Merlin Theming Compared to other theme parks

[PeskyTrimBrake]

I have been looking at pics of Merlin parks and noticed that their theming is really good. How does Merlin's theming compare to other parks excluding Universal and Disney? Is it really good or is just simple theming?

 

[peep]

It varies quite a lot amongst their parks. It all seems to depend on the budget for each attraction/area at the time. Some of the theming is done by Merlin Studios but a lot of it is out-sourced to several large theming companies in Europe.

Some of it is actually quite decent but it's not looked after very well.

 

[rtotheizzo17]

Have only been to Legoland Florida and the theming is OK. I would put it on par with SeaWorld or Busch Gardens but below UO or Disney.

 

[Mike]

The Merlin parks (or, at least the 3 main parks on Alton/Thorpe/Chessie) all have the potential to be excellently themed (although nowhere near Disney/Universal level), but as Peep says, none of their themeing is well looked after and everything has seen far better days.

The ride that comes closest to Disney/Universal levels of themeing, and probably beats several attractions at those parks, is Hex. It's a totally immersive experience and actually feels like you're walking through the hidden passage to get to the ride.

 

[AirtimeFreak]

Some of it is actually quite decent but it's not looked after very well.

Bang on there. The individual theming for each ride is really good, but it doesn't really flow through the park. Thorpe Park for example, Stealth and the area around it is really good, but go 20m one way and your by the teacups and 20m the other way and your back at tidal wave, with no transition in between. The same goes for Saw, all on its own in the corner, nicely themed area but other than up and along to the saw maze nothing seems to fit in with it really.

Same goes for Alton, the X-sector is looking pretty crap now, even with the Smiler they have those metal fences up everywhere, not as good as when the area opened. The Dark Forest doesn't feel very dark at all, considering Rita has a racing theme and Thirt3en has a completely different vibe going on. The forbidden Valley is probably the best themed area, Nemesis being one of the best themed rides anywhere in my opinion.

 

[marc]

All the good theming people are talking about was not even done by Merlin though, it was there before they took over.

I actually think The Swarm island is ok, it's probably their best attempt at a themed area. But yet again it's not been looked after and half the effects don't work.

Saw is well themed as well, well the inside is, but again too much if it does not work.

 

[Jordanovichy]

I actually think The Swarm island is ok, it's probably their best attempt at a themed area. But yet again it's not been looked after and half the effects don't work.

I was just thinking Merlin did very well with The Swarm. The charred wood, the upturned ambulance, the themed loos, shop and game thingys all fit in with the doomsday theme as does the news reporter...and the aeroplane fuselages go without saying. I haven't actually really appreciated what a good job they've done.

So, Merlin's brand new coaster this year also has great theming? No. The Smiler fits in with X Sector which is good but I can't say there is theming as such. Last year the Get Corrected smiles all over the UK were great, kudos to Merlin there but apart from the 5 armed thing in the middle of the ride...that's it. They could have had some stuff to make the queue seem at least slightly shorter...ok the Gerstlauer roar is rather sexy... <3

 

[marc]

Saying that in Europe they seem to theme things really well so I find it strange.

 

[Screaming Coasters]

The one big gripe I have about Merlin is that they make everything square. Everything has a corner and nothing is organic, even when its intended to be. This is the one thing that sets the Original London Dungeons apart from the new one. New one pales in comparison to the original, which is a shame.

It just all feels processed and churned out like a McDonalds burger, with no real care other than thats whats going there and here.