Matt 236

So me and a few other members popped into Chessington today for it’s 2023 pass-holder day. 
 
Lots of rides closed (all advertised bar Gruffalo), which was a shame but expected. Vampire was the only operational coaster today, with some slow operations on just 1 train. Tiger Rock was on just 9 boats, Monkey Swinger had numerous broken seats and Tomb Blaster had a Mis-match of working/broken targets. 
 
We left the park around 4. So again early, however this time feeling more accomplished and worthy of the trip, despite the numerous operational potholes during the day. Although when you compare somewhere like Paultons having pretty much their full selection open for February half term, it certainly puts things into perspective. Even if today is just a rehearsal day at this point. 
 
Right, some more positives. Because I don’t want to become a Craig Revell Horwood here. 
 
Chessington has seen some substantial aesthetic updates last closed season. From entrance amendments to cosmetic theming upgrades throughout the park, from Adventure Point to Mexicana. From a presentational perspective, the park hasn’t looked this good in at least ten years and is welcoming to see. There’s still some areas (naturally) that need t weakening, but compared to the shambles of the 2010’s this is welcoming to see. It’s amazing how better fury looks with just the repainted supports.
 
Jumanji is still a construction site at this time, but seeing the park’s first new coaster in almost 20 years and biggest expansion in a generation is so refreshing to see. A headline attraction with two supporting rides. It’s a park which needs new infrastructure and more capacity, even if there are some compromises in this example. 

Oh, and Pizza Pasta was actually okay this time round, except the BBQ chicken pizza. That was rather grim if I’m honest, but the other pizzas and pasta were fine.
 

So me and a few other members popped into Chessington today for it’s 2023 pass-holder day. 
 
Lots of rides closed (all advertised bar Gruffalo), which was a shame but expected. Vampire was the only operational coaster today, with some slow operations on just 1 train. Tiger Rock was on just 9 boats, Monkey Swinger had numerous broken seats and Tomb Blaster had a Mis-match of working/broken targets. 
 
We left the park around 4. So again early, however this time feeling more accomplished and worthy of the trip, despite the numerous operational potholes during the day. Although when you compare somewhere like Paultons having pretty much their full selection open for February half term, it certainly puts things into perspective. Even if today is just a rehearsal day at this point. 
 
Right, some more positives. Because I don’t want to become a Craig Revell Horwood here. 
 
Chessington has seen some substantial aesthetic updates last closed season. From entrance amendments to cosmetic theming upgrades throughout the park, from Adventure Point to Mexicana. From a presentational perspective, the park hasn’t looked this good in at least ten years and is welcoming to see. There’s still some areas (naturally) that need t weakening, but compared to the shambles of the 2010’s this is welcoming to see. It’s amazing how better fury looks with just the repainted supports.
 
Jumanji is still a construction site at this time, but seeing the park’s first new coaster in almost 20 years and biggest expansion in a generation is so refreshing to see. A headline attraction with two supporting rides. It’s a park which needs new infrastructure and more capacity, even if there are some compromises in this example. 

Oh, and Pizza Pasta was actually okay this time round, except the BBQ chicken pizza. That was rather grim if I’m honest, but the other pizzas and pasta were fine.
 

The security area is definitely the focal point where changes need to be made. Maybe demolish the old huts and put in a more permanent building that looks visually appealing but offers efficient checks.
 
The entrance structure also needs substantial work too, although some back of house areas would also need adjustments. 
 
It’s really a shame that the dome has gone from this charming (yet ageing) nautical portal to what is basically a bland hub area. Like some budget holiday resort maybe. 
 
The bridge is actually ok, but maybe just needs a bit of modernisation in parts. 
 
The entrance used to work fine in the 90’s/2000’s but in places no longer feels fit for purpose. 

Shop names don’t bother me really and seem to fit with what they are seemingly doing. 
 
I’m pretty sure the band Spooks R US, was inspired by a now defunct American toy chain. 

The security area is definitely the focal point where changes need to be made. Maybe demolish the old huts and put in a more permanent building that looks visually appealing but offers efficient checks.
 
The entrance structure also needs substantial work too, although some back of house areas would also need adjustments. 
 
It’s really a shame that the dome has gone from this charming (yet ageing) nautical portal to what is basically a bland hub area. Like some budget holiday resort maybe. 
 
The bridge is actually ok, but maybe just needs a bit of modernisation in parts. 
 
The entrance used to work fine in the 90’s/2000’s but in places no longer feels fit for purpose. 

WTF were they thinking with the BK destruction? Just as they put in a highly themed railways station coffee shop, they tear out a highly themed burger bar and turn it into generic shopping centre?
 
Spending money to make things worse is my biggest hate in Theme Parks, especially when getting funding for anything that isn't a big new thing has been neigh on impossible for decades, but with this and the teacups we have two big lumps of that here.
 
Who the hell is running this place, and can they be sunk with the Thorpe Belle?

Photos from inside the renovated Burger King. Unfortunately, it’s removed all of amity’s old theming and turned it into a service station looking place. 
 
Yes the old interior was old, worn. But they’ve retrofitted a standard BK inside an old themed area.
 
The Ben and Jerrys outlet was stage one of loosing the themed buildings for amity. This is the next….

Grey/blue Colossus is basically this years version of the blue/gold dress. Who remembers that?
 
Glad they are doing work to it, but shame it’s the slightly wrong shade there. 

Look's like someone has pressed the button too early on the Thorpe Park official site 😱

From the MAP group/Thorpe passholders 247 club group Myspace thing. 
 
Obviously still work in progress but what the.... 😶

So, I went back to the Parisian Disney Resort. 
 
Almost 6 years since my last visit, some things have changed whilst others have remained the same. 
 
Both parks were very lively (but not necessarily super busy) during half term week and seemed to feature a lovely atmosphere throughout. On both days Studios closed at 21:00 and the main park at 22:00, making for some excellent opening hours.
 
Besides some refurbishments around the entrance/Disney hotel, (asbestos filled) Small World and other patches around, the park looked great. Maybe better kept than Magic Kingdom (if I’m honest). The 30th celebration show was a delight and I adore the logo, which is a masterpiece! The parade seemed the same as before as did the main nighttime show, which has grown on me from last time, but I still consider dreams better. 
 
As much as WDW is the better resort, Paris generally has the best classics, whether it be the tragic mysterious Phantom Manor, the grander arrangement of POTC or the more magnificent Big Thunder ride variant. Space Mountain needs to lose the Star Wars overlay now IMO. 
 
Studios is a strange one as some of the park feels the same, but others unrecognisable. The changes to TOT make the ride feel more unique, but still can’t decide whether I like them. Avengers Campus looks more refreshed from the former mish-mash before but feels hit and miss. I liked the Avengers coaster more than I was expecting but still miss RNRC. Webslingers is perhaps the blandest attraction done by Disney, even if the shooting element is fun. Cars Road trip was alright, but feels weird how out of the way it feels from the rest of the park. 
 
The new nighttime show was largely enjoyable eventhough I’m not the biggest superhero fan and it meant basically closing half the park an hour beforehand. 
 
In contrary to the parks feeling more alive, the Disney Village felt dead and lifeless with no atmosphere at all. The former buildings of Planet Hollywood, Ludwig’s, Cafe Mickey and more all closed and derelict. No atmosphere at all even with the remaining open units. Crowded House’s  Don’t dream It’s Over playing whilst passing really summed up the sorry state of this area, which is literally being ripped away from what it once was. 
 
As much as I prefer WDW, I can’t help but have a soft spot for this resort, even after all this time. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. I have a soft spot even now for DLRP because it started a whole revolution of park visiting and trips back on my first visit. 
 
 

So, I went back to the Parisian Disney Resort. 
 
Almost 6 years since my last visit, some things have changed whilst others have remained the same. 
 
Both parks were very lively (but not necessarily super busy) during half term week and seemed to feature a lovely atmosphere throughout. On both days Studios closed at 21:00 and the main park at 22:00, making for some excellent opening hours.
 
Besides some refurbishments around the entrance/Disney hotel, (asbestos filled) Small World and other patches around, the park looked great. Maybe better kept than Magic Kingdom (if I’m honest). The 30th celebration show was a delight and I adore the logo, which is a masterpiece! The parade seemed the same as before as did the main nighttime show, which has grown on me from last time, but I still consider dreams better. 
 
As much as WDW is the better resort, Paris generally has the best classics, whether it be the tragic mysterious Phantom Manor, the grander arrangement of POTC or the more magnificent Big Thunder ride variant. Space Mountain needs to lose the Star Wars overlay now IMO. 
 
Studios is a strange one as some of the park feels the same, but others unrecognisable. The changes to TOT make the ride feel more unique, but still can’t decide whether I like them. Avengers Campus looks more refreshed from the former mish-mash before but feels hit and miss. I liked the Avengers coaster more than I was expecting but still miss RNRC. Webslingers is perhaps the blandest attraction done by Disney, even if the shooting element is fun. Cars Road trip was alright, but feels weird how out of the way it feels from the rest of the park. 
 
The new nighttime show was largely enjoyable eventhough I’m not the biggest superhero fan and it meant basically closing half the park an hour beforehand. 
 
In contrary to the parks feeling more alive, the Disney Village felt dead and lifeless with no atmosphere at all. The former buildings of Planet Hollywood, Ludwig’s, Cafe Mickey and more all closed and derelict. No atmosphere at all even with the remaining open units. Crowded House’s  Don’t dream It’s Over playing whilst passing really summed up the sorry state of this area, which is literally being ripped away from what it once was. 
 
As much as I prefer WDW, I can’t help but have a soft spot for this resort, even after all this time. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. I have a soft spot even now for DLRP because it started a whole revolution of park visiting and trips back on my first visit. 
 
 

I mean, she had such a huge impact in Haunted House and Duel. Pivotal almost. 

Well shut my mouth and call me Emily, she is in the story.
 
To celebrate, I've decided to finally update the thread title sensibly. 

Thanks @coasterverse - you beat both me to creating the thread, and StevenVig to moaning about an improperly titled thread! I'm impressed and thankful!!

Urgggh.
 
We know not much about this silly retheme. All we know is that it will be spooky themed and it will probably be better than Derren Beowns Ghost Train. Need I say more.right.

Urgggh.
 
We know not much about this silly retheme. All we know is that it will be spooky themed and it will probably be better than Derren Beowns Ghost Train. Need I say more.right.

Who are these people though? Do they exist? Are they like Secret Tories?
 
The usual ones I see on forums are either keeping quiet or don't have anything to add on things going on. Usually get a few but if it's all theme park Twitter stuff then count me out.
 
There's literally no public knowledge beyond now a poster with a girl and some dolls heads. It really feels like many are putting 2+2 together and getting 5 because they want it to be rather than it actually is.
 
As a result, the designers love to tease people in such a manner. Especially with little nods and hints to the past like referencing Sparks in the poster. Riles up the goons no end.
 
I dunno. Maybe it's just me getting old and being open to whatever shenanigans happen inside rather than deciding early on it'll be a certain thing and clinging to it.
 
Would laugh if the ghost girl referenced in the posters was called anything else but Emily though. 
 
It COULD be a reference. Not it is. I still wonder why they would use a side joke that a number of visitors didn't even see and that only enthusiasts know the full story of (not that there even IS a story, it's a ghost girl who lives in a doll house and has a white cat, here endeth the tale).
 
I must be getting old and ranty. Maybe I'm becoming a Tory?

The Curse of Alton Manor
 
 
 

Yeah, well the thing with the Dungeon is where exactly is it actually part of? Dark Forest? David Williams? The outer edge of the universe? It’s any ones guess really given it’s just there in part of its own misshapen area. CATCF was part of Cloud Cuckoo, until its fated post-Smiler mothballing. 
 
I don’t see anything happening to the driving school, not with three substantial investment plans underway in the next few years, but I could be wrong. And if anything happens before 2025 maybe they’ll just close and mothball it, like they did in 2016. 
 
The David Williams area just wasn’t really thought up well and feels very half-baked.

The "we're a small park" excuse is rubbish.
 
Go back 20 years, when the park was (excluding The Farm) technically smaller, and they had defined areas, with portals and signage. 
 
Look at a park like Phantasialand, which is small and compact, and they have some of the most well-defined, high quality themed lands out there.
 
 
The simple and honest reason why the park don't do themed lands is because they don't want to. That's fine too, if that's the case. But let's face, it's not because they couldn't.

Distinct lack of poodle images in that post.