Flipper

Oh my bad. I've never been on Tuk Tuk. I was going off what someone had told me so I was clearly misinformed. And Josh I appreciate the difference in target markets, but maybe it just isn't hammered hard enough to the public predominantly Annual Pass Holders; who think every ride is the same in the world.

Reserve 'n Ride stopped at around 11 yesterday I believe; there's also green gazebo's by Colossus, Inferno, and SWARM to register for rides as well as the dome. And a hell of a lot of staff knocking around to help implement it. I think 'standby' queues would still be beneficial with this system, but I do think this could be a really amazing step for the park to have the world's first queue-less theme park. No, it's not going to just 'work' overnight, and yes they'll need more side show things to do; but give them a chance!

I'm not questioning unsafe, I'm merely questioning height restrictions. Clearly a belt at Chessington has allowed a lower height; and for families with Annual Passes for example, they go Chessington, kid is 1m, they ride Tuk Tuk Turmoil. Come to Thorpe, can't ride King Pigs.

So technically Stealth always has two trains because the 'third train' for operation (be it one, two or three off track) is always in pieces so thus parts can be taken quickly to fix up one of the other two for minor faults. Again, the point remains why have three trains when you don't have three physically ready to go. I agree with Pluk entirely on this; it shouldn't be sat in bits in a workshop, it should be on that track now, while the other train is dead.

Really? REALLY? I visited Lightwater Valley back in 2012, and met a nice chap who's in charge of marketing and he told us that Whirlwind has overheating issues back then (and this was when the 'second one' came in technically) so it runs slowly on the main arm, but with a fast cross arm to create flips. But that creates quite a forceless although intense ride. I suppose rides like Beast show true intense running theme park top scan capability. But Whirlwind kind of shows that speed isn't everything; and I like to think Samurai has hit middle ground to a degree where its fun to ride and at times can give excelling rides; yet is pleasing the general public still.

My only issue with the dodgems is that they're a 1.1m to ride, and 1.3m to ride unaccompanied. Yet Chessington's are a 0.9 - 1.3m, just by having a seat belt I believe? Surely Thorpe can add a belt on to ease with issues with guests, especially when this is Angry Birds after all...

I love the way Marc is the only person who thinks that a third train still exists even though people are telling him it's for parts Ricky is right though, the train seems to be gone for a while. What I don't understand is why Towers seem to run with the mindset that Rita will operate two trains *unless* there is a physical reasoning why it can't. Yet Stealth frequently opens and operates one train; and you're right at a time like this the alleged 'spare train' should be ready to go - and it should be worked on in closed season, not in June.

In theory most Fastrack tickets at Thorpe are 'one shots' so it is advertised as 30 minutes from your time slot, with time slots being on each 15 minutes (aka 1, 1.15, 1.30, 1.45...) although it's often allowed for up to one hour; regardless though if a ticket holder misses their time slot (and people do) they can go to Fastrack and be re-issued with a new time slot. The issue with fastrack times lies a lot more with ticket touts at entrances, who will sell fastrack tickets for an hour or two in advance on a 45 minute queue, and then people have the realisation they've just paid a few quid to go and stand somewhere else basically. I haven't seen R&R used but I look forward to it. I think it 'could' work well; as at the end of the day it's pretty much the same concept as Disney Fastpass? People say about walking - well unless you're coming off SAW (but then you're a thirty-second walk from the machine at Colossus) or Stealth (again, near to Inferno) then I don't see what the issue will be with the cards; because the concept will be that you're coming off a coaster, to go and book your next coaster. I do understand people's criticism's about the flat rides though, and I do believe the 'argument' for it is to encourage people into food, shops, and Angry Birds 4D - but in theory it does give people the ability to experience additional rides that they wouldn't usually experience. Okay, maybe Samurai will get a bigger queue than usual, along with a few others; but even if a ride like Samurai goes from a 15 minute queue to a 30 minute queue, I highly doubt we're going to see people queuing for two hours for a flat ride, like some seem to believe... I think this will just be a wait-and-see scenario. But I think after tests, it could become a brilliant addition to 'up the game' with Merlin - especially with the new ticketing system thats due to be coming to Thorpe - clearly the plan is for this to all tie into one like, the fore-mentioned Disney Fastpass at Orlando with pre-plan.

One thing that nobody's mentioned - so I'll mention it - is that the Dodgems queueline has been designed to look identical to that of Tidal Wave's (which run practically side by side, with the angled wood pieces) - which gives a good impression that the Dodgems will outlive ABL and potentially even revert into Amity Cove

For anyone who wants to geek up the Dodgems, they're made by Bertazzon Rides of Italy, who also make Chessington's carousel, and Paulton's new carousel - definitely travelling Dodgems but definitely better looking than Chessingtons (which I've never bothered with).

The thing is, Thorpe clearly don't want people to tie it too much with Angry Birds! Look at it people, it's still called Detonator albeit with a bit of an addition to the name, and the audio has remained. I would truly say if it wasn't down to the ride's location for where Angry Birds was being placed for 4D, I doubt they'd purposely include it - and even then I think they've included it because it'd be a bit awkwardly placed to not include it, without actually wanting to include it if you get what I mean.

The inconsistency is simply because it's allegedly overheating because it's running quicker than it's been used to the last few years. I'd put it down as an age issue personally. Also noticed Arm 4 seems to be the most intense this year. I don't know why but it seems to like making me feel like I want to vomit, as I don't take too nicely to being held upside down for a full rotation before flipping out...

Pretty sure the end of the day music rolls into quiet chart music now. One thing I have noticed is the dome music whilst being 'pop' music has been expanded; and it now has some 'classic' dance tracks like Toca's Miracle on it

I believe staff were riding it yesterday, and its staff again who seem to believe it's opening tomorrow. Like I said it's all speculation and I would literally just get excited on the day when it does open.

The way I'd refer to it is.. Enough to make people see the tie in with Angry Birds; but little enough for people to appreciate that it is still a high-thrill drop ride. It also doesn't hinder the lovely view of Detonator with it's Inferno backdrop

At this rate I'll be amazed if Samurai lasts as long as you're predicting to be honest with its record lately

Haters gonna hate but I believe the Dodgems, whilst quick enough, are not even ran anywhere near top speed I think this is an area you have to judge yourself. I personally quite like it. I think there's signage which can be improved; and a few other bits but when you're there, with the people, and the music, its a nice little vibe. A strange, but nice vibe.

I think Detonator is currently in the best styling with Dodgems and 4D signage needing some work - but I think it's something that will be considered. I'm not too sure why Detonator's photo kiosk has remained though, unless it's to return to having photos since its now Angry Birds?

Rumours today were to expect it tomorrow. Emphasis on rumours. I think we should consider any staff who've rode it lucky; as they're likely to be the only riders this year

Its what I was told by staff, after I witnessed someone doing it last week in the morning and I asked a friend of mine who told me thats how it works but never seen anyone with annual pass actually do it herself. Like I said, I'd clarify it with the Fastrack unit before you run onto rides; but it seemed pretty legit... or staff have been misinformed.

The image CoasterDude has posted is the bird that is at ground level of DBA. And not at the top as suggested a while ago

I could say the same for SAW, but again, its a ride that gets mixed reviews yet people seem fine getting off. It's as if it takes a minute to kick in

And without being on the park hearing people talking about the dodgems and angry birds, and the popularity of fore-mentioned character today on park - you really have no idea. Even I've underestimated this one. Roll on tomorrow!

I found out yesterday that annual pass holders and Shark hotel guests get unlimited fastrack entry for the first operational hour of the day, so tomorrow will be from 9am til 10am - but I'd check with the Fastrack units what rides thats for, I think its all of them but not entirely sure.

Detonator is now officially bombs away as of last night. The new sign looks nice and it now has a bird-bomb at the entrance.