lewis97

TowersTimes has posted an SW8 update article from this weekend, looking at the central theming feature, the addition of themed rockwork, and general work across the site. Below is a selection of photos.

Provided you enter all the mazes consecutively you'll be fine, even if it takes you somewhat longer than 90 minutes. The queues at Scarefest generally don't reach the same length as those at Fright Nights because the mazes are an additional charge and there are allocated slots.

^It's in the actual report:

There is definitely the potential for it to seem overhyped to those who don't really know what the attraction involves and are perhaps expecting too much from it. Ultimately this type of attraction is in its infancy so I didn't find it to be a mind-blowing experience, however, with that said, I didn't come out disappointed after my first ride. That was probably partly due to not really staying away from spoilers apart from specific details so I was able to manage my expectations and enjoy it for what it is. I definitely found there to be a few disconcerting moments but it was by no means terrifying. Just immerse yourself as best you can into the experience and hopefully you'll get a successful run-through with all the technical aspects working as they should. With today's announcement from Universal, it's clear we're probably going to see VR find its way to more and more parks and I believe there is a place for it in dedicated attractions where it used to blend real-life environments with virtual elements, especially as the quality of graphics improves and the technology becomes more reliable and durable.

Thorpe Park issued the following statement this morning, announcing a delay in the opening of Derren Brown's Ghost Train.

This is only a Screening Opinion, with a full planning application yet to be submitted, although TowersTimes have an article with a full rundown of all the details that this has provided. It has also been confirmed that it will open in 2018.

From what I understand the May opening is to allow them to do sufficient testing as well as fitting in with Derren Brown's UK tour.

Thorpe posted them to their Instagram, as was linked in the original post which you've also just quoted.

It's the same across Merlin's UK Resorts, with none of the theme parks open unlike in previous years. I think most would agree that it is no doubt a cost saving measure as part of their recovery strategy from the impact of The Smiler incident last year.

Once again, TowersTimes have taken to the skies to provide an aerial update of the closed season developments at Alton Towers. The article includes images showing the progress on Galactica, the Rollercoaster Restaurant, the Nemesis repaint and other goings on around the park.

Although it's not shown on the renderings, I expect it's the maintenance platform which goes under the holding brake. Original Image

Are they for overnight stays or just rental as a place to rest during park hours. Everland opened one a few years ago in the middle of the park for resting, I think it's about 70 pound rental for just the tent and around 115 I think for the package (includes snack, valet parking - so no shuttle bus needed, and a q-pass) Overnight stays from end of May to early September.

New video in the series following Wildfire's construction.

Oh, please. I'm pretty sure we all know this is exactly what happened. I'm not denying that the article covers what is the most probable and logical chain of events, but it is not official confirmation of what happened and is speculative in the same way that the vast majority of the enthusiast community have reached a similar conclusion.

The article is purely circumstantial and is not based on official information provided by Alton Towers or the HSE.

A teaser website has been discovered for Thorpe's 2016 dark ride. https://mindswanted.co.uk/

Planning documents have been published for a recent application by the resort to extend the Alton Towers Hotel. It is proposed that the 4-storey extension would open mid-late 2017 and comprise of 74 bedrooms, a restaurant, cafe/bar area and entertainments area. TowersTimes have published a detailed article.

Alton Towers have recently submitted a planning application for enhancements to Air, including improvements to the ride's station, the addition of a photo opportunity kiosk and also the addition of two new theming features, although the plans give no indication of what these will actually look like. TowersTimes has taken a detailed look here. With the Rollercoaster Restaurant development on the top level of Air's station, it has been suggested that some sort of retheme or sponsorship of Air could accompany it. This has also been fuelled by a current 50% off promotion on all Air merchandise (excluding clothing), with some thinking that this would be an excessive way of simply going about reducing stock for the smaller retail space.

Live stream will be starting in about 5 minutes -

Merlin reported profits of £311 million in the last financial year, so it's not as if they can't afford it. It's in their interest to maintain the generally positive public opinion of them in relation to how they've handled the incident.

The following was posted on the Wildfire Blog a few days ago, suggesting they're still aiming to open it at some point next year.

Yeah, it makes a 90 degree clockwise rotation when descending from the top of the lift to the exit from the tower.

Alton Towers have confirmed that X Sector and Sonic Spinball have now reopened.

Best screenshot I could get. BBC News aerial footage of The Smiler trains removal

Merlin have issues the following statement on their website, which indicates that Dragon's Fury and Rattlesnake at Chessington World of Adventures are closed whilst staff are retrained and informed of the new protocols. Also the Health & Safety Executive have issued the following statement, explaining that they will be removing the two trains involved to carry out further analysis at their lab. Unsurprisingly, The Smiler is not allowed to operate until the investigation is complete and a resolution has been implemented. It doesn't seem there will be any significant impact on the park's other rides, and it is now up to the resort/Merlin to decide when to reopen.