Matt 236

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.

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.