Re: Thorpe Park construction?
^So true...also makes Colossus a little redundant as (what would be) a completely inferior looper...
Visited Thorpe on Monday...and I'm afraid I noticed no signs whatsoever of any construction. After purchasing more parks, Merlin appears to be breaking from the tradition of new coaster every 3 years, and instead, pushing back to a 4 year schedule (as has occurred with Gardaland).
The worrying aspect of this is ABL therefore, was supposed to be reimbursement for this.
Anyway, in other news:
-Slammer continues to be open regularly, without downtime! 2/2 this season - wasn't quite worth the 5 year wait to see it open and ride it, but still a solid, unique and fun ride. Maybe SFNE gave them a few parts?
-Both Colossus and Stealth were running just ONE train a piece....and therefore, wait times were posted at 60+ minutes for the duration of the day. At around 5, Stealth was posted at an 85 minute wait, with Colossus situated at 95....obscene. To be fair, apparently, they were experiencing problems with one of the trains (as was mentioned in a sign), but surely they should have 3 trains anyway? Either way, if the problems persist, maybe new trains are on the way?
-My visit really stressed the need for a flagship ride. Having ridden all the coasters, I can't honestly say any single ride there makes me want to return to reride (Ok, maybe Stealth just since it's so short). The rides are good, but there's nothing excellent.
A big part of me wants Thorpe to become more 'American', and deliver a few more 'insane' coaster/flat ride experiences that would really appeal to the public, or at least catch their eyes (see Stealth's reception!). These are just pipe dreams, but a starflyer, a Falcon's Fury-esque drop tower, or even a B&M hyper would be the talk of the chavs and have such a unique appeal. Oh sorry, Merlin doesn't do flat rides does it....