Adam P

They did say it was a play on words as the train was "weighted" with water dummies, still poor though!

It seems strange they have 3 trains and only one is ready, which makes me think maybe the trains aren't the issue still.

Chessington have said that when Vampire re-opens, it will be on reduced capacity. That spells one train operation!

As previously reported Vampire still has no chain on the base of the second lift hill, it does however have a train full of water dummies sitting there ready.

Had a really good day at the park today, there were a few breakdowns but just adjusted the route around the park accordingly. The park was busy with a lot of people complaining at guest services about the rides which were advertised as being closed, even though they were handed free ticket returns. Kobra seems to be having a wheel mechanism replaced I'd imagine its going to have a few days down, disappointed Bubbleworks has had no work done (except the wall at entrance finally painted) over this extended closed period.

Lets hope rides like Bubble Works are getting some real good TLC during this closed period, I'm shocked Fury isn't open, Saturday they had 6 cars on the track for the whole afternoon and was clearly staff training. It's a shame about Vampire, but on this one alone you have to assume a large problem has occurred late in testing, as for the rest think they should be open.

Spotted this out of the corner of my eye today... Not the best bit of theme Vampire has received in recent years, sure hope its not finished.

No queues at all at Guest Services today, at the entrance everyone was given fast track for a future visit.

To be honest the chances are the park would have to open later (except Pleasure Beach and even then its the first to fully open) in the month. I'd rather go now and ride 90% of rides than wait another couple of weeks to ride anything, it's not like people are going to be swarming to Tidal Wave and Rumba Rapids in this weather with more people moaning on here about the close season than anything else!

Really good day at Thorpe Park today, much better staff than last year, operations generally good (aside Colossus on one train, X on two caused a 60 minute queue at one point) A lot of families in the park, even had to queue 20 minutes for the Flying Fish with my little one when Swarm was walk on. I would call this a successful weekend.

But that isn't the old writing behind it, that's the "Stealth" logo that has always been on it, the background graphics have also been added. Looks much better.

It should be open for preview weekend apparently.

If you haven't seen it, Penguins of Madagascar Mission: Treetop Hoppers is the new name for Jungle Bouncers, bit of a mouthful! Strange looking map though http://theme-parks.org/Chessington2015.jpg

The Swarm area does still look good for what it is, but for an area that has been jet washed, the station chewing gum and graffiti is still something to be desired.

It's not that clear on the booking site which pass holders are allowed, states Africa is open from 12pm too.

The Combat Control in the Dome was the strangest thing I have ever seen!

I hope they are, however lets also hope as its closed Bubble Works getting much needed attention, they can only delay these bigger projects for so long.

For me the park was busy today, a February day of queuing 20 minutes for Tomb Blaster or Scorpion Express is not my idea of quiet especially the rush to Scorpion as it opened late. As a massive supporter of Chessington usually Tomb Blaster is in a right state, 3 of our 5 guns didn't work with targets still not on/working, Clearly nothing is happening to Dragon Falls. A lot of the South car park is now blocked off for hotel gusts meaning the North Car Park is open, not ideal although does mean you can have a look at Dragon's Fury, which is still in pieces. Whilst Scorpion Express did look good with some extra additions as to the new Penguin area, I worry what they will fill the Rameses entrance area with as that was a nice bit of theme along with getting Tomb Blaster some much needed attention along with other parts. There is a picture gallery on the Facebook page below for those wanting to see.

Had a really good day at the park today, I was shocked with happy staff, rides working, very little queues (perhaps the only time ever I'd justify 1 train op!) and Brainiac was excellent. Staff were good towards what seemed like more families in the park, fingers crossed it carries on into the actual season though.

Bubble Works has been taken off the half term event, maybe its getting some TLC! Tomb Blaster will replace it but not until Sunday.

Am I the only one who wanted something a little more cheerful than another run down building theme?! Which would also mean something a little more family than Hunger Games (if its an IP) I'd ride Toy Story over any dark ride we have in the UK as its, dare I say, Fun?!

Chessington had fastrack available for just Bubble Works at Christmas, not really that shocked!

I believe it started with a fake one at the beginning of the season, then during the Summer some real ones were put in (only as I remember the heat light!)

Again, not sure how many of you have seen Vampire construction pictures, but we have been able to share some (I have seen one floating around before) but never these, sorry if you have! http://themeuk.net/Chessington_Site/?page_id=1298

Not sure how many people will have seen these images before, but Chessington have allowed us shared these from when Dragon River was being built. Bottom of the page http://themeuk.net/Chessington_Site/?page_id=1287