Matt 236

I think it's something to do with height restrictions I think. From what I've heard, they can't build above a certain height, a limit which Stealth exceeded but was given the green light due to using a white colour which blends in to the sky setting. I would expect they may need a bigger footprint also, were it to be higher than the big one too.

This is quite surprising, considering a new play ground isn't a major addition and doesn't provide much noise or visual pollution, but assuming it was going to be denied perhaps shows Legoland's planning permission process is just as dire (maybe more so) than Chessingtons). The Old Crossed Ribs was brilliant. The food quality was very good there (similar to Calypso BBQ) and you even order Lego fries too. Though perhaps not the best one to eat at during a storm, I liked the feeling of it being kinda outdoors as it gave it a slight pirates feel, plus you could see the falls work nearby (which won't be seen now with that metal wall).It was also one of the few original restaurants from the early years (Knights table, Papa Moles) but still worked well at the park, and now it's becoming a a Burger Kitchen. The Burger Ranch near Squid Surfer is also getting the same treatment. So much for character and originality .

In other news today, Chessington have now released their 2014 map, which can be seen below. http://www.chessington.com/explore/park-map.aspx The map design looks very much the same as previous years with a few changes including the new hotel, redesigned Scorpion Express (unsurprisingly without rocks) and the empty spot for Creaky Cafe. The site has had a redesign too, which looks ok, but I certainly prefer the old one.

In Other news Legoland has opened for the 2014 season being the first Merlin park to (fully) reopen, where some changes have been made. First up, is a shot from the newly refreshed Pirate Falls, which is looking nicely freshened up. https://www.facebook.com/themeparkguide/photos/a.163133660408608.46811.163052343750073/622008857854417/?type=1&theater Whilst I'm rather impressed by the updated Pirate Falls, I certainly can't say the same about the Burger Kitchen. That metal warehouse looks rather hideous at the moment. https://www.facebook.com/themeparkguide/photos/a.163133660408608.46811.163052343750073/622013294520640/?type=1&theater And in a surprise and unexpected move, the park will be adding a Paris area in a Miniland. https://www.facebook.com/themeparkguide/photos/a.163133660408608.46811.163052343750073/622037144518255/?type=1&theater Certainly looks a very mixed selection of changes for Legoland this year and no news yet on the new play area. Photos above copyright of Theme Park guide. Edit- teething troubles with importing photos.

What I like about the new map/ No longer includes those (annoying) heads, I never liked them. Greater emphasis on the park's coasters (as they certainly dominate the new design) More family friendly design which reflects their widened target audience well The appearance of it looking more like an island full of exciting rides, rather than just a landscaped area The colours are more vibrant Has a few similarities with the maps in the 90's and 2005-2007 Tussaud years What I don't like about the new map/ Ride size and proportions are out of scale and inaccurate Some rides such as quantum are missing Difficult to navigate for new guests (which I guess there may be quite a few of this year (even if most of the rides can be seen from a fair distance in the park)) Coasters contain no trains Summary Certainly slightly better than the previous map design we've seen, but size and scale proportions let it down, by making everything out of scale. The 90's maps are definately my favourite ones in terms of design closely followed by the 2008 and 2009 ones too.

Air (3) Hex (1) Nemesis (3) Oblivion (2) Th13teen (1) Nemesis+ Thi3teen -1

That probably makes sense. My post has now been corrected.

Air (1) Duel (2) Hex (2) Nemesis (2) Nemesis Sub Terra (2) Oblivion (2) Rita (0) Runaway Mine Train (2) Th13teen (2) Sonic Spinball (2) + Hex - Rita Reset Air (1) Duel (2) Hex (4) Nemesis (3) Nemesis Sub Terra (2) Oblivion (2) Runaway Mine Train (2) Th13teen (3) Sonic Spinball (2)

Air (2) Duel (2) Enterprise (2) Hex (2) Nemesis (2) Nemesis Sub Terra (2) Oblivion (2) Rita (2) Runaway Mine Train (2) The Flume (2) The Smiler (2) Th13teen (2) Sonic Spinball (2) + The Smiler - Enterprise

Hex is definately my favourite themepark soundtrack, because of the dramatic and immersive feel of the music, how it starts off with a build up in strings and voices whispering and then the main theme entering, which gradually increases in dynamics and intensity and builds up to a climax point and once it reaches full volume, it suddenly dies down with a sudden but dramatic ending. I remember hearing this piece for the first time I went on a Hex, was mad about it for weeks and kept playing it all the time after visiting. It sounds a lot like something from film/television, which is one of the reasons that makes it such a brilliant soundtrack. Honourable mentions, 1/ Colossus theme, the recurring main theme, complex use of different rhythms and influence of urban and eastern music mixed together make for a very interesting soundtrack that also relates to the surrounding theme of a lost city. 2/ Nemesis theme, the sinister melody along with its spiky string and distorted guitar accompaniments definitely work to help to create the tense mood for the ride. 3/ Mystery Of a Hocus Pocus Hall I have to confess, I haven't actually been to the park when this was used, but from the soundtrack available online, it sounds fantastic. Definitely a magical , immersive and atmospheric piece of music that reflects the mysterious story line of the attraction's Halloween form very well and definitely sounds very Danny Elfman like in style, almost as if it came from a Tim a Burton film.

Looks like this park area is taking shape nicely. The theming and attention to detail looks brilliant and could be the best themed attraction in the studios park. Can't wait til this opens.

I think these award bars are an excellent idea. I look forward to seeing how it develops.

Inferno was the first thrill and inversion coaster I ever rode in my life, which I first did in June 2006 with six rides in a row. It may not be the best coaster out there, but for memories and prominence of it's what started boosting my interest in themeparks further, is one I will always have a soft spot for. It was also running beautifully last year I must admit and will hopefully continue to do so this year and many to come.

Dragons Fury (2) Vampire (2) Rattlesnake (2) Tomb Blaster (2) Dragons Fury+ Tomb Blaster-

Dragons Fury (2) Vampire (2) Rattlesnake (2) Dragon Falls (2) Bubbleworks (2) Black Buccaneer (2) Tomb Blaster (2) Dragons Fury+ Tomb blaster -

Dragons Fury (2) Vampire (2) Rattlesnake (2) Dragon Falls (2) Bubbleworks (2) Black Buccaneer (2) Monkey Swinger (2) Rameses Revenge (2) Tomb Blaster (2) Dragons Fury +1 Monkey Swinger -1

Sadly I never did the Original Bubbleworks as the first year I went to a Chessington was 2006 when the hideous ducks invaded, although from the POV's I've seen online, the old one looked a lot better. I have ridden it though when there were strobes and have to say the ride felt better with them as I loved it when they worked as it really added to the atmosphere.

Air (7) Battle Galleons (5) Duel (5) Enterprise (5) Frog Hopper (5) Galloper's Carousel (5) Hex (5) Marauders Mayhem (5) Nemesis (5) Nemesis Sub Terra (5) Oblivion (5) Ripsaw (5) Rita (5) Runaway Mine Train (5) Twirling Toadstool (3) Blade (5) The Flume (5) The Smiler (5) Th13teen (5) Sonic Spinball (5) Skyride (5) + The Smiler - Twirling Toadstool

There's a 99% chance Stealth will be open on the day you're visiting. Although the ride was closed for a hefty time towards the end of the 2012 season with Colossus (due to maintenance work I believe), the ride seemed very reliable last year and was up and running each time I visited with no major downtime on any of those days.

Just found this amazing mash up of Let It Go From Frozen and Let Her Go by Passenger.

I'm afraid not sorry, have an exam on sunday plus I would need to get there too. Edit- I'm definately going Saturday though for the official meet.

I would certainly like to try attend a few, if anyone else is planning to go to any.

This is just ridiculous, Merlin are ruining this picturesque park by more stupid over safety measures. This doesn't just mean magical views there, but also put more pointless limitations on to our attractiones.

It's a great shame Lightwater have had another poor season, after the rather poor one in 2012. Although rival park Flamingo land had a profit of 1.4 million, it was still lower than the previous years. I'm fairly concerned that if this park continues to have poor seasons and losses like this, it will suffer a tragic fate like Camelot and Loudoun Castle. The park may not have a lot to offer apart from The Ultimate and Raptor, but it would be a great shame if it went especially as we haven't really received any major new parks in the uk since Legoland.

I really hope that was taken last week. Not that it will stop the disapointment a lot of us will find there in a few weeks when it opens.