th13teen

Thats a shame, however I have never done Chessington over the Halloween period, is it actually worth a visit? Obviously its not scary, but is there a good ambience at Chessington during that time!?

I don't think you will hear that much of a change from SW7 and Oblivion! Look at Saw at Thorpe Park, the screams heard from Saw are nowhere near the levels of say Colossus or Swarm, so I don't think that will be a problem, however the similarity in height will be a problem! I fear the main problem will be guests mainly saying something along the lines of this, 'SW7 (Name not confirmed yet) is great but thats what they should have done with Oblivion, SW7, is so much better because it goes upside down' Unfortunalty thats what many guests will say, because they will not appreciate Oblivions history and acheivements!

However the other twist, is that I am sure Alton have offered to pay a lot for them to move house, and probably a fair amount! However they are persistent. So I can see why they are annoyed, I just do not see how they think they can stop a multi million pound attraction! I think they have got to look at there neighbours and realise they should just take the compensation money and get the heck out of there! Thats what I would do anyway!

I think its a very good ride, all in all considering! However its not going to be long before it ends up being a Dual, which includes a half decent ride but no one goes on it, and it will be walk on all the time, which will be a shame to see such rides, not on peoples to-do list!

To celebrate The Swarm, during the peak summer, they could have a water stunt show, which would include fire effects and overall destruction in the theme of The Swarm!

I have realised I love the rain, because it really does keep people away, and yes it hurts the face, but as long as you don't sit at the front its great! I went last weekend on Saturday, and I got on The Swarm 5 times in sucsession with no queue! I also got on literally everything, I can usually do most of the rides, but I got to 3 in the afternoon and realised I had done everything (except Rumba rapids, I'm 16! ) All in all a good trip!

The promblem is, any novice that arrives at the park thinks the charge is alright, because its not as bad as what some pay and display or other venues would charge. This means that the parks know they can charge it, without any question. However we find the price rather extortionate for what it is! Its a shame, however I would not be suprised if parking is increased according to what event is going on. Role on £10 for the summer event, £13 for Fright Nights and £20-25 for Thorpe Park fireworks! Thats if we to work on the same level as say the O2 arena! I recon most would still pay and not question it!

Now that Ministry are taking up a more permenant residents at Thorpe Park, I really could see MOS sponsoring X and renovating it, into the type of attraction that would resemble the music, I.e. nightclub. Obviously a lot of money would have to go in it, but a deal like Ministry of sound could drasticaly improve the ride. If you could imagine, Ministry of sound could advertise its latest albums, via the music and queueline and maybe rollercoaster screens! Yes it would be a soul less commercial attraction, but would be far better, so what do you think? Ministry of sound; presents X:/

I didn't know the rule prior to going, I went and saw the sign, but was confronted by the most arrogant of staff members, who gave me no reason apart from a quick flash of his finger to the sign! Which I thought was simply pig ignorance! To be simply honest its age discrimintation, and theres nothing more too it, to put it into comparison, Thorpe could deny entry to all youths, because they are sterotypically the ones who carry knives, spit swear and cause havoc as an example. Its not my fault that I am 16, and I do not think I should be punished because of other youths in my age brackets, pig ignorance! I don't wan't to cause a fight over it, but its not fair. To be turned away from a ride that I have ridden more than I can remember, is a real 'head-down' moment, because it made me feel crap, because they think that I am going to cause trouble, yet I want to work within the Merlin business!

I thought the restriction was totally unfair today! I am 16 and I was on my own, I don't think I look intimidating; the park was dead and raining. Yet they still enforced the rule, I felt that was totally unjust, because it’s a stupid rule anyway, but come on be reasonable, when there are empty boats going round! Disgusting behavior from Thorpe Park! I argued the toss that I was on my own, and that I wouldn't be able to cause trouble on my own (otherwise I would just be sad) It’s not fair, I was having a great day, and happily went on the teacups, storm surge and whatever else that’s more children friendly and enjoyed it! It’s not fair, because you could say that is singling out an age group, therefore making them inferior! I am sorry Thorpe, but it is disgusting, and the embarrassment that I had to face being turned away from a ride that I could once enjoy.

I am going this Saturday, and I was wondering how long the queue is for buying tickets? I have an AP but my friends have to buy tickets with there BOGOF vouchers, Its just I don't wan't to be stuck in a ticket queue for half an hour if I can go on a few rides! Plus will it be busy considering its meant to be pissing down-if you will pardon the pun!

As I have said, Welcome to the 'NEW' horror maze for Fright Nights 2012! Urgh! I am not the dissopointed, because I would not have been going probably when it was operating anyway, because they would have been busy days!...but as I am sure has and will be said, its another attraction that stands now vacant!

This may be pointless to some, however in the past few days I have purchased and received my McLaren t-shirts for the 2012 F1 season, and when I got the shirts I looked at them and felt the shirts (with little tweaks) would really suit Thorpe Park staff, is not all the Merlin Theme parks! If you look at the shirt you can see its 100% polyester, so it’s comfortable and cool (summer obliviously) I was thinking that the Wight shirt would be perfect for ride staff and general staff. It may seem crazy, but let me give you a run down;http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=mclaren+shirts+2012+front+and+back&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=571&tbm=isch&tbnid=zOiKrErYAmMP_M:&imgrefurl=http://www.grandprixproducts.com/store/prod.aspx%3Ft%3D1%26d%3D2%26c%3D187%26p%3D2336&docid=jzP1sjEbUrQYLM&imgurl=http://www.grandprixproducts.com/uploadedimages/storeimages/large/p2336.large.png&w=425&h=251&ei=GLt5T_foEoiJ0AWRucmUDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=313&vpy=64&dur=1094&hovh=172&hovw=292&tx=115&ty=124&sig=110966300876112842957&page=1&tbnh=87&tbnw=147&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0Vodafone advertisement; Thorpe Park logoMercedes logo; Merlin EntertainmentsMobil 1; 'Staff'On the rear of the shirt, it would have a larger Thorpe Park logo as well as the year under, with possibly 'staff' printed on the back.The sleeves would feature not only the park logos, but possibly Merlin’s current main advertiser 'MasterCard' and possibly a few of the ride logos and other theme parks.The current 'rocket red' strips around the shoulder and neck would be changed into blue and orange/red to fit in with the Thorpe park colors.Sorry, if you do not like the idea, but I feel having staff in a more 'team' style clothing would really add to the park, it also could be a new venture for the parks to go into 'Official team/park clothing' to sell to the General public, to make the GP feel part of the park, just like a football club or any sports team has. Its probably hard to get your heads around my idea, yes there is money involved, and so therefore 'it will never happen' however I feel if you could offer a product that really stands and gets the GP's attention, then you are on to a winner, it would mean every year people would want that years clothing range, usually clothes that only staff get to wear (there lies a problem) if everyone in the park looks the same, how will people know who are the staff?Here lies the wording 'Staff' on the actual shirts and the GP shirts will have 'Official member' or something similar.If you have a brand of official wear and not just a random hoddie with stealth’s logo on it, think of the possibilities it opens to exploit even more money out of, if say Thorpe park decided to do something similar to my idea, they would slowly run the old clothing out of stock and slowly bring in a new design, that really is appeasing on the eye, that can then be put in the park stores and sold for a decent price because 'you' are becoming part of the 'team' and it is 'you' that is showing your support for 'Thorpe park' or whatever park that would have it.I also felt General staff could wear something like that, whereas the Tickets and customer service staff would wear these types of polo’s;http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=mclaren+polo&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=571&tbm=isch&tbnid=lfQWl4ync5p9XM:&imgrefurl=http://vfmcm.official-merchandise.com/Vodafone-McLaren-Lifestyle-Male-Black-Polo-Shirt-VML505.htm&docid=rH8QdVAUKinHNM&imgurl=http://vfmcm.official-merchandise.com/images/uploaded/VML505%252520LIFESTYLE%252520POLO%252520ANTH.jpg&w=500&h=500&ei=R7x5T-jTJ4ew0QWXhqWbDQ&zoom=1http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=mclaren+polo&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=571&tbm=isch&tbnid=lfQWl4ync5p9XM:&imgrefurl=http://vfmcm.official-merchandise.com/Vodafone-McLaren-Lifestyle-Male-Black-Polo-Shirt-VML505.htm&docid=rH8QdVAUKinHNM&imgurl=http://vfmcm.official-merchandise.com/images/uploaded/VML505%252520LIFESTYLE%252520POLO%252520ANTH.jpg&w=500&h=500&ei=R7x5T-jTJ4ew0QWXhqWbDQ&zoom=1A far more simple however yet formal shirt,Vodafone McLaren Mercedes; Thorpe Park StaffRear McLaren Symbol; small embroded Thorpe Park logoI feel it should be embroyded on the shirt and should be given a different color change from the rocket red to blue and orange, to symbolize Thorpe parks colors.It could cause confusion you may say, however I feel with the right amount of care and attention, I feel staff-wear like this could in fact be a smart way of going about the Merlin Business.I would recommend all staff as they do currently have a Thorpe Park lanyard, which also GP could purchase with 'Official member' written on instead of 'Staff'You have to look at the Merlin Parks as a brand, And I feel they are not exploiting what it could be, I can go to nearly any Theme Park and see at least 1 person with ride logo hoddies/shirts, but I don't feel that sells itself to everyone else who look at that shirt, in fact half the time most people will not know what 'the swarm' on a shirt means. Therefore if you create something that staff and guests would love to wear and be proud to show off their support, then you have created something that can advertise the business and the sponsors, if the parks so wished to add to the shirt.In my opinion it is just like a sport, most fans will have the team shirt and wear it every time they watch their team, so why not the theme parks? They have explored some angles however, not to the depth I feel they should explore!Sorry if this was in the wrong area, and feel free to lock it, ban it or insult it, if you so wish, or if you feel it has no place on this site. However I feel it was worth mentioning, and thank you for reading and listening to my ideas, feel free to add what you feel should be added.Thanks very much,Th13teen

I always said Thorpe Park needed to work with Ministry of Sound because it fitted in with the Thorpe Park clientel! Yet no one seemed to listen! (expect thorpe park!) lol

Not to be critical Benin but the area is full when there is a show on, completely jam packed! I think its great that they are providing such a large area for a show area, this means they have great plans for it because its not cheap, nor is it quick.The annual pass queue was incredibly long at Thorpe Park, but I went to get my one renewed after going on the Swarm, so it was about 12, by that time there was no queue at all!And yeah I was amazed at how easy it was just to talk to him about the things we both love, at such (what feels like) such a down to earth level.

Not to be a moaner but The Swarm is very good but its not outstanding as some are saying it to be, the theming is great and the ride is smooth, flowing and great fun, but I don't think you can call any of the ride very intense or terrifying, which is a bit of a shame, but it is a very nice ride, I would probably put it on par with Air at Alton Towers if it was not for the theming!I will not be suprised, if by Summer, the entire right hand side of the train will be Fastrack only (excluding front seat)Not to be critical, its just my view.Can I ask, £20 million it cost, but I don't see how the Swarm could have cost 20 million, I mean I could see it being 16-18 but not 20 million, is this because its basicly a Royals Royce of Rollercoasters, the theme or what? (I suppose I would understand if it included the infill of lake)

I went to the AP day today, after trying The Swarm at Thorpe Park, got my AP at a ‘dead’ AP office (never seen that before!) Arrived: 1 PM We were greeted by far friendlier staff as to Thorpe Park’s staff, there was a relaxed and family atmosphere around the park, and all staff said hello, thanks and goodbye on every ride and outlet that I attended today. The Annual Pass issuing at Chessington was obviously a problem because there were large queues at all AP offices all day, but the park really was very quiet, according to the staff though, it was busier earlier but the rain meant many left early. Dragon’s fury and Cobra was walk on rides as well as many others, the only ride that had a queue was vampire with 15 minutes! Vampire was a nice surprise for me because I was riding solo (I am a family of 3) Therefore they asked for a single from the queue for the front row next to me. Low and behold halfway up the chain lift we start chatting about Vampire, only to realise it was Shaun Sanbrooke, from the YouTube videos that I and many others would agree is very good news and Info. I have never had a proper conversation on a rollercoaster like that before, but it was great to chat to another enthusiast by complete accident, both of which attended the Th13teen event, what were the odds of that!

Sorry that I was so pessimistic about The Swarm! I went today and it far exceeded my expectations! Weather: RainingTemperature: 9-12 degreesArrival: 9:50 (gates opened much earlier though)Swarm queue time (10 AM) 90 Minutes (No fastrack for 1 hour), this was the total queue in operation, no more and no less. It included the section over the other side of the station.Opinion of queue; The queue is actually rather enjoyable, yes it is rather chaotic and zigzag everywhere in a few square meters, but the constant TV news playing builds great tension, as well as the queue constantly within the action of the swarm. The queue moves beautifully at the moment because they had either no or very few fastrack, it’s a great feeling to know you are getting somewhere, however I did notice the difference at about 11, when fastrack was put into operation, I worry that it will become worse! The queue line is entertaining for theme and is nice and open so you do not feel like a sardine!Station: looks good, however the Front queue ticket holders cause great confusion and headaches for staff and guests, the front seat queue was really short and I was only a few cars behind my original position.Area: looked great and reminded me of the Saw area when that first opened.Thoughts and criticism;I don’t really have any, the ride is great (not top 10 great, but none the less) I worry that themes such as the News TV will eventually break and never be fixed, I did wonder why Thorpe don’t have real adverts in between parts of the ‘News coverage’...makes money and fits in unlike a random monitor in queue! I thought it was expected but disgraceful to sell fastrack for the swarm on the opening weekend, I don’t see why. Everyone should get a fair share, on the main opening weekend, and then sell fastrack!After The Swarm, it was about 12 and I left to go to Chessington AP which was very quite in comparison, but a great day all around!

Got a dilema, all my family passes are now standard and I plan to renew mine on the 18th March (does not expire untill april) however I am going to the Chessington AP day, and of course there system of issuing AP's is far better than the Thorpe way, but I would rather go to Thorpe first get a ride on the swarm then come over to Chessington to get my new AP but of course we only have a standard annual pass at the moment, but I am getting a premium this year. I don't really want to get an AP at thorpe park because I will probably spend 2 hours in an AP queue! What to do?

Why could they not have done a proper preview day? such as the th13teen preview weekend (which never happend properly)I am going to the Chessington AP day, but I am wondering whether to go to Thorpe first and get a ride on the swarm then leave at lunch time to go to Chessie or whether to enjoy almost a full day at Chessington then arrive at Thorpe about an hour before it closes! Any thoughts on what to do!?

I waited 2 hours to go on this piece of c#?p!!!

Well thorpe park is full of teenagers, and from my expereince with teenagers on a daily basis, they love to spit in the most unconventional ways possible! So, there will be a lot of spitting contests, especially considering they will have been waiting about 2 hours to get that far!

I am now officially excited for The Swarm now! As you know I really was not that eager, but now I have seen it, in more of its real glory I really do look forward to going on it now, although the station does not thrill me, I expected the station to be dark and less open however; I am yet to experience the overall product!

Its a fantastic ride, I actually love it, simply because it brings back childhood memories, gazing into the eyes of the Vampire, knowing I was too small to ride!

2013; clean the park up big time, including complete overhaul of the park (lick of paint everywhere, fix old effects and queuelines)The Entrance gets an overhaul and is made to look to represent a concert venue (O2 Arena)Halloween is extended to a Scarezone throughout with mazes within2014; Extreme sports facility (sking etc) plus the arena has a permenant stunt show (on selected dates of course!) The safari area would have either an X car like G force at Drayton or a ride like Inferno at Terra Mitica.The Dome has a revamp and is catered for minor concerts and events, it will also house a more extensive range of eating outlets in a calmer paced enviroment, with the glamour that would coincide with the night life feel of the dome.2015; XWTF is replaced with a coaster similar to Rock N Rollercoaster, Continued events to be held in the Arena.Stealth would house a yearly summer Nightlife event, in which Lighting and SFX and placed around Stealths inclines, and in the out of bounds area in the centre would be a large temporary stage, that would house the Nightclub, during the nighttime, all of which the SFX go in time with the Music creating the ultimate nightclub extraviganza!