rickydoodle

I've just put these photographs up - I wasn't expecting the site to be quite so big. It appears to be from infront of the Big Wheel all the way back to the lake near Flying Dutchman.

They're not advertising 'a ride' - they're hinting that a new project is on the way, the same as they always do. We knew about Inferno before the construction of Colossus was complete.

I know some of the details were leaked last week, the park announced details of the new IP deal this morning. I guess the Ben 10 brand is nowhere near as well known (or timeless!) as Thomas but it's certainly a hot property.No exact details regards stats and layout - mainly just confirmation of the theme.Full press release

He also talks about how it wasn't their best year in 2010 but they're happy that they have continued to do well despite the recession. SOURCE

Enjoy photography? Your skills could win you a 2011 season pass for the park of your choice!http://www.gforcemag.com/2010/win-a-season-pass-to-the-park-of-your-choice/Rick.

When I think of Chessington I automatically think of Vampire. It's true to say that it's one of a dying breed, but you would think the relatively new rolling stock would work in its favour.

Interested to see what it will be (especially as it sounds as if it is being built in house), also the park is closed in Jan/Feb for construction to take place;From an interview with Philip Miller, Park Owner. http://www.gforcemag.com/2010/profiled-philip-miller/

You only have to look at X Sector these days to see the effect of the Dark Forest.

Perhaps a sign of the recent (and continuing) economic conditions. I think some attraction operators have come to the conclusion that constant investment in larger rides isn't needed as much as it once was. Alton have less rides now than they did six years ago. The only rides of note since Rita (2005) are Th13teen and Battle Galleons.I think maybe Chessington looks worse off because of the massive investment at Thorpe (and that maybe a reason why...). The difference, I suppose is that Chessington is much more established where as Thorpe is continuing to establish itself amongst its key demographic.

It'll be interesting to see in the coming years if Thorpe and Chessington do something major in the same year or if it's staggered.

On a quiet day, I guess if the queue is 30 minutes with a single train, it maybe around 12 minutes with two trains. On a busy day it wouldn't be uncommon for Inferno to hit 60/70 mins. So I guess (and I don't know...) that a 30 minute wait on a quieter day still represents good value for money. Even at 30 minutes per coaster you'll still be able to do all four of the parks major coasters in a morning - for the same price as if it was the weekend (where it may take you twice as long). Like I said earlier, perhaps the additional maintenance time is considered a bigger priority - I don't know. On a quiet day there is less income coming into the park, and again - by running rides in this manner, it does allow operating costs to be reduced to realign the income/profit. I guess it's just supply and demand really... like checkouts at Morrisons!

Exactly, I agree wholeheartedly. Also, single/reduced train operation also allows for maintenance to take place between 9 - 5. It makes sense.Also, I hate to bring this up again as some people don't seem to accept it, however - if crowds are light, there is obviously less income for the park on that day (less entry/fastrack/parking/food income) therefore operating costs need to be reduced. That's how businesses work.If you run Air on two trains with a single station, you almost half your staffing costs for the day.

As stated elsewhere in the thread - I'm sure many people already class it as number one, it's all down to personal judgement in one respect. Or, if it's down to visitor numbers, revenue or profit - all those things are measurable.

That's not true, the rest of your post however, is spot on.

^ I think we can end the thread there, nice round up AstroDan! Remember though, that what Thorpe are attracting is a HUGE market.To hear straight from the park themselves check out this interview - the fourth question.