planenut

I think one has to consider what value the Merlin Annual Pass gives to the purchaser, and that includes the chances to use venues worldwide. If it was considered a "bargain" in the past, that value really hasn't dropped, the availability of items at each venue has. Personally, other than TP, I only anticipate one other Merlin venue visit annually, so I only purchase the TP Annual Pass. Now I do consider £60 a bargain.

No problem.

Ah, they didn't for me either, but I assumed it was the browser I was using.

I am lucky, I only live about five miles from TP. I often meet people who have travelled hundreds of miles, but yesterday, I met a young girl who lives in Ealing, West London. She doesn't have a lot of money, therefore does not bring a car needing to pay the car park fee. She rides her bicycle, starting off about 8.30 a.m. to cover the eleven miles through the streets of west London. Me switching the car engine on is hard enough for me.

On the Stealth platform yesterday, a chap with his family said to me "it goes at 200 miles an hour doesn't it?", not wanting to burst his bubble I just agreed that it goes very fast!

Heard someone declare today, having ridden Stealth, "I'm literally excited!" I think she was pleased.

Just saves me thinking about where to go next!

It is a shame, but too far off the beaten track for me to attend.

I thought the park might be quiet, and it got really quiet into the afternoon. Nice to bump into some members on the park, hope to see you again soon. Strange as it may seem, I did leave Stealth for a while in the afternoon. I could see that the queue for Nemesis Inferno was nil, and I could see the same for SWARM. I walked on to the former, then the same for Slammer, Colossus, Saw (though someone evacuated their stomach on the carriage in front of our returning one, so they then shut the ride), walk on for Vortex, Rush and then SWARM, then felt I had to have the remainder of the day on Stealth. With no queue for the last hour, everybody could re-ride immediately.

Nice write up. Did you not get to try Air Race? Oddly enough, I like G-Force, one has to control the fitting of the restraint to suit. I agree on Maelstrom, great air time. Drunken Barrels, the only ride of this kind that left me dizzy on departure, can really spin them. I do like Drayton Manor as an all round family park; the zoo is managed by Twycross Zoo.

I think that's the point; overhearing somebody else who thought it was either clever or funny, when clearly it would be better for this type, I.e. the whole family, to be banned from the park therefore reducing the queues by their number, making one's visit that much better, and nicer for the staff.

Thanks for all your efforts on this Celia. I will attend but not take up the BST. Sunday then.

Thanks for the update.

Much like riding The Smiler then!

Nice report Jamie, good set of pics, I was there a month ago. Being an old fogey I definitely don't like the paint throwing event which must be a fantastic money spinner for the park, though it leaves a mess for days after. Apart from the fact that as soon as someone throws their paint, it mixes with all the others and is just a mass of dust, this will then be inhaled which I cannot imagine is good for the lungs. The bobsleigh is great and as you point out, is governed by the speed (or not) of the riders and that is where it all slows down, and one needs to speak with staff to ensure you get a good space to do a fast run. Waterfall is a great laugh and a must for the opportunity to try a hands up, with damp results. Sad thing about Drenched which has been having problems with the brakes, therefore they reduce the load, and often don't open it; as it is they don't open until 2p.m. because "guests will have to be wet until they leave the park!" it doesn't seem to affect those wanting to ride Tidal Wave at TP. It's a great shame that you had bad queue experiences with Meggie, it's a brilliant ride. Well done.

That's great, I hope it proves really popular if it's now running well.

He might have had a quiet day then.

Went to TP today, first time since Stealth was resurrected last Thursday. It broke down today, eight times, once for nigh on an hour. At least I had time to take refreshment.

Or some plonker pulls his/her phone/camera out which is against the house rules and therefore all have to wait for that selfish person, whether they are GP or not.

Today the website has been updated.

I see that the TP website still show it's "unavailable".

Wahay, I'll get my trainers ready.

I too wish those expecting results, the very best of luck - but for those who don't achieve what they want, it's an opportunity to realize where one needs to concentrate in the future, and maybe an opportunity for change.

At least you are getting to know your way round the park, so when you have managed to grab someone who wants to ride, you will know the short cuts. Part of the enjoyment is watching other people and the way the ride runs.