Matt 236

The ride building from the first shots looks absolutely loverly. This is arguably Merlin's best theming they've done yet. Sadly those red sheds do detract from the great theming which is a shame, especially being on a main pathway. I just hope they can conceal it as it does stick out, would be nice if they could theme it eventually. I know most dark rides have areas where their (unthemed) buildings are exposed including Bubbleworks, Hex, Tombs and even Disney rides (in some cases). But this exposure seems more noticeable.

Aldi burgers here

This comes across as Sam being bored due to Chessington's level of disappointment. This is because

This comes across as Sam being bored due to Chessington's

Sam revives (this) topic... This comes across

Chessington is a gas leak though especially how smelly operations and things are these days.

Blow me down! Equoster mentioning he's going to Orlando shocks me a lot. Next thing you know I'll be saying I've not been to Orlando ever which I'm sure has not been said. Some things are so surprising here!

I say reinstall the parts on the bus and bring the ride back to it's working glory. If county hall collapses through the strain, it's no big loss.

Walibi are doing very bizarre but interesting concepts lately. This looks essentially like a cross between a water coaster with the layout of a disko. IMA score soundtrack for the winning though.

Still haven't been Drayton Manor. My contribution is done for now.

I take this as opportunity to remorse over the better days of Chessington. RIP Good Chessington of the past

It seems the moving bus is all ogre now.

That train looks even more fab! This ride looks like it's going to feature quite a lot of airtime. I can't contain my excitement.

To clear things up bit. 2017 prior to the accident was supposed to be Tower's high investment year [in the form of SW8]. However as a result of last summer's events and to perhaps give time for the park to retain gate numbers and public trust again, the high investment year has likely been pushed to 2018. Merlin park's typically receive a major new ride about every 4 years and with Heide Park's last big thing being in 2014, there is a possibility it will be getting it's next big thing in 2017 instead of 2018. Next year is also supposed to be a high year for Legoland and Chessington, but I'm doubtful on the latter.

Efteling are planning to build a new holiday park Loonsche County County. Source http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/5245/Slapen-boven-en-onder-de-grond-eerste-ontwerpen-van-nieuw-vakantiepark-Efteling-onthuld.htmlSlapen There will be a hotel with 75 rooms alongside flats,wood cabins, huts and heather dune huts. Construction is expected to start next year and it describes some of the accomodation being below ground [which is curious]. Some of the buildings look loverly [from the artists impressions] and I'm sure they'll be a hit whilst inkeeping with Efteling's fantastic image too.

SW8: What I would like to be: A GCI like Wodan, Joris or the yet to open ones at Heide and BGW A Gravity Group like Cu Cumain [sp] An RMC like Outlaw Run, Lightning Rod or Wildfire An Intamin woodie like Balder A B&M prototype What I don't want it to be: An Aquatrax A Gerstlauer A strong IP based ride What I would also like it to be [but probably won't be]: A modern flume like Chiapas A Mack launch like Helix or Blue Fire A modern dark ride My bets are it'll be a Woodie with an intensity level towards the thrilling end of the family market. I think it'll be a 2018 opening considering planning, Flume still existing and rumours pointing to Heide getting the large investment next year instead of Towers.

I agree with Heather-Rose on this one. The park does need some more supporting rides, especially since the park is gradually losing flats and only has 4 at a push remaining [two of which are family rides]. I also hope SW8 is not just a coaster, but an immersive experience. Including a prominent setting, decent theming, interactive elements and even dark ride sections. The park would definitely benefit from the addition of a new modern dark ride or two, some more older family attractions and a modern flume like Chiapas. Adding on to what Mitchada has said, he is also correct. Following the accident last year, it's safe to say the park's busyness will still be considerably quieter for the time being. Whilst park numbers are slowly trickling back up to normal levels, it may not be until late Summer or even 2017 when we see pre-smiler attendance figures return. I think it's also safe to say Towers is probably still the best UK park, when throughputs [bar Galactica] are all very good. Also added up is the TLC scheme which has made a number of areas look much better [even if some are still a little tired] combined with top coasters and a beutiful setting. Hearing what poor operations and ride reliability a concerning number of other UK parks have provided so far probably backs up Towers is most likely still No.1.

I think the new logo epitomises the whole 'so called' refurbishment. Intentions to improve it, but poorly executed planning and development resulting in something more bland and garish than the original. Abdab is turning in his watery grave.

But there will be fireworks though when DBGT opens. Fireworks of crowds shooting to get the entrance.

Stop slating Thirteen! It's a great family thrill coaster with a dark mysterious theme, a well themed station, a fun coaster section and a fantastic drop track element too and delivers some great force and pleasant air time. It's also one of the few rides in Towers that appeals to everyone, from adventurous young families to thrill seekers. The only reason it has its issues is due to it was marketed. Back to SW8. Mitchada is right, we do need to see more immersive experiences now along the lines of Disney & Universal have given us (DBGT may be a start). Although there's still a few coaster concepts I really want to see in the uk. These include a modern woodie (GCI or GG), an RMC or anything from Mack's latest showings. I don't think SW8 will be a dark ride, but would be nice to see a ride that feels immersive, even as a coaster (Dutchman, Baron etc.).

I remember the days when I used film cameras on school trips. They feel so long ago now. Has Chessington developed though? No

Just when something couldn't get any worse, they do. Too many things at Chessington lately have been one step forward three back. I wish I got to experience the place in its magical days in the 90's.

What a shame, it appears paint can't fix a failing park. Those throughputs somehow make Blackpool's throughputs look great. Rattkesnake could be forgiven somewhat with its operational problems.

Excellent reliability as always. Shame really as it's the best UK pirate ship.

Well this thread certainly restores my faith in this once great theme park. Got to love broken gear boxes and organised management right?