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ℹ️ Heads up...
This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks. -
Preparing for a possible next major World War
I don’t think our government is prepared at all for a large scale war and I wonder whether the decision to not get involved in Iran plays a role in government concerns about current military readiness for anything developing further in Europe/on our home turf. It’s hard to prepare for...- James
- Post #14
- Forum: News, Life & Sport
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The Space Topic
It was great to be able to watch this and see history being made! Hopefully the rest of the mission runs smoothly. I’m disappointed at the lack of coverage on British television though, I think only BBC News channel was covering it live?- James
- Post #193
- Forum: News, Life & Sport
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[202X] Project Horizon (SW9?): Planning Approved
As will be the norm with any project, they go through multiple themes. John Burton leaving will have little to no impact on ongoing planned projects. He is not the sole creator of the themes of rides at Towers or any Merlin park. He leads a team that will go through countless themes and research...- James
- Post #3,352
- Forum: Future Discussion
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The Smiler - General Discussion
I believe The Smiler could have had lap bars, but Merlin/Towers chose to go with OTSRs. It was likely that Towers simply didn't believe it would be perceived as 'safe' by the public if they used lap bars. There's never been anything official stated regarding the type of restraints on The Smiler...- James
- Post #3,944
- Forum: General Discussion
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The Alton Towers Gardens
I know very little about the gardens, and, shamefully, as an Alton geek I have only wandered around them once or twice. Always good seeing areas I've never seen and learning more about the place, great video! I wish Alton Towers would lean more into the heritage side and offer walking...- James
- Post #100
- Forum: General Discussion
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[202X] Project Horizon (SW9?): Planning Approved
Investment hasn't really changed at Alton Towers, it's just perceived differently due to where the investments have been going. The ongoing issue seems to be budgets for park operations and maintenance (or lack of). If you consider Nemesis Reborn as the last large investment, it would be about...- James
- Post #3,348
- Forum: Future Discussion
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[2026] Bluey Coaster in CBeebies Land
It's a bit like many Merlin projects. One or two key bits of theming that look excellent… then flat printed signage, painted metal, and cheap-looking finishes. It will be in keeping with the rest of CBeebies, but it's frustrating that Merlin is unable to maintain that high-quality consistency...- James
- Post #1,003
- Forum: Future Discussion
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2026: General Discussion
I miss that lift hill sound. WRRRRRRRRRRRRRR I like the idea of the track in its original colours but I agree with @djtruefitt that it’s going to look grimy quickly. Better keep that jet washer at the front of the shed.- James
- Post #587
- Forum: General Discussion
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Hotels General Discussion
The whole lake area of ATH has been a state for ages. Walking around there last October there were weeds all over the place, water features not running, rotting wooden benches and furniture, the gazebo with peeling paint and looking abandoned… that whole area has been neglected for more than the...- James
- Post #1,658
- Forum: General Discussion
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Wicker Man - General Discussion
Based on no insight. I feel Wicker Man was likely a second (or shelved) concept that was developed further in response to the The Smiler crash. The Forbidden Valley coaster would likely have cost far more, required far more extensive excavation, and resulted in huge changes to Forbidden Valley...- James
- Post #4,137
- Forum: General Discussion
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Merlin Entertainments: General Discussion
At least it's in keeping with most modern rebrands, bland, soulless and hollow.- James
- Post #1,384
- Forum: UK Parks and Attractions
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USA vs NATO
Greenland? Iceland? His speech almost comes across as a South Park skit. Feel like I'm living in a simulation! :tinfoil:- James
- Post #19
- Forum: News, Life & Sport
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[🌎 Universal GB] General Discussion
I find it amusing to have a debate about whether these videos are interesting, on a forum where we have dedicated topics for toilets and benches. Someone will find these early videos interesting. I think it's nice we’re able to follow such a huge project from the beginning of muddy fields.- James
- Post #1,085
- Forum: UK Parks and Attractions
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The World of David Walliams: General Discussion
I don't have much to add, but I think a Doctor Who area is pretty simple to achieve. I would go down the Gallifrey route and have 'portals' that take you to different times/places (rides/attractions). A monsters themed ride would be a no-brainer and never need updating. A Doctor-specific ride is...- James
- Post #2,667
- Forum: General Discussion
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Doctor Who
The last two series have been good, with some great episodes. The two-part finales ruin it. The wording regarding RTD in the press statement is interesting: Rather odd wording given he (as far as we know) is meant to be the showrunner for Doctor Who. It wouldn't surprise me if the 2026...- James
- Post #537
- Forum: Entertainment Hub
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Fireworks 2025
It could be a simple case of someone publishing the theme on the FAQs by mistake. Maybe they are planning a press release and some imagery? I doubt the theme of the Fireworks would impact bookings. Most people will not care about the theme.- James
- Post #64
- Forum: General Discussion
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[2026] Bluey Coaster in CBeebies Land
Bluey confirmed! Edit: There appears to be an echo in the room @Mick @Dobba 😂- James
- Post #552
- Forum: Future Discussion
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Scarefest 2025
I would be happy with only one maze ever situated in the Towers, as long as it's dismantled every year (like they use to do). In 2026 Mine Tours should finally get the boot, and perhaps a new iteration of TOTT could be in the Towers ruins.- James
- Post #197
- Forum: General Discussion
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2025: Toxicator - General Discussion
I wonder whether this is to limit the overflow/spraying of water onto the paths below?- James
- Post #444
- Forum: General Discussion
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⚠️ Forum Announcement – Online Safety Act Changes
I disagree with the legalisation and how it’s impacting sites such as this. But well done, Craig, Sazzle, and the team, for minimising the impact on the forums. I think all the changes in place are enough to make the forums still enjoyable to engage in. RIP The Tavern. Probably the biggest...- James
- Post #12
- Forum: Guest Services
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