Cal

I really like the sound of this. I’m glad they’re trying something different. I think a ‘more intense’ maze is something they’re currently missing from their lineup, especially since Survival Games got toned down. So I’m hoping this will fill that gap. I just hope they get it right, and I think a lot of that will be dependent on how much they limit capacity for this, especially if it’s smaller groups. £12 is very steep considering there is no AP discount too. Can get 1 shots for the others for £7 so this is a £5 difference. Halloween packages/stays have been released, but they just don’t include the mazes this year unlike other years unfortunately.

Another teaser tonight for Project Blackout, full reveal at 9am tomorrow. My guess is a torch maze which turns off and on throughout the maze, using the same technology the Purgatory at Tulleys uses. More information on their website - https://www.hauntedlantern.com/ Could be why they've decided to do tickets for this one separately and not as part of a bundle, as I imagine this would have a lower throughput.

I can't remember the exact questions on the survey, but one of them asked something along the lines of would you be more likely to attend if there was a well known DJ there, so maybe thats something they'll explore.

I got pretty lucky with the crowds, but having to watch that preshow before every ride is a pain 🤣 I seem to rate it higher than most, but when I was comparing it with Toutatis, I think Toutatis is all about that swing launch, but felt like Batman did everything else better. I don’t like the trim on Toutatis, but on Batman, the trim feels more like a holding brake than an actual trim, and I think it works much better. It’s got everything I love - ejector airtime, whippy transitions, and really enjoy the stall. The trains are very stupid for capacity, but I found it also means it consistently delivers no matter where you sit.

I feel this one is quite important. No one there seemed particularly interested in the DJ on the two evenings I went. They were paying for the DJ and a couple of techs by the looks of it, then there’s the stage as well. I’m not sure whether they hire the stage or own it, but it does make you wonder whether they’re getting much value out of it. I do think they need to do a better job of advertising the whole thing beforehand though, as I didn’t really get the impression that many people knew much about it. Social media posts seemed to be really last minute. I’m not complaining anyway, as I said, Saturday in particular had a lot of people staying. Launch Pad all the seating was being used and there was a really good atmosphere.

I agree. Using the bigger queue time boards and the big screen at launch pad would've been a good start. Maybe a park wide announcement or 2.

Updating my 10 top as I don't currently have any more trips planned this year, new entries in bold. 1) Batman Gotham City Escape 2) Toutatis 3) Untamed 4) Kondaa 5) Shambala 6) Hyperia 7) Ride to Happiness 8) Taron 9) Balder 10) Hyper Coaster Helix and Zadra now both fall out of my top 10. Batman has always intrigued me, but I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Every element hits no matter what seat you're in. The tophat works, the ejector airtime is insane, and it's easily my favourite stall I've done on a coaster. I never really see Hyper Coaster talked about, but it's a solid coaster. Pretty traditional hyper layout with an insane first drop and a crazy zero g roll.

Summer lates were great, really hope they build on them and we have more of them next year. I normally completely avoid Thorpe during July and August but I went last Friday and yesterday for the afternoon/evening. Last Friday seemed to be the quietist of the 4, but I think a lot of people left/were put off due to the heat. Yesterday a good amount of people stayed till the end which is good to see. I do think they could do a better job of advertising it though. I don't think theres enough (anything?) on park telling you the park is actually open until 9. I got sent a survey the other day about the event, asking about reasons for visiting, rides being open late, the food stalls, DJs and what time of year is best for rides in the dark. So it's good to see they're at least considering expanding on it.

Its certainly a lot shorter than the Saw Alive path. I guess it worked okay with Death Doors as you'd spend time knocking on doors and hanging around rather than walking straight through. I always liked the Blair Witch location as a scare zone, but that obviously isn't viable anymore with Hyperia. Couldn't they make something work starting to the left of Trailers and exiting by the Rumba Rapids smoking area though?

Looks like we'll see the return of a scare zone in the previous Death Doors location

Back of the seats were removed last week so work has been taking place. And apparently it tested yesterday so hopefully it won't be too much longer!

Aren’t these types of IP usually on a 10 year deal? Will be interesting to see whether they extend it or move on from Walking Dead. I was a big fan of X. Realistically I can't see Ghost Train much longer either which would leave a huge space in the middle of the park with this + Slammer site too if they were to get rid of it all together.

It appears they haven't given up with Zodiac just yet - quite surprised to see all the doors from the gondolas seem to have been removed.

Hopefully was just for today. The look of it all is bad enough, but even worse that its effecting operations and guest experience.

Hearing that the SRQ is also closed today? Which would be the first time since opening they haven't operated the SRQ. I wonder why? EDIT: RAP queue is closed, so they’re using the SRQ for RAP. Unsure why RAP is closed though.