Thorpe Park: General Discussion

[Bowser]

I'm thinking that Merlin might not be as mad to remove every single water ride from their parks as Carowinds a few years ago.

If Merlin removed Tidal Wave, Storm Surge, Rumba Rapids, River Rafts, Tiger Rock, Pirate Falls, Battle Galleons and Congo River Rapids on top of what they've already got rid of. I'm sure guest feedback will increase about the lack of water rides.

The attractions are still very popular (some of the more popular ones) and whilst indoor rides would be more of a focus in the coming years to cater for 365 opening, I really think closing their remaining water rides with no replacement will really hit them.

I can see the current Rapids declining in the coming years and any replacements will be more compact but action packed i.e. Chiapas, River Quest, Infinity Falls, Catapult Falls, Biberburg etc.

Trends for parks seem to be lately that those parks who removed their water rides back around the time Merlin closed theirs are now looking at adding a new water ride to their parks i.e. Adventureland Iowa, Carowinds etc. I kinda see and hope Merlin will take those steps in the near future.

With Thorpe, I understand that they have no plans for 365 opening for the foreseeable. I know they're building the hotel although I believe an indoor water park is more likely than the park opening into the winter with it's current line up.

I don't think what is happening in the US is a good barometer as for the most part they have more appropriate weather!

In terms of removals, i think it's more a case of letting them die out naturally over the years than actively closing them. Tiger Rock is already rumoured to have its days numbered in the coming years which is understandable as it approaches its 40th anniversary.

The bigger issue would be the knock on effect of losing some of the highest throughput rides permanently.

Will be interesting to see what happens nonetheless and happy to eat my hat. Legoland seems the most likely candidate for activity in the coming years but with that being the most 365 of all the parks i'd still be surprised.

 

[Alsty]

Excuse my ignorance but why do you need planning permission to remove a ride?

 

[rob666]

You often need planning for big changes, which pulling this is, and even minor demolition if in a conservation area.
Somebody somewhere must have decided this was big change, and it leaves options open for the future.

 

[Poisson]

There's also a level of goodwill I believe as well. Locals can voice their opinion and be aware of activity in the area.