Matt 236

1/ Guests who think they are self entitled/better then everyone because they don’t use the main queue 2/ Guests who can’t grasp the basic safety rules. Is sitting down that difficult? It seems to be 3/ Guests who tread on staff and other guests.

Thanks Matt for organising another fun meet. Most of it was highly enjoyable. I miss Chiapas and Taron already. And McDonald’s.

RAP was great in it’s time but nowadays it’s rather poor.

I don’t think it’ll be a massive redevelopment but at least they are finally sorting the area out as it needed it. probably an upgrade to the cinema, existing attractions and maybe a kids flat if we are lucky. “Family IP imminent”!

I solemnly swear there was some discussion on Hagrid’s Bike here, but that may have been in another thread and Towerstreet. Probably both. It’s early days on this new project but I’m glad but not surprised they are getting a third gate (fourth if you count the Volcano water park). Nintendo areas imminent and the others sound guessable too. I guess they could do a Jurassic world area here as the Jurassic Park area will be in the other parks. I’m not holding off for this because I’ve never been to Orlando!

That’s possible, but regardless it’ll only ever be on one train operation. Still, least they getting a major coaster when Thorpe won’t. Ironic. Maybe?

Paultons is probably the last hope we currently have for the UK industry. They are an authentic park with intention of constant improvement in all areas and remain strongly successful for their key audience. I sadly cannot say the same for the majority of other UK parks. Sure a couple of smaller things are better or least terrible but things on the whole have slipped very noticeably. One just needs to look at old Town, Colossus, Saw Alive, amongst other areas. Smaller parks like Bobblejaan are pushing the boat further now, let alone the Dutch and German park’s which are arguably where many of the best European parks currently are!

My favourite part of the attraction is the exit!

One of the things they could do is actually dismantle it? If I wanted to see an interesting ornament I’d visit a sculpture park!

Although perhaps lacking the charm and character of Beano, Wild Asia was a great addition to the park, bringing in elaborate theming and other features plus a hefty support attraction. Things were looking so optimistic in 2010. Whilst the park is perhaps the least terrible of the four and the new/rethemed attractions have generally been quite good, there is still a long way to go before the park returns anything near what it once was. Park areas still need some work, with some areas thread-bare with theming and/or looking worse for wear (see Tomb Blaster). We have also lost three attractions (four if you include Buccaneer) with only one being replaced, so capacity is definitely noticeably lower. 2013 was easily when the park was in it’s absolute worst state.

I think European park guests typically enjoy water rides more, but more importantly have a better understanding of park rules and safety, which is why the U.K. has such stringent rules especially of late. I think most of the UK industry is arguably behind a lot of other countries when it comes to park progression. Not just the big things, but the little things too such as theming, immersion and even basic customer service. We’ve only recently had our first GCI/wooden coaster in 20+ years and I think we will be waiting at least another five before we ever see an RMC. If we even ever get one! Paultons is currently the most likely U.K. park to invest in a water ride that actually gets you wet but we shall see. We have seen at least three major water rides close in the U.K. in recent years, not including the ones in Blackpool, Pleasureland or Adventure Island.

Whilst the least shocking thing is it mentions the Smiler Crash.

Loggers Leap says hi Sorry folks, it ain’t coming back!

Souce- Thrill Nation. And just like everyone expected, No Big Top either. Let’s just hope it’s better than last years embarrassment.

TBH the whole park could do with a complete dust-over, except Saw which ironically is one of the cleanest areas despite being a run-down horror theme. Least Chessington aren’t over-saturating advertisement here, but two removed rides and a mothballed pirate ship should not be ignored.

Cedar point is probably my second favourite park I have visited to date. Aside from it’s impressive array of coasters (arguably the best overall collection in the world), the park just has that lively ye charming feel, atmosphere and a perfect balance between old and new attractions. Not surprised Magnum is your all time favourite coaster. I like the attraction and whilst I wouldn’t say it’s my top coaster, for it’s age it runs perfectly.

Sky Fly is too low capacity IMO unless they built two or an extra large model. After RAp and Fastrack have spoken, you’ll be looking at 3-4 people from the main queue each cycle! The Park just needs an RMC, I know some people say they are overrated and seen as the bees knees in the enthusiast community, but I personally love them! They have airtime, inversions and are just relentless. I honestly just wish they’d build one either where Loggers/Old Town is/was or on that empty island as it would really add something to the park. The rest of the place needs ride/investment but also some TLC too. Make the paths, buildings, rides look nice. It’s amazing just how better parks look when paint, clean and jet wash areas. I think they should try and be a mini U.K. version of Cedar Point. But that will never happen!

This is thread literally calling for one of those “tier rated things” with Thorpe’s rides. I will do it later, but I am glad the park’s most underrated attraction is finally back in operation.

Must be a slow news day as things like happen frequently at these parks. What next? “Man disappointed at Theme Park because burger served cold”? Their articles are as quality as a 20 year old pinifari travelling coaster.

Colony is probably the longest maze I have ever done at a scare event with multiple mazes. Pretty already takes 20/25 minutes to go through, so if it gets any longer it will be huge!

Someone told me there is a bus that to/from the park from/around Amsterdam, but it leaves spot on park close and if you miss it, you are more stranded than the Sahara dessert.

The Dutch park’s are definitely amongst the most progressive currently out there and show us what attractions should do. Untamed sounds great and regardless of whether it’s a Steel Vengeance beater still looks a great attraction to the park and superior to the old woodie. I'm guessing Condor wasn’t so bad? I’ve heard lots of enthusiasts slate this thing as one of the worst major coasters out there. Shame the queues don’t look great. Tover Land looks lovely and I hope they continue to progress. Hoping for a visit next month if all goes to plan. Efteling is one of my favourite parks. Everything about that place is simply charming and magical with so much to see. In the four years since I first visited, the place has gone from strength to strength.

All of these accidents are honestly dreadful. The pendulum/after burner ride accidents seem to all be a result of buying poor quality models and not being operated and maintained safely enough. There seems to have been a lot of ride accidents in the last few years, however I put that down to the likes of social media and phone ownership increasing significantly as opposed to more accidents actually happening.

Sounds like an American version of Blackpool Pleasure Beach from the report, albeit with better maintained wooden coasters, more classics and a crappy version of River Caves. Should try and get out to this place one day, but probably as a road trip thing.

I guess at the end of the day if the paint scheme of the boat looks unpresentable, we should look away from it? Like the state of Slammer, Loggers and the whole of old town, areas of removed and dilapidated theming, mixed up areas, closed outlets and the presentation of most attractions. Every Park has it’s ups and downs, but the way Thorpe has been operated in the last 5+ years would make you think they are being run by a company billions in debt which are barely making a profit. I wont hold my breath for fright nights, but they have a chance to make it less terrible than last year.