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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. - Thread starter Dave
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[The Smiler] Construction Updates / Ride Speculation Part 2 *SPOILER FREE*
Dean
TS Member
Rob said:Another look through the entrance into the queue:
Why is it that on any new ride project, do they not think about gates to close the queue.
As with Rita, Nemmy Sub-Terra, Battle Galleons & 13, all failed to have a form of closing the queueline on the opening day...
Unbelievable...
Dave
TS Founding Member
Dean said:Rob said:Another look through the entrance into the queue:
Why is it that on any new ride project, do they not think about gates to close the queue.
As with Rita, Nemmy Sub-Terra, Battle Galleons & 13, all failed to have a form of closing the queueline on the opening day...
Unbelievable...
Good point... well made!
Mi-Nigle
TS Member
I was really looking forward to the intimacy between the ride and queue but I fear this mesh (and very dense mesh compared to the queue line walls, I might add) will really hinder that. And does it really need to be that colour?! If they don't paint it, it will look awful.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
CoasterCrazyChris
TS Member
Marmaliser aside, this is without question the most poorly themed ride of any major coaster at Alton Towers aside from Rita.
Did they get any creative consultants in at all during the design stages?!
Honestly that queue is absolutely criminal. On what planet is it acceptable to have paying guests caged inside metal boxes for several hours on end? None. Only at Merlin parks.
Almost everything I loved about the ride from the plans has evaporated.
Did they get any creative consultants in at all during the design stages?!
Honestly that queue is absolutely criminal. On what planet is it acceptable to have paying guests caged inside metal boxes for several hours on end? None. Only at Merlin parks.
Almost everything I loved about the ride from the plans has evaporated.
An awful lot of people are saying that the thought of queueing for 2-3 hours+ in those cages is horrible. Can I offer you all a solution? Don't join a queue that is 2-3 hours long. 
Seriously, as much as we like to discuss and joke about queue time horror storys I can honestly say that excluding breakdowns or unforseen events I haven't queued more than two hours for a ride since Air over 10 years ago, and I don't feel that I've missed out on anything as a result.
Also, a lot of enthusiasts are now getting on my nerves (NOT so much here, mainly on Facebook, other forums etc) with this over-dramatic concern about the psychological well being of guests queuing for a rollercoaster which has, in parts, got a mesh roof above them. It's pathetic.
Seriously, as much as we like to discuss and joke about queue time horror storys I can honestly say that excluding breakdowns or unforseen events I haven't queued more than two hours for a ride since Air over 10 years ago, and I don't feel that I've missed out on anything as a result. Also, a lot of enthusiasts are now getting on my nerves (NOT so much here, mainly on Facebook, other forums etc) with this over-dramatic concern about the psychological well being of guests queuing for a rollercoaster which has, in parts, got a mesh roof above them. It's pathetic.
Dave
TS Founding Member
CoasterCrazyChris said:
Seriously have you seen Air or Th13teen, there is absolutely no theming on Air bar some nice rocks and Th13teen is the wonderful world of scaffolding. I'm no big fan of the station building but the rest looks good. The queue cages are not great as i don't like being hemmed in but it only seems to be in areas where the ride gets close to the queue.
CoasterCrazyChris said:
Surely that could be part of the theme? It's quite industrial looking, so it fits in well. The theme is based around a 'type' of asylum, surely that fits in with being trapped etc? It's an experiment.
Personally so far, think it looks great for the theme they intend it to be.
As a theme itself, I'm sure there could've been better ideas, but as theyve decided on this theme, it does all seem to be fitting into place....no?
Sam
TS Member
If the meshed-over areas of queue prove to be too claustrophobic over the next few weeks, there's always the possibility that they could look at raising the height of the mesh-ceilings and fences, or maybe even widening them in places.
Given that they're an entirely enclosed structure anyway, you could make them as tall as you like, as long as they don't interfere with the clearance of the actual ride.
Given that they're an entirely enclosed structure anyway, you could make them as tall as you like, as long as they don't interfere with the clearance of the actual ride.
TheMan
TS Member
Sam said:If the meshed-over areas of queue prove to be too claustrophobic over the next few weeks, there's always the possibility that they could look at raising the height of the mesh-ceilings and fences, or maybe even widening them in places.
Given that they're an entirely enclosed structure anyway, you could make them as tall as you like, as long as they don't interfere with the clearance of the actual ride.
That implies they will care Sam lol.
Hate to burst your bubble there old chap but...
James
TS Founding Member
TheMan said:Can I add... GOOD.
Less queues.... ironically
(just joking obviously)
Pahaha, yeah good in some ways. But I'm thinking of the overall guest satisfaction here.
I'm not claustrophobic myself, quite fine being in confined spaces actually. But even that looks a bit too much for me. I'll still queue for the ride, for hours if I ever have to. But as far as queue enjoyment goes, there will be none here. I just hope the ride whizzing about you will be enough to entertain!
Th13teen's queue frustrates me enough, god knows how much this one will frustrate me!
TheMan
TS Member
Sam said:
It isn't enclosed all the way around. If it was I'd probably agree, but it's only for certain sections, my only surprise is people are surprised it's happening.
Once people started to talk about it my first reaction was oh they've got round to that now then. It had to be that or a stupidly large net, at least this way, the view should not be obscured from the open queue lines.
It may not be pretty, but in this case I have to admit it is common sense. I'd rather that than get a phone in the head!
Mi-Nigle
TS Member
I really don't think claustrophobia is going to be an issue. I don't suffer from it to any severe degree myself but I'm just thinking of queue lines like the old Space Invader 2 and the tunnel bridge of the Black Hole. If you have ever queued from the entrance to SI2, all the way through, you'll know what I'm talking about. It was dark, hot, stuffy, slow, crowded and much narrower that what we are seeing on The Smiler. I would be interested to know how many people actually suffered from panic attacks there, I'd be willing to bet it wasn't many.
As from a fire point of view, again SI2 would have been much more likely to cause panic. H&S were fine with that, as I am sure they are fine with may more enclosed or indoor queue lines.
As from a fire point of view, again SI2 would have been much more likely to cause panic. H&S were fine with that, as I am sure they are fine with may more enclosed or indoor queue lines.
Dave
TS Founding Member
Because people are raking for negatives, which it is but unfortunately expected really. There will be netting on the site too as its just to close to the track. Yesterday looking at the site I think the only real issue is going to be the queue but they where damned by space. Though it nights have been prudent to have looked at going up the hill a bit, though its a steep bank.