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The best time for Thorpe when it catered for all ages was around 2003. The park then had two big coasters, four flats, a chute the shoot, X No Way Out and a drop tower for thrill seekers. Younger families had the farm, Octopus Gardens, the beach, Ranger County, the railway and the waterbuses. Middle families had Canada Creek, the original Fish, the tea cups plus the Rapids, Pirates 4D, Eclipse and Depth Charge. The banana ride, Quantum & Zodiac can also be added. The park at this time had the best consistency of family and thrill rides then and given the mixed atmosphere of RMC and Tussauds likely made for a great all round park atmosphere. Getting that consistency level back now may be more tricky, but it can be done as 2003 once proved.

Hey yourfirst meetup And this is Crazy, So here's my reply So Call me maybe! Pizza Express would be very acceptable, with Creams after. Edit- Thanks Ryan for deleting my vote for the 11th

Latest on Project V, the buildings and theming are certainly progressing rather nicely now. Whilst this may not necessarily be the most exciting new attraction next year, it certainly looks a solid all round addition to the park and will fit the park very nicely.

Thank you for reading part 1 of my trip report. Here's part 2 of my annual review if you have not died of boredom where we will look into the wonders of the international parks. Europa Park Visiting what is arguably the best European park (or even the world) is one thing, but doing it in a medium sized group that is TPM made things that extra bit more exciting. Situated within a small and charming German town makes for one beautiful location making it one of the most picturesque parks in Europe. Europa Park is not somewhere to visit just for the rides, but because it is Europa Park. A place despite its massive size is full to the brim of hidden attractions and details. It isn't uncommon to walk around the park and find something new all the time, whether that be an archway leading to a hidden dark ride or finding a random show or walk through. The park features countless themed areas to different European countries including Spain, England and Scandanavia. Not only do these areas feel strongly coherent, but also complement one another. Even the aspect of crossing the English area to the (then still not open) Ireland feels like something the park have though about. With Thirteen coasters (12 when I visited), it ranks as having the highest number of coasters in Europe (at least for now) featuring a great variety from the sleek and smooth Blue Fire to the classic Bobsled. Wodan was my favourite coaster for sure, not only down to its crazy amazing layout but it's themed queue. An added bonus making a fast moving queue even more pleasant to wait in. Though some coasters were better than others, none of them come across as weak with each one helping to complement the package. Europa though is more than coaster. As it boasts many shows, dark rides and smaller attractions. The shows come by the pair ranging from an Ice Show, jousting and even a Europa take on a Disney style parade. Whilst some are better than others, there are so many to see you could easily spend one park day watching all of them. Controversially, none of the dark rides are top 10 material (with the possible exception of Arthur), but before you get the pitchforks, there's a perfect explanation. None of them are trying to be. Each dark ride not only complements specific areas but shows off what different attractions Mack has to offer making Europa just as much a working a ride museum amongst a theme park resort. Despite the majority coming across as Disney style knock-offs, many of these attractions are highly enjoyable not only because of their charm but retaining a classic feel. The animatronic, setting and scenery styles are all highly reminiscent of the days when attractions like Bubbleworks, Phantom Phantasia and Terror Tomb existed. What's even more appeasing to see is how well looked after these attractions and seeing them looking refreshed and not stale and falling apart. Piccolo Mondo is an example of this. Although the attractions has existed since the early eighties, it received a major remodelling in 2011 that not only modernised the ride from looking dated but has retained fundamental features of the original. There's more than just the park though, with the resort's five hotels which are look amazing and retain superb quality about everywhere you look there. There's even a beautiful courtyard with fountains! Accommodation at Europa isn't difficult as you have a wide variety of places to stay. If you can't afford Europa hotels, stay in Rust. There is plenty of places to stay, the majority very friendly and reasonable priced and usually no more than 15 minutes walk too. There's even log cabins and camping facilities if you prefer and plenty of restaurants and a super market if you don't want to eat in the park. Europa as theme parks go is practically perfect except for one thing, getting there. Although far from impossible transportation from the airport to the park is more challenging compared to places like Disney and Liseberg. My group were rather lucky that we had enough drivers to warrant hire cars which is probably the easiest option. If you are driverless, you are limited to either expensive but convenience park shuttles or a long fiddly train commute. Liseberg Two weeks after Europa, I was blessed to be visiting another major European park with another amazing Mack. Yet it was a park that couldn't be anymore different. Unlike Europa Park, Liseberg is more of a traditional amusement park, although many of it's new additions have been themed rather well. A more sophisticated, hilly and picturesque Blackpool may be the best comparison here,although both parks are good in their own ways. The park boasts three stunning coasters (more on the fourth later). Helix is an absolutely phenomenal ride, from it's impressive launches, sudden corkscrew out of the station and combination of inversions, airtime and ground hugging elements. Helix is my new number 1 coaster and worth visiting for the park alone. Balder though is also a top quality Wooden coaster for the park. The drops and airtime are amazing although the styling feels comparatively dry to the rest of the park. Hopefully the area re-theme will resolve this. Lisebergbanen minus the brakes is another wonderful ride and it's Terran based layout and interaction almost make it a family thrill Helix without loops. Whilst I adored the others, Kanonen left me feeling disappointed as I found it rather rattly and the restraints uncomfortable. That said given it's tiny footprint, the layout is quite impressive to say the least. Whilst I won't miss the ride given it's now being removed, this coaster would do wonders for a smaller park. I'd certainly visit Drayton more if they brought this. Liseberg also boasts what may be the best selection of flats I've seen at a park. From the craziness of Steampunk themed star shape Mechanica to Uppswing, a swing ride that goes over a cliff. Rush eat your heart out! Atmosphere was even an acceptable drop tower (even just on height) and the Jukebox ride was great fun! Not only is there a decent Rapids and interesting 'working' log flume but Hotel Gasten, a scare maze with some richly themed rooms, scares and over 10 minutes in length. Worth the extra charge too. Amongst it's great attractions, stunning location and classic feel, the only thing this place lacks is a decent dark ride. Fairy Tale Castle is the only dark ride at the park, in the form of a dated schwartzkopf suspended track ride passing random fairy tale scenes to the Dream Flight theme. The ride is practically hilarious because it's so poor and dated. For those who struggle getting to and affording European parks Liseberg is a good starting point as it's very easy to get to. Norwegian British Airways and Ryanair all fly to Gothenburg from Gatwick, Heathrow and Stanstead with prices being under £30 each way if you choose the right time to visit. There's also a bus shuttle that runs from Gothenburg Landvetter to literally just outside the park entrance. Just remember pre-book your tickets or register your cards as they don't do cash payments! Phantasialand Phantasialand is a park I've been wanting to visit for many years and for 2016 I finally got to visit. The place is amazing and despite its smaller size (though definitely not tiny) it is packed with richly themed details everywhere, from the sophisticated Berlin street entrance to the creative details in Mexico. Imagine a fully decorated Chessington? Nope me neither. The rides themselves are immaculately themed (the newer ones at least). Chiapas is a stunning ride with rich theming, dark ride sections and a large drop which proof flumes still have a place at parks today (Towers take note). Black Mamba bar it's stunning theming is a beautiful coaster that surpasses Inferno but not Nemesis. Maus Au Chocolate, River Quest, Winjas and Colorado Adventure are also great rides that are worth a mention too. Klugheim is an exceptional area, from its vast rock work, medieval/Norsk theming and landscaping. Taron is sublime coaster that really works with the area and is just amazing all round and certainly a favourite for me amongst arguably being the park's main coaster now. Raik is also a loverly little ride that inkeeps with Klugheim and gives Phantasialand a much needed kids coaster. Everything in Klugheim is fab, even the eateries. Rutmoore's Tavern is a loverly place to visit for a hearty lunch and up there as one of my favourite theme park eateries. With some fantastic new attractions and areas having opened in recent years, the park is not holding back on progressing further even at the expense of older attractions. Race For Atlantis, the former simulator was ripped out earlier this year and construction for the next big thing has already begun. After that, Nighthawk, Hollywood and the Chinese Ghost Train will likely be cleared for expansions afterwards. The first two won't be too drastic given how dated and out of place they seem, but I will miss the ghost train as I think there's some charm in there and something I like about it too. I'm hoping more for a major update than replacement in all honesty. It may be without its flaws but Phantasialand may be my second favourite park now. That place has done wonders to me and certainly changed me for sure. Phantasialand is easy to get to if you know what you're doing. Fly to Cologne Bonn, then get the train from the airport to Koln HBF and then change the train to Brühl there. The hotel situation is slightly more complicated. If you can't stay onsite Ramada Koln is a good choice although you will need to drive or taxi to/from the park. Disneyland Paris 2016 wasn't the year for DLRP As a result of years of neglect (for Disney standards), the resort has undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation resulting in rides, theming, facades, walkways and buildings being extensively refurbished. In it's peak, Big Thunder, Thunder Mesa, Star Tours, Peter Pan's Flight, Adventure Isle and more were all closed alongside the main fountain being closed off. Despite this, I still returned to witness the magical Christmas season with my loverly girlfriend. though having no BIg Thunder, Star Tours and others, this did not dampen the magic in any way. This was also the first park Christmas visit for both of us and the resort-wide festive was amazing. From the decorated main Street with Christmas tree to the Christmas parades. Christmas Dreams was good but lacks the warmth and heartstring pull the normal Dreams delivers. Disney is still so magical, even in the middle of a major rehabilitation. It's also easy to get to regardless of your preferred choice. Walking might take a while though. Happy Christmas and happy new year everyone. Who knows whether I'll do this in 2017 but I hope you enjoyed.

I'll buy you some pringles if you are correct. It's pretty likely the ride will still retain it's beautiful rusty look next season (and beyond). Prove me wrong please.

Great to see Europe's tallest coaster passing over the top-hat now. It's almost like it's on fire. ? Sorry, couldn't be helped.

This topic has become too Merlinated. Time to change that! Liseberg plan to build a massive hotel and indoor water park. The hotel will feature over 450 rooms with two restaurants whilst the water park will feature ten slides and a capacity of 2800. Impressive to say say the least with an estimated opening of 2021 if approved. Source-Loopings

Wow, that ride is amazing. It's as if they just bought half a dozen large TVs and plonked them at random points in a painted warehouse. Great to see them go for such an immersive top notch attraction who needs Mysric Manor anyway?

Don't worry Baron once Blackpool gets their Mack coaster they will wipe the floor with everything. Either that or Paultons. Youre Welcome

Pray for the world. That's all I can really contribute right now. Anyone with the intention of killing others for no reason is not human.

List looks very acceptable especially Port Aventura. Should make the majority of these I'm sure.

I think some people may have misinterpreted my post (assuming people are reffering to me). Before,during and after riding Olympia Looping, I never thought about it being in the ratings, except of it looking and being a great coaster like this. It's contactless payments and fluent operations (that are fantastic) add plus marks to this great ride. I never said it was a top ten ride, nor do I ever recall comparing it to something else. Lisebergbanen and Enigma could be sound comparisons being of the same manufacturer but they are not due to their different settings, Terran, styles and layout. I could go on for ever with how many rides I love that do not trump the top list but I won't! I really don't get what this nitty gritty towards what top 10's is really about and I sometimes feel people deliberately headhunt me because they can. The top 10 was only a brief remark and not intended to bring down the ride. Everybody's list are different a reason. just because something is or is not a top 10 contender does not make it a bad ride! Rant over! Olympia Looping is a solid coaster to Winter Wonderland and the UK. End of story!

The provisional date would be the best for me and restaurant has to be TGIS too I think. Should be my first Guildford meet too, but will be bailing the ice skating though. Do people usually buy on the day or book up online for activities?

Shrek is acceptable as it is. There's some reasonably good theming in there, the details in carriage, bakery and Pinoccio are particularly good. Apart from some of the cheesiness at the start and end (which may be intentional), the lack of themed ceiling and broken bus ride are my main disappointments here.

The Closed season is here, Christmas music and decorations are around everywhere and the sight of new year isn't far away. This means one thing, time to review 2016. This year will be a two part edition, with part one focusing on the UK and part two on the wonders abroad. The Merlin Machine/ Given the circumstances of 2015, it was fairly imminent this wasn't going to be the best year for them. With Park-wide budget cuts, ride closures and controversial decisions, there has been a fair share of negativity. However, not everything they've done has been unacceptable. Alton Towers As expected, 2016 was not going to be Towers's year as a result of ruthless management operations to lessen the bleeding of 2015's unfortunate events. This resulted in budget cuts, leading to staff redundancies, closures of shops and food outlets , knee jerk safety precautions and the closure of seven attractions. Whilst Hex is the only major casualty here, closing down a family park staple, sufficient flat ride and more has certainly left a big gap in the family market. Galactica for me feels like an attempt at shoe horning a gimmick onto what was already a popular ride just so it can be marketed as a new major attraction. The VR element leaves something to be desired, although I did find the audio descriptive version highly amusing. That being said, I do really like the new space styling, soundtrack and station enhancements. However on the upside, the new Roller Coaster Restaurant is a fantastic addition to the park, featuring much character and a flagship park restaurant. The Steak I had last time was remarkable. The TLC scheme has certainly enhanced run down areas of the park such as Forbidden Valley and Towers Street which look noticeably better. Though some areas are still fairly run down it's a start and if this is the only way for Merlin to do upkeep, so be it. Fingers crossed they can keep a similar scheme in place Post 2018. The Galactica fireworks were highly enjoyable too and made for a great end of a season. The park still has magic but it may be a little drier for the time being. 2017 seems to be another year CBeebies land add ons, with a round ride and indoor attraction being installed amongst it's own hotel. None of the above is appealing to anyone over 6, however if it's successful let's see what happens. SW8 construction is where it all lies though. Thorpe Park 2016 has been very divided for the park with lots of positives and negatives happening at the park this year. The park has continued an acceptable level of small improvements in places from updating the Amity toilet block to refurbishing the main Burger King which is good to see. The Tidal Wave improvements also look nice. That being said a major TLC scheme could really benefit the park as lots of park areas have been neglected for a while now, including Colossus, Rumba, Canada Creek and even Inferno (to a lesser extent). Breakdowns have been inconsistent this year with some rides such as Stealth and Samurai suffering major lengths of downtime but other rides like Swarm, Slammer and Rush remaining generally reliable all season. Some rides of course are out of the park's control when it comes to issues, but it would be nice to see a better consistency on reliability though. Derren Brown's ghost train is where things become more complicated. The ride now offers the park with a much needed indoor/dark ride. The pre-show and live action elements (though without their faults) are the best elements of the attraction for me. Providing amusement and excitement that may controversially be the best we've seen at a UK park in the post Hex days. The virtual reality (VR) element however I am not a massive fan of, the first section is okay but the second one feels disjointed and almost anticlimactic but that may just be the ride's reliability. Speaking on reliability, the attraction hasn't been great, with the attraction constantly breaking down, headsets failing and other issues. The state of the attraction last October was shocking to say the least and that's before I mention the two month plus delay. Let's hope 2017 does wonders to this ride and it can finally prove to be a solid addition instead of the embarrassing handful it seemed to be this year. Losing Loggers this year feels like a massive blow for the park, which despite it's age was still a popular and firm favourite for people of all ages. 2017's confirmation has only dampened the doubtful reopening of this attraction further which is a shame. Ending this on a positive, the street food and temporary outlets in Old Town were decent additions to the park's catering lineup. The chip place place proved to be great and a very quirky idea at the very least. The I'm A Celebrity improvements were also acceptable. The kiddie rides in Old Town is a bizzare one but if they enhance the younger guest offering which the park lacks, it can't be all bad. Chessington Right, remaining optimistic here may be a little more difficult but let's see what happens. Tomb Blaster (the park's veteran dark ride), was set for what was supposed to be a major refurbishment, giving the ride much needed TLC and restoring it into the best state in years. How wrong could we be? The new lasers are blocky, tacky and ruin the look of the attraction and the scoring system makes no sense. And not only this but the new UV lighting (which was supposed to enhance the ride) has actually ruined this. As a result of exposing out of house areas and the metal warehouse the ride resides in. The removal of ambient sound effects has only added insult to injury and goes to show what a shoddy refurbishment this was to begin with. The reduction in car stopping has only added to the rot as a result of the ride being less in sync. In the contrary, the Bubbleworks was shut down forever to make way for the next revolving door IP attraction. Whilst many will disagree here, I still had a liking for the attraction even to the end as it provided a fun ride for all ages and was an amusing experience. From the whirling fairground rides to the fountain finale. The ride may be gone but it will always have a place in my heart. Especially my last ever ride. Where my girlfriend and I shared our first kiss in the fountain finale. The rest of the park is still a mess. Bits of theming looking worn and neglected, Vampires station is still a mess, Falls is still naked and breakdowns seem to be happening more frequently. Skyway was also spited after barely surviving the last few seasons. Shame they didn't maintain or rebuild it as that would've been much better than an animatronic panda show. Glamping won't save the park either sadly. Only good things I can say about Chessington this year are the small TLC bits were acceptable, the Smokehouse place is good and I met my girlfriend here. 2017 will be interesting to say the least with Gruffalo re-theme and new Market Square carousel. Let's see. Legoland Windsor Despite turning 20 years old, 2016 has been a quiet one for the park, as a result of adding anything major or notable. The Lego Movie 4D was the main new attraction this season and is a fantastic addition to the park and one of the most amusing 4D shows I've seen. Featuring the return of many of the lovable original characters and more from the original film. 2016 also saw the Star Wars miniland extended,in the form of the Death Star occupying space previously part of the Star Wars store. The new addition is fantastic and the combination of interactive features and vast models, makes for an excellent finale. The Star Wars store has also been renovated as a result of the updates. The model makers workshop has also been refurbished marking the return of the brick busts on the top floor which is really great to see again. Whilst much of what the park has done this year, even with the opening show (it's location also resolving the terrible entrance bottleneck), one word. Farmer Joes Chicken Shack! Theming aside this is one of the worst theme park eateries I've been too as the food tastes dull and barely edible; Was rather expensive too. Change however is on the way for the park, with Dino safari and Loki's Labyrinth being demolished in the same year. A major Ninjago dark ride and area will replace the latter with the former becoming home to the park's second hotel featuring a castle theme. Blackpool Pleasure Beach The historic seaside amusement park turned 120 this year making it the oldest operating U.K. Park and one of the oldest in the world. Apart from that, not much else really happened this year, although the new bridge and ghost train scene are both highly acceptable additions. The park still retains it's charm and character well amongst remaining one of the better kept UK parks. That said, the operations over my two day visit did leave something to be desired as National and Avalanche were on one train operation over the weekend joined by the Big One on day two. However given circumstances and they're an independent park they are solely forgiven. 2018 will hopefully be the year to bring wonders here, but there's still a while yet. Paultons Park A place I've always wanted to visit for a while and somewhere I can safely say is the underdog of UK parks currently. It's not so much the big things that make paultons, but all the small touches from park tidiness, staff friendliness down to the organic feel of the place. No HB leisure or in your face upselling here. The Lost Kingdom area has done wonders to this park and set the bar high for future investments on this upcoming park. The theming is of a high standard whilst the two coasters provide the perfect family thrill consistency amongst the other great attractions. Paultons is definitely the park the watch in the coming years and once they bring in a decent water ride, woodie and dark ride, they will for sure be one of the best parks in the U.K. If they are not already. Drayton Manor Yet another place I've been longing to tick off my check list, but past opportunities encountering misfortune resulting in me not able to visit. Maybe that's an omen? Drayton is the perhaps the blandest park I've ever visited. It lacks style, atmosphere and boasts the worst main coaster double act I've seen at a park. With all that negativity said and done on to the positives. Thomas Land is a loverly charming park area and one of the parts with atmosphere. Their flats rides such as Apocalypse, Maelstrom and Air race are all enjoyable and the Haunting was actually an acceptable attraction too. So is Ben10. Still won't be rushing back there yet, until they add a major attraction or receive enough persuasion. Still it's been ticked off the checklist right? Other not-so theme parky bits Went heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath which consists of a cable car, numerous caves and ruins.The views are fantastic and the caves were intriguing to say the least, especially given one actually featured an animatronic figure (sort of). Matlock bath is also pleasant enough with countless fish and chip shops, independent stores and a mediocre aquarium. It's almost like a Sea Side Town, away from the sea. With Bikers. Thanks for reading part 1 if you managed to not get bored. Part 2 will follow shortly. Adios

A great end to a year of amazing meets and an era. Certainly up there as one of the best TPM meets ive been to from taking over the dungeon, the foggy Eye with TPM mannequin challenge and typical Nando's banter. For the millionth time, big thanks to Peaj for organising so many amazing meets over the last four years and it'll be strange knowing all future meet ups won't be run by him. Losing was my only lowlight of this trip. Not the role but my secret Santa vodka which was confiscated at Winter Wonderland, the loss is still spinning in my head. Congrats again to Paige & Ryan to winning Peaj's job. I look forward to seeing you run meets.

Also did Olympia Looping for the first time yesterday. Personally thought it was was a great coaster, full of fun thrilling loops and force. Probably not a 10 coaster me, but still a solid ride and for a travelling coaster is magnificent to ride and watch. Not sure if it beats XXL though as I still adore that coaster too and it was running pretty crazy last night in a good way.

Thanks to all those who voted for me as one of two potential meet organisers and Thorpe Park Mania for accepting my candidacy. With regret I have been unsuccessful in this process and won't be one of those to host and organise the meets of the future in this wonderful forum. I would like to congratulate Paige and Ryan on winning their roles as meet organisers. Together I'm sure they will do a fantastic job with the skills and dedication they have proved amongst organising many fantastic meets in the near future. Further thanks goes to Peaj, who's dedication to running the meets in the last four years has been phenomenal. Organising meets in a small team may be tricky enough, but doing them solo must've been very hard work. Peaj has done a fantastic job and provided many fantastic trips and memories which without, many regulars may not be on TPM today. Myself included. I may have lost the election, but I won't be disappearing anytime soon. As I'll remain attending regular meets with my usual antics. Whether that be my random shenanigans, one liners or vlogging (towards the meet videos). I will support Paige and Ryan all the way in their new roles and be happy to help them should they require. Don't mourn my failure, embrace Paige and Ryan's success, they deserve it.

Glad to see I've retained my sexiest male reward. Although I seem to have lost my previous other rewards after countless years. Marc and BaronC you have done well. I'm chuffed however that I'm seen as the second best member amongst being the third funniest. Oh, and Storm Surge too. Further thanks for voting me only second to Benin for my sarcasm. I feel deeply rewarded for these strong assets. Europa and Blackpool rightfully won their positions as they were fantastic meets (2016's had many great ones) although I'm extremely disappointed Fish and Marc didn't win cutest couple. Congrats to Amy and Ryan though. I'm also apparently TPM's joint second sexiest female (along with my gf). Does this mean I have to forfeit I wonder? Thanks again to to those who voted me.

Interesting and unsurprising results. Nemy, Slammer, Valhalla all rightfully won best in their categories with Towers still holding the straws despite its rocky time. Derren Brown as best dark ride and themed uk experience is interesting, yet in contrary being the most disappointing Merlin moment and 2nd worst UK ride. It's no Storm Surge. Europa winning best international park and Helix as best coaster is no surprise and Phantasialand's presecence in the rewards says a lot and it's amazing just how close the greatness between Mack and B&M is now. Symbolica for best looking 2017 seems right, but Gruffalo2nd? Yes that seems accurate too. Merlin disappointing moments are best left not talked about as I'll probably dig myself a hole deeper than Klugheim. The suspension of member results is interesting and unexpected. Oh well.

Nah it's an ongoing theme along with the ghost train. We should certainly have the results here by February

The park have released the first episode of 'The Making Of Symbolica', which follows the planning and creating of the attraction much like the how Baron 1898 documentaries did. Some interesting facts mentioned in this the project which shows just how much dedication Efteling put into their park and attractions.

Least no one was injured. Guess it's early days to know what the outcome is of the damage and opening delays, but we will have to see what happens. Shame if the tower has to be removed as it looks a decent thematic element, but hopefully they can rebuild that.

The dark blue colour scheme is very striking indeed. Id love to see many coasters out there receive paint jobs like this.

I've only played Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Mario Party, Smash Bros Brawl and Mario Galaxy. Maybe I toad too much.