Matt 236

I don’t have a major issue with the vest restraints, but if they can make them less tightening, it would be much appreciated. Still looks good.

Flaming hot it looks!

Believe it or not there are actually attractions out there which greatly enhance a ride experience purely on theming and effects alone. Disney aside, rides such as The Flying Dutchman (Efteling) and Anubis are examples that high quality items (aside from ride hardware and layout) can still offer a great experience. Whether Wickerman is one of these remains to be seen. As for the ‘first woodie in 21 years’ one could argue Scenic is basically a brand new woodie (given how it was completely rebuilt). However it must be remembered that it was listed (just before that tragic fire) and had to be built virtually identical to the original. Also Woodies need structure material replaced on fairly regular basis too. The Wood on Blackpool’ woodies now certainly isn’t from the 1930’s/1940’s. I believe they did originally consider building it around the cross valley site but chose the Flume due to the ride reaching the end of it’s life. Unfortunately a noticeable chunk where the Flume resided was part of the Gardens and had to be restored. Whilst Wardley did reprofile one or two areas (very slightly) one has to remember he took on more a consultant role in Thirteen and Smiler (as opposed to to Nemesis and Oblivion). The new trains look neat though.

The Wild Mouse closing was a massive shame and it will be missed (myself includied), but one unfortunately has to remember the challenging industry now where liability of incidents is unfortunately much worse now. gone are the days of guests going to first aid and getting something. Instead, more people may submit these on social media and even submit these to the press. This is unfortunately a reality we live in more-so now. According to others, the Wild Mouse underwent a noticeable amount of updates the closed season before last (including new breaks), yet the ride suddenly shuttered around last September. Some say the ride’s insurer pulled out and the park couldn’t find a new/affordable one. Given the maintenance achieved, it does seem very possible the Mouse’s spiting was out of the park’s choice. Moving on, I am more excited for the opening of Icon, because it gives the park a modern thrill coaster from one of the best manufacturers out there. And considering the ride’s layout and interaction with other rides it should hopefully be something special. The grade I status on other attractions hopefully is reassurance alone they have many years left. I would much rather they open Icon and remove the mouse than try and keep it open and become bankrupt in a couple of years. The company doesn’t have as much financial fat as others in the industry currently.

I can no longer say Icon looks a good ride. That’s because it looks like it’s going to be phenomenal one. Those twists, turns and airtime hill look absolutely stunning and being in Pleasure Beach the interaction between others looks to be one of the best out there. Regardless as whether it’s better than the likes of Helix, Blue Fire etc. The UK now finally looks to have a worthwhile multi-launch which is great to see especially for those unable to go abroad. Edit- forgot to mention, nothing really to add. Only the trains have now arrived. Courtesy of St Chads Hotel.

Looks like it will go well in my collection amongst pet rocks,diet water and Umbrella shoes.

Shame to hear Rage has aged a bit. Given it’s compact footprint and layout it was a neat little coaster last time I experienced it. The park arguably holds the best Pinifari ever made but the Barnstormer is pretty good too. Haven’t visited now for a few years (a return may be due soon). Apparently the ghost train is more watered down now which is a shame, but least the other dark ride sounds ok. For what they have (space and resourcewise) they don’t do bad for a tiny park and considering they build some of their own rides (Ghost Train, Time Machine, Cow Junp) is certainly an achievement on its own.

Love it or leave it but the WDC are on an IP adding spree of late, adding popular properties into parks. Marvel in particular. Following on the likes of Pixar Pier and Mission Breakout, the next attraction to receive the IP treatment will be Rock-N-Rollercoaster which is expected to be rethemed with an Ironman theme sometime around 2019. concept art- courtesy of the DLRP Facebook page. Although it’s already been confirmed, the park have also released new concept art for the reimagined New York Hotel which is to be receiving a new Marvel theme. Certainly looks rather modern and different from other hotel rooms. I'm very mixed about Rock N Rollercoaster’s retheme. I’m a bit sad one of the original attractions is going (especially being a musician) but the design ideas sound interesting. Also if this is the first phase to develop the lacklustre backlot area of the Studios Park it can only be more of a good thing surely. The last I heard on Tower was, it’s ‘currently’ now safe from the Marvel treatment and there are rumours the facade will be getting an overhaul in the near future. Edit- Mr9 has beaten me to it.

Count me in for the day and the meal. plus Tomb as well.

On the upfront this is mostly good news as Duel has been in quite a state the last few years. The promotional images look ok, but I worry for the result in person. What if the wrong kind of UV lighting has been used and the original effect is ruined. I do worry of riding only to find the UV emphasises the whole building (including out of house areas and the warehouse shell) much like TombBlaster does. We will have to wait wait and see I guess. Let’s just hope TLC have done this one properly and given the attraction the treatment it deserves. As for the soundtrack, I’m very mixed as I actually liked the current theme tune.

In all fairness 2009 and 2011 have been their best attendance levels of recent years (despite the love-hate reactions with what opened then). The last few years have unfortunately seen a dip in attendance which hasn’t really reached the levels of Pre-2012 yet. I think the issues of that 2012 were purely down to Olympics and bad weather though despite the perceiving that Swarm was a failure. It wasn’t and usually gets one of the higher satisfaction ratings. The Park ideally need a marketing image which focuses on the thrilling elements but does not overlook it for families either. I for one would like to also see a consistently between dark and upbeat themes.

I’m pretty sure Merlin’s last business statement classed Thorpe Park as aimed towards young adults, if this is the case then the marketing seems to make sense. Thorpe did seem to go down a path of appealing to all ages around 2013 time, however given attendance levels are still lower, perhaps they are again focusing more towards the thrills. Whilst Lego and Chessington are short distances away, younger families have (and will) continue to visit, so hopefully they won’t isolate them completely if this is the case. The irony that one of Thorpe’s best attendance years was when Storm Surge opened.

Excellent. And just before my birthday too

I like that Summer Nights has returned. The allocation of events could be in the parks favour given it may give visitors incentives to visit during different times of the year. I expect there’s more to be announced soon.

I really like the entrance sign. Simple but effective.

Valkyria construction update. Things are going up indeed.

Things are definitely going up at Liseberg. Good to see them progressing ahead now.

Nemesis looks amazing again, great to see some dedication to such an impressive coaster. It reflects the Nemesis theme perfectly.

This is highly exciting. Always thought Walibi seemed rather stagnated on the investment front prior to Pulsar so it’s great to see the park expand and upgrade at a rapid pace. The new coaster and proposed entrance look decent enough too. Would like to see some other parks followsuite to this sort of thing.

Well the video has been removed, what a surprise. The ride does look a little on the slow side during the testing there, however they are probably just experimenting with it currently.

Funny thing is, some people were once joking around of it moving to Thorpe. Imagine the outcry from enthusiasts if that happened. Ramesis is a staple thrill ride at the park and still seems popular enough despite it’s many problems. Unfortunately I can’t see the ride receiving major or worthwhile refurbishment to keep it going longer term. The park probably don’t have the budget or power to enable this.

These new additions will go nicely along with the Miniland World, USA and Coral Reef attractions they are also installing for the 2018 season. Legoland’s Webpage has all the details.

Looks like the nothing finally took it over then. Should be good though for the ride to receive a facelift especially if Star Trek is anything to go by. Edit- apparently the ride used to be themed around The Never Ending Story, but at somepoint was given a toned down retheme (probably when Warner Bros sold up). Would explain the unused pre-show area. Here’s a POV I found.

Didn’t see this coming (or maybe I did).

Compared to expectations I am satisfied with this: especially compared to what’s happening at Towers. 10am opening on all attractions (bar actor led ones) seems reasonable and good to see Rumba, Samurai and Storm Surge return to 10am openings. Opening Derren later at first glance may seem a negative but given the complications running it and high staffing requirements , I’d rather the Ghost Train open at 12 as opposed to a noticeable portion of the park have staggered openings. Saw Alive Summer Operation is an interesting one, but if it helps soak up crowds is hopefully a positive change. Theres also hoping IAC also returns. If the park sticks to these plans and 10pm, the park could be onto a winner this year.