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Stuntman707

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Posts posted by Stuntman707

  2. Alton Towers General Discussion

    in Alton Towers

    Posted

    Call me mad but I visited on the opening day as Nemesis is a very missed coaster. All the park updates this year justified a new annual pass for me. I didn't run to FV but I knew if I didnt go there first thing, the queues were going to be mental. Anyway, only ended up waiting 2 hours which wasn't bad for the insane popularity that day. One thing I've not experienced before is the positive energy and enthusiasm in that morning queue. The atmosphere really was electric. I'll go in depth on Nemesis on the other thread.

     

    Forbidden Valley was a nice surprise to me. I wasnt expecting such an overhaul of that whole area. The atmosphere there now is just top level. Frankly I could happily spend all day just in that area and Gloomy Wood. It feels like a different park.

     

    As I did not go last season, The Curse was also new to me. Feels like a proper ghost train again now. my favourite effect was the hall of mirrors where Emily is riding in an empty carraige in your reflection and then it turns back into your own reflection at the end. I love all the little references and easter eggs in general, such a nice nod to the parks history.

     

    Oblivion was smashing it in terms of operations. It had all 6 trains going round and not stacking for too long. The repainted hole was looking vibrant and a bit of a taster for the sparkle project to come. This did however make the station feel very worn and looking like it's in need of a modernisation itself. X-Sector felt very empty even with the end now blocked off to guests. Surely that area must be in sight of a Forbidden Valley style update.

     

    Rita was probably the worst for operations. Didn't even bother. If it was on two trains, they were stacked in the station. Thirteen was fine, nothing negative to say although it always seems to have a massive RAP queue which I find funny considering it's supposed to be for those who have issues with queueing.

     

    Thought I'd give Burger Kitchen another chance this year. My god the burgers are still awful but they are charging a premium for quality worse than a fast food chain. The burgers are literally like the frozen horse meat you get in the freezer isle. They need to get rid of that Aramark contract and bring back the fast food franchises because I'm not eating there again. It's one thing if they were running it themselves but now they are outsourcing again this is just not acceptable.

     

    They are smashing it with the merchandise, some great offerings and proper embroidered items that are going to last. When I went to Engerylandia I was rather disappointed with the lack of branded merch so Merlin in general do a great job here.

     

    Overall I had a good day. Nice to see Towers busy and as popular as ever. The new areas are a great sign of the future for Towers if they can sort out the food.

     

  9. Universal Studios Great Britain

    in UK Attractions

    Posted

    It looks like there is potential for a UK Universal attraction. 

     

    Taken from Attraction Source:

    Universal have registered the domain names “universalstudiosgreatbritain.com” & “universalgreatbritain.com” using the same registrar as their other park website domains around the world In September.

     

    Comcast, the owner of Universal, recently acquired a construction and development company on 31st August called Cloud Wing UK Limited. Cloud Wing UK was itself already the parent company of two UK subsidiaries, Kempston Hardwick Developments Ltd and SC Collection Ltd, meaning Comcast indirectly acquired these companies and their assets.

     

    From Theme Park Stop's article (linked below):

    "With the acquisition of Cloud Wing, Comcast also received its land  assets, which include a 240 acre (95 hectare) section of a parcel of  land in Bedford, England.

    Known as the “Kempston Hardwick New Settlement,” this former brickworks land is currently described as for agricultural uses, but has had multiple stalled proposals for future commercial use over the years."

     

    So where is the land that Universal have acquired?

    South west of Bedford, England, in a place called Kempston Hardwick - this is centrally located with a high catchment area, close links to the M1 motorway, and its own train station across the road from the land. Below is a Google Maps aerial view of the area, and absolute confirmation that the land has indeed been purchased by Universal's subsidiary.

    Explore the area on Google Maps -

    https://www.google.com/maps/@52.0947821,-0.4994712,4133m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu

     

    Still early days but exciting times - I have more faith in this actually happening than the London Resort. It would definitely bring competition to Merlin if it’s themed to the same standards of their other parks.

  12. New Logo Discussion

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I like it. Playful & colourful but still clean & modern. It should be easier for them to use in different colours and themes. They mentioned Hyperia won’t have a container shop too which will be nice. If they’re dropping resort, does that confirm the permanent hotel plans have been shelved?

  14. Alton Towers After Dark Opening - Sat 16th Mar 2024

    in Your Planned Trips and Reports

    Posted

    Looking at arranging a trip to Alton Towers opening day as it is expected to see Nemesis reopening at the start of the season now the retrack is complete. I'll be getting a Merlin Annual Pass in the next sale for the "24 Season.

     

    *Update* Towers After Dark will be open until 8pm on opening Saturday.

     

    My current plan is to travel to a hotel around Derby on friday evening (15th Mar). Premier Inn looks like the best option currently. Then travel to the park to arrive at the corkscrew entrance plaza for 9:30 - 10:00.

     

    Plans may be subject to change but now's a good time to get a date in the calendar.

     

    Opening day has not been officially announced however it can be found through the Towers hotel booking site;

    TowersOpening2024.jpg.986582ad9dda3a649ff8b0bf36ca9d78.jpg

    Thorpe looks like it will be opening on the following weekend on Sunday 24th Mar

  19. Youtube Videos

    in Nonsense

    Posted

    On 5/30/2023 at 5:01 PM, MattyMoo said:

    Important question - did anyone ever find out who the real Shane Sandwich and Park Pixie were in the Theme Park Fok videos? True icons, the pair of them.

     

    No but I do have copies of the private listed and removed TPF videos just for prosperity.

  20. Alton Towers General Discussion

    in Alton Towers

    Posted

    You know what else doesn’t belong at a premium theme park? Aramark. If they’re going to outsource food again and increase prices, at least bring back the brands; KFC, McDonald’s / Burger King. Or for something different; Wendy’s, Popeyes, Taco Bell.

    I remember the Old El Paso place near the flume always did banging fajitas. (with MAP discount)

    Thorpe at least are keeping the brands and I don’t mind paying for Burger King because I know what I’m going to get and it’s a treat. 
    A basic burger served with bland mushy fries is just not something I’m going to buy at a theme park let alone pay a premium for it.

  23. Energylandia

    in International Attractions

    Posted

    Energylandia is becoming the Cedar Point of Europe at this rate. I mean they have two boomerang coasters already. They really seem to love using Vekoma too. Don't get me wrong, their new gen coasters are very good but it is nice to have some variety of manufacturers at the same park as well. They are getting better at quality over quantity and I hope they eventually revamp the front half of the park to make the experience a better quality throughout. Just seems to be a big rush to build as many attractions as possible and open them before the theming is even finished for the new areas!

  24. Ghost Train - NEW for 2023

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    It's funny to see something weathered at Thorpe on purpose rather than just being left to rot like most the other attractions. I suppose they did literally put fart pods in TWD:TR. At least one of the SBNO rides has finally been knocked down. Towers don't mess about getting rid of theirs.

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