Matt 236

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.

A perspective of the ride around the Sky Force Area-coutesy Of Amanda Thompson OBE. The more photos I see of this ride, the more excited I’m becoming for Icon. This ride will have some excellent interaction points.

One strange occurrence which happened yesterday after the cuts were announced was Towers made a random post relating to ride’s concept art (see below). Unsurprisingly the post was the victim of much complaint as hundreds of fans expressed their disgust and hatred towards these new controversial decisions. But one has ask the question of this park status, was it poor social media planning or a potential tactical ploy in a way to express what management are doing is unacceptable and they need a greater budget to prosper? I also say this to all which strongly object Merlin’s decisions over the park’s budget cuts. 1/ Don’t take it out on front line park staff. They are usually hard working individuals who are not responsible for any of this and are too perhaps disappointed with what is happening. 2/ If you are strongly against these decisions to the point you are put off visiting, vote with your feet. Stop visiting. Why not support the other UK parks such as Blackpool,Paultons or Flamingo Land. Because complaining about something but still using there service makes no difference. We will have to see what happens.

A themed launch coaster (ala Taron or Helix) would suite the park to the ground. Whatever the 2020 is remains difficult to be said, however I did hear they want to minimise tree removal due to remaining in their position as a nature park (as well a theme park). With this in mind it could be anything really, but a dark ride seems more feessble perhaps especially given it’s close proximity to the Efteling hotel. Could they even consider a water attraction even? A Chiapas style flume (with an Efteling theme) would do wonders for the park.

I’m pretty sure Dark Forest was 10:30am last year along with Skyride 11am. Not too sure about Hex but I’m pretty sure Mutiny, Katanga and Forbidden Valley were previously unaffected by stsggered openings.

Right, so Alton Towers have updated their website with some updates to ERT and ride openings. You can see all information on the park’s website here. The good news is Wickerman will now be open for ERT. The bad news is Cloud Cuckoo Land, Hex, Duel, Runaway Mine Train, Sharkbait, Galleons and Dark Forest won’t open until 11am with skyride at 11:30am. Whats more Forbidden Valley won’t open until 12 and Congo is only classed as a seasonal attraction with a May to September opening. Edit- Benin just beat me to it.

I don’t think a Steel Mouse would be a good idea as many such fans would react negatively to the idea and descard it as an insulting replacement to the original. Unless an updated wooden mouse is possible, whatever replaces the area should be fresh and new. Whether that be a family coaster, a couple of flats or even a dark ride. Blackpool still have a great selection of classic attractions (interweaved with their newer hardware), but unfortunately nothing is sacred forever and they don’t have swathes of financial fat like other park operators.

That airtime hill sure looks amazing especially if Helix is anything to go by. Its great to see the UK finally gaining a Mack mega especially considering it’s Blackpool’s first coaster in almost 25 years. I too feel saddened by the loss of the Mouse. It was an original and classic attraction in it’s own right and crazy in the best of ways. Unfortunately it was a matter of time before it went though, especially with tightening safety standards and other complications. I feel like the park had their hands tied with the closure. It’s difficult to say what will replace the area and when.

As far as I’m concerned it’s now scheduled to open around June time. Should be an excellent addition to the park once it opens. All Liseberg needs now is a quality dark ride to complete it’s quality ride collection.