Matt 236

'Blows the massive cobwebs off (omg a giant spider)' Being a musician (and studying a Music related degree), I feel I should contribute/bring this topic back to life. I currently play Piano, Oboe and Drums. Piano is my main instrument which I've been playing for nearly 14 years now and completed grade 8 in the instrument last year. I generally play a range of genres including jazz, classic and popular soundtracks. I also do lots of composition (with and without piano), and learn most repertoire without music, having a rare gift of perfect pitch where I can learn music without sheet music. Oboe is second instrument, which is a bit like a clarinet, but not near as well known. The instrument is smaller, more fragile and plays higher too. Oboists are generally rare and are apparently one of the hardest instruments to learn, due to technique of playing required and the ongoing reed battle. The instrument uses a double reed which can be temperamental and much like the Smiler trains, one reed can play beautifully one day and not so well the next. I recently passed grade 7 on the instrument and now preparing for 8. Though it's my second instrument, I'm using oboe most of my ensembles (3 in total). This includes A Baroque and chamber group and a film orchestra. I'm first oboist in the Baroque & Chamber groups and second in the film one. I also play drums, but they are mostly for fun tbh.

That is definitely a thing of beauty. I think Dollywood are on to a winner here.

I meant Galactica. It looks like Galactica may have been repainted/jet washed as it looks cleaner/brighter.George Lucas has been at work again.

I think it looks much better in it's refresh of paint, I like seeing rides nice and shiny again. Am I the only one who thinks Galactica may have also been repainted, or at least received a jet wash anyway?

Don't be like Facebook

I've just realised there may be some method to this madness. Based on current statistics and recent trends, it is unlikely the Derren Brown ride will open until May. This leaves the start of the season with 2-3 months without the new attraction, which could lead to lower gate figures. As a result of trying to maintain gate figures at the start of the season and keep interest going, Containment will be used as some form of sweetener to keep the ball rolling. In other words, Containment could well be used in a way that Sanctuary was whilst the Smiler was undergoining final touches before opening.

Bruh

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! Very happy to 'potentially' hear this news especially having never properly ridden the back rows forwards. Good move by the park.

I have a feeling something big and upcoming won't be open during this meet (due to what's been said). If it is,I'll reenact Thriller. The reason why I can't explain this big thing is due to one of the team members wanting nothing to do with this 'big thing' til they've experienced it and if I spoil anything, they might ban me

I think May will be when it opens. The ride may open.

Disney, Universal and to a lesser extent Europa, Phantasia & Efteling are definitely the leading pioneers for theming in current times.

Sub-Terra is/was the Meg Griffin of Towers it was never really liked the start and never gets any prominence in the park either. I'll be astounded if it's still existing next decade.

Their little coaster looks very unique, and judging by this park, they'll probably really decorate it to a great level as they seem a bit like a cross between Efteling & Europa in terms of style. I presume the Schwartkopf being removed is Nessie (the one with the bizarre end) which is a shame as it looked quite an interesting ride even if it looked a bit dated compared to newer additions. Surprised they couldn't get someone like Gerst along to refurbish it (since there's a lot of similarities between the two). Anyone know what the ride was like (who was lucky enough to get the cred)? Can't wait to see the finished result of Karnah though, if Fluch is anything to go by it'll look fab.

So this is going to be a year round attraction then? I'm sorry, I can't contain my opinions on this.

I don't have a problem with the name. At first glance it sounds very simple and basic. However when you think about Derren's Other work such as Derren Brown's Apicalypse (simulation of the end of the world or Derren Brown's Push to the edge (getting someone to think they've pushed someone to their end) the name starts to make perfect sense.

Feels empty for some reason, but not sure why. I'll think about it when I'm riding Safari Skyway.

Though the line up will be very sparse this year, this does not surprise me at all. Especially considering Thorpe have dropped their event alongside Towers's one. Aside from picking up the pieces of what happened last summer, if the lack of line up is for the continuation of the ride and parkwide improvements, then I'm all for this.

Certainly looks better, aside from the naked back drop. As long as the ride is open its a step forward.

Describing that facade as stunning is an understatement. Universal is on a roll lately (not a sandwich).

I am strongly in favour of listing the month of each trip with a provisional date setup. The flexibility one is a sound argument, considering no matter what the date is, there will be several members wanting to go but cannot due to other commitments. I am all for the provisional dates from the start of each year as it enables people able to get time off work and work around other things happening in their schedules. Perhaps a compromise system would work, where the more further distance meets involving accommodation and flights/long travel are given more permanent dates and notice, whilst the more local meets can be more flexible and may not need as much notice.

Whoever renamed this thread gets my vote for best mod/admin.

To a large extent it is (bar the name change), but there was speculation for many years that it wouldn't and it seems to be the case here too.Regardless of the Hartenhoff thing, I'm unsure of this happening. Maybe this new theme park opening nearby to Oakwood will finally wake to park from its sleep.

I'm not even sure they're getting anything. 2017 could just be a continuation of improved TLC like what we're seeing on Vampire & Tombs for this season. I can't even see what they could build anyway, unless something finally replaces Skyway.