Vinlarr89

Biggest problem for towers is what’s next… I see this becoming a problem too for Thorpe in the not too distant future. Oblivion- actually think this ride can have some significant maintenance and continue without too much issue. Galactica- needs significant investment and a new theme. Several million Rita - will require replacement within next 10 years. Tens of millions. On top of this X sector- new flat ride required Dark Forest - new flat ride required Forbidden Valley - replacement for blade now required My Biggest issue with the recent strategy is this. Millions and millions have been spent to end up with the same ride line up that previously existed. And because of the state of above millions more will have to be spent to tread water so to speak. Thorpe will have to start planning for replacing the likes of stealth and even Colossus at some point which will put them in a similar predicament.

Firstly you make some really good points, and a well thought out discussion starter. I was surprised to find out quite how many operations Merlin had. As Josh has said there are so many layers and moving parts to an organisation the scale of Merlin, that we must be very careful to understand that at times decisions can be made to move in another direction which can be seen as negative, when in reality it’s simply a reaction to the market or an adjustment. I will try to summarise all my thoughts in a more detailed response but for now I broadly agree with what Josh has said. Aramark joint venture will have been set up with Merlin taking a percentage and an annual fee, and the arrangement is probably very risk free from Merlin’s perspective, although I agree the standard of service is poor and should be carefully monitored by Merlin. MMM is an interesting one. As Josh points out it is studios north that is closing. Now my suspicions are that Merlin are starting to show their hand on the moves they will make to react to Universal. And for me that is a focus shifting to the south parks that stand to benefit from universal. What does that mean? Time will of course tell, but the recent applications for Chessington suggest a shift towards harnessing the family market that Universal will pull to the UK shores, and the hints of the Thorpe hotel and project pivot suggests the park moving to start harnessing the enthusiasts and teen market that universal will create. All of that coupled with project horizon seemingly slipping further to the right suggests a smaller budget being spent in the north, and when you think of universal as a threat or opportunity, geographically it’s probably more of a threat to towers than it is an opportunity. As I’ve said, probably more to add to this tomorrow, but that’s what’s top of my head RN

Yeah, that’s a fair point. I just can’t see them investing on the level required for Thorpe pure thrill audience into a whole section. Imagine it would be in the 40-50m bracket in one hit. Especially given all the Merlin cuts. I do think Merlin will shift their focus South to react to Universal, and probably already starting to see them react to that with investment into Chessington and will expect more in the form of a big headline ride for Thorpe next big anniversary

An intertwined GCI woodie or intamin multi launch with an intamin modern flume in the rumba treasure island area would be sick. Trouble is it won’t happen under Merlin’s watch as they don’t invest in entire areas it’s all piecemeal expansion unfortunately.

Hoping that this stage and the planning application with 18 late nights means late weekend opening hours for the park in the summer and more night rides!!

Think 100 rooms is an ideal starting point. Thorpe need to use their location to their advantage with the upcoming universal park. People travelling in from abroad will naturally flow through London, and thorpes best move would be to have means of getting to and from the hotel easily from the airport as a way of harvesting the traffic en route to universal. Interesting to see what happens next

Runnymede planning is quite stringent, Thorpe always have to include significant detail and apply for planning for even small modifications. Can’t see any world in which they could install even a small ride without planning. Personally agree with others that the area isn’t best suited to a ride, however I do also think Thorpe need to be savvy in terms of usage of space for rides given the target audience. The park is very limited for future expansions

A big events space for the events that aren’t put on 😂

It’s a big space… always thought it would be a good place for an entrance plaza… but when you consider the limited space available you wonder if that is the wisest choice. No way it will be a major investment so close to Hyperia, so will be interesting to see what goes there

Got to say I also think the next big investment will align with Thorpes 50th. Coasterwise RMC is the no brainer, we all want it, and I’m sure JB would love to be involved in one, with Thorpe the only obvious choice. Also to top Hyperia will be difficult for the park, but an RMC has the ability to do so. However. I actually think the park is CRYING OUT for a multi launch coaster. Quite flexible with the type tbh. Intamin make great ones, Mack extreme spinner or even a Mack Stryker. As it wouldn’t need a massive height to achieve a great ride experience it could be situated towards the front of the park aka outside the dome leaving the island behind swarm and potentially rumba area all free for a future expansion. Just my 2p worth

Pacing will alter significantly as testing continues. Firstly the train literally crawled over the crest of the lift hill, in a couple of weeks it will be going significantly quicker over the top as Mack lifts are normally fast. This won’t dramatically alter the speed at the bottom (probably only a couple of mph) but that will mean a significant amount of additional kinetic energy is being carried by the train. Secondly the friction will reduce as the ride beds in and warms up so the speed will be maintained throughout the layout. This will probably mean more airtime but less hang time

I think the flooring needs a full refresh throughout most Merlin parks. Resin flooring throughout would look far fresher and easier to maintain than block paving, and can be laid directly over existing tarmac. Overall however, I feel the sparkle project has been a massive success, stealth in particular looks the best that it ever has, even including launch. Quite clear the direction Thorpe are going in, big bright and fun feels, and whilst it is a bit brash, it’s a definite step forwards over everything looking ageing and run down. I hope Merlin keep this level of investment moving forwards, but also hope that Thorpe gets some more highly themed areas in the future, especially having seen what has been achieved with nemesis reborn.

I think it’s probably driven by a time and budget constraint as many have said. Cost wise, I’d say it’s cost significantly more not only because of the shop, but also due to the changes incurred to get the planning permission. The sheer cost of infilling and then reinstating the lake has been massive, I was worried things would get cut as a result. Time wise, again, I’d say clearly behind schedule and struggling to hit the spring target, something has to give. However. The ride looks incredible. First drop is going to be terrifying in a great way, and from then on is pure forces from the looks of it. Clear.

Non inverting Immelmann is complete. It looks insane. Going to feel so exposed in those Mack trains at the top of that thing!! In other news the park have confirmed that the trims are only precautionary so will only be fitted if required during testing.

Personally think they will only be fitted in the event that the ride is running too fast and pulling too many forces through the twist element. Even if they are fitted… it’s a very small trim section for the speed that things going to be carrying so will have minimal impact. Mack will be keen to get the pacing just right on this ride!!