February 1, 201510 yr comment_201893 I would say though that Christmas events (especially at Legoland) are more focused upon things other than creds being open... Though of course, back in the day they did have the rides open during their Christmas events, but that was over a decade ago, so it's a moot point...
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202776 Currently on park now with a few members and here's what I've got to report so far. 1/ Only Swarm,Stealth, Angry Birds Land (no Detonator), Depth Charge Fish & Tea Cups are open. Everything else is closed (even X & Inferno). 2/ Braniac is in the lakeside marquee building and there's another stand near Angry Birds 4D with experiments 3/ Bar 360 is closed and appears to be going under a new name Fins Grill by the looks 4/ Swarm & Stealth are both on one train (no surprises there)
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202780 Currently on park now with a few members and here's what I've got to report so far. 1/ Only Swarm,Stealth, Angry Birds Land (no Detonator), Depth Charge Fish & Tea Cups are open. Everything else is closed (even X & Inferno). 2/ Braniac is in the lakeside marquee building and there's another stand near Angry Birds 4D with experiments 3/ Bar 360 is closed and appears to be going under a new name Fins Grill by the looks 4/ Swarm & Stealth are both on one train (no surprises there) What're queue like???
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202781 Swarm was walk on earlier and stealth was 5 minutes. Dodgems is 5 mins and so is fish. Teacups are walk on. I'm on depth charge now which is likely a 10 minute queue. Another thing to note. Caroulsel is still standing (but is not operating).
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202782 No detonator is a bit of a let down after angry birds land was advertised... Didn't expect loads of rides to be open, but X is a weird one considering it's indoors, a bit silly really. As what you've described isn't busy, maybe they have other rides on standby like detonator in case the park gets busier (well they'll know as it's prebook only). Should be visiting Wednesday and will be next Saturday, shall have to see.
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202790 it was a good day today not to busy and I have some photos and videos of the new bits on brainiac you can view the photos here and the video here
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202792 I have to say that was one of the best days I've had on park for a while! Even though half the park was closed.... happy staff always make the day just that bit more fun!! Ive posted a list of changes I noticed around the park here if anyone wanted to see them: http://www.themeparkguide.biz/news/closed-season-changes-around-thorpe-park
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202796 Nice to see that they are finally giving some areas of the park a bit of an upgrade!
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202798 I should point out that Flying Fish's original station announcements/dispatch audio FINALLY made a return today ("Alright dudes! Keep those fins inside the fish! etc.")
February 14, 201510 yr comment_202800 So far quite a good/promising start to the season and to see so many improvements so far (before its proper opening) is definitely a good sign hopefully. Plus every ride today seemed to be running very reliably with no (foreseen) breakdowns, except Flying fish which got stuck round it's track at least twice. Braniac was also very good.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202810 Stealth and Swarm on one train wasn't a problem at all. They never got more than 3/4 trains waits from what I saw. Flying Fish stalled twice though (maybe more) which was quite funny! Braniac show is still good but to anyone who went and saw it last Easter it is essentially the same show. Oh, and The Dome is weird without the stage and screens in the way as you walk in.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202814 I have footage of the full Braniac Live performance, but as it's virtually 45 minutes long, it may take a while to get it on YouTube.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202819 We've only had to queue for front row, and even that was about 5 mins!
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202828 Despite my original negative attitude to this event, it seems to be getting good reviews and if it continues to be empty throughout the week I will definitely consider visiting. The Brainiac show sounds good and loads of rides on swarm and stealth would be great. If queue times keep to a minimum I may pop down for a nice trip Only negative so far is that Detonator was apparently originally advertised however isn't open. However, that doesn't bother me too much and it will be interesting to see if they add an extra ride to the line up if there is one ready or enough demand throughout the week.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202832 With regards to Detonator... When the park first advertised the event, they did indeed say 'Stealth, Swarm, Angry Birds Land and others...' (which did imply Detonator). However, when the full line up was announced, they did not include Detonator (instead, saying 'Stealth, Swarm, Angry Birds 4D, Dodgems, Depth Charge and Flying Fish'). So, the most recent line up always suggested that Detonator wasn't going to be open, so shouldn't have been expected to be open really.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202852 It doesn't sound anywhere near as busy as Alton Towers, although I guess with this being a new event it won't be. To offer a comparison, Nemesis had a 35 minute wait yesterday at its peak (on one train), with Spinball at 30 and CBeebies Land around 15-30. Air, which was running 2 trains however, was barely 5 minutes. Hopefully the event at Thorpe Park will be popular enough in order for them to develop it in future! I went down to TP back in the days of February events of the late 00s but it was awful... this does sound better, but the lack of rides open doesn't yet warrant the 2 hour drive for me.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202858 Tea cups was open though and as far as I'm aware this wasn't advertised for the line up (which was good to see it open). Compared to the previous events (from 2007-2009) it definitely sounds this is a better event even with fewer open rides.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202859 Does thorpe charge for parking for their half term event... doesn't effect me as I have premium pass, but just curious. thanks.
February 15, 201510 yr Author comment_202861 Does thorpe charge for parking for their half term event... doesn't effect me as I have premium pass, but just curious. thanks. Yep same rules as usual.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202862 looks like our family will be split across the two other families on the way home then with our premium passes £5 is pretty extortionate, or any charge at all for theme parks when you're paying to get in... couldn't imagine not having a premium pass anymore.
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202863 Here is the question though, is the event good because there's barely anyone there in the same vein as Summer Nights? Are people not bothering with paying for an event with only two major rides open? Is the AP charge the reason for the lack of queues? Just playing Devils' Advocate here really, as visits to empty parks or ones where the ride count is high often get more positive reviews...
February 15, 201510 yr comment_202864 Benin, I believe you have hit the nail on the head here. The only reason I am considering visiting this week is because of the lack of queues, if the event was busy I doubt annual pass holders would be forking out £5 when they can experience the whole park for free weeks later. £15-£20 is pretty hefty for only 6 rides open and a show, and £5 is on the urge of being ridiculous for annual pass holders. HOWEVER, due to the good show, relaxed atmosphere and no queues it seems to shape up to be a good day out from what I've heard.
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