Mark9

We do know its behind schedule. Whether that affects it being open on time (as in open day as opposed to any other day as Alton haven't specified when the coaster is actually due to open) is another thing entirely.

Winter maintenance probably.

Mr Know it all, you think you know it all. (Thanks Benin )

So just a few coaster updates, a sort of best of the best of coasters opening in 2013. The first of many, a new ten looping roller coaster at Hopi Hari. A modified Colossus with a smoother looking first drop and chunkier supports. Opening in Italy at Cinecitta World is another ten looping roller coaster, no pictures thus far of this project. http://rcdb.com/11082.htm And at Chonqing Safari park in China is yet another ten looping roller coaster, which, yes you guessed it is a Colossus clone. http://rcdb.com/11055.htm At Vialand, a brand new park opening in Turkey, an Intamin LSM coaster has been announced. Little is known about it thus far, we know it will be 164 foot tall and 68 miles per hour launch. But thats it. In Denmark, Juvelen has been announced for Djurs Sommerland. A company which has exploded into life for 2013 is Mack, particularly their version of the launch rollercoaster. So far four LSM coasters have been announced by the company for 2013, mainly going to parks in Asia. The exception is Storm at Etnaland which has already ran with guests and looks fantastic. Just today, Mack have announced more new rides including another Mack youngSTAR heading to a park in China. So what about Maurer who have been relatively quiet recently. Only a sky loop and a spinning ride have been announced called Undertow. It is unknown if this will be a X3000 model. For 2013, Gerstlauer's are still selling well. SW7 will be the European highlight.. well we hope. Elsewhere, spinning coasters, bobsleds and family rides have been purchased in Germany, Austria and Mexico. And thats all for now.

I think its an automatic reaction with cancer, its very hard for someone who has never had to deal with the horrors of cancer to completely understand how it wrecks lives, not just for the person its affecting, but the family and everyone around that person. I lost a friend to cancer six years ago, at the same time my mum had cancer. So I completely understand the fear you are going through/went through. Hopefully the ultra sound will confirm it isn't cancer. Without sharing to much, I hope it also isn't the genetic disorder as well.

Not open day yet guys, I wouldn't get the round in just yet ^_^

It's confirmed then, B&M rule.

Amazing. The five best rides at Thorpe made it. Hoorah

But they aren't. So ner

So pretty

I don't wish to say you are wrong, but you are wrong. Raptor doesn't just interact with scenery, it also has the water jets and the misters like The Swarm but unlike The Swarm, they work properly. It also feels like the more complete ride with better near misses. Raptor is far more like a wing-rider Nemesis in the way it interacts with its surroundings, not just additional props. I'm quite glad that all six wing riders so far have been so different. It could have been so easy for Wild Eagle and GateKeeper to be really similar or for X Flight to be a clone of The Swarm.

People ganging up on Detonator. What the..

I'd prefer any themed ride over a piece of crap even if I don't ride it every single visit or particularly enjoy it..

Out of interest, what B&M's have you ridden.

Fascinating stuff there ChrisDJ, thanks for posting that. Good questions to, the B&M ones confirmed a few thoughts I had on their company.

Topped off.

"I don't want the public to see the world they live in while they're in the park. I want them to feel they're in another world." - Walt Disney "I can never stand still, I must explore and experiment" - Walt Disney

Shambhala after trying to take my shirt off with all that airtime. First ride on Dragons Fury back in 2004. Last ride on Professor Burps Bubbleworks Oz'Iris bliss

How you get that after riding The Swarm only I have no idea. Don't really get how both rides are cookie cutters here. It's not like the wing-rider has a particular style yet. When 14 Six Flag parks have X-Flight clones, I shall agree with you but until that moment, the wing-rider is as close to B&M originality as you can get.

Even though I hate the XFactor for its over the topness and stuff, I'm quite amazed that all the contestants, judges and presenters were wearing world aids day ribbons. Although aids is obviously not exclusive to the gayers, its good that a show like this is promoting tolerance and understanding.

More like Intamin trains.. Intamin style trains + Gerstlauer track = Decapitation/epic pain. I hope they ride more like B&M or Mack trains to be frank.

Just gonna say that even though I won't watch the video due to spoilers, I really loved the original version of Testrack. If the new version is even better then I will say that Disney will have done a fantastic job. Roll on Florida 2015

http://mark2262.wordpress.com/2012/12/01/the-top-moments-of-2012-in-coaster-form/ This time last year, I wrote a blog on my favourite 2011 moments from theme parks. I've done a similar thing for this year, only with my top ten moments. Highlights include trips to Florida, France and Spain as well as our very own Thorpe Park. Have a read and please let me know what you think.

The frog hopper is TEN TIMES the ride that Air and CATCF are. And Liam, seriously, Thirteen better then the Gardens?! This game....

I confess that I called Tommy a douche-bag once.