Matt 236

There’s definitely something clearly planned for the ride as they wouldn’t have mentioned anything otherwise. As they say, it’s better than nothing!

Really liking the look of these updates. This coaster is gold!

That’s ok, in a few years they will call themselves “the scariest place in Staines” or something like that.

That’s an interesting stunt to promote the brand new movie based on the ride. This could’ve only happened on the Jungle Cruise. It’s a splashy world after all.

A plus one is a plus one. Count me in! Black Mirror looks alright I suppose.

I call bingo! I like Black Mirror so I hope they don’t mess this up! Slammer isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Even missing the ride’s peak years by some considerable margin, I have noticed the station’s standards slip considerably from my first ever visit in 2006. Back then, the chandeliers were still hanging, with a better lighting package, not to mention a noticeably better quality of theming, audio and atmosphere. Oh and train service too, but let’s forget that for now. I’ll wait until opening to see if the station has changed (and how), but who knows what will happen and what they may have done. Must admit, the idea of the original theme being replaced does concern me, especially as I consider much of Graham Smart’s park music to be masterpieces.

I understand that the growth that Thorpe took on in the noughties was extreme and unrealistic (as far as a long term business model goes), and it is pretty clear they have invested in cheap additions additions (especially in recent years), just for the sake of something new. Of the choice of this or something every few years or something, I would rather see the latter. Whether that be some big thrill coaster, a fun flat ride or even a family attraction, which the park seemingly lacks. Swarm is a tricky one, as whilst it didn’t bring in the numbers as hoped it was still a generally well received ride (as many have said before). DBGT in the other hand was a massive failure to them in many ways. Indeed, but when you look at the quality of what Phantasia have added, it can simply put wonders and jealousy upon other parks. One has to just mention Taron and see how much better the overall quality that Park has risen to in that time. I think Thorpe do seriously need to reconsider what they are doing and where they are going whilst trying to make it more of a commercial success. It won’t be easy or happen overnight, but let’s see. Legoland targets the younger families and Chessington caters for slightly older families and animal lovers. So it’s a question whether they go for the all ages or just the thrills. Were they to increase promoting within central London, I do wonder how much of a difference it would make?

Slow start? Where have I heard that before? Merlin is doomed with olympics and opening big new additions (looks at Swarm). Only time will tell I guess.

I just can’t see a positive future for the park, as rides continue to age and are given as much “on the cheap” maintenance until running them is no longer practical. In the last ten years, we have only seen six new rides, two of which are “off the shelf” kids rides you would expect to find at a small sea side park. In the ten years before that, we saw 14. Whilst it’s not logical to keep the same investment level from 2010-2010, it would be nice to at least see something every few years, but we know under current positions that isn’t going to happen anytime soon.

Suppose you could say it’s a stairway to heaven.

This is saddening, but not surprising. I suspected from the day Camelot shut this ride wouldn’t be relocated inspite the optimism somewhat Pleasureland would be getting it. well the drive to Blackpool will be less exciting now!

Maybe it’s a lamp? I can see where the bulb goes.

I like Liseberg, although it is not necessarily my favourite park. They have a good selection of headlining coasters, some varied flat rides and other attractions too. It’s clean and has decent food generally too. However parks such as Phantasialand and Europa I definitely prefer, mainly for the escapism and overall experience front. P.A is just overrated tbh, I have no plans for a return visit right now, even with my bucket list.

This must be a massive blow for them. I honestly wish them a swift recovery especially out of all things going on with them ATM.

Thorpe’s plan for the next five years is about as clear as a car windscreen on a freezing cold morning.

Such a shame to see this happen to the park. Don’t think I’ve seen flooding to that level in a U.K. park at least.

Think he’s just making the most of all the roaming opportunities before the red tape happens. I love how the ride interacts with the hotel though.

Just a little update here. Source- European Coaster Club.

Thorpe has reached a stagnation point so bad now that it makes the other Merlin Parks look innovating. It is pretty clear the park is struggling from both a business and directional one. They don’t know what they want and where to go. Would love to see some investments along the lines of an RMC, but unfortunately until they can prove to Merlin it is worthwhile, they will only likely receive the mouse’s share of investment. Gone are the days of major investments every few years and instead, a churn up of events, pop up attractions and maybe re-themes if we are lucky.

Looks like are going to need to be Anka’d (anchored) out. Not surprised, it’s just another Hard Rock scenario.

The picture tells me Stealth will be open this year. That makes me very happy. Oh and they need to upgrade their Picsolve photos I think.

Not for everyone’s tastes but made and arranged a piano cover of Lost In The Woods from Frozen II.

Think I’ll stick to my fabreeze or those other bottles whatever they are called. Thanks but no thanks.

Least Thirteen was actually a success for the park though.