Cal

Just released my latest video. I was looking at old tapes in the house and found a video of the Park in 1992. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h4aMGdgol4&feature=youtu.be

^ This I agree with this tbh... Yes, each ride has its own logo and entire 'brand' really, but the new branding kind of covers it all up.
The website is just SO generic, there is absolutely no hint of theme on each ride's page at all, which is a massive shame.
Don't get me wrong I love the new branding, but I hate that it's hiding the identity of the park and all the rides and events. It's just way too generic!
Seems daft that they take the time coming up with brilliant logos and brand identity's for Fright Nights and The Swarm, and even buying in brands at huge expense (Saw), then not bother showing it all off around the park or on any of the marketing material.

I'm holding judgement until it is actually finished...

Think some of these have already been mentioned if not by me but by others but thought I'd write this anyway:
TOP POSTERS:
A thread which is continuously updated each month which lists the top 10 posters of the month. This could be quantity, and also quality - it will also ultimately encourage more forum activity, although there should be rules and guidelines to this about 'spam' will not count. The person who is awarded first place could be given a certain badge, or in fact a userbar which they can keep for the month, and then when the new 'top poster' is announced for next month, the userbar is transferred to that person. So it would be temporarily rather than permanently.
FORUM EVENTS:
Stuff like Dara's quiz but also stuff like trying to solve codes/messages but looking for clues in each section/thread. This could also be with 'market your own ride' or something like the Apprentice There could be separate staff for this.
DONATOR:
I know I've brought this up before, and I know it had a mixed response because it could segregate people who think they are more important than others, so, a 'donator' doesn't make it seem as much as an exclusive club. Donator can be used to help hosting costs, and as a reward and to recognise their help they get rewarded with a coloured username for however many months they have donated for which will eventually expire unless renewed.
FORUM SKIN:
I know that the mainsite is being redesigned, however, not sure what is happening with the forum site, however, could there be the potential of a customisable background changer? I've seen it on other IP boards and it would be quite a nice feature to have I've also seen like a gradient changer as well, although that is only with VBulletin so I don't know if that could be integrated.
CHAT/SHOUTBOX:
They pretty much do the same purpose, is there a need for both?
USER PROFILES:
Again, I don't know if it can be done on IP Boards, but more developed user profiles where you can post 'statuses' which comes up as updates on the main index, maybe an option to upload own photos - such as the park and stuff. Also, have a field where you can actually enter your own favourite park rather than just the Merlin ones

MENTIONS/QUOTE NOTIFICATIONS:
Apparently mentions are in tact but I could be being stupid in them not working, can this be looked into?
SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM:
Aside from the admins, staff who specifically work on the Twitter/Facebook/Instagram side who can contribute updates to the site, as well as trying to promote us more, not that I am worried about the websites traffic as it is, or the lovely members we have now, but nothing wrong with a few more

All I can think of for now

I think you and I have been going to different parks...

I don't know which ones you have but there are 3 here - http://archive.imbenjam.in/musicofmerlin/media/thorpe/amitycove/tidalwave/wwtp/

Small construction update of Angry Birds Land over at Total Thorpe Park, mainly showing the work that Ricky mentioned!

Also - apologies if this has been posted already - but Park World reported on the new Angry Birds development back in their February issue. Park World is largely a trade magazine and it looks as if Rovio/3DBA/Simworx are trying hard to sell the film to other parks - don't think Thorpe has any kind of exclusivity on the film!
The article also confirms that the new Simworx theatre at Thorpe seats 326 people, and effects include water sprays, air blasts, leg ticklers and back pokers.
Linky

I don't know which ones you have but there are 3 here - http://archive.imbenjam.in/musicofmerlin/media/thorpe/amitycove/tidalwave/wwtp/

WOOO front row seat for Angry Birds 4D

From TPM's Facebook.
Being able to see it in context reaffirms my thoughts that it will look quite nice when finished.

Paige, it's time to "feel the heat" of Nemesis Banferno.

(ie - banned for loving Inferno)

That wouldn't be a good idea seeing as the platform moves.

Okay I'm insanely bored so:
End of 2014 overlapping into 2015:
- Removal of Slammer... it seems to be heading that way as it is.
- Clean up of the park overall: repaints done where needed and effects maintained. Fire could maybe be added to Nemesis Inferno and brought back on Tidal Wave. SAW could get some more theming outdoors that you can see as you go round, just to make the whole experience as immersive as the inside section.
- A new maze replaces The Asylum at Fright Night, potentially Texas Chainsaw Massacre if they're sticking with the IP's.
2015:
- Storm Surge is removed and the area is cleaned up for future usage.
- Themed areas become more apparent and are stated on the map- this could add to family appeal, as well as make the theming appear more organised and up to scratch.
- Plans for the new coaster on the new island are revealed- it is either an intense Flyer or a Hyper (two things that would be equally great IMO)
- New flat ride is bought to replace Slammer. It doesn't have to be big and flashy, maybe just a standard Top Spin or even a large Swinging Boat type ride (about the size of Black Buccaneer at Chessington) that is somehow themed to Canada Creek. A ride of this type would also add family appeal while still being somewhat thrilling.
2016:
- Construction begins on the new rollercoaster.
- Rush's restraints (or at least the few REALLY bad ones) are replaced so they don't wobble so much and make guests feel unsafe.
- New Scarezone added for Fright Nights, in somewhere more central to the park. You will literally just wander through, no queue's (like the ones they do abroad). This could probably be You're Next, it would be a more effective use of it than just the roaming actors.

2017:
- The new rollercoaster opens and everyone loves it and it looks amazing xD

... I really cant think any further ahead this is hurting my brain xD

It is still a fairground ride though, meaning that it isn't build to have the stress a normal theme park flat does, hence why vortex, and samurai and arguably Zodiac have been on their last legs for the last few rides, although saying that, the permanent flats like rush and slammer are S&S wish is just well... yeah but something like that wouldn't last long, plus it is just a horizontal looking version of Enterprise. I think it will be something understated but catches a persons eye per say.

That wouldn't be a good idea seeing as the platform moves.

Feel sorry for the people on that...

Noo, you can't get rid of that brassy soundtrack!

If it ends up looking anything like that I'll eat Twirling Toadstall.

Looks brilliant IMO
Hoping the final result looks as nice as those pictures, this appears to be a fantastic place to stay over at in towers and a great alternative to the other hotels.
Definitely more excited by this than CBeebies land ()

Keep Keep Keep :)
Which side on Slammer? The one that goes down first, or up first?

.... and has closed....

Fright Nights
Mr Fish:

Or a fish:

.... and has closed....

I've always said (and been ridiculed) that Rameses Revenge runs on a better cycle than Ripsaw, which seems to spend lots of time doing not much in particular, and sometimes not even one flip.

WHAT!?!?!?! :(