JoshuaA

Happy Birthday see-un

Well we did get Platform last year..

TBH the MAP and Premium Annual Pass are good enough value as it is. TBF the passes are actually one my main positives about Merlin, as you get free entry to so many different attractions, heck, I use my pass like every week.. I really don't understand the stupid facebook comments.. Like the VIP holders do have to pay like £725 for their passes.. So they will obviously get some perks you won't..

I think Chessington and Thorpe generally don't have age limits in that its more of a recommendation. Alton though do seem to strictly enforce their age limits, though then again, I'm 14 and did Scarefest just fine for the last two years. So even at Alton, if you look 15, you'll probably get into the mazes no problem.

I do to have admit, and this gonna be a little controversial, but I actually think Thorpe's mazes actually work a lot better in Conga Lines than free flow. In this I have to say as much as I loved Big Top last year, group stacking did happen a few times, and the attraction would of been even better if it weren't for the stupid stacking. Cabin was a even worse of a case with that too, and I'm starting to think that the crowds that Thorpe get don't really lend itself to a great working free flow maze. I do have to say I do prefer 2016's Big Top over 2015's though, as the 2015 version just lacked much flow, and the breaks between tents kinda broke the atmosphere of the maze. Plus the 2015 version felt rushed IMO, and the scares were a little meh. Anyway on to this year, its pretty much confirmed Walking Dead/The new IP will replace Cabin, and Platform, Saw, and Big Top will return. Though I think Containment and Blair are really intriguing right now, as Containment seems to be having a ton of work done, and Blair still has its shed up, even though the main attraction probably won't return either unless its relocated.

I think Cabin in 2013 and 2014 felt fun and innovative, as well as having some nice scares and some variety in the costumes. Then 2015 hit, we got Sub Species, a IMO superior free flow maze, and the maze seemed to be a little short of actors, and all costumes were either a Zombie or a facility worker. I'm kinda glad Thorpe decided to scrap it, it had a good run, but it was its time to go. If a AHS attraction replaced Cabin, I think I would scream of excitement, its kinda unfortunate that it probably won't happen. Plus AHS isn't really that big over here right? It would be awesome though, and it would justify my disgusting binging of it on Netflix I hope they do, I have faith in IMAscore after Big Top, as even 'til this day, I still hum the melody of The Big Top's Theme, so a theme or two around the main park would be brilliant. Though watch IMAscore make a kick-ass soundtrack for the bridge, and then not release it

It depends. Though usually due to the time slots, you'll be waiting 20 minutes max to get in a maze, though I didn't even have to wait that on the weekend I went. Though if technical faults/delays happen, it could be much longer of a wait, though I've only heard of this happening on the opening weekend, and the mazes seemed to run smoothly during the peak season. Back on to Howl'O'ween though, I'm gonna hope that Chessington pull it out of the bag this year. Howl'O'ween has given us some good attractions, so I'm gonna keep my hopes high, even if it does crash and burn..

The park has had some attractions on the more scary side. Just look at Haunting In The Hollows, the finale of that maze was akin to a mini Thorpe Maze, with some jump scares and some very intense strobes. Story Driven can be scary though, and I actually thought Haunting In The Hollows's finale was brilliant and in ways, it was actually quite intense due to the build up.. Yes Chessington is a family event, but there is older kids in families, and I think this could appeal to the older people at the event and the park. And plus we're still getting 3 other family directed attractions, and this is a up-charge, so this is probably just to test the waters.

I don't understand the hate towards this new attraction tbh. Trick Or Treat Woods and Curse Of The Tomb still return, and the lineup still has free attractions. Its not that expensive either and if they put some work into it, it could easily become a nice addition to there lineup.

I actually prefer the extra charge and time slots, as it generally keeps the queues down to minimum and it generally means they don't have to shove groups through as fast and as care-free as Thorpe do.. Also from my experiences from Fright Nights- the mazes always seem to be pressured in terms of throughput. So mazes like Cabin, Blair, and even Big Top had massive groups of 10 stacking with other groups, oh god was it messy.. There was a issue or two at the start of the season from my memory, though quite honestly, a hour queue in peak season in nothing compared to the 3 hour+ queues that Fright Nights bring. Plus the Towers mazes are very quality too, don't get me wrong some of the operations have been bad there, and its very expensive, but the mazes are so long and well done, that its actually worth it IMO.

Its not copying, its cloning, it happens all the time in the theme park industry.. Though, tbh, Altair looks soooo much better than Colossus anyway. The Lap Bars probably make the ride nowhere near as painful as it currently is..

So ScareTour just posted this on Facebook; it seems Twisted Clowns will probably have 3D for the whole experience instead of it being removed. Which will be interesting, I guess it'll be better as a full experience instead of it being tacked on at the end. I do have to admit my main problem about Pandemonium was the loss of flow when the 3D glasses are handed to you, so I guess Twisted Clowns might be interesting as a full 3D maze instead of a normal clown maze with a 3D Section thrown on at the end.

And I bet most people in that group will probably wh*re the hell out of Megafobia and Speed The only reason to ride the new pinfari is for the credit, as lets face it, this is a second hand pinfari from M&D'S..

Well this is exciting! "The Twisted Clowns" will probably just be another version of the parks clown maze- though hopefully this will see the 3D sections removed. Though "VIXI" seems very interesting.. Maybe we'll see the hooded sections return in this maze? Its name though.. Interesting Due to its slight name change, I think Coven will see some changes this year too, and I think with some more actors, Coven could easily be the best attraction there! I'm glad Hellements was put on the chopping block though- it was a great idea, but after 5 years, it kinda got incredibly stale..

So Six Flags Fiesta Texas are confirmed to get the first Rmc Raptor next year! http://attractionsmagazine.com/wonder-woman-golden-lasso-coaster-coming-six-flags-fiesta-texas-2018/ Overall kinda confused that Six Flags didn't go for the T Rex model, as the Raptor seems to be more fitting to the smaller parks due to its probably lower cost and lower throughput. Though it looks pretty darn cool nevertheless, I just think the queues for this thing is not gonna be fun.. I do find this weird though, as Six Flags usually announce there upcoming attractions all-together, very exciting though!

Kinda odd them opening it randomly half way through the season. Though, I like the theme I guess.. (Trying to be positive here) I guess a cred is a cred!

Sorry, I should of specified. Yes the post on Facebook did say this was 100% coming to Chessington. Though I do have to admit when I first saw the image I was scratching my head to whats happening over at Howl'o'ween this year. This marketing seems a little dark, so I'm pretty sure we're gonna see some drastic changes to the event this year! Lets just hope they keep Trick Or Treat Woods, as I want to write an angry review on how terrible it is before it leaves us

So a image just got posted on the Merlin Facebook Page; which probably is a teaser for this years Howl'o'ween! I'm actually kinda intrigued, as this image is actually a little dark for the usual family friendly event. Maybe we might see something a little more extreme? I haven't visited since like 2014, but I do have to say I was highly impressed with that event that year. Hocus Pocus and Haunting In The Hallows were both incredibly well themed, well told, and great attractions, and I think Curse Of Tomb looked no different. Haunting In The Hollows did have its intense moments though, so I think they could pull off more of a dark attraction, anyway I'm excited to see what the lineup is this year, maybe I might actually go back this year!

Went today and overall had a fairly alright experience with operations- barely any breakdowns, and two train operations on all rides, and like 30-50 minutes on most rides, which for being in the summer holidays- pretty decent, lets hope we see more of this.. Only problem was the massive holdup with security; which don't get me wrong in times like theses having security measures are needed, but the queue was spreading out into the car park, and it moved like a snail.. Also there was was the odd staggered opening or two- though luckily it was Storm Surge that was staggered, which obviously meant.. Nobody cared

Quite honestly- The theming on The Swarm is great, okay its not perfect, but its perhaps the best themed area of the park. I really couldn't give a sh*t whether the announcement has a slight american accent, or whether the station is a Church. Anyway most themes on rides aren't meant to be taken 100% seriously, I think that is slightly over-thinking it.. I probably won't notice the new announcement during my visit tomorrow, though if a slight american accent bothers you.. More power to you!

I didn't say the park was bad. I was saying most American rides outclass Thorpes lineup.. And yeah I agree, the slow dispatching and frequent breakdowns along with the teenagers runnning the place is 10/10 operations.

The 7th will probably be fairly quiet- as its fairly early on in the event, so it shouldn't be too bad. Obviously expect to queue for an hour for some of the mazes, but you should fine compared to the 3 hour+ queues and craziness of the October Half Term.. And I highly recommend Big Top if it returns this year- it really stood out as the star of the show for me last year, though obviously that could change, for all I know it could be a pile of bo**ocks this year I guess also prioritise the new attraction coming this year- it seems its gonna be something super cool, but again, this is pure speculation. Anyway it probably won't be too busy on the 7th anyway as its so early in the season, so you might be able to get all mazes and rides done anyway

Yeah touching would be great- especially to mazes like The Cellar, or Coven. Like they implemented shock pads into The Volt a few years back, why not touch scares? And also keep your eyes peeled for announcement in the next few weeks or so as Tulleys usually announce there lineup in July/Early August so we should be seeing something soon!

I do think The Cellar is starting a age a little now- but I'd still say it has a year or two before it goes. And I think Hellements has by far has aged the worst- damn, even some people new to the event hate it. Molly Crowe also kinda shined light on how incredibly dull Hellements is too. The Cellar at least has incredibly strong theming and some very good jump scares as well as cast that seem to appear from nowhere! The Cellar isn't no Sub Species in intensity, but I can see why its loved so much. Yeah I agree, the 3D felt super gimmicky IMO. Yes the maze itself has a brilliant cast of lively actors and trippy sections, but I feel like Nightshade gave a better all round experience overall.. For example The Nightshade Circus had multiple UV sections that where put to great use, though last year it seemed some of those sections had tons of UV paint on them still, but weren't really utilised.. Also Nightshade gave us a really fun and kinda unique ending with the jack in the box, which was sadly removed from Pandemonium.

Here's what I think on what might happen this year: Hayride- 99% Sure its staying, like, completely unique and different to everything else at the event. Haunted House/Creepy Cottage - probably safe from the axe, works really well as a warm up attraction and it doesn't take up much space either. The Cellar- Again a Tulleys classic, I'd be shocked to see this go, yes the attraction will eventually leave the event, but I think it still has a year left or two before it leaves. Pandemonium- Could see a slight change in theme or name, but at its core, this will probably stay as the park's Clown Maze. Its Curtains, Twisted Maze, and the Nighshade Circus were all very similar to Pandemonium anyway, so yeah I don't see much change going on here. The Colony- Being the giant maze that it is, with sections of heavy theming, and overall a length that could outlast Fright Night's lineup put together.. I don't see The Colony leaving this year. Coven- Pretty safe IMO. The attraction with some better scare tactics could be the standout at the event, which was the only thing holding it down last year. The theming and special effects were pretty creative, and design-wise the attraction is innovative and unique, so I see this being a main-stay for the park for years to come. Chop Shop- Probably being extended this year, overall this seemed like a popular attraction over the past few years, and the concept is pretty crazy too. I'd be shocked to see this go tbh. Hellements- I feel like Hellements has a strong chance to have its theme changed to medieval this year, which would keep the hood element to the attraction, but they could introduce some different special effects and scare tactics to match with a new theme. It also seems Tulleys have branded the new Haunt to be one of the scarier at the event, which maybe could see Touch Scares implemented into the new maze, which would work pretty well in a hooded attraction. Overall I think Hellements has a big chance of leaving, but the hood gimmick could be implemented into a new attraction. If Molly Crowe taught us anything, its that hooded mazes can be good when done right!