Doc

If you ask me, they were going to refurb X but for whatever unknown reason, they decided to pull out at the last minute. Such a shame if this is the case. I was looking forward to seeing what had changed. As for the slight name change, at least people can't call it X:WTF anymore..

Six Flags New England seem to have announced the closure of their S&S Sky Swat, Catapult...which if my calculations are correct, means... Slammer is the last surviving Sky Swat in the universe! (Unless of course, six flags sell it on)

Good news for anybody interested. According to 'Completely Legoland Windsor', the 1996 Fairytale Brook has/is going through a spruce up including new scenes. http://www.cllw.co.uk/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1360504800&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&

Probably done to confuse us all no doubt. It's working.

http://forum.maniahub.com/topic/4698-suggestions/page-3 I just found this old thread that seems to shed a little bit of light on what remains of the farm since its closure.

While the near miss could potentially be more interesting than a simple billboard, I'm just glad they are still investing in the ride. In a perfect world I think the apocalyptic theme would be far better executed on rough, uneven land with ditches and banks integrated into the ride and its themeing elements. Unfortunately due to lack of funds and/or inability to excavate the land, this couldn't happen. With this in mind, I think they have actually done a pretty good job with what they had. Ideally yes, it could have been better in terms of the queue and themeing placement, but to be honest as somebody stated above, we could point faults at anything if we wanted to. It is still a ride that has had alot of time, money and effort poured into it. On a side note. I think people are being slightly too picky. They are investing more themeing into the park and yet, there are still complaints. What's done is done.

I think some people (including me sometimes), are just afraid of change. So long as they weren't going to paint it Bright orange, I was more than happy for it to receive a repaint. It can't stay that rusty grey forever.

Am I the only one who thinks Quantum is a bit too intense to be in the 'thrilling and fun section' I went on it for the first time at Fright Nights expecting it to be some tame kiddie ride, but instead it wasn't far off making me sick. it really got my stomach. Anyway, back on topic. While it isn't necessary to completely change their target market, I don't think adding a few smaller family rides would be a bad move. Not as small as the old octopus garden rides but maybe something along the lines of the Banana Boat.

Not that I know anything, but just adding one more family ride doesn't necessarily mean Thorpe are changing or rearranging their target market. Obviously I don't know for sure, especialy as Thorpe are often full of surprises, but I really think people are reading to much into it. Personally I think they are just trying to regain a fanbase for the ride in one of the only ways they can; by making it more comfortable for people by switching the trains forward. Still, who knows?!

They sure know how to get us enthusiasts ruffled. This is either a clue, or they are just doing it to wind us up. (fingers crossed))

Thanks Dodge2002! I managed to find the Alton Towers page you mentioned but as you said, it is mainly just poorer merchandise like top trumps etc. Sadly I don't think Thorpe have one at all. I will however, keep my fingers crossed and give Alton an email around half term. It is certainly worth a try. Thanks again!

The idea of a dark ride at Thorpe is always something that has interested me. While I don't think it is an urgent addition, I certainly wouldn't complain if one was to appear in the future. Flat rides are good but it will be hard to find a decent quality ones that Thorpe have not already covered with their existing rides. Every park needs a bit of variety.

Hey. I'am currently trying to purchase either a Thorpe Park/Alton Tower T shirt or hoodie for someone, but was wondering if there was any way I could get one online. I would usually try and get one from the park itself but I doubt I am going there until later this year and by then, it would be too late. I know this is very unlikely, but I thought it may at least be worth a shot. Thanks.

A mangled billboard AND some shipping containers. What do you mean?, it is a great year...

As long as people get the story element of the coaster, I think the name fits fine. I believe the main problem with the name really sits with non enthusiasts who know nothing about the coaster or its backstory. To them the name "The Smiler" could appear rather cheesy and/or lame.

Again, I'am mixed about this decision. I can't really complain if the change is worthwhile until I ride it for myself, which of course I will. I do however think this back row business will come with a fair few problems. Personally, I just wished they would use the money on something that really needs it. Colossus, Rumba, the entrance. Still I guess adapting the new ride will attract alot more attention than repainting a 10 year old roller coaster such as Colossus.

All I am saying is, people are put off by things going backwards. Just look at X I' am not going to lie, I would not hesitate to trying it backwards if some of the rows did change. My only concern is, there is no need to change it. If they want to change the last two rows, then fabulous, I can't wait, but please not the whole train. I'm not saying the experience will be bad, but I think the downtime etc will be.

Please don't be all the seats! The back ones if they must, but not all of them.

That is just freaky. I love it!

Unlike some people, I don't actually mind the name. You just have to get away from the childrens aspect of it and think of it more in a sinister, creepy kind of view. I admit it is not ideal but am glad it is not just one of those predictable names like the 'Deomonator' or something along those lines. I will willing to try and get used to it.

Nope, I am not buying it. They may turn around the back two rows (maybe), but not the entire train. That just rages on idiotic. While we as enthusiasts may like it, the sensation of riding backwards is not an experience many of the public would enjoy. Infact, I can see it putting many of them off. Just think of X and how many people throw up on it. I know the Swarm is alot smoother, but it is also alot more intense. It will be like puke heaven within a few months. Besides, the idea of the Swarm is to experience all the great scenery and near misses which you clearly can't do as well if you are riding backwards. As the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

Regarding X being a bolt on ride, lets remember that Thorpe Park have ditched their themed areas. The rides are now categorised under "extreme thrills" and "fun and thrilling" This of course means, a bolt on ride to the Swarm could go anywhere technically. I wouldn't be half surprised if the Swarm Creatures make at attempt to overthrow the Thorpe Rangers in Ranger County next. Anything is possible with Thorpe's team.

While I doubt they will do anything about the fasttrack sellers etc, I am hoping they will wow us with a new entrance once the real hotel comes into fruition. I totally agree about the change of focus from the rides though. That entire area, not including the dome really needs a new and exciting look. The focus has to be on the rides you are about to experience. The main entrance to any park is a key feature, and to me, Thorpe have neglected to move it on with the times.

The potential for No way out was great. Maybe it is just be but I always found the concept behind X rather exciting; a computer virus taking over. Unfortunately the ride was not well executed despite this, and ended up being what looks like an okay roller coaster in a pyramid shaped warehouse. I will be thrilled if the ride is getting a facelift as I do enjoy it, but if the clues were about X, it seems slightly odd to keep the same theme. It is like remarketing an old ride using the same marketing campaign as it started with. Strange... Whatever the case, time will tell. I for one won't be getting my hopes up. I imagine if it was anything worthwhile, they would have announced it some time ago.

Well that could mean anything really. At first my thoughts turned to The Swarm. Not necessarily switching the rows backwards but maybe something to do with the area itself. I don't suppose that swarm hunters thing has anything to do with it does it? I only say that because the clue mentions attacking 'rebels'. I see many people are turning to Submission from Alton Towers judging by Facebook posts. However if this was true, I am pretty sure someone would have found out about it by now. Besides I am pretty sure Submission was in one of the recent SW7 construction photos. As much as I enjoy speculation, I think they would be better off presenting the big reveal sooner rather than later.