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  1. James

    Russia vs NATO

    It's clear Trump is not happy with Ukraine refusing a deal to allow the USA access to its rare earth minerals. This ‘Ukraine peace deal’ between the USA and Russia is more about fixing the USA-Russia relations than anything. Trump does not care for Ukraine now that they have nothing to give him...
  2. James

    Fireworks 2025

    I wasn't sure whether to post in an existing thread, but since we already had a Fireworks 2024 thread, I thought I might as well create a new one for this year! (Mods, feel free to merge if you feel that's more appropriate) As discussed in the General Discussion thread, it has been confirmed...
  3. James

    2025: General Discussion

    Pizza Pasta was £21 each when we went during Scarefest last year. I'm not sure how much more they can push it given the lack of options. My bets is £23 at the start of the season, pushed to £25 by Scarefest. For food across the rest of the park, I would expect the usual £1+ price increase.
  4. James

    2025: General Discussion

    Ideally though, there should not be full bins or dirty toilets regularly that customers are required to report. There should be regular schedules in place to prevent this.
  5. James

    2025: General Discussion

    As a regular Premier Inn goer, I would partially disagree with breakfast. During my visit last year, I found the breakfast in ATH decent enough and on par with a Premier Inn breakfast in terms of food quality. Alton Towers' only downfall is the lack of options (no lattes/mochas/other coffee...
  6. James

    Russia vs NATO

    The USA is calling the shots due to NATO and Europe standing by while Putin does what he likes. While initial support for Ukraine helped, it’s now a grinding war that everyone’s fed up with. USA and Russia will come to a form of agreement with Ukraine begrudgingly accepting. Russia will keep...
  7. James

    2025: General Discussion

    Operationally, the hotels run fine. Apart from a potential refurbishment, I don't see what outsourcing to a chain like Premier Inn would achieve for the customer. The hotels suffer from the lack of experience they provided previously and degraded entertainment. If they outsourced, that would not...
  8. James

    Paultons Park: General Discussion

    I also wonder how it would look in different weather conditions, and from different angles. It looks great in that picture, but that's from a specific angle with specific lighting on the image. Might not translate as well in reality. Still, at least they have bothered to cover the building!
  9. James

    2025: General Discussion

    I feel there's inconsistencies with food since Aramark. Outlets such as Coach House, great themed food! Then the opposite end, Woodcutters with small portions and a cheap frozen piece of fried chicken for a burger. I actually preferred breakfast in ATH in 2024 compared to my 2019 stay. It almost...
  10. James

    2025: General Discussion

    I imagine Scarefest and Fireworks will be protected. Fireworks is pretty much already outsourced (bar the theme/storyline), Scarefest can be outsourced. Oktoberfest seems up in the air. I would welcome a summer event, even though they've tried countless times and failed. I wonder how CBeebies...
  11. James

    Oakwood Discussion

    The lack of investment is what is killing off this park. Given the remote location (relative to other UK parks), it needs steady investment every year to draw people in from outside of Wales. The park has the benefit of being near a local holiday spot, but that limits visitation to the summer...
  12. James

    Hotels General Discussion

    If you haven't been for a while you will likely enjoy yourself. I stayed in ATH last year after a four year gap and enjoyed it probably more than I normally would. If you haven't been for a while it’s more exciting. We’re all individuals with our own opinions so try not to dwell on the...
  13. James

    Higher education in the UK; is a bleak future ahead?

    I'm on my second degree now. When I went from GCSE to A-Level, I studied creative subjects and then went to university at 18 to study photography. I genuinely enjoy the arts and was quite talented as a teen. In hindsight, I only went that route because I was good at it and didn't know what I...
  14. James

    [2025] Toxicator: New Forbidden Valley Suspended Top Spin

    It’s difficult to judge it from the air (and it is unfinished), but it looks good so far. It's a bit X-Sector, but we’ll see how it looks from the ground. I hope the tarmac is removed/covered over with something a bit nicer.
  15. James

    [2025] Toxicator: New Forbidden Valley Suspended Top Spin

    For it to be feasible to open the gardens in winter, they need to first sort out and maintain the existing gardens. Then, they need to invest in the gardens to improve them further and make them more of an attraction. Sadly, neither is happening. In an ideal world, the Towers and gardens would...
  16. James

    Nemesis Reborn: General Discussion

    Not the best image, but here it is: It does look like (in person) there could be some hinge in there for it to move.
  17. James

    [2025] Toxicator: New Forbidden Valley Suspended Top Spin

    It depends really on Universal GB's ticket prices. I imagine ticket prices will be far higher. Merlin Parks will likely position itself as the 'cheaper' option. Of course, there is the MAP, which gives them a huge advantage, and the legacy of the UK parks. If anything, Disney will be more...
  18. James

    Rita: General Discussion

    It’s the worst area on park for me. Th13teen could do with a re-theme, Rita removed (replaced with a multi-launch coaster in DF or elsewhere), the current row of buildings demolished and the area given a new path/route, a second coaster, a flat ride and new buildings.
  19. James

    The Smiler - General Discussion

    The grounds issues threw things up in the air. They were expecting rock work similar to the Nemesis pit, so they didn't intend on the concrete pit of hell we’re left with. It was all downhill from there, really.
  20. James

    Christmas Season 2024

    They could seek alternatives (exclusive hotel show/entertainment/experience) and still offer a Santa experience for day guests. If it’s an extra charge for day guests, I don't feel that would devalue the hotel package. During the main season, you get no incentive to stay at the resort (apart...
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