Doc

What do you want me to say? It looks amazing? I did say in my post that I expected it to be like that. It doesn't mean I have to like it. Besides, it is only a temporary arrangement.

Looks dull. Nothing that I didn't expect though. After all, it is only temporary.

I can often get quite irritated with they way Chessington choose to invest in the theme park itself. They were on a high in 2010 with the addition of Wild Asia, I was expecting good things, then they just kind of lost it. The zoo however is a completely different story. Alot of effort has gone into it, and it really shows. This zufari thing isn't really for me but there is no doubt it is going to be a fantastic addition to the resort. I am sure many will love it.

Samurai may be a fairground ride but it in no way represents one aesthetically. The average fairground Top Scan is fitted all over with those cheap multicolored strip lights, layered with tacky decals. Samurai however looks far less temporary and has a much bigger sense of belonging. As for Evolution, imagine going to Thorpe Park and seeing that aging piece of metal. I am not saying the ride itself is bad. Just that particular model. If Thorpe were to buy a new and perhaps more permanent looking one, I am sure it would be fine.

Having that at the park would be hilarious! Seriously though, Thorpe Park may be low but even they aren't that low that they would consider buying a fairground ride. It just wouldn't fit in with the rest of the rides. Besides, I don't think Camelot even own Evolution. It is more of a leased ride if I remember rightly.

The Swarm is fine as it is, the idea of reversing the trains is bizarre. Maybe an idea for a distant future coaster, but for the Swarm, no. I just don't see the logic in it.

I think a new darkride would work well. The challenge is creating one that relates too Thorpe's target audience and one that isn't just filled with cheap gimmicky ghost train stunts. Not my personal favourite but if there was to be a darkride I imagine they would almost certainly go for an interactive, laser shooter one like Tomb Blaster or Laser Raiders.

I think it is unlikely we will see a new ride for 2013. I know parks have a habit of releasing plans late in the year, but with hardly any leads to go with, except maybe the reuse of vengeance, I imagine the management will live off the success of The Swarm for at least another year and focus the rest of their efforts on the Snoozebox. I don't think this is a bad way to go, at least for next year anyway

Well this sucks! The indoor tunnel was one of the things that I felt made the ride more unique compared to other log flumes. I am not at all happy to see its departure. Disappointed they didn't want to replace it.

The only reason they should close it is if they are genuinely going to replace it with something better. There is no point just closing it for the sake of it/leaving it SBNO as it still gives guests another ride to experience and it must at least contribute a little to reducing queues on other rides. Personally I would hate to see a replacement coaster there unless it was indoors. As much as I love rollercoasters, I go there to Thorpe for a bit of variety. If they are going to replace it, a new darkride would be a cool replacement. Sadly, if it is removed, I don't see this happening.

I always liked the idea of a computer virus, sadly it was just never executed well enough. It was like the ride that didn't make sense. To be honest if they are going for a decent/medium to large size revamp I fear they would just start fresh with a new theme and even perhaps a new name. This is of course better than nothing but I have grown quite fond of the name.

The trains remind me of those a fairground ghost train may have. Good for there age but if a re theme is in the works, a new train design may be necessary. Having said that, I have no idea how much a set of them would cost to construct. I mean it can't be that much, it is only a Vekoma. As I have said from the start, a retheme really could do wonders to the ride. Okay it may never be amazing but I think they could get it to a point where people come off feeling satisfied. I would personally love to see the pyramid itself repainted/new colour scheme but am dubious this would ever happen.

I can see it getting a slight re theme, but honestly nothing major, especially nothing as complicated as swapping the trains ride and replacing lap bars etc. Don't get me wrong, I would love for that to be true, but I am going to need a strong and preferably official source to believe it for myself..

Looks like it will most certainly be reopening this year then. Fantastic news. I have to give Thorpe credit that whilst they don't have the best reputation when it comes to ride reliability, they do seem to be very persistent in getting all out of service rides back up and running as quickly as possible. For example, they could have easily removed Slammer years ago or left it SBNO but they still keep pouring money into the ride. Hope it is all up and open for when I visit on the 29th.

I certainly think PH has a much higher chance of staying. I just feel it is one of the more high quality places to eat. Personally, I am not a fan of kfc at Thorpe. I went there once and ordered two pieces of chicken, and they gave me three bits. I wanted to say something but the employees dodgy attitude and half angry facial expression put me off complaining. Plus it was that meal that made me feel sick for the rest of the day.

Merlin own the LEGOLAND parks though the Lego Group retain 30% ownership.

Don't let that picture fool you, the rest of the park is nothing like that...not in my opinion anyway. While this area is aimed at far younger audiences, I am glad they are constantly updating some of there older creations. A move that maybe some of the other Merlin parks should take on board once in a while.

You'd be surprised at how quickly theme parks can be established. They really don't take that long to build, even the big ones. It is only financial issues that can really slow down construction of a park. I imagine those two parks mentioned above could easily reach the deadline, so long as they start construction imminently.

They were given the opportunity to install a new ride for virtually nothing, and replace a very outdated area of the park. They took the gamble and I think it is fair to say it didn't pay off. I am sure if they knew all the baggage they would get with the ride, they may have thought twice about adding it. I started off liking this ride and I don't find it that much of an eyesore if I am quite honest, but there has been so many problems with it that I think the sooner it departs the better. Having said that, I would rather they keep it until they find a suitable replacement. It is not hurting anyone...oh wait.... XD

Again what we must remember is, not all of it will be a theme park. Apparently there are meant to be more than 30 rides and a giant roller coaster. A great mass of the land seems to be taken by the indoor waterpark, and along with the two hotels, it sounds like they want nightclubs, restaurants, theaters and a cinema. To be fair even if Paramount do decide to drop out, surely someone else can fill its place...no not you Merlin!

A few sources have suggested a giant roller coaster. Not to look to much into it, but could this mean a new generation Woodie or some form of B&M Hyper. Personally I think it is time for Merlin to get a bit of competition on their hands, though I wouldn't be half surprised if they try adding one of their midways properties such as the dungeons to the project. It is not just a theme park after all. What worries me is, it is such a huge project that anticipates being open by 2018. That is alot of time for alot of things to go wrong. Good luck Paramount UK or whatever it is going to be called. You have my backing!

I hope to heaven this happens. Saw it this morning on the news. It would hopefully be a kick up the backsides for Merlin and their monopoly of properties. Best part is, I basically live next door! Bring it on is what I say!

Personally Saw is far more painful for me. I can cope with the headaches but when that restraint decided to dig into my crutch, I just need to get off as quickly as possible. I honestly hate the Saw restraints due to the fact that they seem to go down as much as you want which can become agonizingly painful. The only painful part of Colossus for me is the lack of leg room, other than that, it is a fine.

First off, thank you greatly for the information and advice. I think I have a much better idea on what to expect from a standard Thorpe pass now. I am pretty disappointed about no ERT for Thorpe though as around June this year me and my two friends (one who is a passholder) managed to get into the park around 9.00am which was pretty neat. Usually when I go to Thorpe, I end up using the Half price vouchers with a friend to get in so in that respect, I suppose I would have to go four or five times a year for a pass to be worth it. I recon I would be better of using bounceback to be honest. Thanks again for all the advice. I think I will forget the standard Thorpe pass for now but will certainly consider a Merlin Annual Pass if they are at a discount around the new year.

Hi guys/girls. I have actually been thinking about getting a Thorpe Park annual pass for some time now but am really not sure weather it would be worth it. I have been researching all the various annual passes to find the prices and the best benefits, unfortunately most sources seem to say different things. So my question to you guys is, do you think it is worth getting an average Thorpe Park pass for the new year? I visit approximately three times a year though I could try and make it more if I were to have a pass. I live about an hour away so getting their is not easy. It could be difficult for me to find people to go with. Am unaware of the actual price for one as many sources say different things ranging from £60-£80 I am also unsure of the benefits. I know you get 20% certain products and food within the park, and the obvious annual pass holders day, but I was curious to know whether there are any other benefits, such as entering the park one hour early etc. Any help or advice would be great. I just want to see if getting one would be worth my money for someone who only goes two or three times a year and does not live nearby. Any advice would be great. Thank you.