WildMouse

Its quite clear that XNWO is a ride that trying to be something that it quite clearly isn't (due to the budget constraints back then). But in my opinion, thats all part of the fun. The ride is so bad that its good! I'm not ashamed to admit that I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread when it opened in 1996. But then again, my coaster count was in single figures back then, and I wasnt really a true enthusiast so was easily pleased! Plus the south east UK was lacking in decent coasters anyway. At least there were more effects working at that time though, and it had a maze like extended queue line (complete with revolving tunnel) that was so long, people mistook this for the ride, and in its first few seasons, you would enter a 'lift' (fake obviously, but it added to the fun) before arriving at the station platform. What you didn't see what the train entering the station, so when it went backwards instead of forwards, you can guess the reactions from some people. Fantastic stuff. That queueline is now used for the Fright Nights Hellgate horror maze. One thing the ride has always been lacking is visuals on the block sections. Over the years we've had plenty of sound effects including helicopter noises, voices, mist getting sprayed in your face, robotic noises and more recently a rave soundtrack. They've also add extra quirks over the years as well, like an X logo inteli light in the queue line, strobe lighting in the middle of the pyramid and a rather pathetic disco ball on the lift hill (all now gone). And now whilst ascending the lift hill there is the random sound of a choir of angels....Shame the audio is so choppy! I think its the randomness that keeps drawing people back! Will be interesting to see how this 're-theme' pans out. It's been a long time coming. I'm 'guessing' the budget will be fairly low. But who knows. Until then, I shall continue enjoying the randomness of X:\ No Way Out.

Hi Paulos May half term dates are Sat 27th May - Sun 4th June. Hope that helps.

He's talking about the 'sick face' Stealth graphic. And as far as I'm aware, no one was sick today. Anyway...Stealth blew me away. The sensations that your body is put through during the launch and top hat are really something else. I came off the ride buzzing, and so did everyone else by the looks and sounds of it. The staff were great. Interacting with guests and making sure everyone was having a good time. Thorpe have done a grand job with Stealth. The wait was certainly worth it. Some photos below. More on my photo page. Burger King extension is a temporary dancefloor! Stealth from above Entrance tyre Group photo Another tophat shot Stealth launch WWTP Radio which broadcasted throughout the Stealth area including the queueline. tophat Signage Rich at the front of the queue Queue for the first ride

I hate it when lorries pull out into the middle lane of the motorway with little to no warning, especially when they force you to swerve into the fast lane!

I'll also be there on Wednesday eagerly awaiting my first ride on Stealth (as long as no major technical issues pop up!).

Let the GP get on with it I say. Why let their outrageous (and often comical) comments ruin your day. I was the same before my days as an enthusiast, and I'm sure most of you were too. Though probably won't admit it I know I wouldn't like it if some know-it-all enthusiast interfered in a conversation that I was having amongst friends however absurd the facts were. The worst is when an 'enthusiast' shouts down at the GP for being wrong, and then comes out with a load of garbage themselves. Carl

Just seen the video. I wish July would hurry up already!

Yummy stuff. I'm really enjoying following the construction process, but like others I can't wait to see (and ride) the finished article. Out of all the 'new' coasters I'll be experiencing this year, Black Mamba is my most anticipated.

I'm a coasterkid. Should be a coastertool by the end of the year. I'm in no rush though. edit: dodgy wording!

Hi everyone, my names Carl from the south east UK. I'm 22 years young, and have been a hardcore coaster nut since the year 2000 when I took my first visit to the wonderful place that is Blackpool Pleasure Beach. My local park is Thorpe Park (closely followed by Chessington). I have a feeling that I'll be there quite a lot this season what with the latest edition to their coaster family I'm a member of both the RCCGB and ECC, but prefer to organise my own coaster trips amongst friends. I have ridden 'about' 120 coasters so far and my favourite is Balder at Liseberg 8)

The theming for this ride is stunning. Can't wait to see this ride up close and personal in July. It's hardly suprising that Efteling is my favourite 'theme' park.

I'm not denying that. The point that I was trying to get across is how sick I am of those who dismiss Stealth, simply for being a smaller version of a coaster that is already in existense.

I was another one of those who voted Humdinger in the poll. It's a shame they werent daring enough to call it this. Ah well, Stealth will do. Love it's funky logo. I'm actually looking forward to riding this in March (or Feb if I win a test ride) un-like some enthusiasts out there The whole 'its a smaller version of Kingda Ka' crap doesn't really wash with me I' m afraid (its not as if I'm going to ride KK soon anyway), it's going to be one hell of a rush and should go down a storm with the general public, many whom won't know of the other Rockets out there except for Rita, which is more 'launched figure of eight' anyway. Sometimes I think coaster enthusiasts are FAR too picky for their own good.

One word....Balder! You guessed it, I prefer Intamin Might change my mind after my trip to Florida...

The video left me feeling rather underwhelmed (even with the manic screaming!), epecially at the amount of time it took to download on high speed broadband Its one of those 'you have to ride it to appreciate it' type of coasters me-thinks.

Here's one of me in fancy dress... ...as John Shaft, king of the blaxploitation movies!

I'm dressed in my 'slob wear' which I always wear around the house. I'm wearing: very old (but comfy) jogging bottoms + underwear a nice warm fleece maroon slippers

Mmm, airtime... We need one of these in the UK. Either that or a clone of Superman:RoS will do very nicely SCR39.BMP The Rapids.

Indeed. Sarcastic one liners always come in handy in situations like Barry's I 'personally' wouldn't have bothered writing a letter though as I like to get things sorted there and then. Guest services would have been my first port of call.

I Like Girls - Hound Dogs

Hmm, I wonder why Black Mamba is my most anticipated coaster for 2006. July REALLY can't come soon enough

Phantom Manor looks great (I love my dark rides I do ).

I'm definitely a 'cool credit' type of guy. I'm certainly not one of those who has to ride every kiddy coaster I see for the sake of a credit. Doesn't mean that I avoid them completely though as there are 'some' decent ones out there Hmmm, maybe I'm a semi whore then...

If you want to ride an 'extremely' well themed dark ride (stunningly so infact), then look no further than Droomvlucht (Dream Flight) at Efteling in Holland. The attention to detail is amazing. You can find some photos in the the link below (bottom of page). http://www.parkfunworld.be/darkrides_reviews/droomvlucht.htm

Excellent photos. Colossus was pretty darn rough on Tuesday. Probably the roughest ride I've ever had on the thing! Still managed to enjoy it though, especially at night.