Han30

It's absolutely sickening - any terrorist attack is - but last nights attack involved lots of teens and kids which just makes it worse - to be taken so young from an utter scumbag out to destroy as many lives as possible is beyond sad. I can't imagine the sheer panic that the people in the arena must have felt hearing the explosion and what they must have witnessed, many at such a young age. Even the ones that survived will have emotional scarring for a long time I would imagine. Thoughts are with those survivors, family and friends of all the innocent people caught up in it, and of course condolences to the families of those who have had their lives taken from them.

Rode Tug Boat today and here is my review - it's naff. Very little theming, zero queue but the kids on the ride seemed to enjoy it and I guess it's nice that it's something for the little ones. Felt a bit sorry for the ride op - he was really friendly but as we were riding I'm fairly sure he was having a good pick of his nose....I won't elaborate further on that last bit

Lots of first time riders when I went on it today who absolutely sh@t themselves at the end which was pretty funny. The live section part where you have to get back on the train I almost got trampled which was nice - but the other riders were genuinely scared and the actors were really good - still love it First attempt at riding we got stuck on the first VR (the train didn't actually move anywhere) so were taken off and given fast track - not sure what happened but jeez it was so hot and sweaty in the train - just like being on the tube - authentic

I've sent you a message

I agree that the name is a bit naff but I remember people saying the same about The Smiler. Guess it's something that you just get used to - was wondering if ICON actually stands for something? ?

Yes - pretty sure it did

It's gonna be HEAVING

I guess because in the very unlikely event that the boat flips then you would have little chance of survival if you are strapped in

Makes me laugh on Tidal Wave when people moan about getting a wet bum when they are soon about to get wet all over! I guess there is a chance the waterfalls won't return - as @Mermite said, people do tend to move when they are heading towards the water but it's such a huge feature of the ride that it would be a shame if they were to never make a return

For some bizarre reason I thought the track was black but I've just found a pic of the original - so yeah it just looks rusty red now

If you are on Facebook I believe there is a page all about pop badges and swapping etc - not sure where you would get a badge at Thorpe as they often come in kids meal deals (pretty sure at places like Burger Kitchen which Thorpe don't have yet) not sure if you can get them in the Stealth fish and chip place but might be worth a try

I've just realised I've noticed staff on a couple of occasions looking at that area - seems odd that there are lots of cameras on the ride - maybe an issue with the tannoy or cameras or just extra precaution following the fatal accident at Drayton

Track repainting I would imagine is quite costly and, as its Chessington and the age of the ride I can't see it happening - or a retheme

People all over social media are up in arms about the fact that Rapids rides have no seatbelt on them but fail to grasp that, in the unlikely event that a boat was to tip over, if you are belted in, your survival chances are significantly lowered. People are also brandishing these rides as dangerous which we know they aren't - what happened at Drayton was a terrible accident and one that cost a young girl her life - it's been reported that she stood up to switch seats with a friend, the boat hit a rock and she fell in the water - now I am in no way saying this child deserved to fall in but at that age they should have had a teacher/helper in the boat - from what I've read, this wasn't the case. Kids don't fully understand the danger of some things - I took my niece and her friend on Rumba when she was the same age as the girl who sadly died and my niece moved to a different seat at one point thinking nothing of it so I had to tell her to stay in her seat unless she wanted to either fall in and either drown or get hit by another boat, or get a Royal boll&€ing from staff who watch the security cameras. Someone should have been in that boat with the young girl and her friends to prevent this accident from happening or at least try - but I can also imagine that what happened was very quick so who is to say that an adult could even prevent it?kids don't generally take notice of safety signs on rides and moving to get out of the way of water was probably a knee jerk reaction which ended in the worst way possible- no one should visit a theme park to never return again and I cannot begin to imagine the pain that her family are going through right now. I also feel for the other kids in that boat that witnessed what happened and were ultimately helpless in being able to do anything.

The waterfalls are the best bit! But I do agree that they will most likely bring them back at some point - at the moment they are obviously ensuring maximum safety after Tuesdays terrible incident at Drayton Manor

They probably don't want one of the big coasters down during a busy weekend - during the week the park is a lot quieter so a better option to carry out any work (unless it's urgent work in which case the guests safety comes first and they would obviously shut it) I hope you enjoy your visit to Thorpe Park and that you manage to get on everything you want

Happy Birthday Peaj aka he who shall not be named @he who shall not be named - you look good for 85

Jeez what an idiot teacher! Whether private school or state school, whatever religion of the school I'm pretty sure health and safety procedures are similar - I'm no expert on this but I'm assuming schools do some sort of risk assessment things before any trips - that teacher sounds like an ignorant t@@t and shouldn't go saying bold statements like that - accidents happen and in this case it ended in tragedy - the teacher should probably keep his gob shut or think before he speaks

My first fright nights was only back in 2013 when CITW was new - it was my favourite maze and that first year I absolutely loved it (apart from having a clown stood right in my face and not moving until I joked that I would kiss him ) It did gradually become a bit samey so I'm not too fussed that it is leaving and look forward to seeing what goes there instead

Can't say I'm excited but - well I can't do Detonator anymore and actually quite enjoy those little jump/drop rides - just wish they'd sort out the theming (or lack of)

I would LOVE loggers to make a return but given its current state I don't hold out much hope. I just don't understand why both rides have been given wood themed names but there is zero wood theming on them

Yep it was reported on Daily Mail that the young girl was a Muslim - not quite sure what religion has to do with the fact the poor kid has lost her life - journalists eh?

Oh I'm the opposite - took me ages before I realised exactly where the camera on Nemesis is! Absolutely love the pic of you and @Mermite on Rattlesnake - classic!

End of May but no actual date

Awful news - whether the child stood up or not, she's lost her life - thoughts are with the family