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SW7 - Actors or No Actors?

Bethany

Bethany

TS Member
We are all aware of The Sanctuary, a new attraction for Scarefest 2012. It was a scare maze, as we know. The maze was clearly linked to SW7, with similar logos.
I absolutely HATE it when rides such as SAW-The Ride include scare actors in the queue. I haven't been on it, because of the actors. What M£rlin, and other companies, need to understand is that not everyone is a coaster enthusiast and completely fearless. I am a massive wuss.
I am fearful that SW7 will include scare actors in the queue line, as a scare maze was linked to it. I will most definitely race to SW7 as soon as I get to the park next season, and I want the ride, not to be scared out of my wits.

What are your views on this? Do you agree with me?
-Beth.
 
I prefer not to have actors.

I didn't like the concept of having actors for a ride, which I only reaffirmed when I went on Sub-Terra. They might be good the first time - After that, it's pointless unless you genuinely enjoy them.
What really annoys me is when you want to walk to Nemesis/Air, and you have to walk past a shouting Phalanx operative. Don't say walk round - It's not always possible, with food queues/people observing Ripsaw etc.

I do however like (well liked) Th13een's queueline actors during Scarefest - They didn't have to say anything or even come close to you to have a strong effect.

I see actors on rides at Merlin parks as the next worst thing after the forced upselling of photos.
 
Very unlikely given the expense that actors incur. I'd prefer to see some theming whcih would last for years rather than a year of actors
 
I'd rather them have themed staff incorporated into the ride, like they did with Sub Terra, I think it worked well.
 
Given some of the actors wandering around for Sanctuary. The gardener, the other Dr, the main Dr K-whats-his-face (always get it wrong lol), if they're around the ride, I will be chuffed! They were fantastic. I think this rides opening will actually lack something without them.

So on this debate, I'm 100% in the "yes to actors" camp so long as they are of high quality and recognisable from this season.

It can really add another dimension, and certainly makes a queue more entertaining. There is natural phase out, like the wraiths, but it really did add to the creativity of the ride in the beginning to set a ride on the right path
 
I'd definitely like to see some actors around X Sector next season in order to make the areas theme and story seem more realistic and deep. I would also hope that the ride staff are themed to the Ministry of Joy as well... The Phalanx Operatives on Sub Terra have been fantastic all season and, although they were a bit hit and miss early on, found their form and ended up adding so much to the ride.

Actors are a must!
 
I think videos of actors would work just as well.

Dunno...enjoyed the whole brainwash shizz, especially the DR KELMAN video. Quality.

Orderlies would do. This ride needs an iconic character though.
 
I agree with Stevie, themed staff like Terry would be the best way to go. If they want live actors they should open up the Sanctuary in the towers for people to experience the full story of the ride ;)
 
I don't think themed staff is a good idea. Ride staff aren't actors. I hope there aren't actors, because it'll inevitably be similar to N:ST, and I absolutely loathe the behaviour of the staff on N:ST.
 
Dressed in themed outfits but not using them as an excuse to be rude to guests as is the case with Sub Terra.

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Maybe just have a few actors walk around X-Sector but nothing in the queue. Doing that will just put people who aren't keen on scares off the ride.
 
I would like to see themed uniforms for SW7 staff. Although I'd like them to act just like all the other staff around the resort, not acting like the N:ST staff do. Themed uniforms work really well.

Actors I'd like to see around the area next year to strengthen the theme. Although I don't want to see the ride be dependent on actors in the area, as no doubt they will only last one season.
 
I will be most disappointed if we are not greeted in the queue by Dr Kelman, and the Gardener et al!

I've not done ST yet - but, the feel of the ride is completely different. I wouldn't expect rudeness or harsh, rather a sinister friendliness kind of affair.

I'm not talking about the kind of intensity you could meet sort of mid-maze, but the beginning and surroundings. The maze was a choice for a reason, but there is no reason why you can't bring a moderate version out with actors onto the ride.

I think it will make it hugely enjoyable personally and really add an atmosphere and level of creativity to the ride, and also help it settle in.
 
I think a 50/50 split would be ideal for the majority, themed 'costumes' (like disney/universal) but just acting like regular ride ops. However on a personal note, I would love me actors, (Preferably Dr Kelmen)
 
I would say themed uniforms for the ride staff but I don't like the idea of having actors play parts that are an integral part of the story line. Live actors are just too much of an unknown quantity and it means that the ride experience could hinge on whether the actor puts in a good performance or not. I remember Blomberg's tomb of terror at Flamingoland having the most unconvincing actors ever and it completely ruined any sense of tension that the ride may otherwise have had.

Merlin obviously have experience of dealing with actors from their Dungeons but in a ride queue, the throughput would have to be much greater and the actors would be put under much greater stress needing to look fresh and convincing every time. I think this is why so few parks rely solely on staff to tell their story lines, not even Disney.

Also, years down the line the park may well look at its budget and decide that the actors need to go meaning that the ride will have huge story line elements missing.
 
I think rather than the actors being essential to tell the story, the emphasis would be more dark forest like, in that they're a presence making the place more theatrical.

They weren't there telling a story, they were there to add atmosphere, I'd be irritated if all Dr Kelman did was stand at the front telling a story or explaining things endless all day. What I would like is him engaging with people in the queue line along with other characters from the Sanctuary.

Everyone (here) knows it would only be the first season at most. If they're going for a for a version of the Sanctuary, because of the scare maze, I don't think it will feel the same without their presence, they were the most enjoyable part of the maze.
 
I think it might be similar to the Swarm, during the first few weeks there may be some kind of actors around the site and ride. But they will soon go. I dont think the ride will have permanant actors but I do think the staff will have themed uniform just like Sub Terra, so they may well act slightly, like the sub-terra staff do. Hopefully not so rude!
 
I hope here is something at the beginning of the season around the area but I really really really hope the ride doesn't have actors in it. It completely spoils it for me, I can't take Sub Terra seriously because of the staff/actors (they do a brilliant job, but I personally go for the ride not to see a show)

If it does have a tie in to The Sanctuary then Dr K and his team from Scarefest will be a welcome sight.... Full Blown X-Sector actors would be brilliant too, I'd love to see the return of the Oblivion Guard.
 
I would like to see themed uniforms such as on sub terra it would add to the rides experience. But hope they will have the doctor and those two nurses from the sanctury wondering around as you enter.
 
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