JayTricky

'Gold Mine' Jump in the Czech Republic. Aka 'Jumping into Hell'. These mentaloids used 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) of rope to build a jumping contraption that would allow them to free fall just to stop a few feet above the bottom of this black pit. The jumps—they did 36 in total—were 255-foot long (78 meter) and lasted only four seconds. The effect of the released adrenaline probably lasted a week. They spent four days underground to explore and prepare for their leap of faith into the darkness, using ten hours to build the jump machine. I'd have second thoughts about doing this.

I didn't say you we're all chavs. And once a year? That's not really enough visits to get a clear view on the clientele that Thorpe gets on a regular basis. But let's not get into that argument. Crash Pad is a good idea that will attract a young crowd.

Thats the pretty bog standard Thorpe Park crowd then. Crash Pad is a nice name but 'YOLO CONTAINERS' would fit it perfectly.

Bit of a claim that when... Air - No Oblivion - No Nemesis - No Rita - No Thirteen - No If you're referring to the small amount of construction debris themeing on th13teen, then no it will not be themed like that. There is a huge spider like, robotic themed object that will sit in the centre of the ride, with the track going under it 4 times. And with the logo and the link to the Sanctuary scare maze, this will be themed very unique.

(www.towerstimes.co.uk) First proper update and photo (which was taken by the pilot, members were not able to get in the helicopter) - shows not much construction yet. By this time SAW was testing! Eurofighter track goes up very quick so hopeful for more in a month or two.

Merlin do love their shipping containers don't they.

More news. Stage One of the plan, to introduce more accomodation. http://old.towerstimes.co.uk/news/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1352553613&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1,3,9& No doubt they''ll be expensive as hell though. That's the norm with Log Cabin accomodation these days. Like the look of the 'Hobbit' holes.

My first Vekoma Boomerang was also my first EVER roller-coaster. I was 7 years old, and it was at the 'American Adventure' theme park, in Derbyshire (closed now), and I had been going monthly to this park since I was 4, and never built up the courage to ride it. My memory of it, was that it DOMINATED the park, and the whole day built up to riding it, as you had to work your way round the park - just looking and hearing The Missile, til eventually you'd make it there... Beautiful in it's prime. The reason I love coasters.

Agreed! It's very long, with an apparently awesome indoor, then essentially two outdoor sections with 8 inversions. I've got a feeling it'll be a bit of a dark horse and surprise people.

Sw7 is going to be amazing. Overhype can't happen as its going to be worth it. Thirteen was marketed totally wrong, if you take it for what it is its amazing. So the new Alton ride for me, predictably, I can't wait.

Confirmed Euro-fighter for Alton Towers. Gerstlauer. March 2013 opening. 'World beating' coaster' along with new worlds first element. World beating rumoured to be most inversions (14+), and first element being a revolving track. Apologies if this has been posted on this thread, feel free to remove Rob.

It does look the bees knees. Post apocalyptic theme helps when the typical Thorpe clientele decide to throw their trash around.. ... With its glowing eyes, it just looks like it wants to kick your ass.

I'm surprised you think of Nemesis in that way. Of course it's personal preference, and opinion, but to say it's not as good as the Batman (SF) inverts? They're all just replicas of one another? I still think Nemesis packs a punch even after two decades, and having ridden nearly all the inverts there are, it's my favorite along with Montu. Great report though!

1) Nemesis 2) Hulk IOA 3) Montu 4) Superman Krypton Coaster SFFT 5) Titan SFOT 6) New Texas Giant 7) Oblivion 8) Megafobia 9) The Grand National 10) Dragon Khan

I doubt they'll be like the Revenge of the Mummy trains, they're too large and rigid, to get round the loops and elements. I'd love to see lap bars but due to the secret element I bet we see OHR.

So, it looks very likely that SW7 is going to be named 'The Smiler'. Merlin have tried to trademark the name; http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ohim?ohimnum=E10993517 The Smiler? I suppose a ride with 14+ inversions does make me smile. Views on this?

It does indeed, I have marshalled the course two years running. It's brutal!! If there's people going for it next year and its for a worthy cause, I'll gladly run.

It was a secret? More pics here for anyone interested: http://sw7.towersstreet.com/

Deliciously chunky track. It begins.

I don't think A$$ pirates would be welcome on a Disney ship. Haha... I beg to differ. Captain Hook always had that 'I'm gonna shove this hook up your arse' look in his eye.

We wouldn't care too much about the lack of 'party' stuff, just as long as we could chill out at night with a nice beverage and then join in with some of the fun themed nights. If it's a proper Disney experience, then it's something I think we would all enjoy. It does look like it's worth it. Plus, I make a mean ass Pirate. -JT

Loving the updates and TR's. Keep it coming. Stunning pictures, the small details make all the difference and there seems to be a lot of them on the Fantasy. It truly looks like a Disney fans dream - lots of crazy inspiring things all squished together and put on a big boat. A bloody big boat at that too. As a regular to Disney (7th trip in Jan, that counts as 'regular' right?) - and someone who has never been on a cruise, would you recommend this for a family of 5 with the youngest being 21? Bearing in mind we are all outgoing, all are big kids and all like to have fun. I wanted to get some views on this... I'm looking to surprise the family next year, and take them all on a vacation. Looking forward to the next report! -JT.

That 'Sky Scrapper' is like Air on Steroids. I'm pleased a B&M Flyer has broke off from the standard 'similar' layout for once... That loop looks like it pulls some serious Gs.

Hello, been a regular viewer and browser for YEARS (since about 05) but never got around to registering. Name's Jamie - look forward to contributing to this place!