Matt 236

Judging from the crane witness, I can assume Black Bucaneer is getting major work done to it and will hopefully reopen before super-peak season (July onwards). It could be a case that more work was needed than first expected, but still isn’t great that a notable support ride is out of action three months into the main season. I get the impression the engineering department at all parks is down this year compared to previous ones. Understaffing and budgets are possible. As for those “staff say it’s not coming back because of 123 reasons”, that’s just general nonsense and wouldn’t believe anything until the park or a reliable source officially announce anything. There’s been lots of silly rumours all over the years, from Swarm VR to that Flying Coaster in Canada Creek.

To be fair, Thorpe’s ride selection and clientele makes it more justifiable to enforce stricter rules where on-ride photography is concerned. A teenager dropping their phone whilst trying to make a POV on Saw for example could be fatal. From previous witnesses, strictness of on-ride photography has typically varied on the Rapids. Some may be more relaxed whilst others will be stricter and tell off the offending riders.

That concept looks fab. Almost looks like something from Efteling or Phantasialand.

Seems remarkably accurate. I’m almost certain Nick Varney is actually Thanos, at least in the theme park world. Once intending to add balance to all the parks, but now with the click of his fingers, around half the attractions are disappearing from the parks. Either that or budget cuts.

I know safety’s first and everything but that is a very blunt, crude and generally unprofessional way of the park’s social media team to deal with that situation. Based on previous recent posts highlighting similar issues, Towers and Merlin need to either train them better or give them disciplinary/dismissal action. If they continue responding like this, then there’s no wonder why they are receiving so many complaints. They are truly feeding the flames. Cue those comments

The last time I checked the Beach today, there was still some work taking place there and it was still drained and empty. Depending on how much work and preparation needs doing, I reckon the Beach will open late May to early June.

Tidal Wave is now (finally) on a two boat operation. The green and purple boats are now running. Not sure if/when we will see the third though? Vortex and Quantum are still closed and the beach is probably still a while from opening.

It must be good at Jazz since it’s got the blues.

Well it looks like they are actually second to Disney on something now, although not necessarily one to be proud with. $22 currently equates to around £16.50 based on the current atrocious exchange rate. Can someone confirm how much the car park used to be? I don’t think it’s particularly big tbh. I expect the majority don’t park in the park anyway.

Rumba could be something special with the right vision and effort put into it, especially considering it’s one of the most popular when being in groups. Some scenery (not burnt trees), effects and interactive features would not go amiss amongst queue upgrades too. I don’t think they’d be able to add/return any water features unless they were external from the current system though. Would be nice to see a proper refurbishment, but they probably don’t have the budget sadly.

Interesting report. Big Sheep sounds a lovely little park and the others don’t sound half bad either. I believe Flambards are the new owners of Lightwater, so hopefully they can turn around that place somewhat. Rampage used to operate at the now defunct Metroland until 2008, where it was known as the New Roller Coaster. It’s interesting to see how they’ve worked out the landscaping for what was once a completely indoors coaster.

Well, that Fish resin looks both random and impressive, never thought I’d say both together. They also have a new Stealth resin too, which is smaller but better than the previous one. Saw needs a new one as it’s had the same one for years. To whoever pointed the resemblance of the Colossus resin, thanks. Love the ride pins and been trying to get more of late, very addictive indeed. Bought the top trumps recently, they are not too bad either. Couldn't find the ride chocolate though. Does anyone know if they’ve (already) discontinued these?

Loving the Blue Spaghetti look.

Still better the garish green house look it had earlier on in the season. Fingers crossed they’ll actually be able to get the resources to fix it, next season at the latest. Least they have fixed some of the effects though.

It’s back open now and Heres the source. Apparently one train lightly bumped into another when it was parked at the station, so hopefully not as bad as what’s being said. Still concerning this happened though. Wouldn't be surprised if this kills Thorpe getting one of these anytime soon.

The shop looks rather grand, however I find the lack of promotion from BPB disturbing. It’s like they don’t want people to know about their new ride. Recent motives from the park suggest they are still struggling (as a result of low gate numbers and ride expense). I do worry for the park’s future should Icon be a failure.

Tover Land looks even more beautiful now, such a lovely location for the park.

I’m surprised Nemesis doesn’t feature on that poll. Then again, I rarely follow a theme park community that insists on banning people if they prefer Pepsi to Coke (amongst other silly reasons). Glad Helix & Taron made the cut though.

Well that was awkwardly hilarious. Certainly looks like that wasn’t supposed to happen.

I think it’s currently estimated for a late June opening from what I last heard. If this thing isnt running in August, then there’s something very wrong there. Once the tunnel is sorted, this beast should be ready quite soon I expect. The park just needs a major dark ride type attraction now. Rather badly if you ask.

0 chance in that 1

The chances of Paramount Park ever opening are equivalent of Loggers opening this Summer.

Should definitely be there for the Chessington part of the trip, but shall see whether I can join you at Thorpe too. Tomb should be attending too.

Either that or someone in HR needs a spell checker. 2020 would make sense though for a large investment though.

Clearly up there with Phantasialand then