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  1. James

    Galactica: General Discussion

    VR was added to Air/Galactica at a time when it was a popular new technology being used around theme parks across the world. Nothing more, nothing less.
  2. James

    Toxicator: General Discussion

    "Temporary"
  3. James

    2026: General Discussion

    Spend the Easter holidays reminiscing whilst staring at all these closed rides... I've seen an Alton Towers TV advert the last few days, which also shows Runaway Mine Train and Congo River Rapids. RMT train, you could excuse it as it might be unexpected, but it's poor to advertise a ride...
  4. James

    Preparing for a possible next major World War

    Trump has been back a fourth throughout this whole war. Tomorrow, he will say agreements have been made to open the strait. At this point, I just roll my eyes when he releases new statements on social media.
  5. James

    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...
  6. James

    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?
  7. James

    [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...
  8. James

    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...
  9. James

    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...
  10. James

    [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...
  11. James

    [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...
  12. James

    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.
  13. James

    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...
  14. James

    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...
  15. James

    Merlin Entertainments: General Discussion

    At least it's in keeping with most modern rebrands, bland, soulless and hollow.
  16. James

    USA vs NATO

    Greenland? Iceland? His speech almost comes across as a South Park skit. Feel like I'm living in a simulation! :tinfoil:
  17. James

    [🌎 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.
  18. James

    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...
  19. James

    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...
  20. James

    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.
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