Coaster

^ Okay fair enough, it's a bigger area than you'd think! Still, they would have a lot of trees to chop down if they were going to put a coaster in!

Really? Looked a lot smaller than that on Google Earth.

Aside from the barking dogs and viking figure, there are supposed to be two "beacons" or fire that are just on all the time (near the wolf's head) but they don't always work. Then of course there's the massive projected viking on the way up that shouts at you, I hope that was working! My favourite ride Also, I like the backwards drop, but it would be better if the blackout for it was a few metres longer (so it was in total darkness rather than dropping through the door).

Which did you prefer? (Never got to ride it as Nutty Jakes)

I can't think of what could replace it as it's a really small space (dominated by trees, apart from the building the ride is in which kind of snakes through them - look on Google Earth). It could be the return of Nutty Jake's Gold Mine - they did make a tiny hint about it on Facebook a while back I think.

^ Thanks for the TR and it's nice to hear that you enjoyed it (as it's my favourite park). It is a bummer when you go there and the Big One's shut, but it is beyond their control (when it's due to wind). I disagree with what you say about the woodies, as I find them much more enjoyable than smooth steel coasters - but it is all down to opinion! I agree that Wallace and Gromit is a brilliant dark ride, and yes the slippers have always been in pairs Personally I like wristbands. I really agree with what you say about the cleanliness of the park though - it really looks superb now and a lot better than the Merlin parks.

^ Beat me to it! Seriously though, noooo!

What is the strobe on the inside queue like? Is it constant?

I'm finally going to Drayton Manor for their fireworks event on Saturday 2nd November! Never been before, so looking forward to it.

Well, the UK still has advances to make which have already been made elsewhere. Personally though, I hope that once the boundaries have been pushed to the limit, manufacturers start looking at what makes a good ride again (rather than what gimmick/world's first can we put on this?)

^ I agree, I want to find out what it is!

Saw Alive is hands on shoulders! If you get at the front of the line, make your friend go at the front, and at the back if you are at the tail end. I would recommend The Asylum as your first maze - it's by far the best (in my opinion) but is not the scariest. My friend (who was so petrified of going in for years) really enjoyed it and came out laughing!

On a more positive note, one of my friends has been terrified of going in mazes for years and had never been in one. After talking him through the Asylum and a lot of persuasion, he finally came in it with us yesterday and he loved it!

Yeah you take your bags with you, it's fine.

Send a member of staff down from the station then! At least make an announcement down the PA - I know it probably wouldn't stop them but would at least look like the park is making an effort.

^ All they need to do is call security to come down the queue and get the smokers out of the queue.

Staff are still allowed to tell guests off though! NOT ONCE did I see anyone tell people smoking in queues to put them out - and there was literally not a queue without people smoking in it!

Must have been a different instance - in my case a group of chavs were hammering on the doors, then swore at the actor when he (rightly so) told them off. They should have just been sent out of the queue - much like a lot of the instances. Smokers in the queue, people trying to mug a woman and people in fights should all be ejected from the park. Security are useless, and the ride staff even worse. It's always "don't do it again..."

Security on park are NOT strict enough. The idiots on park today were so horrendous it really did make it hard to enjoy the day at all. We witnessed: - A woman almost being mugged by a group of t***s running past (they didn't manage it as we asked her if she was alright afterwards). - A serious fight outside the arena - Idiots smacking the walls in the MBV queue, causing the actor in the first room to have to come out and shout at them (should have just kicked them out). - Tons of queueline smokers (NOT ONCE did I see a member of staff tell them off). - People having DRY SEX in a corner outside the (closed) Ben and Jerry's kiosk - I'm sure there were a few drunk people at the end of the night - General threatening, abusive behaviour around the park and in the queues. It was absolutely horrible, and the staff/security are not strict enough at all! Really ruined our day, and I shall be getting in contact with Thorpe tomorrow.

^ What on earth has happened! I have been three times this year to FN and the actors have always been on top form (and much better than previous years), so what is going on? My only guess is that Thorpe have made a significant number of the actors redundant, therefore the ones left are grumpy and de-motivated. Whilst unlikely, I can't think of any other reason for the lack of actors, and the ones there being crap. If it's like this on Sunday I will be complaining. As for the idiots on park, they should all be ejected.

Next Friday could be quite busy, as it is the day before term and I think that a few schools have an inset day.

I agree with this - hopefully they'll sort it out over closed season. (As well as bringing back the entrance theme! )

I'm going to Alton Towers on 30th, 31st October and 1st November. I know it'll be busy, but we plan to take advantages of Single Rider Queues (we don't mind sitting apart). Is the Single Rider Queue for The Smiler good?

This Sunday probably won't be too bad at Fright Nights either. Saturdays are always the busiest day at Fright Nights (apart from in school holidays).

Sorry didn't see haha