Matt 236

Wow, can't wait until this opens. Universal are certainly levelling up right now.

I think my biggest concern isn't so much the rides they've got here for area (assuming they are here to stay), but it's more the case if they theme them into the area. If the rides are painted and styled and carefully implemented, then the additions of these two despite their random circumstances are perfectly acceptable. However, if they are just slap banged on whatever empty space is free in there current states and look rather temporary, then they are not really acceptable. Thorpe does have other travelling based rides, however there has at least been some effort to implement them into their existing zones when they were installed regardless of how good/bad they are as rides.

Not necessarily. Non Disney/Uni parks like Phantasialand and Efteling have castle structures that are generally well kept. Shame I can't say the same about Chessington's which seems to have been neglected for years and is more likely to be demolished than refurbished in years to come. Based on how the rockwork on Falls and RMT went amongst other former thematic elements. (I criticise only because I want them to succeed and be great again)

Certainly an interesting sound barrier, but if this makes the difference between the ride being opened and closed I have no problem. Judging from the pictures, it seems to be more of a high fence in places opposed to enclosed sections of track.

Latest construction updates on the UK's most adventurous Carousel. Its a big empty space, but the footprint is getting clearer. Source-Merlin Annual Pass group

I'd say as early as 2001 the park were shifting towards thrills but there was still some family market around, hence Eclipse. 2009/2010 was when things started really to go full thrill. Hence the branding, push for thrill rides and further removal of family attractions such as Octopus Gardens, Fungle Safari, CCR and Time Voyagers. It was around 2012/2013 time that the park probably realised the all thrill image wasn't working (perhaps as a result of the market not spending and supposed failure of the Swarm, which was actually down to s General bad uk year). The park now cater for all ages now that I'm aware, hence the additions of ABL and IAC (supposedly).

Catastrophe Canyon section on the Tram Tour ride. The banging noise on the Mad Hatter's Teacups when the door shuts The Jaws scene on the Hollywood Tour ride The facade and descent on Fairy Tale Castle at Liseberg

Certainly a bizarre one of a park like Thorpe importing in two second hand kids rides, but if they are widening their target audience with these can't be all bad. Theming them would be nice though. Still makes me sad seeing Loggers all rusted up and abandoned.

Sadly it's a lose lose situation for the park with the way media are these days. That said, an article criticising the park for refusing someone on a ride is ten times preferable than one resulting in someone falling to their death as a result of not complying with restrictions.

Maybe they're being used for the new finale of the Ghost Train. I'll accept a rockin tug ride as a simulation of the demons attacking any day. Very bizarre.

I'm not sure how the planning situation works for Thorpe fully, but I can only assume given the likeleihood of success rate and that both parties have a good relationship that an approval was highly likely. Lets just hope whatever's in the extension (or should that now be old shop) will be something to enhance and compliment the existing ride and not just slap banged for the sake of it. Please no Sub Terra 2. Edit-Baron just beat me to it and explains this clearly.

Does anybody know what's happening with secret Santa this year (assuming it's going ahead)? Who's interested out of chance?

Suppose this can be seen as a good thing. Seeing most rides typically look much better after a repaint instead of being left in a grotty and neglected state. I'm yet to experience the terrors of that SLC, but can't say I am excited if and when I do.

Whilst I just missed on the park golden years (first visiting in 2006) , I have certainly noticed the ride deteriorate further. Aside from the fact the ride no longer (and probably never will again) run three trains, the queue line is messy with the corrugated steel fence and the once great crypt feature replaced cheaply a few years ago. The minor additions this year are nice but still don't rectify this. The station now is sadly a shadow of its former self, through the loss of it's once impressive chandeliers, side lighting and original audio amongst the now lifeless organist. The maplin UV lights only add insult to injury. Would love to see the station see some restoration, but can't see this happening in the park's current state of operation and only a further reminder of how great Chessington was and how the park is slipping.

1/ Thirteen is my second favourite coaster at Towers 2/ Speed is better than Saw The Ride 3/ Xtreme Scream Park is better than Scarefest

Thank you Ben for another exceptional park report. Out of the suspended coasters you've ridden, which one would be your favourite? This is certainly a park I would like to visit in the future. Would getting there without driving be difficult and would this be an expensive trip compared to anywhere outside of Europe?

Think I'm going to be another for the Loggers club here. Absolutely loved and adored this ride, even in its old age and having ridden other flumes. A massive loss of a water ride indeed. Rocket Racers and Bubbleworks are honourable mentions for sure.

I think it's more the case of the park possibly losing another flat/support ride rather than Blade actually being any good. In just three years, Towers have gone down from four major flats to just one (if Blade does go). The park in it's current state really lacks support rides as outside the coasters and Beeb land, there's only two water rides, two dark rides (at most), teacups, a chair swing, a transport ride, Ice age and an ageing enterprise remaining.

Several weeks into the UK theme park closed season and the urge to visit somewhere has kicked in. Rather than pay over the odds for a zoo with a Poundland grotto or illuminated bricks, I decided to return somewhere special to my heart. Lurking in the distance lies, a magicical place. Disneyland Paris, is that magical place. A place of dreams and wonders It's certainly clear that 2016 isn't the most ideal time to be visiting with the yearly closures of Big Thunder and Star Tours amongst the hefty other attraction and area refurbishments. As excessive the pictured refurbishments may look, they didn't have a massive impact on our enjoyment of the trip. If anything it's actually very exciting to see the park being given the TLC it deserves. The grand entrance to Disneyland Park is one of these and the staggered refurbishment has certainly polished it to an even greater level of amazement. The coloured fountains are wonder to the eyes especially at night. It's A Small World is looking very refreshed out front with the inside noticeably fresher featuring improved audio. The bland warehouse ceiling remains sadly. And Space Mountain continues to be amazing, on the inside and outside. Add Phantom Manor, Pirates, Tower, Ratatouille and Crush and you have an impressive list of attractions (amongst others). As great as these attractions may be, even with the absence of Star Tours and Big Thunder, none of them are the fundamental reason why I visit Disney (even Tower). I visit Disney, because it is Disney. A magical wonderland in it's own bubble, hidden away from the real world. Very few theme parks seem to offer this level of escapism like Disney do. Main Street USA is easily one of the best and grandeur entrance into a park. But at Christmas it's even better, with its facades and entraceways decorated in festive decoration with a massive tree at the bottom. Studios's entrance is also acceptably festive. Disney is Top when it comes to parades and Christmas is no exception with the park's special festive parade. Mickey and Minnie Toy Story Seasons Greetings The parade would not be complete without the man himself, my Grandpa. Amongst an extra special parade, festive Disney also exchanges normal Dreams for Christmas Dreams for this magic time of year. As good the show may be, I still prefer normal Dreams by a pretty big margin. The flow didn't feel as consistent and didn't pull on the heartstrings either. I did like the finale and Let It Go segments though, they were exceptional. Main Street is even pretty at night too. If you want a magical trip away from the real world, Disneyland Paris is the place for you. It may be undergoing a long refurbishment and be without its flaws but remains a highly magical place to visit. Little is grotty or depressing about the place. It it is very easy to get to as well, with regular flights from Luton and Gatwick to Paris Charles De Gualle 45 minutes each way and TGV or RER from there. I'd choose the former personally as it takes less than 10 minutes each way and at €17.50 each way isn't too much. Euro Star and Euro Tunnel (+ 2.5 hour drive) are alternatives so getting there isn't a massive challenge. STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND BOOK YOUR TRIP! Because you are missing out on this very acceptable tea cup ride that makes one the best ride sounds ever. BOOM!

Take this as you like. Source-Alton Towers Facebook Whilst it could go either way, I can't say I am overly optimistic here.

I hope to Towers the ride is only going through extensive maintenance rather than removal/demolition. I know it's one of the oldest rides and not the best swinging shop, but it's loss would leave just Enterprise as the last thrilling flat. Towers need a few more flat rides, if not major support attractions aside from the coasters.

Disneyland Paris is in the list now too. Managed a three day visit there last weekend. The midways and Winter Wonderland should be joining too in a couple of weeks, but that will be the lot until 2017.

I think boat drains is a brilliant idea. Can't see it having major issues, like deflating. All I remember on that retched day was three hours of Cheryl Cole queuing up for my pass in the pouring rain, fun times. Didn't even get any rides as I had rehearsals that day as well, making it my worst trip on record (though had a few bad ones last year).

Groundwork has officially started for a major expansion at the park, which will occupy space formerly occupied by the Race For Atlantis attraction. Whatever ends up there appears to be massive. A dark ride would be nice, but I'm sure the new area will retain the stunning quality the park has produced recently. 2018 is also the intended opening. Source-Loopings

To be honest, I actually prefer LSM launches as they are smoother and more comftable when compared to cable ones. Interestingly my girlfriend likes LSM coasters like Taron & Space Mountain, but won't touch Stealth or Rita. Whilst comparatively different to Taron, should the same restraint and launch systems be implemented, the ride should be of acceptable quality. Controversially, I don't think Ferrari Land is the most exciting project next year, at least compared to Symbolica and Project V, but it is not the worst one either.