AstroDan

Why do you think it's stupid? Would you rather it was a sinister/evil sounding name?

Regarding the name, as has been said, at least we haven't got yet another generic Merlin style evil name! The Swarm, Saw - The Ride Raptor Krake Th13teen The Smiler is nothing of the like, so it's certainly a unique approach. Really glad it's all in the open, now.

I just find myself asking the question 'why?'. I can presume they feel that since 2012 wasn't a blockbuster, that they need to drag another year of major marketing out of the Swarm. Could they not have given an older major attraction a new lease of life? The back rows were my favourite place to ride on Swarm as it was. Now, that won't be possible. When I first heard rumour of this a couple of months ago I genuinely thought it was some kind of joke!

I presume the above is connected with the project, but presumably the media company that produced it hasn't made the final cut? Certainly is cool, though!

Have you totally missed the Ministry of Joy / The Sanctuary? The whole purpose of the MoJ, who are behind the new ride, is that they wish to conduct marmalisation onto subjects - thus making them smile permanently. It is all about social compliance. "The Smiler" is matched to the theme/story of the ride. If they had wanted to just give it a name to match the steel, it would have just been called 'Loopy' or something!

Just in case anyone thought it was a photoshop or the images were fake, a well known TS forum member who is in London has dropped down to London to get photo's which are on the TS facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/TowersStreet Loving all the name hate. It fits perfectly. I'm not a fan of the use of 'The' but apart from that, it fits the bill and depicts the ride exactly.

But again, the name 'The Smiler' only works in context. In that regard, it's a good name. Therefore, the park need to do quite a lot of marketing in the coming weeks that focuses on the idea behind the ride, so people can understand. 'The Smiler' was trademarked months ago, it seems absolutely plausible that it's the name.

As expected, looks like The Smiler is the name. It works perfectly with the theme, and is totally in context. It doesn't 'roll of the tongue' as well as some other coaster names, but if Alton Towers seek to develop a totally coherent and themed attraction, then I would rather have a name in context than something more loose fitting.

Parque Warner I enjoy more than PortAventura. It's a cracking place, even if it's been lacking investment. Some really great coasters - the closest park in Europe to being in Orlando. Has a totally different feel to the 'charm' of say Europa-Park, Phantasialand, Efteling etc. which makes it quite a different kind of park from the usual things I look for. It also has some dark rides, which is more than can be said for PA. For me, the best park in Spain. Parque de Attraciones is pretty much entirely forgettable!

I think that given how big 2009, 2010 and 2012 were (even 2011 wasn't that small, with a fair few developments around the park/resort), 2013 was always going to be a lesser affair. However, with the long list of parkwide improvements that they always carry out - I am sure there'll be plenty of subtle changes for next season, in addition to the more major things. 2014 will be another big year (the dark ride/coaster budget is pretty big if I recall correctly), and 2015 is their 40th birthday - so another potential biggy. A 6th hotel has been touted on a Dutch website - with a lower star rating, located adjacent to the Tipi Village (therefore, a western theme). More to come on that, hopefully. A concept image for the Magic Cinema theming: Image from www.eprust.com

Just to confirm what they are doing for 2013: Magic Cinema 4D: Being fully themed with a new interior design, all new seating. Parisian/Art Nouveau/Moulin Rouge style. Enchanted Forest: Expansion Phase 2. Six new buildings featuring different fairytales told through animatronics, audio and story. Eden Palladium: Fully restored 1909 Salon Carousel. Confertainment: New Confertainment venues adjacent to the main entrance. Nothing major

The Swarm is hardly a model for success, given how poor Thorpe Park performed in 2012. That said, I can see a major ramp-of marketing next week or so!

It's spreading. We now have University Station in Birmingham:

Super, SUPER news out of Alton Towers! Oblivion repaint - whatever next!

Euro Mir Rave required. Is it just me or does Thorpe Park in recent years seem to have been entirely desperate on non-major installation years? Unless the park installs a big coaster, they seem to have no idea...

I am a teacher. And regarding pay, the trip to the USA next summer will cost about the same as my Florida trip did in 2010. I haven't had such a big holiday since then, I will be away for 2 weeks and it's a road trip. I am currently saving for it quite heavily. Europa-Park I tend to go twice a year at a minumum anyway and you'd be suprised how little it can cost to go when you drive and share the car.

Quite a big year for me, 2013! Plans: - Alton Towers (regular basis) - Thorpe Park (x2 or x3) - Chessington (x1 or x2) - Legoland (x1) - DMP (x1) - PB (x1) - Lightwater Valley (x1) - Flamingoland (x1) - Plopsaland (x1) - Europa-Park (x2) - Six Flags New England (x1) - Lake Compounce (x1) - Six Flags Great Adventure (x1) - Busch Gardens Williamsburg (x1) - Kings Dominion (x1) - Knoebels (x1) - Kennywood (x1) - Hersheypark (x1) - Cedar Point (x1)

Hopefully there'll be some good on the BK outlet. The Cloud Cuckoo Land outlet at Alton Towers is currently being re-done, and it's probably going to fit in better than ever - with a bright yellow paint job and astro turf roof! There are some pictures on www.facebook.com/towersstreet I suppose it depends on CWOA's budgets?

I agree in theory, but we're still well over 2 months from the original date. I think it would be a different argument entirely if we were, say, 2 or 3 weeks before. It's still 10 weeks, 1 day until the start of the season.

Only the haters, or those who find any excuse to have a go, would be genuinely 'annoyed'. We still have well over 2 months from the original 'planned' opening date, so it'll be plenty of time to shuffle those visiting arrangements. Delayed rides is nothing new around the world as we're all well aware - we wouldn't want a Saw situation where it 'opens' - but then just spends the first week pretty much closed entirely... they need to get this right, and if that means a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 week postponement - then so be it.

Ignore Ride Rater. There is infamous ill communication between contact centres and the actual theme park. That sounds daft, but it's true. As for the delay on the ride - it would appear that it could well be set for a delayed opening. I would imagine it is safer for them to announce this, rather than to continue allow people to book for March whether for just one day or hotels aswell - when this coul risk causing them a lot of bad guest satisfaction in the event that the ride does not open. So, to play it safe - for now, withdraw adverts proclaiming a 16th March opening, Then, as soon as possible, decide whether to announce a late (Easter?) opening. Either way, as long as when the attraction does open, it is complete - I am happy. I really couldn't give a hoot if it doesn't open in March - so long as what we do eventually get is a top quality rollercoaster experience.

I think Whirlwind is a decent ride, just badly looked after. At the end of the day, a spinning Maurer is a solid family ride for any park. With a bit of a refurb, and TLC - this could be a cracking ride for GY.

Another factor for me is that surely Thorpe Park's target market, principally young people including many of school age, simply won't have the money to spend on a night out like this? Not to mention the fact that in no way is Thorpe Park a 2-day attraction (yet).

Personally, I am just suprised that the B&B prices are similar to those charged by resort hotels at Chessington and Alton Towers. I just assumed they'd be a fair bit less.

It was made by a friend of mine. Haha! It's great, though. This sort of thing really helps in the marketing of rides - it's already been viewed over 2,000 times!