Cian

Evening. Just got back from Tussaud's, and I must say, I left very disappointed with Alien: Escape. I aquirre this both to my stupidly high expectations, and the shortness of the experience. After no more than 90 seconds of incoherence, it was clear to see that upon exiting, the nervously grinning faces of the public (including myself), had reduced to a confused "is that it?" look. It had the theming, the lighting, the energy, but it just lacked content. Whilst I can't deny I jumped a couple of times, it in no way had me dying to rerun, which a solid attraction should accomplish. I do understand Tussaud's had very little space to work with, but that in no way should justify the unneeded spontaneity it gave off. Based off of this run - I hate to admit it - but it's a no from me. Oh, and I did the Sherlock experience for the first time today. Didn't think it could get any worse, but it bloody well did. And I paid for the pleasure!

Thought X Factor filming wrapped up last Monday? Have no clue what Sharon Osbourne's still doing there.

http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/attractions/madame-tussauds-launch-alienthemed-adventure-game-a3585821.html Here's an exclusive look into Tussauad's newest addition - Alien Escape - and it sounds like great fun. I should be going here on Sunday, might write a lil review if I get any time.

Ghost Train says hi.

It's hilarious that you mention that, ever since that day that's been an on running inside joke

Ghost Train seemed to be at its absolute worst today. Three evacs within the space of a couple of hours, two of those myself and friends were on. According to staff, one of the trains "logged off" hence a reset being required in order for it to be in transit again. Apparently it's quite common, however today was a completely different story.. Got to see a fair bit behind the scenes though, so I can't complain!

Good news, Wildfire's set to reopen this Summer!

As you probably know, it's been confirmed that Cabin will not be reappearing this year. Here's a sneaky pic of it right now in its current state: [Picture removed by request of Thorpe Park. Please do not share this photo elsewhere] (I can't recall where I found this, so if any of you know please tell me so I can give credit. Thanks.) I suppose that hints at a complete reroute for the new IP this year, which I find great as I found Cabin's layout pretty dull after a few runs on it. Regarding the "scare zones" though, a friend told me that during their tour of P15, their guide spoke about the possibility of turning Platform into a scare zone, and that it's currently being considered by management. Just a rumour though. I think most of us could agree that it'd be much better if that was the case.

Regardless of whether it was dull and corporate, or as I see it, just sarcasm, it did make it that bit funnier! Hats off to Thorpe for this little stunt!

Whilst Na'vi River Journey is undoubtedly visually stunning, I can't help but see this as a missed opportunity. It lacks content entirely, with no real narrative supporting it whatsoever. A good dark ride is supposed to draw you in, immerse you, and be memorable - but this just seems underwhelming. A waste of great tech, really.

Agreed. I see modern religion as more of a desperate cash-grab now, opposed to its ancient origin as a type of coping method. I still feel obliged to stand for those who are being misrepresented though, by both silly bigots and the media - however these days they're essentially the same thing. Jeez, you just have to pick up a copy of The Sun to prove my hypothesis.

If you're willing to blame the true people of Islam for this, then I'm sure you wouldn't mind blaming all Christians for the KKK. Or all Germans for the Holocaust. Or all Irish people for the IRA. There is a fine line between the teachings of Islam and the teachings of ISIS. I advise you check it out.

I agree. For a ride that was advertised as completely re-rideable, it really lacks variety and quickly gets bland to those who have ridden it a number of times. I'd imagine most of the public consider it a one off ride.

The Truman Show - Wow. I'm impressed. As a lover of satire, I'm a bit surprised that I've only just got to watching such a pleasing piece of film. It does what I believe every good film should do; it leaves the audience thinking. More specifically, it leaves them questioning the immoral industries we live under, and how, as a race, we will eventually have to stand up to manipulators of television, most importantly the so called "reality" side of it. It presents this through comedy, however if you really dig deep into the film and its intentions, it really is a plead to mankind; a reflection of the times. It shows how, just like Truman, we're beginning to live in a reality where we are unable to differ what is real and what isn't. Very Black Mirror-esque if you ask me. But aside from all the deeper and darker meanings, it's a neat film. Jim Carey was fab. In the past I've underestimated his abilities as an actor, as with most comedy performers in the industry, it seems like they play the same sort of character in each and every film. But his performance in this felt different. There was a lot more depth to this character. Likewise with the film; it really is a very important and meaningful film that was made to open eyes, as well as entertain. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. 8/10.

Took this on Sunday.

Bit of a random question but does anyone know what headphones they are using externally on the headsets now?

After a long week of having to keep quiet, I can happily say that I was blown away with this year's improvements. I can confirm that it really is deeper, darker and whole lot more intense. As with all of Derren's work, secrecy is key, so allow my reaction to do the talking..

Words cannot explain my hype for this! From what we've learnt so far, Efteling (an already immaculate park) are about to gain another fab dark ride that may even shake the industry as a whole. If I'm lucky I'll fit a visit in this year, but if not, I'm gonna have to get here sooner or later.

Was it good? Was planning on viewing but haven't got to it yet.

Unless anything pops up, I'll be attending!

Big Top ('16 obvs) proved that when Thorpe put the effort in they can successfully deliver original mazes that are high quality, well-themed and consistently effective scare-wise. I think the complete overhaul took a lot of us by surprise, and I pray that the future mazes to come - although they're IP - will follow its footsteps. The start of something new maybe? We can only hope. My only three problems with TBT would've been the fact that exposure to light and lack of actors in the strobe maze (on my runs) ruined the immersion, and effects such as the drop panel, push panel and two way mirror were never seen in use by myself and most of my friends. I recall one of the designers being a bit miffed off about that. But don't get me on to the abomination we call P15.. I have quite a bit of hope for next year, with the fact that we're set to see something a bit different if the island really is "changing"". Dominic Jones seems pretty confident about it. From what I've gathered, I think he'll play a great part in improving Thorpe as a park overall.

"A big plus of that is that we are able to update this when newer technology becomes available, meaning a more intense experience for you". *prays for computers with a fully functioning cooling system*