"THORPE PARK on Hub Mania" wrote:

We are currently in the process of finalising the name for the new ride in 2011 (subject to planning permission). We have already drawn up a shortlist of possible options to go into research…but wanted to see if our most dedicated fans on TPM had a cracker hiding in their locker that we could add in!

You already know what the ride is ([url=http://www.whitewate...ing_rapids.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://www.whitewate...ing_rapids.html[/url]), where it’s coming from and its current name, so here is the story summed up in one sentence for its new home in THORPE PARK:

The hillbilly residents of Amity have taken advantage of the recent tidal wave and have created an insane, sky-high, spinning water ride.

Please keep your thoughts and insight of the new development to the relevant thread (don’t worry, we do read them) and keep this purely as name suggestions…even if you believe Storm Surge is still right for the ride.

"Sam" wrote:

You're all wrong about this ride, it's a fantastic investment for Thorpe and here's why.

Thorpe have been growing up way too fast. In 2005 they added TWO new major rides for christ's sake. Now this looks great on the surface, but it means that you get a lot of rubbish. For every Rush you get three Slammers for example. If they weren't in such a rush over the last decade to jam pack the park with as many thrill rides as possible then maybe we'd have better quality additions. Imagine if Slammer had actually been a third and fourth arm for Rush.

"Sam" wrote:

I think a lot of criticism of the ride is based on a misconception of the ride itself. This ISN'T a cheap travelling rapids like it Lightwater or West Midlands. This is a seriously, hefty permanent ride. It's an infinite improvement over the eye-sore that was Octopuses Garden. It will provide a hugely needed GENUINE family ride. It's one of the very few rides you can say that every group except very small children will enjoy. Whatever you say about Thorpe, it does need at least SOME family rides.

"Sam" wrote:

Thorpe can't add a thrill ride every year, so I don't know what people's problem is with a hugely fun, family rapids rafting attraction.

"Spike" wrote:

No they don't, it's no secret that Merlins London park's business model is clear. They have 2 family parks in close proximity to one another. Why is it Thorpe markets themselves with such a teenage image? The people have sex on the map the "hip" graphics etc. It makes no bones about what it is. It is a Thrill Park and there for does not need a good variety of Family attractions. You want that you visit Chessy or Legoland.

"Islander" wrote:

Problem is, Thorpe really shouldn't be excluding the family market altogether. Of course, they're focus is now on thrills, and that's fine - as you point out, Chessie and Legoland nearby cater for families on the whole, but regardless of their aim, Thorpe will always have families visiting.

For instance, a family with three kids, aged 17, 15 and 8. Thorpe is clearly suitable for the 17 and 15 year old's, so the family may well visit, but the 8 year old is going to get extremely bored. Although the park isn't mainly aimed at him, it should cater to him at least to a small amount.

Other than that, would agree with the other points in your post.

"Spike""][quote=""Sam" wrote:

You're all wrong about this ride, it's a fantastic investment for Thorpe and here's why.

Thorpe have been growing up way too fast. In 2005 they added TWO new major rides for christ's sake. Now this looks great on the surface, but it means that you get a lot of rubbish. For every Rush you get three Slammers for example. If they weren't in such a rush over the last decade to jam pack the park with as many thrill rides as possible then maybe we'd have better quality additions. Imagine if Slammer had actually been a third and fourth arm for Rush.