July 30, 201114 yr comment_120505 Ok, let me get more in-depth, for some peopleThorpe Park is situated on reclaimed land that used to be a quarry. It's a quarry in the middle of an urban environment. It's not that appealing and it has come quite a long way to compete with the likes of Alton Towers.Thorpe Park, have had to make do with what they have. They are not exactly Alton Towers, who was "Born That Way" with its luscious green land and woodland enviroment. AT already have that amazing landscape there and therefore doesn't require any work apart from maintaining the environment.If Thorpe Park was where AT was, they would probably look as good too. And because I don't live near AT, I have to make do, with Thorpe Park.It frustrates me, because Merlin are the 2nd biggest theme park operator and if they could be bothered, they would landscape the park more and make it look better and more appealing. Edited July 30, 201114 yr by Will
July 30, 201114 yr comment_120507 Why would landscaping the park appeal to their target market of teenagers who just want thrill rides etc?
July 31, 201114 yr comment_120514 I should imagine that most people in the midlands don't ever visit Thorpe Park and definitely do not visit Chessington. Legoland probably has the most pulling power (for family groups, at least) round here. Alton has a strong development plan for the coming years - with multiple attractions coming in 2012 and a major rollercoaster in 2013.Drayton Manor is the "regional" park for the midlands, much like is the case with TP and CWOA in the south, whilst Alton attracts those from across the UK.
July 31, 201114 yr comment_120515 How do you know they just want thrill rides? Not everyone is the same. I'm sure it would be worthwhile to make the place look nicer, presentation is important. Edited July 31, 201114 yr by Will
July 31, 201114 yr comment_120516 I'm not saying the target market want thrill rides. Hence the etc. Your assuming Thorpe care about the small things? Most people go to a theme park to enjoy their day out and go on the rides, I know a lot of people who really could not careless about landscaping.
July 31, 201114 yr comment_120517 But landscaping does affect everyone and does affect repeat custom .
July 31, 201114 yr comment_120525 ^Unless you're part of Thorpe's main target market of course..."If I wanted landscaping, I'd go to a garden centre" ;)Seriously, whilst many on here would like some form of effort put into the landscape side and some actual trees, why would Thorpe bother unless they get a mass of complaints detailing the lack of shade and what-not... Indeed, the lack of greenery is one of the worst things about Thorpe, hence why crap hit the fan when they dared to put Storm Surge by the Amity Cove sign and lawn
July 31, 201114 yr comment_120547 I have a couple of points here:Why should there be a mentality of; "Thorpe's target market only want thrill rides"...?I'm throwing away all politics and company circumstances here- if you're aiming to make a big impact on the theme park industry then you need to buck the trend. Why can't theme parks go above and beyond what is expected of them? Thorpe can build thrilling attractions and also add great themeing to them as well. There are some fantastic special effects out there that if used creatively can appeal to the target market. If you asked every single guest at a theme park, then they would possibly be indifferent to scenery and special effects, or perhaps not consciously take note of that. However, the same can be said for most audience members at a theatre/ cinema if you asked them about the music. A good score can often be unnoticed and act as an accompaniment to the production; however, without the music, it wouldn't be as good. I could apply this basic principal to lots of everyday situations where effort, time and money is put into things that aren't the bare bones, essential, but actually improve whatever is being offered and may make more money for them in the long run.Alton will remain my personal number one for reasons I've stated previously- location, the attractions, the choice of themes, the staff, the music, the food and the hotels. ;)I've recently found out that I'm going in September. I'm looking forward to subsequent visits next year and the year after much more though!
August 22, 201213 yr comment_140195 Well, it's been 5 years now and it is still No.1. I hope Thorpe Park takes over Alton to become the UK's No.1 theme park. I think right now, it's No.2!
August 22, 201213 yr comment_140202 Just out of interest, why do you think Thorpe Park should take over Alton as the number 1 Uk park?
August 23, 201213 yr comment_140239 Just out of interest, why do you think Thorpe Park should take over Alton as the number 1 Uk park? Because it's my fave uk park
August 23, 201213 yr comment_140240 Again out of interest why is Thorpe Park your favourite theme park? This saying have you been to Alton Towers this year/at all !?
August 23, 201213 yr comment_140253 Because it's my fave uk park If it's #1 for you then why should it matter that it's #1 for everyone else? You don't need statistics to validate your personal opinions.
August 24, 201213 yr comment_140311 Again out of interest why is Thorpe Park your favourite theme park? This saying have you been to Alton Towers this year/at all !?Yes, I've been Alton Towers this year! In fact, I'm going next week for 3 days (because it's so far away from where I live). Thorpe Park is my favourite because I love the rollercoasters/flat rides. What else do you want to know? Why I love the rollercoasters? I'm guessing your fave is Alton Towers! Why is that YOUR fave???
August 24, 201213 yr comment_140312 If it's #1 for you then why should it matter that it's #1 for everyone else? You don't need statistics to validate your personal opinions.I didn't even say that it should be #1 for everyone else? I said I HOPE it does.
August 24, 201213 yr comment_140325 Liam was just asking you to expand on your reasonings, allowing for a well supported arguement putting across why you hope that Thorpe becomes the 'official' UK number 1 over Towers... It's better to back up your opinions than just state them...
August 24, 201213 yr comment_140326 I thought Thorpe Park was third of fourth after Blackpool PB/Legoland Windsor? Or are these old stats that are no longer relevant/valid? I can never really understand what is number one, as I cannot find an official source.
August 24, 201213 yr comment_140328 Yes, I've been Alton Towers this year! In fact, I'm going next week for 3 days (because it's so far away from where I live). Thorpe Park is my favourite because I love the rollercoasters/flat rides. What else do you want to know? Why I love the rollercoasters? I'm guessing your fave is Alton Towers! Why is that YOUR fave??? Of course you can have your opinions on your favourite park but saying a park should be number one in the Uk by its rollercoasters is absurd, if that was the case Six Flags would be top of the tables. To be number one for me you have to have three key things Great staff & food Great ride & attractions And above allA good atmosphereNow I haven't been to Thorpe Park yet but even living so close to Alton Towers, standing at the end of Towers Street looking towards to The Towers reminds me why Alton Towers is the best Uk park, to be number one you have to have a unique atmosphere and Alton Towers sure does have that! But thats my opinion, why do you not want Alton Towers to be number one? Apart from the fact you think Thorpe Park has better rides and attractions why doesn't Alton tick all your boxes to be number one?
August 24, 201213 yr comment_140330 I guess it depends on what you want from a theme park. For me, Alton remains one of my all time favourites due to its location and history which really gets my imagination going. Mix this in with genuinely unique rides and attractions that stretch from a wide variety of experiences. It truly has something for everyone; you can take anybody there and they'll find something they enjoy. It captures the best of Britain in a nutshell and every single time I visit I feel like I've escaped everyday life. You can say what you like about Alton... they're not scared to take risks. Thirteen and Sub-Terra were both a huge risk and at this stage in the game, those risks seem to have largely paid off. If any park in the UK is going to push the boundaries of "experience" and theatricality in their attractions and overall delivery, it's Alton Towers.
August 25, 201213 yr comment_140349 Now I haven't been to Thorpe Park yet but even living so close to Alton Towers, standing at the end of Towers Street looking towards to The Towers reminds me why Alton Towers is the best Uk park, to be number one you have to have a unique atmosphere and Alton Towers sure does have that! They are very different parks, but walking out the dome seeing some of the UK's tallest, fastest and most intense coasters from every corner of the eye is also pretty neat
August 25, 201213 yr comment_140350 Shame the view gets ruined by a mouldy beach, Depth Charge, NWO and Storm Surge...
August 25, 201213 yr comment_140366 And the rides look run down and awful. Not towers run down, just downright dirty.
August 27, 201213 yr comment_140412 thats something I love about Thorpe - as soon as you pull into that car park you see the tops of rides and Stealth - it's scary! once your in and past the dome again your just surrounded by rides and its just awesome
August 27, 201213 yr comment_140419 If the theming of The Swarm and attention to detail is the new Merlin standard for rides, then SW7 will be amazing and should boost AT to the top.
August 27, 201213 yr comment_140420 I can only imagine it is - the only addition merlin have put in which counteracts this suggestion was Storm Surge.
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