. The Britney wig is going away.
 
Over chuffed though with me and Tomb being ranked TPM's 2nd best couple, but of course Martin and Martin's love certainly appears ever stronger that's for sure!
 
Now to get back on track for the 2018 awards. Here goes!

I might be able to do this now but won't arrive until 5:30/6pm due to work

So this is the current attending list:
 
BaronC. (not WW) Doc Felicity J.S217 (maybe) Kerfuffle Liam T Marc Martin.C  Martin Doyle (WW) Mattgwise MattyMoo  Mer Mr Fish mrmonkey (meal ww) Nick Hutson Ryan StevenVig Stuntman707 Terrortomb ThrillNation (some of the day) Timber Creek (maybe) Please let me know if you'd like to be added!
 
TGI's was unavailable to book so we will be sticking with the traditional Nandos. Secret Santa isn't happening due to a lack of interest.
 
Regarding Winter Wonderland, I have heard a few horror stories of people going this year so far and experiencing very long queues to get in. So that we make the most of our time at Winter Wonderland, how would people feel if we went there a bit earlier and skipped out one of the previous activities (Sealife/Shrek)?
 

Put me down as a yes! I’m holding out for TGI’s lol, it will be great seeing everyone again!

I will be there.  Always a joy!

Hi all!
 
We're currently in the process of drafting up next year's meet list and would like some feedback/suggestions from yourselves. We are looking at reducing the list of meets to around 8-10 per year, this way we can concentrate on the quality rather than quantity of meets. The current plan includes an International meet, potential replacement location for Guildford meet yet to be confirmed, Thorpe opening weekend, Blackpool, Alton Towers and Fright Nights. 
 
If you have any suggestions or ideas for 2018 meets then please post in here!

I can't believe no-one has featured the best possible photo of the whole trip

 
Honestly, was a mostly enjoyable trip here. Loved Shambhala, Red Force and Baco (surprisingly), plus the shows, water rides and theming were certainly top notch.
 
Big thanks to Marc and Ryan for arranging this trip and sorting the flight situation which could've been disasterous. 
 
Wont be making Fright Nights unfortunately, so may not resurface now until Christmas. 

Well I hope so, because I've only bought me and Tomb's tickets now. And we hope to stay over too.
 
Aldo hope to be there Saturday for the day but unsure when I will turn up yet. 

Put me down as a yes please and I'm 99% sure Creek can come too  Can't wait to see TPM again sooon!

thank you to everyone who came this weekend, even though it was horrifically warm!! 
 
I think that a special thanks is in order to ryan. all I did for this meet was write up the initial post and start the thread, since then I have taken a bit of a step back from organising to focus on my exams so ryan completely stepped up and totally organised the legoland meet and also went about sorting rooms, transport and the cash involved for everyone who needed it in this meet. if it wasn't for him we wouldn't have had a bed to sleep in and I for one appreciate all that he's managed to do for the past couple of months! 
 
 
our next meet is in just over a month for minster of sound. if you're over 18 and attend the MoS even itself, don't forget to book your ticket as soon as possible and let myself or ryan know if you would like help with booking a room. just please make sure you bring some factor 50 and a lot of water... my umbrella can only provide shade for so many people at a time (ha ha haha) 
 
I hope everyone manages to stay cool as the coming week is supposed to be even more scorching, see you in july! 
 
 
 
 

Last one before it opens in 2 weeks...

Warning - Spoilers!! 
 
Okay - I want to do do a full right up of my (our) day at Chessington at some point but in the meantime, heres what I thought of the Gruffalo:-
 
Considering I'm an old boy and remember the original Professor burbs Bubbleworks from within a season or 2 of it's opening, I am filled with sentimentality and a natural criticism of Modern Merlin and IP attractions. 
 
However:-
 
I really did enjoy the Gruffalo for what it was, I appreciated its newness and freshness and found this preferable to viewing a decaying classic - which previously just made me sad! 
This is now a stand-out piece of theme park immersion for the UK, The visuals and multi-sensory effects really excited me and drew me in, In particular the use of 'scent cannons' throughout the ride and a good balance between animatronics and projection effects! in particular I was impressed by the 'waterfall' effect which made use of projection onto textured scenery!  I experienced instant comparisons with Europa park's Arthur attraction, which can only be a good thing! 
 
A downside Is the obvious Dead-spots and blank walls, with no effort in some areas to hide Vents, Pipes, wires, electric plugs  and staff hatches! In other parks these would have been hidden with strategically placed screens, drapes, foliage etc - particularly when you look up and can see the warehouse corners! I think with the newer slower pace of the boats means you have longer to notice all of this - as well as it depending which way your facing - a case in point being the first scene  with the giant book - if you face the other way (viewing the rest of that room) - you see a badly painted blue wall! 
 
Some of the animatronics could have done with being a bit more complex too - I know the characters are cartoony - but a moving jaw here and there would have added to the whole and added a further dimension to the 'fibre-glassy' look of the figures! 
 
The thing that concerns me with the Gruffalo like with many other merlin attractions is - 'Is an attraction only as good as its first season' - once the effects start to stop working - the ride will quickly loose its magic - It only works so well due to the sum of all its effects working! 
 
Another thought was the last room - the 'finale' - this could do with a lot more 'magic' - something climatic - it just feels a bit 'meh' - all the best effects seem to have been used earlier in the ride! - saying that I loved the fog projection before re-entering the station! (how long will that work for). 
 
THE other problem is the rest of Chessington now needs to catch up with the Gruffalos level of Immersion!