darklingscribe Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 That is too bad about the Crystal Maze. It's a unique attraction, and I guess the forerunner of all this "Magic Quest" stuff, too. I remember TPR members nearly plowing into each other as they ran from room to room back in '06. ^ Ahh, good times. Sad to hear the Crystal Maze is on it's way out. If my notorious memory is right, the Crystal Maze is a part of a bowling/arcade place down the road from the park, so I'd assume that whatever new attraction they'd install to replace it would be along the lines of indoor minigolf or laser tag. Did they offer any hints? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yamez Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 Crystal Maze looks AWESOME. Sad to see something like that go, looks significantly more fun than Magiquest! I love these updates, thanks for posting for those of us that can't go. They're appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted June 22, 2010 Author Share Posted June 22, 2010 (edited) Time for more photos, this time from ALTON TOWERS & SPLASH LANDINGS! "Thirteen is like the "Italian Job" of Alton Towers. It's not a bad ride, but it fails at being either a great thrill ride or a great family ride." --Robb Alvey To follow the UK Tour LIVE on Facebook - check out Robb's profile: http://www.facebook.com/robbalvey TPR has arrived at Alton Towers! A little warm up ERT on Air to start our day... Ivan is ready to fly! "Fly fatass fly!!!" TPR is about to take over Thirteen! Nerd!!! Thirteen is basically a "Roller Skater" through the woods with a small "Tower of Terror" like drop at the end. The ride is really tame and unless you've never been on Tower of Terror isn't not terribly exciting. Would have been better marketed as a runaway mine train for families, not the most psychologically challenging ride in the world. The only psycological challenge you may have is "How long did I just queue for that?" It's not a bad ride, but it fails at being either a great family ride or a great thrill ride. What a disappointment. One hour of ERT on Nemesis with only 75 people running two trains equals a LOT of awesome riding!!! Nemesis is still one of the best steel coasters on the planet!!! And now for exclusive park time as TPR has rented out the water park for the next two hours! Splash Landings water park has one of the best Master Blaster slides in the world! And you can even ride in a single tube!!! Wet, single tube Elissa... Hot!!! Water Park and alcohol... PERFECT COMBO!!! Half naked TPR members...just what the Internet needed! Seriously, this Master Blaster is one of the best in the world! Blue WKD + Water Park...Is this REALLY a good idea? To answer...EMAIL DAN! mrt0ad13@aol.co Yummy...just look at those half naked TPR members...don't you want to take one home with you? Dan totally approves of Nemesis...back row! Nemesis is so good, it gave Criag 16 orgasms! This is a MUCH better use of the Corkscrew. Yes we are sad and pathetic. Not sad and pathetic! Spin KidTums! Spin!!! Good thing we had FastTrak tickets...even the Sky Ride had a huge line! Most major rides had lines of about 30-60 minutes... But with our FastTrak tickets, TPR members waited ZERO minutes for these 17 rides! "Nobody ever wins a giant ass panda..." They re-themed a 7 year old coaster after a 16 year old video game...hmmm. He may be an old man now, but Sonic is still cool! Here are the towers of Alton Towers. After an awesome day at Alton Towers and Splash Landings water park it was time to head back to our Alton Towers Hotel and crash out for the night! Edited June 22, 2010 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 Hello TPR I'm glad that your getting to see the best of British.I was just wondering when you are going to flamingo land and Alton towers because my mum might let me come and meet up with guys if you didn't mind and were also going to pleasure island I just wanted to warn you that I think it's closed down as my friends have been and the gates are locked and there's no rides going and these have all been on different days anyways glad to see you having a good time. Unfortunately I have thought this about the UK Trip - however normally Robb has said before they can't guarantee you can meet up with them as they are usually pretty busy on the trip, also groups break off from the main group for the day so not everyone walks round all day. The only official meet up of the trip was the Club TPR day at Alton Towers, but that has finished now! Also Pleasure Island Cleethorpe's Re-opened 1st May for business as usual We will be at Flamingoland and LWV on Friday, but yes, and mentioned above if you are coming to "hang out with Robb & Elissa all day" that just won't be possible. Remember that the time we have to spend on our own, we are here with our family and experiencing the parks as well. And then the other time we are actually "working" as TPR is just as much of a job for us as it is fun! Both of those parks we are doing filming so we need to sort that out, and, we do have 3 other trips this year we are still working on. For example, I spent about 4 hours of my day away from Alton Towers at the hotel doing work. So I just don't want to disappoint anyone thinking that if they come to a park it means they will hang out with us all day, when in reality I may be able to say hello, take a ride on a coaster with someone, but then we'd have to split off. If you want to come and meet other TPR people, that's fine also, but keep in mind they have their groups as well. --Robb "Don't want to sound uninviting, but it's just the reality of the situation..." Alvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan King Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 This really brings me back to my UK Trip Experience. I miss it soo much! Why in the heck didn't I sign up for this!?! I'm glad you guys are all having such an awesome time!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nay Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 Looks like an awesome trip so far! See you in a few days!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downunder Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 Going to Alton tomorrow, looks like the lines are pretty bad, drawing up battle plans now. I have an unlimited fast track for Nemesis, Air and Oblivion - so hopefully I'll be able to get the other coasters out of the way early. Just what I thought about 13... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pure Impurity Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 A ride like Thirteen/Th13teen is a disappointment? Bummer; it looked like it had real potential. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koolkid Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 Out of interest, how many times did you manage to ride Th13teen? As it's certainly a ride that gets better the more times you ride it, whilst I agree it's certainly not a great Thrill ride, it is certainly an amazing family coaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 (edited) Out of interest, how many times did you manage to ride Th13teen? As it's certainly a ride that gets better the more times you ride it, whilst I agree it's certainly not a great Thrill ride, it is certainly an amazing family coaster. I rode it about 5 times during our ERT. Front, middle, back, etc. Some of our people rode it a few more times. I actually thought it got worse each time I rode it. Not that it's a bad ride, but with each ride I took I felt like the effects of any tricks that it even moderately succeeded at were being lessened on me with each ride. To the point that by the 5th ride I took, I felt that the drop was actually laughable. So much money and technology spent on a trick that really does so little. Unlike the Tower of Terror drop, Winja's trick tracks, Everest's backwards section, or Mummy's fake ending, the drop as a unique coaster element just seemed kind of stupid to me, especially after you've been on it once. It's a trick that seems to have a lot of potential, but when you only drop what feels about 15 feet, it's just kind of silly. It's not a great thrill ride because it's not that thrilling, and it's not at all a good family ride because it has a 48" height restriction. Had this coaster been given a 40" height restriction like Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, or Tower of Terror, or even a 42" height restriction like Powder Keg then I think you'd have a great family ride. But at 48"? No way. It's a giant Roller Skater with a 15 foot drop section. THAT'S IT! And it has the same height restriction as X2. Even the girl in the exit shop told me "It's really not that thrilling, is it?" And she's absolutely right. --Robb Edited June 22, 2010 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixflagsguy5 Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 I'm very surprised to hear that it's not that good. I guess you really can't judge a book by its cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six Flags Enthuseast Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 So much money and technology spent on a trick that really does so little. I know! For such a 'cool' element, it doesn't do much and doesn't travel a long distance. It would be good as a lift hill or something, but it just does nothing very exiting on the ride and doesn't travel very far, so it doesn't really look like it's worth it to me. And your word confirms it. This looks like a fantastic trip so far! Why is it that all the TPR trips that I'm unable to go on are so cool? (And the one that I have been on, why was that so cool too? ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted June 23, 2010 Author Share Posted June 23, 2010 Today's update features Day Two at Alton Towers, and then the tour moved on to Drayton Manor! Day Two at Alton Towers has begun! Our morning starts with ERT on Thirteen! "Hey TPR! How's that ERT on Thirteen going?" Not quite enough riders to fill three trains...that means...plenty of rides for TPR members!!! Yup...Thirteen's lift hill. That's about all of the ride you can see from the park. Now that I've ridden several times - front, back, and middle - my thoughts on the ride haven't changed. It's not a bad ride, but it's neither a great thrill ride nor a great family ride. I feel Thirteen could have been so much better had they focused on one or the other. But given that thought, we all had fun riding! Next stop on the TPR UK Tour... Drayton Manor! Drayton Manor has significantly improved since our last visit. They have added an amazing looking Thomas Town and the entire park looks like it has been re-painted! KidTums looks a bit unsure with what is about to happen next... KidTums loved Bertie the Bus! KidTums gets a credit! Drayton Manor's Shock Wave is still the only stand up coaster with a heart line roll. Boo to no topless rides on Shock Wave! Drayton Manor is also home to this totally messed up coaster - G Force. At Drayton Manor you can choose crotch pain or no crotch pain on the stand up drop tower. The real men do the floorless side! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPDave Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 So much money and technology spent on a trick that really does so little. I know! For such a 'cool' element, it doesn't do much and doesn't travel a long distance. It would be good as a lift hill or something, but it just does nothing very exiting on the ride and doesn't travel very far, so it doesn't really look like it's worth it to me. And your word confirms it. Have you actually ridden th13teen? You talk about it like you've been on it but you live in the states don't you? I disagree that the ride does "nothing very exciting", it's a nice little drop and since it was travelling way faster on the outside section that when I rode it in March it actually went up in my estimations on monday. I put it in the "great family ride" category, the problem being it's a 1.2m height restriction which limits family appeal. I could go on for a while but this isn't the thread for that. I'm glad Drayton has improved, the Thomas Town looked really nice! Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porsmond Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 I dont think th13teen is really that bad, Its a nice ride with a neat trick up its sleeve but Alton did go way over the top advertising it as an advanced thrill ride that will scare you,thrill you etc because it doesnt do that, I dont know why Alton and Merlin went for this approach to the ride,its a shame really. Its the biggest hyped up ride I've ever ridden that still delivered a nice ride but YES could have still delivered better. I think I speak for everyone by saying Give me Nemesis all day over th13teen anytime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 (edited) I'm glad to hear that Drayton has improved. It was looking a bit shabby back in 2006, but there were some things I liked about it (such as the cheesy Pirate Adventure and Haunting, and Apocalypse, their drop tower). Edited June 23, 2010 by cfc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob.Lloyd Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 At the end of the day Merlin just want to make more money and overhyping a coaster is definitely pulling the crowds into the park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smells_like_team_disney Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 I still feel that Jaguar at Knott's was the most overhyped ride when it first opened... just my humble opinion, of course. While it seems to disappoint when considering what it's being advertised as, I still see a lot of factors that I know I will appreciate if and when I ride this. It may not blow me away, but I know it's a ride what I will enjoy for what it is. And I rarely allow myself to be consumed by the hype of, well, anything (I learned my lesson from Jaguar ). Overall, amazing trip report so far. It just makes me that much more excited for the Europe Trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six Flags Enthuseast Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 So much money and technology spent on a trick that really does so little. I know! For such a 'cool' element, it doesn't do much and doesn't travel a long distance. It would be good as a lift hill or something, but it just does nothing very exiting on the ride and doesn't travel very far, so it doesn't really look like it's worth it to me. And your word confirms it. Have you actually ridden th13teen? You talk about it like you've been on it but you live in the states don't you? I disagree that the ride does "nothing very exciting", it's a nice little drop and since it was travelling way faster on the outside section that when I rode it in March it actually went up in my estimations on monday. I put it in the "great family ride" category, the problem being it's a 1.2m height restriction which limits family appeal. I could go on for a while but this isn't the thread for that. I'm glad Drayton has improved, the Thomas Town looked really nice! Dave I guess I said it like I had been on the ride, sorry. What I meant was that the vertical drop looked like it didn't do very much. The rest of the ride actually looks pretty good, but the vertical drop just doesn't live up to its hype. Robb (and a few others) also said that the drop even got a little boring after a while, and all I was saying was that it 'appeared' to be boring. Sorry if I made the whole ride sound like it was boring. You're right, I do live in the States, and I really wish I was on this trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCJared Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 In all honesty, I think it's a mediocre ride, but I feel that it's being slightly under rated here. Sure it's been over hyped and the restrictions may seem a little odd, but what you have to take into account is the fact that the ride was developed to have that target height restriction. The restraint systems are designed for riders above that height as are the seats. If the ride had been given a lower initial target during planning then maybe this would have turned out differently. A huge bulk of the costs went into the planning issues, as far as I know, surveys and experts proving that the ride isn't located on an iron age fort and all the other issues that arose increased the cost, as well as the amount of research that has gone into it. That cost doesn't just cover the attraction, it covers everything, from planning to construction and in my eyes it's money well spent. What some people also seem to be forgetting is that this ride, from a technical stand point, is very impressive. This ride really is a free-fall drop, unlike what others believe, no hydraulics are used to control the drop, it's totally free falling and that, is something that really does take a lot of planning, research and analysis. To get something like that to work as efficiently as it does is brilliant. Overall, I feel the ride is being slightly under rated, and I can understand your point about the height requirements, but I think that it's justified, mainly because of the evacuation procedures and such, these restricts take that into account also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 Frankly, it boils down to this: Some like Thirteen, while others do not. Some are in the middle. Twas ever thus. Time to move along, folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midgetman82 Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 Brave men on the second photo of Apocalypse! The photos are great, it looks like you guys are having fun. Could someone pose a peace sign in front of any random roller coaster just for me?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downunder Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 I rode 13 today and I wasn't impressed. I accept that it is not meant to be a super thrill ride but I can't see where the money went. Unless the trick element was hugely expensive, I would have expected for that amount of money - far better theming and a more immersive ride, also a longer ride. Just my personal opinion, I rode the thing once and that was enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pure Impurity Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 Frankly, it boils down to this: Some like Thirteen, while others do not. Some are in the middle. Twas ever thus. Time to move along, folks. ^Same; Alton's over, and new updates are coming! Drayton Manor got a Thomas Town? Is this some trend, now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted June 24, 2010 Author Share Posted June 24, 2010 It's Credit Whore Day, with visits to Camelot, Pleasureland Southport, and Gullivers! Our credit whore day starts with ERT on Knightmare! (Elissa and I already had the credit from when it was in Japan!) It's a bit rougher than it was in Japan minus the mountain theming. Coaster #2 for credit whore day is Whirlwind - Maurer Sohne spinner. Coaster #3 for the sad and pathetic credit whores! "Clench and squish!!!" Credit #4 is this "gasoline powered" dragon coaster! It's got a lawn mower type engine and a driver! Our final credit at Camelot! The WACKY WORM!!! KidTums got three credits today!!! TPR bumper car take over!!! "Camelot... 'tis a silly place!" There is a story in here somewhere... Elissa is making something... Elissa is making BODY PARTS! If you know what body part this is... EMAIL DAN! mrt0ad13@aol.com. (first 10 to guess correctly get a bag of crap!) If you start feeling woozy, exit this gate. We did! Thank you Camelot!!! The Wildcat at the New Pleasureland Southport will be credit #6 for us today! Ok credit whores! Are you ready to ride? The park has opened up the Wildcat just for TPR! TPR take over of the ski jump! Hands up credit whores!!! KidTums gets the kiddie plane credit! The credit whores + shirtless guy take over the Trabant! BUMPER CAR TAKE OVER!!! "Hey! I know Elissa and KidTums...but who's the shirtless guy?" Gulliver says "Welcome to my world TPR!" Credit #7 for today - Runaway Mine Train! Credit #8 for the day is Wild Mine at Gulliver's World! KidTums gets a ball pit credit!!! KidTums ranks Gulliver's frog hopper one of the best in the world! This is what happens when grown adults take over a kiddie park! The "pancake girls" were the highlight of the day! The Ghost House was the hidden gem of the park. A great little walk through with bizarre sets. This guy is dead sexy! Our final coaster of credit whore day - The Antelope!!! Do not be fooled by the small size of this woodie! The Antelope stole our manhood, re-adjusted our spine and turned grown men into little girls. It was that insane! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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