RideAddict

Fiddling? As you say, hard hats on. This is a Rattlesnake-style topic - "Sit back, hold tight, this is a bumpy ride!" Of course, that's common sense! Back in the 1980's when Chessington closed for it's transformation, all rides and areas were being modified, the place must've been buzzing with H&S officials. Absolutely. But H&S can come along, identify the hazard and suggest ways of fixing it, go away and let the park make the necessary changes, and if they find it still doesn't comply on the next visit, they can again suggest ways of fixing it. I'm sure you're aware that each morning every ride has to undergo the checks? H&S comes into this, and if the checks are all passed OK, a ride can open and operate. If not, then it's a shame for the visitors until they sort it. Yes. Like a lot of things, what was once a compliant rule can overnight become defunct, because of H&S moving goalposts, as you put it. So tell us, who do you work for? Otherwise we've only got your word for it.

Now you've elaborated it's become clear - thanks. And I hope Burger King does leave too.

But it's been confirmed they are leaving the parks? I know nobody hasn't actually said "Burger King is leaving Thorpe Park" but if I find it's still there this year I shall be livid, mainly because it would be obvious Thorpe have made an arrangement to keep them, and I'm tired of them being a special case. If Merlin want to make all parks generally the same for what they offer in food, then they need to include Thorpe in this arrangement. This year, for the first time in years, we haven't seen many, if any, closed season pictures or updates.

Haha. Will X Sector even be open during half term, with ther ongoing Oblivion painting?

FTW, F&C, FCC, can we have the full names please?

*sigh in despair* You don't know me at all Spider, and where I get my knowledge from. But I will tell you that where I get it from is direct, not passed on. I have the contacts, the access and the ability to find out what I need to know. Where have I said I know nothing about H&S? I've heard of NEBOSH now you've told me the full name, just didn't know it as the abbreviated version. I haven't got any qualifications in it.

I can still taste the crust of the delicious pie I had at the Bull's Head back in 2011. Mmm.

Bob, what do you mean? Ricky, you're right about the falling rate. And for Stealth's fence to be fixed that quick, that's got to be a record knowing Thorpe's previous response times. I have worked partially in H&S, not with rides, so I know I'm correct.

OK, firstly drop the abuse. Secondly, back in 2008 when the ride was condemned, Chessington would never have allowed it to operate. Because if they had and an accident occurred, they'd be in so much trouble and H&S would be investigating so thoroughly. Who here has or hasn't heard of the phrase "You are looking at the person responsible for health and safety" ? The answer is extremely obvious. Pluk, you go on believing, but I know what I'm talking about with health and safety.

Whenever I go to Alton Towers, I go for 3 nights and can't stay in every single night, so I end up going out somewhere. Some good places include: The Bull's Head, Alton Village - great food and drink, and friendly locals who remember me every time I go back! The Star, Cotton - only been here once, it's an OK pub. The Old Swan, Wetherspoon, Uttoxeter - although not the liveliest Spoon's, it'll do for me. The Master Potter, Cheadle - a nice big pub, only been here once. Uttoxeter is a very basic town with not much to offer (especially at night), but it's handy for Tesco on the outskirts. A trip is never complete without popping into Bargain Booze for a deal, and then a walk past the Fox's Biscuit factory to smell the lovely sweet smell! As for Cheadle as a town, well what can I say? Not much. I always stay at the Chained Oak Farm and have been going back a countless number of times - so many that I'm on friendly terms with the owner, and as mentioned, the locals at the Bull's Head. I certainly recommend this B&B to anyone. There have been many times where I've walked back from the pub to the B&B in the dark around midnight (sometimes drunk), and what I can hear is great. Silence, nothing, sometimes an owl hooting in the distance - but the busy road falls very quiet and dark at night (especially without any street lights) and then you get to the field near the old station that has alpaca. So, what do you at night to pass the time?

Yeah - it's making me nervous too, because I feel I'm gonna be let down whenever I go. However, my annual 2nd trip is around September or October, I'll be going then, but also probably unexpectedly in July for the first time ever!

It's a shame they didn't convert it to something else Pirate-themed, or was it all too damaged beyond repair?

Is this the kebab place by Tidal Wave, opposite the beach? I haven't had them, but I may try them one day. I never used to be a kebab person, but within the last 6 months I have had them more. One of my new year's resolutions is to lay off them, it's working so far. I'm assuming there will be a Burger Kitchen in the Calpso Quay one, if not then there'll be a great big vacant unit! We can be sure Burger King definitely won't be there (not unless Thorpe have struck a deal). I'd like to see the Canada Creek Burger King converted to some sort of coffee house.

The food in Bar 360 is OK, but there's always a long queue to order food, or there are no tables left! I refuse to eat the hot dogs anymore, the last time I had one the buns were so doughy they were sickly. KFC, let's not go there - literally. The Noodle Bar by Rocky Express, is this the same as the one in Wild Asia at Chessington, and Spinball Noodles at Alton Towers? I have only had the ones in Wild Asia but they all smell the same! Roast & Relish - this is one place I ain't tried yet. Is it good or bad?

Yes, I thought it was upside down.

Slotting the track into place after groundwork? Now that's not often done for obvious reasons, and if they do it that way round then interesting! A quick search on the Staffordshire Knot has suddenly answered my query. Well designed and thought of. But a simpler name to compliment it would have been better, something as simple as The Knot would be fine.

I remember a few years back they introduced a Chilli Pot. That was horrible, I'll always remember having one at the Stealth Diner during it's first season. I can't remember if this Chilli Pot is still available. But has anyone been to Mexican Cantina in Alton Towers, near The Flume? It's very good, but all I can say is take that same music track off repeat!

Mccy, I would be careful what you say, as a Merlin employee.

In that case Thorpe are screwed!

At last, someone who agrees with me, someone with good taste buds.BigBobJones, I so agree with the fish and chips. Awful isn't it!

DLRP?

Benin: No respect from you? Then you'll be slapped on the wrist by the big boys here! Slammer is slated on other forums, not just this one! Then if it has been voted the best flat ride, the result is two-faced.

Always having the last answer, eh, pluk? Whatever! You think what you like, I'll believe what I know.

Mia, you are pathetic, I don't have to answer anything to you. So less of the abuse, less of the name calling and a little more respect. And also read what I said earlier, clearly you don't: Yes, a lot of downtime, nobody can deny that. But if that's what you think then fair enough. From what I see, it's a hate.

Absolutely. When Spinball Whizzer was designed and constructed, it was designed with the slight gradient of land in mind, so taking it out and reinstalling it on completely flat land would not work - therefore a move for the coaster is highly unlikely, unless park with exactly the same gradient of land could accomodate it (but what are the chances?!).