Thorpe Park Updates

[JoshC.]

Here's the place to keep up with updates about Thorpe, which many would like over closed season specifically!

It has come to RGG's attention that the photos we received were not meant to posted over the internet. RGG were unaware of this at the time, but we have decided out of courtesy to remove them. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

[Dan]

Some good photos there Josh. Thanks for posting

[monsterdan5]

Could they be adding the fire effect back to tidal wave? It would make sense if swarm also has one ;p

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[Nathan]

It's certainly plausible.

[JoshC.]

Indeed, there is a reasonable chance.

However, I'm not getting my hopes up; a bit of scaffolding isn't enough to make me think it will happen, but with Swarm's rumoured fire effects, it's more than plausible.

Also, to further add to the original post, Tidal Wave's chain gets major TLC / replacement every three years (the short life span is due to the working around water and getting rusty), and I believe it's due next season. As a fun fact, the chain weighs 5 tonnes!

[Sir Coastalot]

Thorpe won't be rectifying anything themselves. S&S will have commissioned Garmendales to do any repair work, practically guarantee that.

[Dan]

Not sure where to post, so I will put it here.

An old booklet about the history of Thorpe -

http://go-merlin.co.uk/past/thorpe-park/history-of-thorpe-park

[AeRo]

I love seeing old stuff like this. It shows just how far a park have advanced, or not.

[Jack]

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http://www.thorpepark.com/plan-your-visit/park-map.aspx

New map looks pretty good to be me.

My inferences:

-Additional theming on Storm Surge's lift hill.
-Rebranded food outlets 'battered fish and chips' & 'Wing Wong Noodle bar'
-THE SWARM looks excellent on the mpa, but 'game zone' on the island is very dissapointing.

[monsterdan5]

Looks good, hopefully they have done something to that box on top of Storm Surge, why else would they change it on the map?

Time Voyagers has been removed. Hmm...

Good to see Lez making an appearance. Also was Dr. X being chased by a robot in the old one? It's a nice hint to the rides past

[Luca]

Anyone notice the swarms of fly's around the park?

[Lexwolfe88]

Nothings been changed to Storm Surge on the map, that bit of theming was just covered up by the logo saying 'NEW: STORM SURGE' last year, take a look at the maps together you'll see that hut is still on there but hidden

[Smidge]

Also note the addition of smoking areas.

[monsterdan5]

Nothings been changed to Storm Surge on the map, that bit of theming was just covered up by the logo saying 'NEW: STORM SURGE' last year, take a look at the maps together you'll see that hut is still on there but hidden

Ah I see, thanks

Smoking areas is a good move, lets hope people actually obey them!

[AeRo]

Let's hope that people just don't smoke.

[JoshC.]

Good to see Lez making an appearance. Also was Dr. X being chased by a robot in the old one? It's a nice hint to the rides past

He always has been chased by the robot.

Can't say I'm not a little disappointed that the map wasn't given a huge rebrand, as the park has usually given rebrands to the map every 2 years, and was due one this season. Ah well, the 'Swarmification' of it, and the little characters around the Swarm island are pretty good.

My views / other spots:

-No Time Voyagers. I see where Thorpe are going with this, but hopefully the theatre doesn't just sit there waiting for the odd use during Fright Night; make more use of it at other special events!

-Saw Alive open on 'selected dates', which probably means we're looking at it not being open during term-time weekdays. Another budget cut it would seem..

-The 'rethemes' / change of name of the noodle bar and the fish and chips restaurants are nice, helps it fit in.

-Introduction of smoking areas is a good thing - YAY! I just hope they're adhered to (as a side note, is there any 'punishment' for not smoking in these areas at the other Merlin parks? I know there probably isn't, but just curious really...)

-The game zone on the Swarm island, replacing the food stall is disappointing in a way. I know some people will be of the view 'oh, it's just a game stall, get over it!!', but I'd much prefer a food outlet - which I was hoping would have 'themed' food - as opposed to a game stall. I'd be interested to know why Thorpe thought the game stall would have been better, especially as they've added a 'Roast and Relish' food stall near the island entrance. Ah well, no biggy, but in a way, I'd have preferred the food stall on the island, and the game stall near the entrance..

-Seems that nothing is happening with the CCR entrance. Probably just looking at the gates to it being closed and the track taken down, then a little bit of shelter if it rains? Shame..

EDIT: Nice to see the donuts place by Zodiac / Vortex is being changed into a Ben and Jerry's 'scoop shack'.

[monsterdan5]

Well with Alton getting a new 4D attraction this year, Thorpe are sure to do something with it next season.

[JoshC.]

I've heard rumours that the seats are meant to be used for Ice Age 4D at AT. Whether that the case or not is a different matter tbh...

I wouldn't put any bets on Thorpe doing something with the theatre next season either. Really and truly, they can simply leave it there as it is, and get away with not doing anything to it and use it for special events (much like the Showcase). Get rid of that 'caging area' and it's basically seamless.

Just shows in a way how the the park have a fair bit of space available to them without having to expand onto the infilled islands..

[DoubleL]

Maybe a dark ride to take up that space sometime in the future?

[monsterdan5]

Way to small, a similar attraction or shop/restaurant are the only things that could really replace it.

I never went on it... Ever

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[theflashingblade]

Nice one Thorpe:

erm 'Have you got the GUTS to brave The Swarm?' Well if the Gardaland Raptor ride is anything to go by 'If you have large thighs' and oh dear... you are - well go google Raptor's' lovely advice' for riders. An awful lot of visitors (61% on average) will possibly be a tad miffed on being informed that they cannot ride. D'oh! Great thinking Merlin!

[DoubleL]

Not sure if this has been reported yet, probably has but either way, whatever!

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[monsterdan5]

:@

[AeRo]

It should read "Need more cash."

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