Coaster

^ What about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

Does using Merlin's overall figures doesn't really add weight to their attendance figures as a theme park operator - given that the majority of their attractions are Sea Life aquariums or midways? I'd argue that a "theme park operator" is a different thing altogether and only makes up a small part of Merlin's overall figures.

But what about the running water in the queue scenes? It was fixed and looked great last year, however yesterday it wasn't working and the scenery was full of leaves, dirt etc.

Weird one today. All coasters were on two trains which was great, however a lot of rides were on staggered opening (11am) and there were a loads of breakdowns throughout the day. Thorpe just feels so dead this year IMO with so many attractions closed and/or boarded up, the place is in dire need of some proper investment.

Does anyone know why the rotating blades are still broken?

Queueline audio was off this morning, also no audio in the transition between pre-show and main showroom. The moving floor in the final scene was broken (already!) and headset was glitchy. Also I'm sure the second half was shorter than previously, where the woman said "I want to get off" she didn't get dragged off the train.

What happened to Tidal Wave's queueline effects being fixed? All were broken today and looked like they haven't been working in a while.

If the report is accurate then it's awful that a £30 million pound investment didn't increase gate figures - but with the delays & reliability issues last year is this really a surprise? The other issue, IMO, is that the ride isn't even enjoyable. Dark rides can be hugely successful, but I don't see the appeal of spending 20 minutes with a glorified TV on your face. And using the ride staff to create "scares?" Yawn.

I don't think this will necessarily be the case, Icon's layout is much longer than Star Trek Operation Enterprise (which almost seems to be over before it's started) and is overall a much larger project. The low-to-ground turns and airtime moments should hopefully make for a thrilling ride, and if Taron (which consists of turns and airtime hills as the main focus) is so highly regarded, why shouldn't this be the same - in theory of course! Throw in the near-misses with other coasters and hopeful effects & features, and I don't think it will be disappointing. I do have my reservations about Icon and don't think the launches will be much to write home about, but as an overall coaster I hope it'll be great for the UK.

Platform shouldn't return at all IMO - most pathetic attempt at a "scare" maze I've ever seen!

A few small changes to the area; Advertising signage;

Not sure what the piece is called but it sounded very generic and nondescript. The original music is far better IMO; https://youtu.be/bjoPh8ZOteM

Nothing working on Vikings River Splash, wrong music in The Dragon, fibre optics broken on Fairy Tale Brook, "not this way... that way" missing from Pirate Falls. Squid Surfer was good though, best ride there. Oh, and £4.50 for a hotdog?!

Icon construction update from this weekend just gone; Tunnel for launches 1 & 2; Turf going down; Banners & Merchandise;

Most likely because of the incident on Splash Canyon at Drayton Manor, as these are both rapids rides from the same manufacturer.

Horrible news, my thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone at Drayton Manor at this sad time.

I'd like to see the same model of flat as Loke at Liseberg, no gimmicks or "live action maze" - something thrilling, visual and reliable needs to replace Slammer. Vortex would need to be removed and replaced as well IMO.

Usually I'd be defending it as raucous and not rough, but the one ride I've had on Colossus this season was terrible.

Thorpe is really going to struggle on busy days this season with the reduced lineup, if one or two majors go down at once it'll be chaos. I hope they have a decent replacement lined up for Slammer, probably just an HB Leisure stall though.

Hope they haven't ruined it already!

Absolutely gutted, Slammer was an incredible experience and completely unique - by far one of the most thrilling flat rides around. Have to say though, I'm not surprised at all.

Looks naff, they could have at least tried to blend it in with Old Town.

Fantastic video, something to refer to when people claim it's "dangerous" when a ride has stopped on a lift etc.

Rotation happens at several parks however it's usually signposted, I don't think it's that ridiculous of a suggestion.

"Watch this space" What, watch yet another SBNO ride collect dust for a year?