[202X] Project Horizon (SW9?): Planning Approved

[Hid]

I think, somewhat sadly, this is highly likely to be an external IP of some form. Merlin have made it clear they feel there way forward is with IP's, and even if that wasn't the case coming up with something very compelling with an indoor attraction could be very hard, and marketing that would be extremely difficult.
Now I have nothing against IP's on principle but I would prefer that they were not part of Towers set of coasters, because it allows them to have there own identity, which I actually think sets them apart from Universal. Basically, they can't out universal universal, and now that is going to be a factor here in the UK. I do think this means they have to be incredibly likely what IP they pick (although this would have already been selected obviously) as it needs to be something that's going to be able to last and stay popular, while being easily marketable, and lending it for a huge audience, including those who have no actual interest in said IP.

Honestly, I thought this project was dead, but it appears not, and rather was just a delay. I'm not sure how I feel about that, as I was never convinced this was the exact right approach to take at the right time, and I'm still really not convinced. I do however think an indoor coaster is a great addition for Towers, and helps with there out-of-season operations a lot, giving them more possibility to earn more money. If I was choosing how to use this building and coaster, I think I would take a non-IP approach but perhaps using another pull, some have mentioned some black hole or steam punk kind of thing and I do believe incorporating an already known Towers IP, perhaps something that evokes nostalgia could work but they'd need to come up with an incredibly compelling ride and story. Perhaps there's also capacity to use a legend of some form, perhaps something King Arthur themed (as this is no longer something offered in the UK theme park scene), or really any well known legend, tale or myth. With Universal coming Towers need to focus on the domestic market, and this is an easy way to do that.

Towers in the past few years all of the latest rides have been non IP Curse, Nemesis Reborn and Toxicator.

Bluey is the only IP to come recently this year. Think it will be mixture of original and IP

 

[Bowser]

I wonder if there’s a chance it’s also Minecraft. Merlin already have the IP, an indoor coaster is already being built and they do like to clone rides plus the IP naturally allows it to be a different theme within the same world.

Obviously they’d be “competing” with themselves but does that really matter in the grand scheme of things? They opened Dragons Fury and Spinball in the same year so there’s precedent of sorts.

 

[JAperson]

Towers in the past few years all of the latest rides have been non IP Curse, Nemesis Reborn and Toxicator.

Bluey is the only IP to come recently this year. Think it will be mixture of original and IP

These will have been planned before Merlins new management and focus, and use or take advantage of existing known brands.