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The only problem with Fright Nights and Reserve N Ride, is the fact Horror Mazes are incredibly low capacity combined with the more pressing issue that Mazes are very temperamental they shut down, emergency stops, actors getting punched, etc, etc, very rare can a maze go a few hours without something happening, and that could have a nasty nasty effect on all queues. However I do encourage this system for Fright Nights, if there is an attraction I would never ever, ever wish to wait for if I get half a chance is those bloody maze queues, they are simply nasty! So I am all for Reserve N Ride on such rides, although I agree with others there should be no standby queue.

Are Chessington flexible on working hours, I.e. if you were only able to start after lectures etc of Uni, for instance starting 12? or something like that? I am guessing they have high demand for staff over weekends? How many hours do most staff do and is that done over 1/2 days or over the whole week? Thinking of the average Student Worker? What time do most staff leave at the end of the day, when I mean leave, like actually free from any more tasks and heading for the car/train? If for instance an average 5 closing time?

Cool Fact...Went on a behind the scenes tour yesterday...want to know the main reason why the body does not squirt water all the time...Because they have to keep the water at Body Temperature because that is what it is meant to be...and as was the case yesterday, the heater had broken...Hahahaha. Thought that was a great fact!

Don't know whether its been mentioned. But they will be doing Behind the scenes tours of the Horror Mazes this year! Exciting!

http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/detail.cfm?pagetype=detail&subject=news&codeID=310722 Kind of beats the Curse from Thorpe Park! hahaha

I just admit, it would be dire for Skegness, it will go in the exact same direction as Margate...and fast! I liked the coasters when I went on them, however I agree, it was all mix match, and I won't be sorry to see it go, but I really do hope some of those coasters get transferred...go on Thorpe Park just buy some of those rides cheap, Theme it was another trashed, apocalypse/saw theme and you will be well away!

Has that extension queue of Samurai ever been used...I know they built it when Saw was brand new in the expectation for higher demand, yet I have never seen it exceed its original queue size? It would be a bloody long wait if someone was to wait all of that!

Why did they not keep the Fungle Safari Queue as part of the Asylum queue like they did a few years ago? I agree it is rather quiet about a New Maze or a returning maze...in all honesty they may bring it back as the original Freezer...just to stop those pedantic...I mean...loving individuals that like to moan about the Asylum's intentions! The Asylum must be one of the cheapest mazes to run, because there is little upkeep needed apart from fences, Strobes and Smoke, in comparison to the likes of Cabin or Valentine??

It's strange to see so many people complain *Discuss* about a rides roughness. I have only really ever found Saw rough once, and that was the VIP Day on its original opening. After this time, I feel the ride does its job well, and I am not a fan of completely smooth rides, I do much prefer a Wooden Coaster (Major example the Wild Mouse at BPB). I certainly understand that air time hill, it does catch people by surprise, but it is fantastic in my opinion. I understand most don't wish to get rattled to pieces, however at the same time, you have got to admit, there is something deathly dull about rides like the Swarm being so smooth (not saying the Swarm is dull, but just this particular issue), you may disagree, but that's my opinion. Saw is an excellent crowd puller, and I don't see Thorpe Park changing this anytime soon. Sorry but the Smiler really is just 10 times worse...although not as rough because of its natural design it literally throws you to the point of no return! But I really do love the Smiler!

That does seem strange to say the least...let alone the fact that its August and most people with Annual Passes do not think about going to a theme park until about a week or two before going (if not later than that) it seems a bit of a farce if I have to schedule my trip to Thorpe Park right now...which is a shame because someone like myself has no clue where I will be in a month, when I will be free, etc. However my only thought is that either they really are cracking down on it, or they are just doing the bulks in stages, and further allocations will be offered.

Am I the only person who has always felt Slammer should have had the spray of water at the base of each side of the arm, spurting up as the ride went up, and subsequently getting people wet...like Ripsaw, etc? I always felt it would have enhanced the overall experience and would have visually made it look even more stunning!

if you read the magazine from that site, the section with Varney and Merlin...you can see that Merlin intend to focus mainly on Medium Attractions, as it seems assets, Beta and all sorts play their part in larger attractions...not least risk factor, especially with Share Holders now in toe, all looking for their fair profit. I am just hoping Merlin can see the success of the new Wooden Roller Coaster in Ireland and follow suit!

I thought that exact thing when I saw it! haha

Merlin have made further gains in profit and visitor numbers for the first half of 2014! Read here, as well as a statement from Nick Varney. http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/detail.cfm?pagetype=detail&subject=news&codeID=310564

Yeah I do mean Merlin Annual Pass Friends and Family Tickets...So wait are you referring to two seperate incidents...or can I officially go with my other group member (who is not an annual pass holder) with her Friends and Family ticket and get ERT the same as us?

That was my friend who did that video. She is part of the restoration team for Dreamland. But I can safely say to anyone who thinks Dreamland is on the move...it really isn't, I live near Margate, and went past it even yesterday, and it really is concrete with a very very sorry looking Wooden Coaster in the middle of what looks like now an abandoned industrial site. I have already expressed my views on Dreamland, but I really do not see it succeeding. I fear it will lose its battle either way. Sadly, Margate itself is not up to scratch that is required to ensure visitors from over the country to come visit it, especially with its limited nieche market for traditional rides. Sadly it just, in my opinion, won't succeed after a few years...that's if the project even starts at all! Nonetheless I hope it succeeds, and I will be the first one back when and if it is complete!

I am surprised Management didn't go crazy over that cup incident. I know its harmless fun, but I can't imagine Nick Varney being very impressed if he saw that. But don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have seen it, and would have had a great laugh! haha

Does anyone know if Merlin Annual Pass Friends get ERT?

See ironically I think the Air Show would be fantastic for a promotional point of view. Just for instance they have the Red Arrows (of course this would never happen, or highly unlikely to happen), but can you imagine the Marketing/Video advertisement Thorpe Park Resort could do as they fly over spraying the Red, White and Blue across the park! (Watch a Silverstone F1 Highlights to see what I mean). However yeah, exactly ride heights are a major problem, however it could be done across the lake once again, at a distance from the actual rides. The same to be said for Alton, I always felt a Classics Car gathering would suit the Grounds of Alton Towers...a miniature Goodwood if you will, however those ideas are a little far fetched to be honest with you, even me the omniscient can see that one (Yes guys, I actually am admitting error in my ways).

I wish the inside had been themed a little better, but it is a unique world inside, and perhaps anything more would have ruined the ride...after all it is meant to confuse the hell out of you...so why not start with the backstory or lack of! haha

The only way the Spring Clean idea could work is if Thorpe Park made an investment in capital gaining events such as Concerts, Clubbing Nights, and so on...to a higher marketed level that is. I.e. promote Late Nights as THE thing for 2015, as well as all sorts of artists performing...if that makes any sense. And to be honest it would be nice to have something like that rather than just a small ride. I think if they made the Events new for 2015, it could attract a substantial crowd, especially if they were on far more regularly next year. Personally I think Thorpe miss tricks on like Pool Parties, Foam Parties, etc in the summer during the day. As well as perhaps a totally new stunt show for the summer, or water jet/speed boat show. I did even think about this a while back, but if Thorpe Park were trying to attract the family market, perhaps an air show during the summer would be an excellent idea...(yes I know certain rides, and heights, etc) but imagine, the views around Thorpe Park to watch an air show would be fantastic, a lake and an island, and this would certainly draw in the family market. Perhaps a little premature here but you could go as far as to get competitions, although the Red Bull Air Race is unlikely, similar smaller competitions would be fantastic. Furthermore there are areas that Thorpe Park could have Pleasure Rides on Speed Boats, a cost effective thrill...obviously Health and Safety would have to be assessed. But it does surprise me there is no Ski place, Bannana Boat, Ringo, etc, etc. Not least for Hotel Guests now! (Whether this be a paid extra or included is debatable). Personally it is very frustrating to have a beautiful lake, and it is not capitalised by the park...lets get some Ski competitions, Pleasure Rides and anything else! However these are all suggestions, that could potentially boost capital and popularity...making the park not just about rides...it would be excellent for the long haul as well, to promote the multi functional Thorpe Park Resort! So there you go that's what I think should be in Thorpe Parks Resort 2015!

2015 looks like it will be going in the direction of an Ultimatum in refurbishment. No rides announced, nothing seems to be hitting the soil (literally), it looks like it could be a 2015 mega Spring Clean, which is much needed. Updating everything from Queue lines, painting, audio, and TV Screen capabilities. This in my head is actually the ideal solution, I would go as far as to say I would hope to see even a duster out to get the cobwebs out from Loggers Leap, etc. It would be nice to see such areas as the Old Safari Ride Queue Line Fencing get replaced with something appeasing on the eye. Canada Creek overhauled. Finally it would be nice to see The Dome get a revamp, some of the 'Childish' theming should go, and be replaced more related to the Shark theme, (yes I know its already Neptunes, but needs to be more Thorpe Park Clinical), and create stage capabilities for a professional Ministry of Sound, rather than the temporary stage at the moment. So all in all, everything needs updating, refreshing and make the park gleam like it once did.

Aaand my point about people ripping peoples posts apart is loud and clear right here...Especially as they quote extracts to completely contradict what others say. If I don't know...as you so BOLDLY put it...why the hell do we even have this forum discussing a park that is not in any existence or has yet to even have any plans of any proper description. I am sick and tiered of people on here assuming the other is thick. I simply mentioned the Theme Park Comment because many were complaining about a Theme Park not being a theme park without a coaster...and I did not agree with that statement! I have seen the likes of Dreamland Margate falter to the ground, hence I do not see why Paramount will not follow suit until I see a JCB on site starting the trenches.

I theme park technically is simply a Themed Park...it does not actually have any coaster or attraction, but an experiences of different themes...to be exact...but we adopted the idea of rides...because of Mr Walter Disney (who sadly gets mentioned very rarely) that we think of Theme Parks with coasters, rides and shows...but in actual fact it is simply the theming. I am very pesimistic about this Paramount Park, I do not believe much will happen for many many years, or if it will even happen at all. All is speculation at the moment. What it will offer is something of the Harry Potter Studios (on a larger scale), combined probably with Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. What Paramount will be offering is something totally different to a Thorpe Park or Alton Towers...and irrelevant how good Paramount park will be, the novelty will wear off quicker than an established Merlin based theme park. It will most likely serve the same function as the Harry Potter Studios...most will only visit once, maybe twice, but three times really may be pushing it. (Obviously some people have been more, but on the whole...I use the word again...the average person probably will not return, because most Dark Ride Experiences are not Re-ride worthy in the public eye, in comparison to a Roller Coaster or larger attractions.

Having done Port Aventura's 'White Night'...I really felt Thorpe Park could do the same. I know we don't have the temperatures or weather to do it...but the idea is fantastic and could suit Thorpe Park Resort very well. Not saying that keeping the park open until 4AM would work but until Midnight/1ish would be a fantastic idea...for special occasions once or twice in the summer. What made it different was the festival/party atmosphere...the lights change everything...when I went there was a Brazilian theme, hence Brazilian Drummers and dancers travelling around the park with their loud drums, which really kept everyone going, and having a great time. Imagine, Thorpe could do much the same...but probably more likely in close links with their music (Ministry of Sound) partnership. I know they already do Summer Nights and Clubbing Nights...but keeping the park open perhaps once in the summer would make it THE place to be. It was a great way to start the Summer Season at the park. And I think Thorpe Park could do the same, with live music being played throughout the evening across the park...Perhaps the street performances/stunts, etc, etc. It is a certain way to capitalise on selling rooms, Fastrack and most importantly...Food...with such a long period people will almost be forced to buy not only lunch but dinner as well. Logistically it is a nightmare...but it certainly pays dividends and done right could be the next best thing to Fright Night...with a themed party atmosphere. This also offers the opportunity for a more substantial 'Evening Ticket' I know most will just argue...Summer Nights is fine. But in reality you have to experience a White Night for yourself...and it is a lot of fun...and you certainly feel a different atmosphere. Especially with the foam parties and stages across the park, really was special...not forgetting also that it is a surreal world to be going to a major attraction at half 2 in the morning!