Mark9

Current Dragster update The rumours are for a swing launch with a giant spike. I'd be surprised if Iron Dragon is open for much of this season

They probably could have done a full re-track but they either couldn't afford it or didn't want to pay for it. I just can't get over the Thorpe park social media team for criticising Alton Towers for retracking Nemesis for marketing reasons. A theme park is a commercial enterprise. It's not done for fun or charity (Efteling excluded). They could have re-sold us Colossus as a revamped experience. Instead it's just partially retracked with the wrong sized track apparently and is just as closed as its commercialised brother up North.

Don't really know why they're being bitches towards Towers, whatever way you slice it, they are both closed with track missing.

Could you give us a run down of your day please. Why did you only get on two rides in seven hours?

I dunno, I just don't think Alty Mans is going to catch on.

It's like Velociocaster and Pantheon had a baby.

What are your thoughts on the Nemesis retrack or is that slightly different because of its reputation?

I personally like that there seems to be a creative lead who has become the face of the attractions. It helps that he clearly has a passion for the parks and the products delivered. It's something that has been missing from Merlin since John Wardley semi-retired. I don't think John Burton is as creative or as entertainment minded as JW is. But I think the passion and enthusiasm is the same. You can always tell from an attraction when there's care and dedication poured into it.

I honestly love how the guinea pigs are the ones who claim to be the most loyal as well. it's almost like the parks do the least amount of work possible to put off people from renewing.

I screen shot it so that in 2024 when I revisit and wait less than 5 minutes, I can look back in my memories and smile.

I just think it's great that Thorpe have bought back rollbacks on Stealth.

There's something so ludicrous about this having a 60 minute queue. 🤣

Just asking for trouble but then again, the French are permanently striking at the moment so it might be alright.

I sort of agree. I think the actual entrance building, the bridge and the view from outside the dome are great, up there with Towers Street. But the problem is before you get to the Entrance building, Thorpe looks like a prison. There is zero attempt to incorporate security with an inviting experience. The Dome is so awful now, it's just modern with no personality. I like the pictures on the outside of peoples selfies from their day. But the inside is really poor.

I spent twenty minutes in one room on Black Mirror last year. True story.

It's easier if you just think of Thorpe Park as the UK's answer to a mid tier Cedar Fair park. Chessington is the theme park, Alton is the void with empty space masquerading as themed environments and Thorpe is IKEA.

They just need the Chessington team to come over I think.

Ug swinger got some fantastic paving when that was removed as well. The way Towers deals with its crippling lack of rides is so stupid. It's an absolutely giant theme park and after a 15 minute walk you find Galatica, Blade and an always closed temporary flat ride. Such a joke.

Why the Teacups of all things? Should have been Ghost Train.

Alton Towers continuing to have their heads in the sand by still doing retro squad and not actually addressing the severe lack of rides is a vibe I'm not really into it. 2021, this made sense. Two years later they need to get their act together.

I mean it has a similar capacity to Fury and that always top out at around 60 minutes on peak days. Maybe it will do a Swarm and be a complete and utter failure.

It does kind of matter to me that a rollercoaster has substance to it. When you say, it doesn't offer much, then I think my description of atrocious is justified.

Hes not wrong with Saw. its an absolutely atrocious ride.

Thats no way to talk about Depth Charge and Rumba Rapids.

Which to be fair, at the moment is far more likely at Towers than it is at Thorpe. Hence probably why Thorpe is still only seen as a one day park.