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It’s no secret that the majority of Merlin attractions are currently going through some sort of decline, whether that be Thorpe, the midways or even the Legolands (as there have been reports of profits dropping there too). Whilst things like ‘cheaper flights’, terrorism, the economy and recent ride accidents are just some things that may have hindered visitor numbers, Merlin cannot be cleared of all charges by any means. Over recent years, we have generally seen charm, character, atmosphere, upkeep/appearances and general pride dwindle in these parks. There is typically less escapism when you are bombarded by ‘cheap short-term attractions’, walking adverts and ‘exposed ride buildings’ -see DBGT, Ninjago etc.). The fact they have stuck ‘cheap’ Lego monsters on there only salts the wound further and epitomises this. It’s a fact the U.K. parks are generally capped when it comes to growth and expansion, largely down to space limitation, strict planning or most likely both, but this shouldn’t be a hinderance to what the parks could do, if they were allowed the resources to create entertaining attractions. The Wickerman is a pure example of this. Sure, it’s probably not the best layout for a roller coaster, but through it’s compelling storyline, effects, atmospheric soundtrack and theming proves the parks and the U.K. can still create distinctive and memorable attractions that the G.P. will love and enjoy.

Can’t say I’m massively surprised they are charging for their Dungeon attractions to pass holders (too), whether that means it will be free eventually can be anyone’s guess. If successful I can see the park adding a Madame Tussaud’s Alton Towers and/or a Legoland Discovery Centre Alton Towers in the future. The £5 Charge does now mean I will have an incredibly difficult task of whether I visit the Towers Dungeons or grab my usual Mcdonalds after visiting now though.

That’s bonestly such a pity really, because there’s so many things they could clearly do at the park. Like Turn Colossus trains backwards, make Vortex and Rush do a whole 360 and whilst we’re at it, rebuild Phantom Fantasia.

£5 for a Dungeon attraction is adequate as prices go, although it will be interesting to see how it works given how far away from the main entrance this actually is and how popular/successful it will be as an ‘upcharge’ from park entry. Whos to say in a few years rime, the attraction will open later/selected times or not open on certain/ off peak days. Wait and see I guess!

Looks like Tivoli Gardens have a ‘surprisingly’ big year ahead of them for 2019. Source-Blooloop Article On Tivoli. Basically they are spending a lot of money on replacing and updating ride hardware which includes their kiddie and Mack powered coasters amongst others. I will be visiting the park in late April, so it remains difficult to see what will or will not be open in that time, but one will see.

Concept art for the new Scandinavian area has been released. Source-EuropaStreet

You wouldn’t believe the amount of people who call it “The Nemesis Ride”. I’ve only ever called it Inferno, because at least then the two can be distinguished more. Aside from the fact one is in the Midlands and the other just outside of London.

I think the most agreeable solution would be to just chuck them in the bin or the bonfire! -Said almost everyone

I think ideally parks need to ensure there is a general balance between original ideas/internal IPs and external IPs. I don’t have a major issue with IP’s, as long as they fit within the park’s character, are delivered to a high quality and remain creative and imaginative. Europa for example seems to have a good balance with this, as last year they added IP attractions Jim Knopf (formerly Old99) and the Paddington Ice Show, whilst opening the ‘quirky and original’ Madame Freudenreich Ride (a retheme Of the ageing Universe Of Energy). One could argue Can Can Coaster could also be an ‘external IP’, with it’s ties with the moulin rouge, but even then they have developed original ideas within this concept. Getting back on point, as ‘external’ IP's go, Room On The Broom is one of the better choices and should fit within the park hopefully. There are certainly much worse IP choices out there, like IAC and Love Island.

We were at Cedar Point for 3.5 days and didn’t use any fast pass whilst out and managed to get on most things at least twice. Three days is sufficient when visiting the park without it. We stayed at CP’s Express hotel which gave us three days to visit included in our stay.

TBH the park could easily turf anywhere they wanted for all we know. Except Loggers clearly, as they can’t even turf up what the future holds there. Still better than nothing.

I believe around 2015 time was when Vogel Rock went to only using two trains due to a brakes issue, but has gone back to running three this year after a refurb. All they need to do now is fix the audio issues (I experienced last month) and the ride will be perfect. Loving the updates Efteling are doing right now, the things they are doing are what needs to be taken out at more parks.

Being 25 is so last year, because I’m 26 in a few months. Seems trendy these days for parks to tear stuff down before their big birthdays.

I’m a maybe for now here.

Currently down for working both days, but if there’s any chance of going, I will do what I can.

Sounds a lot like Game Of Thrones If you ask me, Shame! N.B I’m very happy with the ride that won the game, not sarcasm I promise.

I would certainly put bets on the ‘now seemingly’ lifeless Old Town (formerly Canada Creek), even 4/5 years ago the place was full of life compared to now. Slammer: SBNO, mothballed, barely touched since 2017, queue only used for Fright Nights Canada Creek Railway: Derelict, track mostly or completely removed, locomotives remain untouched in ‘back of house’ workshop, level crossings redundant, out of use since 2011, areas only used for Fright Nights Loggers Leap: ‘Clearly’ abandoned and untouched since the final day of 2015 with absolutely no work whatsoever done between then and now, clearly a cost saving measure, there’s a better chance of the Arena coming back let alone poor Loggers, queue used for Fright Nights (notice the theme) Most F&B units are also out of action for all the season apart from maybe Fright Nights. This just leaves Rocky Express, Timber Tug, Lumber Jump and The Grill as the only things open in the area, two of which just badly clash and completely ruin the character and atmosphere the original area once had. As sad the current state of the area is, I would just rather they completely demolish the whole area and relocate Rocky and the Grill to where Slammer is,so they can build andopen up a brand new area. Maybe a GCI/RMC coaster along with one or two family rides and a new restaurant could work. Use something like Red Dead as an IP if they ‘absolutely’ momentarily have to make it marketable.

Sure, having attractions to eat queues is better than nothing, but considering the average throughput was around 200 (300 at an absolute push on good days), the difference isn’t that substantial really, especially when you consider fastrack and RAP will make 30-40% of that too. It was an okay filler attraction, but maybe budgets should’ve been spent elsewhere too as the space lends itself better for fright night mazes.

Might as well start a Legoland one then whilst we’re at it.

Inferno winning is a perfectly acceptable winner.

Nemesis Inferno (7) Stealth (3) Inferno+ Stealth-

Nemesis Inferno (7) Stealth (6) The Swarm (2) Inferno+ Swarm-

In all fairness it was all a matter of time on the ‘waiting’ game to when IAC, especially with the politics involving Ant. Four seasons is quite astounding for an attraction that was clearly intended as something short term and not built to last. Hopefully what follows investment wise wise will be aimed to be more long term, but who knows.

Detonator: Bomb's Away (6) Nemesis Inferno (6) Rush (3) Stealth (5) The Swarm (5) Inferno+ Rush-

Detonator: Bomb's Away (5) Nemesis Inferno (8) Rush (6) Samurai (4) Stealth (7) The Swarm (5)  Tidal Wave (0) Inferno+ Tidal wave- Detonator: Bomb's Away (5) Nemesis Inferno (5) Rush (5) Samurai (5) Stealth (5) The Swarm (5)