Marhelorpe

As already posted further up, Thorpe have built the expectations as being right up there. Customers will be expecting what the park have put out there, we shouldn’t have to filter out what’s fake news for PR and what’s reality.
The PR artwork implies the trains were completely different This is the worlds scariest ride This is 15 out 10 on the scare scale

IAC is well themed, but that doesn’t automatically give it a free pass on being a good attraction.
 
There are many other factors to consider too, the least of which the idea of the park turning a decent family coaster into a thrill machine just so they can brag about using another bleedin’ IP...

Oh god it was ****

That's the best use of faint praise I've ever seen.

@BaronC. Did you charge your phone after the ride? 
 
Seemed like a lot of "VIPs" in the queue last night - I understand DBGTROTD broke down last night too, for a change 

But Thorpe park have told us this is the scariest ride in the world, a 15 out of 10 on scare scale too. 
 
People will be expecting what they advertised 

The future of theme park theming consists of labelling what buildings are supposed to be (e.g. "Safe Zone") rather than actually theming them

Few quick words from me. This is a great little coaster and will hopefully open the doors for smaller parks who were maybe thinking of getting a woodie and weren't sure if the hunger for one is there. It's great to see guests loving a ride like this, something that's accessible for all and full of great moments. For many UK people this will be their first modern wooden coaster and it really nails it. Great theme, great use of effects and really solid ride. Once the reliability is sorted out, I can't wait to get lots of rides on it as it's very enjoyable and the park is onto a winner.

This is the battery I wish to charge on this garbage ride.

With a decent GCI and a fab looking Mack opening this year..

 
 

Nemesis on one train, Smiler's dispatches were terrible, multiple breakdowns across the park, the staggered opening times cause havoc (sending everyone to the new coaster which is down until 12 is NOT a good idea!), removal of single rider queues makes it impossible to get on everything, Skyride down all day with no sign of movement and guest experience has well and truly gone out of the window.  Only got on 7 rides today.
 
I don't think it's a case of new ride hype as I went on Wicker Man expecting a fun ride, but it surpassed my expectations in every way.  It really has surprised me, a quality wooden coaster with an excellent theme.

Did the Demon hang around and take selfies?


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This bodes well...
usually when a Merlin attraction gets a year round horror maze it’s a sign of a very long and successful future..

The full ICON soundtrack is now available to purchase on iTunes.
 

 
 
Definitely worth a purchase, it's absolutely stunning - the choir is just lush.  Well done to BPB (and of course the composer "The Notable Stranger") for putting the effort into such a long, original soundtrack.  Fantastic

Maybe I’m seeing this all wrong, but what exactly do you mean posting negative, or as I like to call it, “honest” thoughts about something doesn’t get you anywhere?

Whilst I understand to a certain degree if someone is in the park’s/company’s good graces they are limited in what they really want to say without making the product look bad, it’s these kind of reviews and thoughts I do not trust one single bit. I’m not picking on anyone here individually, but as a whole, if the reviewer cannot be honest with themselves or the people they share these thoughts with, how can I trust a word I hear from them in the future when their integrity is being put on the line? To me, if you are honest with your readers/viewers and spell out all the good and bad things about an attraction with no filter or restrictions in place, that to me is a proper review that deserves to be respected, especially if you are in a position of influence like Jordan and other bloggers/YouTubers are.

A very recent example of where I have an issue with reading/seeing reviews from all these bloggers and YouTubers is from Wicker Man’s media event last Friday. After seeing multiple videos from the lucky few who were there that day, I was getting annoyed by so many making claims I frankly find hard to believe, one being “this is the best ride in the country”. Hey, maybe that is their true opinion, but this goes back to the point I’m making - how am I supposed to know what they are saying is true or not if they are towing the company’s line, hence the invite they got to the event? The same is very likely going to happen here again with WD: The Ride on it’s media night, which is why I’m not buying into any of this marketing guff until I try it myself and will therefore be ignoring all the reviews from everyone that day.

To me, I am far more interested in reading and watching opinions from those who:

1) Didn’t get an invite to a fancy press event.
2) Spent their own money and time on the product.
3) Give their opinions in an unfiltered perspective.

TLDR - I value honesty and integrity in my reviews above dishonesty and popularity, regardless of how controversial or unpopular it might be at times. That to me is the true mark of a proper and fair review.
 

Generally I don’t like press events as they usually mis-represent the ride by adding extra effects, entertainers and actors. It’s not how the ride is operated on a standard day. Sure it would be great to ride the Wickerman in the dark with lasers and fire jugglers but if you really want to review a new ride honestly, you have to go on a standard day and queue along with the general public. That to me is the honest experience for the average guest.

Maybe I’m seeing this all wrong, but what exactly do you mean posting negative, or as I like to call it, “honest” thoughts about something doesn’t get you anywhere?

Whilst I understand to a certain degree if someone is in the park’s/company’s good graces they are limited in what they really want to say without making the product look bad, it’s these kind of reviews and thoughts I do not trust one single bit. I’m not picking on anyone here individually, but as a whole, if the reviewer cannot be honest with themselves or the people they share these thoughts with, how can I trust a word I hear from them in the future when their integrity is being put on the line? To me, if you are honest with your readers/viewers and spell out all the good and bad things about an attraction with no filter or restrictions in place, that to me is a proper review that deserves to be respected, especially if you are in a position of influence like Jordan and other bloggers/YouTubers are.

A very recent example of where I have an issue with reading/seeing reviews from all these bloggers and YouTubers is from Wicker Man’s media event last Friday. After seeing multiple videos from the lucky few who were there that day, I was getting annoyed by so many making claims I frankly find hard to believe, one being “this is the best ride in the country”. Hey, maybe that is their true opinion, but this goes back to the point I’m making - how am I supposed to know what they are saying is true or not if they are towing the company’s line, hence the invite they got to the event? The same is very likely going to happen here again with WD: The Ride on it’s media night, which is why I’m not buying into any of this marketing guff until I try it myself and will therefore be ignoring all the reviews from everyone that day.

To me, I am far more interested in reading and watching opinions from those who:

1) Didn’t get an invite to a fancy press event.
2) Spent their own money and time on the product.
3) Give their opinions in an unfiltered perspective.

TLDR - I value honesty and integrity in my reviews above dishonesty and popularity, regardless of how controversial or unpopular it might be at times. That to me is the true mark of a proper and fair review.
 

Maybe I’m seeing this all wrong, but what exactly do you mean posting negative, or as I like to call it, “honest” thoughts about something doesn’t get you anywhere?

Whilst I understand to a certain degree if someone is in the park’s/company’s good graces they are limited in what they really want to say without making the product look bad, it’s these kind of reviews and thoughts I do not trust one single bit. I’m not picking on anyone here individually, but as a whole, if the reviewer cannot be honest with themselves or the people they share these thoughts with, how can I trust a word I hear from them in the future when their integrity is being put on the line? To me, if you are honest with your readers/viewers and spell out all the good and bad things about an attraction with no filter or restrictions in place, that to me is a proper review that deserves to be respected, especially if you are in a position of influence like Jordan and other bloggers/YouTubers are.

A very recent example of where I have an issue with reading/seeing reviews from all these bloggers and YouTubers is from Wicker Man’s media event last Friday. After seeing multiple videos from the lucky few who were there that day, I was getting annoyed by so many making claims I frankly find hard to believe, one being “this is the best ride in the country”. Hey, maybe that is their true opinion, but this goes back to the point I’m making - how am I supposed to know what they are saying is true or not if they are towing the company’s line, hence the invite they got to the event? The same is very likely going to happen here again with WD: The Ride on it’s media night, which is why I’m not buying into any of this marketing guff until I try it myself and will therefore be ignoring all the reviews from everyone that day.

To me, I am far more interested in reading and watching opinions from those who:

1) Didn’t get an invite to a fancy press event.
2) Spent their own money and time on the product.
3) Give their opinions in an unfiltered perspective.

TLDR - I value honesty and integrity in my reviews above dishonesty and popularity, regardless of how controversial or unpopular it might be at times. That to me is the true mark of a proper and fair review.
 

Maybe I’m seeing this all wrong, but what exactly do you mean posting negative, or as I like to call it, “honest” thoughts about something doesn’t get you anywhere?

Whilst I understand to a certain degree if someone is in the park’s/company’s good graces they are limited in what they really want to say without making the product look bad, it’s these kind of reviews and thoughts I do not trust one single bit. I’m not picking on anyone here individually, but as a whole, if the reviewer cannot be honest with themselves or the people they share these thoughts with, how can I trust a word I hear from them in the future when their integrity is being put on the line? To me, if you are honest with your readers/viewers and spell out all the good and bad things about an attraction with no filter or restrictions in place, that to me is a proper review that deserves to be respected, especially if you are in a position of influence like Jordan and other bloggers/YouTubers are.

A very recent example of where I have an issue with reading/seeing reviews from all these bloggers and YouTubers is from Wicker Man’s media event last Friday. After seeing multiple videos from the lucky few who were there that day, I was getting annoyed by so many making claims I frankly find hard to believe, one being “this is the best ride in the country”. Hey, maybe that is their true opinion, but this goes back to the point I’m making - how am I supposed to know what they are saying is true or not if they are towing the company’s line, hence the invite they got to the event? The same is very likely going to happen here again with WD: The Ride on it’s media night, which is why I’m not buying into any of this marketing guff until I try it myself and will therefore be ignoring all the reviews from everyone that day.

To me, I am far more interested in reading and watching opinions from those who:

1) Didn’t get an invite to a fancy press event.
2) Spent their own money and time on the product.
3) Give their opinions in an unfiltered perspective.

TLDR - I value honesty and integrity in my reviews above dishonesty and popularity, regardless of how controversial or unpopular it might be at times. That to me is the true mark of a proper and fair review.
 

Maybe I’m seeing this all wrong, but what exactly do you mean posting negative, or as I like to call it, “honest” thoughts about something doesn’t get you anywhere?

Whilst I understand to a certain degree if someone is in the park’s/company’s good graces they are limited in what they really want to say without making the product look bad, it’s these kind of reviews and thoughts I do not trust one single bit. I’m not picking on anyone here individually, but as a whole, if the reviewer cannot be honest with themselves or the people they share these thoughts with, how can I trust a word I hear from them in the future when their integrity is being put on the line? To me, if you are honest with your readers/viewers and spell out all the good and bad things about an attraction with no filter or restrictions in place, that to me is a proper review that deserves to be respected, especially if you are in a position of influence like Jordan and other bloggers/YouTubers are.

A very recent example of where I have an issue with reading/seeing reviews from all these bloggers and YouTubers is from Wicker Man’s media event last Friday. After seeing multiple videos from the lucky few who were there that day, I was getting annoyed by so many making claims I frankly find hard to believe, one being “this is the best ride in the country”. Hey, maybe that is their true opinion, but this goes back to the point I’m making - how am I supposed to know what they are saying is true or not if they are towing the company’s line, hence the invite they got to the event? The same is very likely going to happen here again with WD: The Ride on it’s media night, which is why I’m not buying into any of this marketing guff until I try it myself and will therefore be ignoring all the reviews from everyone that day.

To me, I am far more interested in reading and watching opinions from those who:

1) Didn’t get an invite to a fancy press event.
2) Spent their own money and time on the product.
3) Give their opinions in an unfiltered perspective.

TLDR - I value honesty and integrity in my reviews above dishonesty and popularity, regardless of how controversial or unpopular it might be at times. That to me is the true mark of a proper and fair review.
 

Maybe I’m seeing this all wrong, but what exactly do you mean posting negative, or as I like to call it, “honest” thoughts about something doesn’t get you anywhere?

Whilst I understand to a certain degree if someone is in the park’s/company’s good graces they are limited in what they really want to say without making the product look bad, it’s these kind of reviews and thoughts I do not trust one single bit. I’m not picking on anyone here individually, but as a whole, if the reviewer cannot be honest with themselves or the people they share these thoughts with, how can I trust a word I hear from them in the future when their integrity is being put on the line? To me, if you are honest with your readers/viewers and spell out all the good and bad things about an attraction with no filter or restrictions in place, that to me is a proper review that deserves to be respected, especially if you are in a position of influence like Jordan and other bloggers/YouTubers are.

A very recent example of where I have an issue with reading/seeing reviews from all these bloggers and YouTubers is from Wicker Man’s media event last Friday. After seeing multiple videos from the lucky few who were there that day, I was getting annoyed by so many making claims I frankly find hard to believe, one being “this is the best ride in the country”. Hey, maybe that is their true opinion, but this goes back to the point I’m making - how am I supposed to know what they are saying is true or not if they are towing the company’s line, hence the invite they got to the event? The same is very likely going to happen here again with WD: The Ride on it’s media night, which is why I’m not buying into any of this marketing guff until I try it myself and will therefore be ignoring all the reviews from everyone that day.

To me, I am far more interested in reading and watching opinions from those who:

1) Didn’t get an invite to a fancy press event.
2) Spent their own money and time on the product.
3) Give their opinions in an unfiltered perspective.

TLDR - I value honesty and integrity in my reviews above dishonesty and popularity, regardless of how controversial or unpopular it might be at times. That to me is the true mark of a proper and fair review.
 

Sorry, I didn't word it particularly well, so just to clarify what I was trying to say.
 
There are plenty of places where people can discuss their honest views.  Forums, social media, blogs, vlogs, etc all exist, and all have people sharing their honest opinions on various topics.  So if you want to find out people's opinions, you visit those places, maybe follow particular people who you're interested in hearing from, and go from there.
 
But if you're trying to set up a small scale blog, how many people are going to be interested in signing up / following for you to just give the same old opinion they can get in bucketloads elsewhere?  Unless you've got a very good, persuasive opinion, not many.  So if you create a blog which focuses just on the positives, it helps give the blog a bit more purpose (and a break from negative stuff), seperates you from the crowd a bit and helps build relationships with parks.
 
You don't have to lie either.  Say you hated a certain ride, you just don't talk about.  Say you find a ride boring to ride, but beautiful to look at, focus on the aesthetics and write a blog about rides that look good.  It all helps in creating a unique brand for a blog.
 
The minute you start looking at negatives too, you're just another person sharing an opinion on stuff.  It gives you less views, less of a following, less park connections, etc.  That's why it gets them nowhere.
 
For the record, I totally agree with you about not trusting some blogs' views.  Some blogs' are effectively free marketing tools for parks - they say the best things about parks, and all those parks have to do is let them go on a ride a day early and give out some free food.  Other blogs and sites are a lot more selective with how they present their opinions (or are like us and just provide news! ), which is fine.  It's simply a case of trying to figure out which sites you like best because you feel you can relate to their style!
 
We try our best to just provide facts and unbiased opinions, as well as short reviews on the site.  No doubt as people are aware, we go along to some preview events - we never like to base our opinions of attractions on these preview events, as there's always a bit of a buzz around them.  Equally, we always give honest feedback to the parks about them, as well as what we'd like to see.  I'm sure there's other sites like us too (though obviously not as good as us )

Maybe I’m seeing this all wrong, but what exactly do you mean posting negative, or as I like to call it, “honest” thoughts about something doesn’t get you anywhere?

Whilst I understand to a certain degree if someone is in the park’s/company’s good graces they are limited in what they really want to say without making the product look bad, it’s these kind of reviews and thoughts I do not trust one single bit. I’m not picking on anyone here individually, but as a whole, if the reviewer cannot be honest with themselves or the people they share these thoughts with, how can I trust a word I hear from them in the future when their integrity is being put on the line? To me, if you are honest with your readers/viewers and spell out all the good and bad things about an attraction with no filter or restrictions in place, that to me is a proper review that deserves to be respected, especially if you are in a position of influence like Jordan and other bloggers/YouTubers are.

A very recent example of where I have an issue with reading/seeing reviews from all these bloggers and YouTubers is from Wicker Man’s media event last Friday. After seeing multiple videos from the lucky few who were there that day, I was getting annoyed by so many making claims I frankly find hard to believe, one being “this is the best ride in the country”. Hey, maybe that is their true opinion, but this goes back to the point I’m making - how am I supposed to know what they are saying is true or not if they are towing the company’s line, hence the invite they got to the event? The same is very likely going to happen here again with WD: The Ride on it’s media night, which is why I’m not buying into any of this marketing guff until I try it myself and will therefore be ignoring all the reviews from everyone that day.

To me, I am far more interested in reading and watching opinions from those who:

1) Didn’t get an invite to a fancy press event.
2) Spent their own money and time on the product.
3) Give their opinions in an unfiltered perspective.

TLDR - I value honesty and integrity in my reviews above dishonesty and popularity, regardless of how controversial or unpopular it might be at times. That to me is the true mark of a proper and fair review.
 

That’s true and not forgetting Jordan is also a Thorpe Park employee, who also wouldn’t be negative about anything. 

I have a general problem with parks using theme park bloggers/vloggers to advertise rides. They are never going to say anything negative, as they feel important being invited to ride the ride/get exclusive shots and info. Will never give a honest opinion even when just generally uploading content incase they dont get invited back next time around so you loose that honest opinion part of their content