Matt 236

Despite my hit and miss previous visit I returned to Thorpe (once) again yesterday for my 12th and (likely) final trip of 2014. Ride count/ Inferno 2x Swarm X 2x Colossus Stealth 2x Saw Rumba 2x Loggers Rocky Quantum Vortex Depth Charge Teqcups Detonator Total/ 18 Maze count Blair Witch My a Bloody Valentine Cabin Total 3 Overall total 21 Despite the park (supposedly) reaching capacity (although the actual number was nearer to 13k as opposed to 18k) though the park felt busy it certainly didn't feel unbearable or heaving really. Coasters reached 1-2 hours in the peak of the day and mazes 90-120 minutes (which isn't much more than others days I've gone). Pros Good run through on a Blair witch Best run through on MBV yet Swarm in the dark Front row inferno in the dark was a nice end to the day (and season) Stealth was open Good operations on Swarm, Stealth & Inferno (for. Out of the day) Rumba at night is underrated Seeing a few familiar faces working there Colossus ran surprisingly smooth at night Got on Blair Witch quickly Vortex was running well (and in good in the dark) Cons Saw's effects are completely broken So is Inferno's mist Swarm started the day on one train Swarm's 'cattle pen of doom' (the one behind station) was being used (crust when you thought the queue was quiet) Tea cups are still stiiff Colossus Operations (took 2 minutes to dispatch each train, at one stage I though it was only on one) Not being able to queue up for S13 because it was closed before I could even ask (one person doesn't hurt) Seeing your typical disruptive park visitors every so often Despite facing the park alone, I supposedly had a better day out yesterday than I had on the 24th. Whether this was due to Stealth being open, being more laid back or having no a Chessington trip cancelled I'm not sure. The only things that made Fridays trip better than this one was my amazing run through on Face It Alone and spending the day with Scary a Coaster Boy & Jack. Although this will most likely be my final proper themepark trip this year (except for London/Winter Wonderland & perhaps Legoland Christmas), It was a nice end to the 2014 season (especially Inferno front row at night). I've renewed my magic pass for yet another year (although losing 12 days off my last one due to date differences). However despite this I doubt I'll get 12 trips next year (2 which were actually a bonus this year) and not to mention I have hopes/intentions to escape the Merlin machine next year should things go to plan (so far only doing so at Blackpool and tickley world), potential blog on the way to analyse this year more.

Sounds quite promising and hopeful to me, as I question what this will mean. Even a major retheme/overhaul of Falls or Tomb would make me happy. That being said could still end up just being the new show or even just another type of animal.

I'm not surprised the park has hit capacity (again). Went yesterday and though it was definitely busy (1-2 hour queues for coasters) it wasn't exactly unbearable (although the park actually had 13-14k instead of 18k). So how I think this may actually happen every day this week ( bit like Chessington's half term zoo days in 2013).

White seems to be the new black for Merlin (considering they like using basic colours for their coaster tracks). Still it's a B&M so it could look much worse!

Hmmmmm, not good news at all. Hope this man makes a steady recovery and this incident doesn't cripple the park's (presumably) increasing attendance. Could this potentially be a 'not understanding the guidelines' incident.

Blue fire (with the theming bit) Vampire (at night) or Dragons Fury (at night)

I'm at the park today, whilst it's definitely very busy today, it doesn't feel like its heaving or too overcrowded. Longest queue currently is Saw on 110 minutes however I expect it will get a lot busier in the evening. Fright Nights have been very busy this year so far, which is hopefully a good thing for the park but not for anyone visiting.

I think £5 is just about justifiable as entry is only £10 pp for non pass holders. You should see Leholand's Christmas event which is almost £30 on peak days where only some of the rides are open alongside a grotto and other things, even pass holders have to pay. Back on topic, does sound quite a nice little event for the park, however there's not really enough there forme to be worth a visit though.

Jam donuts (just) Narnia or /Lord Of The Rings

Could be worse, could be Legoland! Only Atlantis and Vikings get over 1000 pph. One must also remember when Stealth is down it throws another 1-2k of guests elsewhere in the park. Whilst towers does handle most queues a lot better than Thorpe (with the possible exception of CBeebies land & Sonic) Towers is much bigger than Thorpe by a minimum of at least five times.

Themeparks (fun fairs meh) Howl O ween or Hocus Pocus

Dragons Owls or Eagles?

TBH I was originally going to be at Chessington this day, but things occurred preventing this and the main reason I'm going back is to renew my annual pass (it was here or Legoland) and other situations mean so too. The trip I mentioned was one that was not intentionally planned to happen and was supposed to be at Chessington.

Howl O ween (because I want to go) Vampire (at night) or Dragons Fury (at nighht)

Was supposed to be doing a TR on Chessington after my planned visit yesterday, but due to complications it was another day back at Thorpe. Arrived at 9:35-12:45 and returned again at 5:30pm. Ride count Morning Swarm Inferno x4 Dodgems Detonator Saw X Quantum Rumba Loggers Rocky Total13 Evening Blair Witch Rumba Teacups Angrybirds 4D Slammer X Swarm Saw Alive (face it alone) Total 8 Complete total 21 Closed rides Fish, Stealth (didn't open all day) , Samurai, Loggers (after 5), Rocky, Caroulsel Pros Morning was pretty quiet 2 train op at the start of day Best face it alone Roast and Relish is such a good place to eat New swarm lighting Slammer at night Rumba at night Inferno marathon Cons Stealth was closed all day Saw's effects were broken Dodgems had 12 cars broken (yes 12!) Thorpe was insanely busy Everything was almost on 1-2 hour queues We weren't at Chessington Tbh I didn't enjoy my evening back on park as it was so busy' literally everything had a long queue, best bit was night ride on Slammer and Swarm tbh. Perhaps my least favourite trip in 2014,yet. Face it alone however sort of made up for which was so good! Did Saw Alive this time and the actors were really in force today and was such good fun, plus they took great use of the props there too. Easily my favourite Face it alone yet followed by Studio and then Cabin, would definitely recommend! Back again to Thorpe one more time this season, fingers crossed it won't be as bad as this day. Apparently it was even worse today as they almost reached capacity plus Stealth was still down.

Rush is currently 60 minutes now, Glad I'm not in park tonight, would be really unbearable.

Really love how the parks been improving lighting at their parks a lot recently, makes night time experiences much better in my opinion.

Absolutely gutted! Was supposed to be going to this tonight for my first ever Chessington Halloween event (even when it was Hocus Pocus). However due to reasons out my control, this was cancelled last minute. I guess it'll be next year now, just hope they keep the current mazes there.

Cabin in the woods Mystery of Hocus Pocus or Haunting in the hollows?

Banned for triple posting ;)

Banned because I didn't get to Chessington today

TBH I think Samurai needs extensive refurbishment or just complete replacement. For a 15 years old (fairground) ride, it's done quite well to last as lo as it is but seeing it not seeing the last few seasons out does show it's towards the end of its life. Could do with replacing in the near future, either with a new too scan or even an air race (which could work). Dare I say even Slammer seems more reliable than old Sammy so far

Very happy/excited about this new addition. Though Air Races (look) good rides, I think it's a good choice by the park as not just is it more unique addition to the park and uk overall. At least we're getting one decent ride for 2015 in the uk.

Mystic Manor (because it's Disney ;)) I've not tried either yet but shall hopefully see what mystery is like tomorrow. Vampire haunting in the hollows or Scary Tales?

Mcban