This weekend was the first time I’d been on park since 2015. In that time, I’ve visited so many different parks in mainland Europe. Naturally I wouldn’t expect Disney or Europa-Park levels of quality, but I’d hoped that the three year break, combined with a new Secret Weapon, would mean that I’d return to a park that’s had the worst years behind it.
Judging from this weekend, it’s far from the case.
The entrance plaza palaver was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Half-hour queues to get tickets, followed by another long wait just to get through the turnstiles is mind blowing in its incompetence. They need to find the budget to allow guests to get into their theme park easily. That should be common sense, but not to Merlin. “Second only to Disney” indeed!
I also share the sentiment regarding the lack of communication for Wicker Man. Waiting two hours in a queue that was only moving because people were leaving, yet constantly getting messages about a “temporary delay”, is frustrating. Combine that with the constant sending of empty trains, and it gives guests the impression that the ride could start working any minute. A good portion of my day gone with nothing to show for it.
The staggered openings are also ridiculous. Because of constant downtime, and that Merlin don’t like investing in rides that aren’t ‘world first’ coasters, the initial offering was minuscule for anyone over the age of 10. This morning saw just Oblivion and Spinball operating for the first 40 minutes. When guest numbers are already in the thousands by 10am, that’s just not good enough.
The Smiler’s entire ride area is disgusting. It makes Fuji-Q look like Phantasialand by comparison. I love the coaster itself, but everything else needs gutting and starting from scratch. But then, if they can’t afford to open more turnstiles, there’s no chance of a clean happening.
The food situation felt identical to how it was in 2015; not much in terms of choice or variety. I don’t go to Towers expecting the culinary delights you would find at Europa, but I did notice that your choices mostly come in bun or wrap form. But I won’t expect that to change any time soon (or at least until Merlin disappear).
I will be visiting the park later this year - but mainly to see everyone from the TST community. It’s just sad that one of my favourite places from my childhood - a park that should be one of the best in Europe - has ended up in this sorry state.