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Major Ride Closures 2016

I'd love you to be right mate. Fancy a wager? Bet you a stein prices go up. ;)
 
I am not a betting man, and it's certainly the "cool" thing to do to go "yeah, they're idiots, prices will rise" - but I just can't see it myself. At least not at first.
 
Merlins board members having read that post....
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Do you really think they care about the parks enough to read the fan forums?
 
What I would really like to see in 2016, Is some major TLC, all the broken scenery and theming fixed, the scaffolding taken off Rita and a revamped station for Nemesis. Then I will believe that Merlin genuinely care about Alton Towers.
 
What I would really like to see in 2016, Is some major TLC, all the broken scenery and theming fixed, the scaffolding taken off Rita and a revamped station for Nemesis. Then I will believe that Merlin genuinely care about Alton Towers.
You must believe in miracles.
 
The small scrap of hope has been completely smashed from possibly the best scarefest and fireworks.
Merlin have basically destroyed towers ever since they've taken it over.
The "worlds first logic" hasn't done them any good in the past decade it's not hard to buy coasters from either b&m or mack and the bloody theming screams help
How do they expect people to enjoy themselves without being completely intoxicated or chemically impaired
 
AstroDan
You started this thread off with 'sources close to the park'. You are (in my humble opinion) the person, as a long time lurker and very occasional poster, who's opinion I trust. Are this cuts really going to happen?
 
AstroDan
You started this thread off with 'sources close to the park'. You are (in my humble opinion) the person, as a long time lurker and very occasional poster, who's opinion I trust. Are this cuts really going to happen?
I'm fairly sure if Dan didn't think they were going ahead then he wouldn't have posted this thread.
 
The small scrap of hope has been completely smashed from possibly the best scarefest and fireworks.
Merlin have basically destroyed towers ever since they've taken it over.
The "worlds first logic" hasn't done them any good in the past decade it's not hard to buy coasters from either b&m or mack and the bloody theming screams help
How do they expect people to enjoy themselves without being completely intoxicated or chemically impaired

I do like B&M coasters, you can tell they are quality machines. Unfortunately, the buyers probably look at Gerstlauer and think they can still do what we want and they're cheaper. Then we get "teething issues".
 
Do you really think they care about the parks enough to read the fan forums?
Actually they have proven many times over the years that they do did keep an eye on the fan forums. (Mainly by threatening legal action against us). Of course, those people would probably be the first to be laid off, so whether or not they are reading now I couldn't say...
 
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As cruel as this might sound, Alton's passing would suddenly stimulate all other parks, practically in the North, to make a shot of glory and attempt to challenge Merlin's dominance. I'm sure the BPB would be tickled pink at being the main player in the North if things went this way.

Its freaky how Blackpool itself as in the area has been trying to rejuvenate for years to get more punters it but this really could just be down to the reduced amount of Towers guests instead flocking to there. I certainly fancy a visit next year for the first time since 2012, more rides and decent prices. The lack of themeing in some areas is made up for with Valhalla.
Love that ride.
 
I'd also be very surprised if they raised prices and I also believe that these cuts will happen.

I think the 'World First' Argument posted above has is very credible. If you look at some of the best rides coming out, they aren't necessarily 'World First'. They are tried and tested popular attractions but with the money spent on the theme and story. One of Alton and Merlin downfalls is the lack of story in their brand, this is where they really are (like some have mentioned) Six Flags. The most successful parks I can think of all have a story/character in their branding which means they can make money on merchandise that's legitimately worth buying unlike the generic tat with logos stuck on that we have at Merlin destinations.
 
To be perfectly honest, I'm not bothered about many of the ride closures. I've never liked the idea of Ripsaw, I've never been on The Flume, CATCF isn't really a 'must do' and I'm too old for The Driving School. The only ride that I'll miss is Hex.

Hopefully ticket prices go down. Even if they go down by £5, tickets could probably be more affordable for people.
 
What did shock me a few years ago when Thirteen opened was that even John Wardley said he didn't think the back story was needed for new attractions, as the guests either don't get or appreciate the story.

My answer to that would be to make the story an integral part of the ride like Hex, not simply played on an audio loop as a bit of background noise like Nemesis used to.
 
What did shock me a few years ago when Thirteen opened was that even John Wardley said he didn't think the back story was needed for new attractions, as the guests either don't get or appreciate the story.

My answer to that would be to make the story an integral part of the ride like Hex, not simply played on an audio loop as a bit of background noise like Nemesis used to.
I will admit, I've only really just figured out about the full backstory of Th13teen
 
I will admit, I've only really just figured out about the full backstory of Th13teen

How was anybody supposed to figure it out?

There's no pre show, no real plot line to follow, and that's been the real problem with this latest attractions. They've even made the relatively well known, simple story of CATCF seem confusing and complex.
 
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