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Post by Stu on Mar 19, 2005 11:44:28 GMT
Just got wind of a rumour at Lightwater Valley, I don’t expect it to be the gospal truth, however it may be worth keeping an eye on . . .
Apparently this year will bet he last season for the Toad Hole water ride
The Wave, pirate ship is to be relocated
The park are planning a new roller coaster to compete with Flamingo Land’s expansion
Hmm . . . I can see that the first statement may be sadly true, if you think this is quite a unique ride, I imagine it would cost a fair amount to obtain new parts, perhaps even they have to be specially made? If it is the case, it will be a sad shame, Lightwater Valley will loose its unique (almost true theme park) features and simply become a fun fair in a field
The second point, well the wave is quite isolated, perhaps it makes sense to relocate it, so that section of the park can be fenced off , then they can save money maintaining that area, seems quite an expense to go to though!
Third point, well I think Lightwater Valley has too many coasters to be honest, well too many similar coasters, I think any new coaster should be a replacement for Twister and or Grizzly Bear, the park needs stronger variety in its coaster collection . . . If it does turn out to be true it just qualifies the total lack of understanding the management have at running a theme park, if you only develop your product by knee-jerk reactions to what your nearest competitor is doing, the Park should be seeking to create a unique experience that entertains the guests better, and makes them want to choose Lightwater valley over Flamingo Land, yes Flamingo Land are adding some new roller coasters (they’re also clearing out their fairground rides for more permanent installations why can’t they copy that idea!)
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Graeme
Looping Coaster Rider
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Post by Graeme on Mar 21, 2005 0:50:30 GMT
I agree with your reasoning about Toad Hole. I very much suspect this rumour is true, as when rides become too dissimilar to a current product line, they do tend to disappear. It's not a log flume, it's not a water slide, it's not a rapids etc... I must admit it's a very unusual and old-fashioned ride (not saying it's bad). I also believe the Wave relocation rumour as, well, it's just not fanciful enough for someone to invent! I can see how the park don't think it grabs the attention enough. A shame, as it's so well-installed. Does everything have to be blatant, bare and lacking in charm these days? Sigh! The coaster rumour sounds to me a bit like Lightwater staff seeing Flamingo Land has got a new coaster, thus fueling speculation. I can never give my own ideas for new coasters at LWH, as this is one park my mind just goes blank about in this area (even though I've been there). Strange.  |
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Graeme
Looping Coaster Rider
Posts: 71
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Post by Graeme on Mar 27, 2005 18:08:54 GMT
Here's an idea: Am I correct in thinking Toad Hole features a boat that gets towed backwards up a hill into a tunnel, then comes back the way it came? Well, it's probably not feasible, but could they cut a hole in the top-/back of the tunnel and have a full-circuit ride instead? That way you would still get the drop down the tunnel onto the lake at the end. The ride would retain some of its charm but be modernised and the capacity boosted.
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spud
Ladybird Coaster Rider
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Post by spud on Aug 27, 2005 8:41:54 GMT
Not a bad idea. It could also extend to a drop into the lake and so on. I think it is most likely that the toad hole will be removed but i can only wonder what they will replace it with. If the wave moves i hope they theme it propely to match the themeing it origionaly has. Ive heard the new rollercoaster rumor before and i dont think its true. If u ask me they have a good enougth collection as it is.
And has anyone else heard the rumor that the octopus ride is also leaving the park next year (confirmed). To be suposedly replace by a huss topple tower that has suposedly been delayed till 2006. If they do i think it would be very good as it will be a Uk first and is a family attraction.
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Post by Stu on Oct 3, 2005 23:53:03 GMT
The Octopus is owned by showman John Armitage and is been leased for the 2005 season, as the attraction they had planned to add wasn't ready on time
I've heard a lot of rumours that the new ride will be a Huss Topple Tower, i can't quite believe LWV are getting a ride of such quality! especially in light of the recent additions
If they do get a Topple Tower it will be a fantastic addition, i just don't think they'll promote it to its full advantage, the images used in the parks marketing and promotional material really makes the park seem cheap and very tacky, and are often completely wrong, for instance the new website features photos of the viper roller coaster which has been missing from the park for some time!
For me Lightwater has lost it's sense of fun and adventure, the current park experience is a bleak fun fair which sits harshly on the lush green setting, we need to loose the fun fair and go back to its roots
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spud
Ladybird Coaster Rider
Posts: 5
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Post by spud on Oct 5, 2005 14:12:17 GMT
Ahhhhhhh you must be the guy who posted the info on the octopus on towerstimes. I am now very excited of what ride next season will be replacing the Octopus. Plus rumors of the toad hole leaving to?? I think it will be a great shame to see it leave the park after so many years of operation.
But the ride replacing the octopus must be something brand new from the manarfactures. And i bet it was late because LWV like to decide what thier building at the last minite. I wonder what i could be... A huss topple tower would be fantastic but im not quiet sure if it will be that. But all i think it will be something big and has a large capcity. As all recent aditions to that area have had a large capacity (Orbitor 50) (octopus 40).
Since The Toad hole is also been removed we will see another ride coming to the park in 2006. I cant wait to see what actually happens!!!! And i also agree with you stu that the recent adictions havnt been well thought out. I mean Eagles claw. Wow i thought when i first entered the park in 2004. Look at that. But when i reached the ride it was just plonked with no effort at all onto the hard core where the viper once stood. But they do like to advitise the fact that they have the eagles claw. Its a good ride though ill tell you that!!!!
Me and my dad last saturday were having a chat about lightwater valley. He said to me that he feels that the managers should sit down and decide where the park is actually heading. They get to work on the parks apearance e.g ponds and vegation etc. Smarten it up. Instead of carelessly chucking in new attractions into the park. They should also make the rides look apart of the park!! (eagles claw)
Im also off the The LWV firework display to see off the toad hole and i supose the octopus too!!!!! as its the last open day of the season.
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Post by Stu on Oct 6, 2005 23:14:26 GMT
Nah that's not me sadly, although i believe my photos were linked to
Like i said at the very start of the topic "Just got wind of a rumour at Lightwater Valley, I don’t expect it to be the gospal truth, however it may be worth keeping an eye on"
so its not even definate that they're removing toad hole, moving the wave or planning a new coaster, just a few visits to lightwater valley by myself and friends, several times staff told us these stories (so there may be something in it)
I really agree with your suggestions, the park could do with a direction and certainly making the most of what it already has before attempting to add anything more, the landscaping has really got barren in recent years, it used to be really top notch
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spud
Ladybird Coaster Rider
Posts: 5
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Post by spud on Oct 7, 2005 16:52:27 GMT
Yeah i can rember last year i got told 2 rumors. 1 was that the orbitor would be removed. 2 The skate karts will be removed. And one was true!!! (shock horror) Ill see if the staff have any rumors for me this year.
The wave relocation would be a pricey development but could work. They might even put it where the toad hole is who knows??? But i think one of those rumors will be true and i have the strangest feeling it will be the toad holes removal.
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