Han30

You should go to a meet up - they are good fun and a great way to meet new people! On a side note - happy birthday!

Hmmm don't know what to suggest - sounds like your ex is a bit of a pleb (no offence) - from what you said it sounds like he treated you in a horrible way with making posts about his ex and saying he regrets the relationship you had? - what a plonker. Probably best to steer clear of him tbh if you can - or tell him to **** off.

OMG - I am so jealous - I have always wanted to ride Manta. And not only that......you can stroke stingrays there??!!! I have a mild obsession with them and gutted you can no longer stroke the ones at the london aquarium. Great trip report and photos - I need to beat my fear of flying and win the lotto and get my butt over to the USA!

Although I hated it I went on the damn thing about 3 or 4 times - Never again though although, like yourself I would go on one with individual lapbars. On one of my rides there was a child sat next to me and I was bracing myself to catch the poor kid incase she went flying - thankfully that didn't happen!

Would be great if Thorpe got a decent dark ride - especially as they are now targeting families. Wicked witches haunt was really good and such a shame that it burnt down. I haven't been on many ghost trains so am far from an expert but I really enjoyed the one at Adventure Island - probably because I had really low expectations of it, with it being a fun fair type place. But it really surprised me - also it had the longest queue that I saw in the park that day!

Worse coaster - Klondike at Hayling Island by a mile. Regarding Space Mountain - that was my first inverted coaster way back in 2000 and was pretty head bangy back then - can't imagine what it is like now - although despite it giving me a massive headache I did enjoy it (mainly the epic soundtrack) Worse flatty - Extreme at Hayling Island - Miami ride with just one long lapbar which is great but you get people of varying sizes going on at the same time. At one point, my butt was on one side of my seat as it flew around at the top. I honest to God thought I was going to be catapulted out of that thing - you get some good airtime but for me, coming right out of my seat and clinging on for dear life doesn't excite me much Worse wet ride - Storm surge.....nuff said

Hey - have you thought about going to one of the meet ups? Pretty sure there will be one around March time as that is when Thorpe opens up again (wooooo!)

You sure you got that right Stretch?! That is insane!!! I live only 8ish miles from G'ford if you need a place to crash if that helps. I live in a mansion so plenty of room.....meh no I live in a flat but can fit 2 people in if anyone is interested and doesnt mind sleeping on either my sofa or futon

Mental illness is serious and a lot of people don't understand it - though, to be fair, before I experienced it first hand I had no idea of what it felt like to have various problems. I kind of have the opinion that you can never fully understand something unless you have experienced it first hand, although you can be as supportive as possible. Yes people post things on FB and I think it is a cry for help - which in a way is a sad thing but, when you have been through really dark times and read about people using the term "depression" it can be frustrating because depression is so debilitating. People thinking their life is c**p because they can't have certain things is one of my pet hates. There are things I would love to have but in reality it ain't gonna happen so it is pointless getting peed off about it. I would swap any of my personal belongings to get rid of my problems without even thinking about it. Regarding services for mental health problems - in my area they are completely useless. I'm not going to say all services in mental health are naff but my experiences have in the most part not been great. I think there needs to be a lot more funding where mental health is concerned - both to provide help to those who live with MH issues and also to break the stigma which, in this day and age you would think wouldn't exist. Mini waffle ovaaaa

That is just a £20 difference which, if you are intending on visiting for Fright Nights (which, if the same as last year is free for premium and £5 for standard), or intend on visiting London attractions during August then go for premium. I currently have standard merlin membership but hope to be able to (if I can) upgrade to premium once I have had it a year (not sure if you can do it before then) - did quite a few fright nights this year and hope to do several next year and with membership it is only a £3 difference. Main reason I did standard is because I don't drive. Sorry that was a waffly answer there!

I would have been able to help you out there, however I chop up my ORPs (not literally) - but the ones with the flaps on, I chop the flap off and put the ride pic on my wall along with the flappy bit which says the ride. Yes I am odd!

Digital downloads for me are pointless (unless I cant be bothered to get out my scanner) - I've printed off copies of ORPs from a friend using Tesco printing machines - a lot cheaper way of doing it and the quality is pretty good. As with the above posts, you can buy fridge magnet thingies at places like Boots and some supermarkets so you can print out a 6x4 print and shove it on yer fridge with the added bonus that the magnet protects the picture

Most of my merch is ORPs - doubt you will want one of them with my ugly mug on it

I have spent a small fortune on ORPs this year due to going on many rides I have never ridden and have managed to decorate one of my living room walls with them. But next year I will probably only buy one or two, if that - especially if the prices increase

Regarding the ORP prices - I was a bit gutted on my first trip to Thorpe this year that you only got 4 photos in a photo pass - a bit annoying considering that they have 5 big coasters - I believe (sure I was told this but not 100%) that last year you got 5 photos in a pass plus MAP discount. The prices of the ORPs have changed a tad over the year - on one visit to Thorpe this year, all ORPs were £5 each which I think isn't too bad. Then on my first ever trip to Towers I wanted a photo pass but it was £5 extra for digital downloads - which I don't really need as I have a scanner. Last trip to Thorpe they were charging £10 per photo (same at CWOA) which included a digital download - so, effectively taking away that option - stupid, considering that if you have a scanner you may aswell just pay an extra tenner and get a photo pass (which at TP/Chessie were £20). I generally just get a photo pass as it works out cheaper - that, or go halves with someone where you buy one and get the second half price. Saying that though - next year I am determined not to buy any ORPs as I have got SO many this year having been on so many new rides having not visited TP since 2001 and had my first trip to AT.

I went to a zoo day back in Feb 2010 and really enjoyed it. Even though there were no rides open at all, it was nice to have a stroll around the zoo and sea life tent thang - usually when I go to CWOA I only really have a gander at the sealions because I want to make the most of my day on the rides (although this has changed slightly since I got a pass). When I went the pizza/pasta place was open - had never been in there before and ate so much food I could barely walk afterwards

This might be a bit waffly (no change from normal!) but I have drunk SO much coffee and type like a maniac. Although I won’t be attending any more official meets for personal reasons, I just thought I would put my thoughts across.....here goes..... I joined the forums back in April 2011 and went to my first meet in Feb of this year (Guildford) – have been to all the meets apart from the January London meet and MOS. I can’t fault the meets at all – they have been brilliant fun and a great way to meet new people. Anyone reading this that hasn’t been to a meet but wants to go – DO IT! I was really nervous before my first meet (my anxiety issues don’t help) but I went along with a friend. As soon as I met everyone I felt completely relaxed and at ease which is something that is difficult as I am quite a shy person. I can honestly say that I have never met such a lovely bunch of people who are so welcoming. I thought my age would be an issue as I am a fair bit older than some members but I have felt that I had been accepted despite this (plus I don’t really act my age). My suggestions to anyone thinking of going to a meet is to just take the plunge and go ahead – you only have to look at the trip reports to see how much fun the meet ups have been! Even though I went with a friend for my first meet up and she had no idea who everyone was, she was made to feel really welcome and enjoyed the meet Through going to meets I have had so many laughs, met great people and new friends and overcome a lot of fears. This time last year my social life was more-or-less non existent but when I look back over the past 12 months I have done a heck of a lot, and I want to thank you guys for helping me to face some of my fears and for just being so nice. I feel extremely lucky that I have not only had the opportunity to go to the meet ups, but also to the people who actually got me there because I don’t drive. Also The Swarm and Stealth photo shoots and Nemesis Inferno ERT were brilliant. The only downside for me at the meets I have attended is saying goodbye to everyone.....I hate goodbyes moooo. I didn't attend a meet before Peaj became meet organiser but have to say that the meets are well organised, everyone is made to feel welcome and I know a lot of people look forward to the trip reports afterwards - so yeah, a big thanks to Peaj and everyone else that I have met on here - you are all lovely Phew.....shutting up now

I went to a few Summer Nights and the earlier ones were definitely quieter (which was handy as I paid £15 for the first one before I got my pass) - even when they started getting a bit busier they were still really good value for money - really pleased they are returning next year

Gah - If it wasn't for the fact that Crimbo is fast approaching and I haven't even bought anything yet, have a water bill due plus a new nephew due anytime (literally) I would be so up for this. I wanna walk up the Swarm lifthill! Can't grumble though cos I got to walk up Inferno lift hill during the ERT (and that nearly killed me - I am so unfit)!

I literally nearly spat out my coffee when I read that

Whoa I think that pic might have come out a bit large My collection has grown a bit since that was taken Over the years I have amassed - 25+ ORPs (DLP, TP, CWOA, At, Adventure Island & Paultons Park) 7 ORP keyrings 2 x Thorpe Park keyrings Swarm bear keyring Swarm mug Swarm t-shirt Swarm Beaker Swarm mini alarm clock Swarm bag Nemesis Inferno mug Colossus twisted beaker with straw thing attached Thorpe Park pen set TP lighter TP tote bag Oblivion bear keyring Alton towers keyring Smiler tote bag Smiler wristband Hairband thingy from Dual shop CWOA old park & map from 2000 (not really merch but hey ho) Chessie pen set 1 x postcard 1 x keyring from when the logo was different Vampire ornament paperweight thang Sealife stingray keyring 4/5 stingray beanie things Sealife postcards Sealife reusable plastic bag thing Legoland 3D glasses 2 x keyrings 7 x postcards DLP - a keyring (still going strong after nearly 14 yrs) I also have AT, TP, CWOA maps on my walls, as posters.....as you do

Yeah I don't really like the idea of their being tiers amongst the forum tbh - as for contributing, an option for that would be good but I think it should remain anonymous as to who has donated etc - this website doesn't run itself and costs money and us as members benefit from using this site. Not really sure what to suggest regarding getting new members to sign up - for me, I was a lurker for quite a while (just realised that sounds a tad creepy!) but one day decided to take the plunge and sign up. What initially kept me coming back to this site was the chat room - I was too shy to post for quite a while because I didnt and still don't have a massive amount of knowledge of the theme park industry. The chat room was a great way to get to know other members a little better and definitely helped in getting me to my first meet up. I know there are several other members who are wanting to use chat more frequently now that we are in closed season - although I chat to people online away from this site, it is always nice "talking" to like-minded people and having a laugh so I aim to start using chat again very soon - though I may well be sat in chat on my own literally typing to myself Agree with you about the trip reports - I love the storyline idea behind them and they genuinely make me laugh - and it is always nice to look back at photos of fantastic meets Waffle.....over

Just thinking about Time Machine make me feel a little bit - I don't have the strongest of stomachs and the anti-sickness pills that I take just didn't cut it with that ride - I get dizzy quite easily which doesn't help BUT I do think if I didn't have the nausea and dizziness I would have probably loved it. It is pretty unique ride - although a tad difficult to get out of once the cycle has finished as you are almost horizontal. I think the bit that got me was when it starts sort of going backwards - I don't do going backwards extremely well Totally agree that Adventure Island is under rated - it does have a nice selection of rides and caters for all ages. Bit of a bummer that you have to pay extra for the dodgems and go karts but hey ho. Not sure if Over The Hill has had anything done to it over the past couple of years - am I right in thinking that it opened in 2008? I think I liked it so much because to be honest I was expecting a load of c**p - having been on several ghost trains when I was little which were about as scary as a basket of kittens. Went on it 4 times and one time it had quite a queue - favourite part is towards then end when you reach the "exit"