The facts:

• The new ride is codenamed LC12, but we all know it as THE SWARM.
• THE SWARM will be the UK’s first winged rollercoaster.
• It will feature a “head first, inverted drop from 127ft”.
• The theme will be post-apocalyptic. Considering that there’s been an army tank outside of THORPE PARK with ‘WAR IS COMING’ written up the side for ages, it’s likely that the story will be humanity’s last stand against something unpleasant.
• It will be located next to Stealth.
• It will be accessible via a wooden bridge.
• The attraction’s highest point will be 36.8 metres about ground level.
• Theming will include a “rickety jetty”, a helicopter, a crashed articulated lorry and what seems to be the crashed remains of some sort of aeroplane or rocket.
• The coaster will be located on its own island

What’s a winged rollercoaster? Does it fly?
Typically, rollercoasters have carriages which keep riders positioned directly above or below the track. If you ignore all the fire and jet engines in the above image, you can clearly see that THE SWARM’s carriages are positioned to either side of the track, leaving nothing but empty air above and below you. In essence, you are sitting on/in the ‘wings’, which should make a nice change from the standard coaster layout. Disappointingly, winged coasters don’t fly.

What are other winged rollercoasters like?
Gardaland’s Raptor looks reasonably similar to plans for THE SWARM and it seems to impressing coaster fans. The main appeal of the winged design seems to be the opportunity for designers to include plenty of near-misses with the scenery. Think of the spinning blades at the bottom of the drop on SAW – The Ride, Raptor features loads of stuff like that, and you can bet that THE SWARM will, too. The interplay between the carriage, riders and scenery appears to be the key to a successful winged coaster.

Just who/what are THE SWARM’s swarm?
Not a clue. Aliens? Bugs? Alien bugs? The word swarm can be applied to pretty much any creature that gathers in large numbers, though the chances of the ride being themed around a destructive swarm of killer penguins is slim. If I had to guess, I’d assume that it’s aliens.

When does THE SWARM open?
Spring 2012. THORPE PARK ticket and hotel package are available from Play-and-Stay.co.uk, book now to be among the first to ride THE SWARM!

Whether you think Valentine’s is wonderfully romantic or disgustingly soppy, it is always nice to treat someone special, so here are five top ideas to help make your Valentine’s one to remember.

Cook a Romantic Meal

You don’t have to blow lots of money at a fancy restaurant to enjoy your evening. Send the kids off to the grandparents for a few hours, light the candles and serve your loved one’s favourite meal in the comfort of your own home.

If you are nervous about cooking, dig out an easy and simple recipe the week before and get all the ingredients before the big day arrives  — this should help you relax on the night. Decorate the table with roses, play the background music and enjoy a romantic evening together.

Enjoy a Movie Night

The cinema has always been seen as a great place for a date, so why not head out for a few hours and watch something on the big screen? You could even go out for a romantic meal and reminisce over the year’s gone by.

Valentine’s is on a Monday this year, so if you don’t fancy heading out after a busy day at work, you could always watch your favourite movie at home. Rent some films, buy some popcorn and chill out in front of the TV with a hearty take away meal.

Go Shopping

The weekend before Valentine’s, why not treat your lover to a shopping trip? Tell them you will buy an outfit of their choice and watch their delight as they pick something extra special off the rails.

Ok, so this may seem like one for the girls, but if your husband or boyfriend wants a new suit or the latest rugby shirt then this is the ultimate treat.

With goodies in toe, why not slip away for a romantic lunch together and make a day of it? Head to the nearest confectionary store to buy some chocolates for later and enjoy a rather indulgent weekend.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Turn your Valentine’s Day into a Valentine’s weekend and plan a host of fun activities. Enjoy a long walk, or a bike ride and spend quality time in the great outdoors. Find a country pub and enjoy a quiet drink or grab some lunch in a hidden brasserie. If the mood takes you, why not even put the slow cooker on in the morning of one of your outings and return to a fantastic casserole or a delicious stew? Wrap up warm and enjoy a wonderful few days together. 

Take a Short Break

This Valentine’s, treat your loved one to a short break away and spend some quality time together. Book a trip to the Eden Project for a few days and admire the beauty of this wonderful attraction, or pre-book a break to one of the country’s fantastic theme parks, which open later in the year.

Give your loved one something to look forward to by arranging a break to THORPE PARK, or Chessington World of Adventures Resort and if you really can’t wait why not go along to one of the themed weekends at the Alton Towers Resort, taking place until March.

Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s this year and spoil the one you love.

SAW: The Ride

The big brother of Alton Tower’s original Nemesis coaster, Inferno is one of just a handful of inverted rollercoasters in Europe and one of the best in the world. Hanging from the track above, Nemesis Inferno has the feel of an out-of-control train, as it hurtles down its course, carved from craggy rocks.

With nothing beneath you, and your legs just dangling during loops and tight corkscrews, Inferno gives a sensation of freefall missing from most rollercoasters. Definitely worth queuing up for… more than once.

Spinning, swinging, almost upside down; Vortex is my favourite ride at Thorpe Park. Weightless one second, and then pointing face-down hurtling towards the ground the next, it’s a dizzying experience and one that is missed out by many visitors to Thorpe Park as they make their way to the ‘big’ rides instead. Take it from me, it’s something you definitely want to mark on the park map.

Stealth

Stealth’s fear factor comes from the overwhelming sense of anticipation, which builds and builds the closer you get to your turn on the rollercoaster. Going from 0-80mph in less than two seconds has a peculiar affect on a person, one which usually results in a shocked scream, and seeing others launched towards the lofty 205ft drop at such an insane speed just doesn’t prepare you for how it feels.

Combine taking off in a plane with going over a bridge in a car, and you’re getting close to the feeling that hits you in the chest and turns your stomach.

It’s not a long ride, but is most definitely worth the wait – if your nerves can take it.

Enjoy Fright Night at Thorpe Park with tickets and hotel deals from just £41.50.

With loads of Halloween and Fireworks events taking place, there has never been a better time to treat the family to a theme park break, without it costing a fortune. Thankfully, Play and Stay are are here to help you plan your trip.

If you are looking for something spooky to do with the family this Halloween that will even be suitable for the little ones, then plan a holiday to Chessington World of Adventures and go to Hocus Pocus between the 22nd – 31st October. If you book now you will get 2 days for the price of 1, meaning twice as much family fun.

For these older ones who aren’t afraid to be frightened to the max, THORPE Park is hosting it’s famous FRIGHT Nights event now. Visit the nations thrill capital on the 15 — 17 and 22 — 31 October for lots of terrifying fun. Be warned, this is not for the faint hearted and definitely not suitable for the younger kids.

Alternatively, Alton Towers is holding their Scarefest event, which caters for all ages. Come along between the 16th – 31st October and experience all of the tricks and treats Alton has to offer it’s visitors. There are horror mazes for the brave one’s among you and family fun entertainment for the younger ones. Or, if you’d rather give Halloween a miss, then the Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks display is a must. From the 5th – 7th November you can book a break with Play and Stay to see the magical event.

LEGOLAND® Windsor is also hosting their annual Wizard’s Fireworks display on the 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st October and 6th November. It’s the perfect family break away, with rides, fireworks and a hotel stay all included in the price. And on certain dates you can get your 2nd day in the park for FREE!

So what ever age your kids are, with so much going on, there is something to suit everyone! See www.playandstay.co.uk for more information and our latest prices.

1. Print at Home Tickets
To save time, buy your tickets to the park on line and print them out at home to avoid the queues at the entrance gates. All our themepark tickets are print at home, just print off the email attachment, stroll past the ticket queues and scan your barcoded ticket at the entrance – easy!
 
2. Plan in Advance
If you’re going in a large group, have a look at the park map and plan which rides you want to go on BEFORE you arrive. This way you’re not wasting time deciding which rides to go on all day.
 
3. Go Outside of School Holidays or during weekdays
School holidays and weekends are obviously the busiest times for theme parks, so if you can, go when the parks are quieter and the queues are shorter.
 

4. Book a Break
Stay the night before your visit and head to the park ready for opening time, that way you’ll be first onto the most popular rides or stay late and enjoy the rides once everyone else is heading home and head to your hotel for the evening. In fact why not do both and book yourself in for a proper family adventure.
 
5. Start at the Back of the Park …..
and work your way forward! Everyone else will be starting at the front, so this way you’re more likely to get on the rides quicker.
 
6 Have a Late or Early Lunch
Visit the big rides when everyone else will be eating – usually around 12 – 2pm – and hopefully there will be less people in the ride queue and you may avoid the lunch queue too!
 
7. Fast Track Tickets
Although they cost extra money on top of your entrance ticket many people say they are well worth it. Fast Track tickets are a great way to beat the queues on the most popular rides. Simply pay at the stand for your ticket and head straight to the front of the queue! LEGOLAND Windsor offer Q-bot from just £10pp which queues for you on the most popular rides, you can just turn up at your allocated time straight into the fast track entrance.
 
8. Stay at the On Site Hotel
By staying at an on site hotel the night before you can be first in the queue the following morning AND beat the crowds. During school holidays Chessington give 30 minutes early ride time to those staying at the on site Holiday Inn Chessington.
 
9. Download the App
THORPE Park have now launched their app for the iPhone which helps you keep up to date with the queue times while you are actually at the park. Brilliant!
 
10. Visit the Most Popular Ride First
This way, even if you do have to queue, at least you know you have been on it! And if you get into the park nice and early, the queue is likely to be shorter.
 

With so many fantastic deals out there right now, be sure to make the most of them and get real value for money. Here’s our guide to the best offers around this summer. All you need now is your sunscreen and sunglasses and you’re ready to have some summer fun!

LEGOLAND®
Can’t decide which them park to take the family to this summer? Well now you don’t have too. If you book a break at LEGOLAND you can get your 2nd day at the park FREE! Now the kids will have plenty of things to look forward to throughout the holidays! Hurrah!

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES
If you are already planning a trip to Chessington this summer holiday you’ll want to make the most of this deal. Book now and you can stay for a second night at the Holiday Inn Chessington for only an extra £10 per room! From the huge selection of rides to the animals in the zoo, there is something everyone will enjoy.

THE EDEN PROJECT
Don’t worry if theme parks aren’t your thing, you can still benefit from these summer deals. The Eden Project is the perfect place to spend a relaxing summers day walking around the beautiful gardens and taking in the Cornish scenery. If you book a break now, you will get 2 days for the price of 1. Everyone deserves a summer break so book now and make the most of this unmissable deal.

Why not turn your break into a real adventure and explore the surrounding area too. You can add on attractions at each park when you book a break and you’ll receive even more great discounts. Visit places like the London Dungeons or the Waterpark at Alton Towers and make the most of your break. Happy holidays!

There are so many unmissable water rides, but don’t worry if you get soaked, it’ll take no time at all to dry off in this heat. Here’s a list of the UK’s very best water rides for you to enjoy this summer. See how wet are you likely to get with our very own SOAK-O-METER! Whether you want to get absolutely soaked or you want to try to stay mostly dry, there’s something everyone will enjoy.

1. Tidal Wave at THORPE PARK
The Tidal Wave flume at THORPE PARK is not for the faint hearted! Not only will you plummet at a massive 85ft, you will get VERY, VERY wet. If you really need cooling down, stand on the bridge by the ride and get soaked by the enormous wave without having to go on the ride. The thrill seekers among you will want to go on again and again. It’s the perfect ride on a very hot day.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 5/5 Absolutely soaked!

2. Rameses Revenge at Chessington World of Adventures
Prepare to get very wet on the Rameses Revenge at Chessington. You will be turned upside down and round and round, while being drenched by the giant water fountains that will be spraying into your screaming faces! Definitely one for the adults, you will love this iconic ride.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 4/5 Very wet!

3. Congo River Rapids, Alton Towers
Most of the theme parks have a rapid river. In this one the giant inflatable rings float around a giant river while you get sprayed with waterfalls, shoots and other surprising features. Staying completely dry is near enough impossible unless you protect yourself in a waterproof poncho. It may not be the most stylish accessory, but it’s a theme park necessity!

SOAK-O-METER rating: 3/5 Take your waterproof!

4. Depth Charge, THORPE PARK
Have a race with your mates on this giant water slide. Shoot down the slide on a yellow inflatable boat and see who gets to the bottom first. You don’t get THAT wet on here, it’s all about who reaches the bottom first! Don’t worry, this is nothing compared to the Tidal Wave.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 2/5 Just enough!

5. Monkey Swinger, Chessington World of Adventures
This is a great ride that the whole family can enjoy. The monkey swinger is basically a giant carousel with swings and water shoots that soak you as you go round and round. This is great fun on a summer’s day, and even the faint hearted among you will enjoy this gentle swing.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 1/5 A light spraying!

Though it may come as welcome relief for parents whose children suffer from attention-deficit disorders, teachers have hit out at the move, saying that it undermines their efforts to teach children how to be patient.

The question is: are teachers right to criticise the scheme?

A difficult one, isn’t it?

Not for Andrea Bilbow, it isn’t. The chief executive of the National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service (ADDISS for short) has clearly made up her mind on the issue. She reacted rather glibly to the teachers’ growing concern by telling The Times: “I know many primary schools let children with ADHD go ahead at dinner time and it stops scenes, what’s the problem?” She even hinted that “criticism of the tactic showed that teachers were ignorant of the condition”.

Blimey.

Bilbow explains: “Children with ADHD are very impulsive and just can’t cope in a queue or when there is a delay in gratification”.

Fair enough, I suppose; I mean, when you put it like that. But then, shouldn’t kids with ADHD learn to deal with having to wait for things? When will they learn otherwise? You can’t be 36 and just barge in at the front of the queue in Homebase – someone will tip a load of compost down the back of your jumper or something.

Now, I wouldn’t even pretend to know the complex ins and outs of dealing with a condition like ADHD, but just the teensiest bit Googling will throw up all sorts of criticisms over the stance taken by Ms Bilbow. It’s a contentious, if not rather grisly topic.

The Disability Discrimination Act currently puts the onus on the attractions to accommodate all visitors. Theme parks around the EU are somewhat forced, therefore, to follow government orders.

Thorpe Park are being very diplomatic about the whole affair. A spokesperson for the Surrey-based theme park told The Times: “Any guest that can provide a letter from their doctor that describes their illness or disability and states that they cannot stand in a queue is provided with a priority wristband.”

That, I suppose, is the fairest way to broach the subject for the time being. But what about the future? Should kids with attention-deficit disorder be allowed to skip in front of everyone else just because they can’t be patient? I mean, how many six-year-olds do you know that have the patience of a saint? My mum and dad had to stop buying me advent calendars when I was about eight because I used to scoff all 24 chocolates by noon on December 3. Of course, the counter argument is just as telling: should ADHD kids be forced to wait around in line, regardless of how much torrid distress they’re put through?

It’s a tough call, certainly. We’d love to hear what you think though.

 When you sit down on SAW: The Ride you don’t really know what to expect because when you are queueing up, you only see small bits of it.

When your carriage first starts to move you expect there to be something like a sharp turn or a vertical climb, but it’s even worse. SAW: The Ride starts off with a calm 180º turn to the right, fooling you and making you think that the ride is calm but just as you start to relax there is a vertical drop right after the turn. Straight after the drop there is a sequence of sharp turns to the left and right, and there are also some small hills, just enough to unsettle your stomach ever so slightly. You then go around the first loop which thankfully, looks far worse that it is.

Soon after you get to the scariest part of the ride. You slow down until you are at a stand still, and then the chain hooks onto the underneath of the carriage and you begin a slow vertical climb which takes you to the top of the ride. This is where things start to get a bit more scary because as you get to the top, you dont have enough time to even say a word and you immediatly get unhooked from the chain. 

You plummet down a 100 foot, 100º drop passing underneath loads of spinning axes which are very close to your head. When you have passed those you start a big loop which makes you feel like you are about to fall out of the seat. Once you have gone through the loop you go through various different drops and do many sharp turns and corkscrews until you reach the end of the ride.

 When you step out of the ride you may not realise it but you are still screaming and you can barely stand up on your own legs, but then you come to your senses again and tell everyone that the wait is really worth it and that the ride is epic.

Published by: Alex Zerbino – The Harvey Grammar School

Normally I would leave this sort of thing to Jonathan Buckingham-Dudley, but he is far too engrossed in what is happening to Susan Boyle. So, for this instalment at least, you have the pleasure of my company.

First of all, a big thank you to Screamscape for supplying me with the crumb-trail. Without you, I really would have had no work to do this afternoon. And while for some that sounds like a marvellous thing, it doesn’t half make hometime a long way away.

There are three videos on YouTube at the moment. The beginnings of a new viral promotion or merely fan fiction? You decide:

Now, I don’t know about you, but I get the distinct feeling that Alton Towers are also going for something a bit spooky in much the same way Thorpe Park did earlier this year when they unveiled SAW – The Ride.

The difference being, of course, is that Alton Towers is aimed at a younger market – so we can expect it to be a little tamer than the aforementioned.

We also reported that the ride will have a backwards section, somewhat similar to Disney’s Expedition Everest ride (see above video). A quick glance at the plans below, which were submitted to the local council by Alton Towers, clearly shows the point where the ride stops its forward motion, in favour of a backwards section.

At this time, this is all we really have to go on, but fear not – we are on the case and will bring you all the latest as and when it hits.

Oh, and one last titbit for you. Here’s a video of the locals’ reactions to the ride. Some good, some bad. You can decide for yourself what you think.