Attraction Source Forum

Hmmm, only just saw this. Any room for a little one?

Course there is pet! You driving up or do you need transport? Ever been to LWV before?

[quote=""John""]Looking forward to this, lightwater is one of the most exciting parks in the UK this year[/quote]

Really? I live a few miles down the road and general consensus around here is that it's crap! Ultimate is good only if you sit at the back but not a lot there, must admit after working there in the 80's for 2 seasons I am a bit biased Drives me mad that I live so close to a theme park that I don't actually want to visit, wish I lived that close to Thorpe or Alton!

I live close to Thorpe, and rarely go. Chessington, on the other hand... :P

[quote=""Spendleb""][quote=""John""]Looking forward to this, lightwater is one of the most exciting parks in the UK this year[/quote]

Really? I live a few miles down the road and general consensus is that it's crap![/quote]

Have you been yourself?

I'd never call it a great park, but it's not crap either. Anyway, what better time to try it than in the company of fellow TTFers?

In my opinion, it is worth visiting for Raptor Attack alone. And Eagle's Claw gives a pretty spectacular ride.

I should be there on Sunday.

EDIT: Note to self - don't reply too quickly - these posts have a habit of changing The bit about you having worked there wasn't showing when I posted this

[quote=""bradpeet""][quote=""Spendleb""][quote=""John""]Looking forward to this, lightwater is one of the most exciting parks in the UK this year[/quote]

Really? I live a few miles down the road and general consensus is that it's crap![/quote]

Have you been yourself?

I'd never call it a great park, but it's not crap either. Anyway, what better time to try it than in the company of fellow TTFers?

In my opinion, it is worth visiting for Raptor Attack alone. And Eagle's Claw gives a pretty spectacular ride.

I should be there on Sunday.

EDIT: Note to self - don't reply too quickly - these posts have a habit of changing The bit about you having worked there wasn't showing when I posted this[/quote]

Yeah I thought I should be more specific with my vague response lol

I suppose it was more of a query on why the poster thought it was one of the most existing UK parks this year, Raptor appears to just be a rebadged Rat Ride (I helped to build this!), is it really worth visiting for this? Eagle's Claw is not bad but this ride is even seen in touring fairs these days, nothing new.

Personally I wish they would spend big as they have so much space, it could be a fantastic park given the right investment.

[quote=""Spendleb""]I suppose it was more of a query on why the poster thought it was one of the most existing UK parks this year...[/quote]
There are a few of us on this forum who have a massive soft spot for The Ultimate... Need I say more? :P

But Raptor Attack does look like a brilliant retheme. Even though I'm sad to see The Rat go, I can't wait to see what they've done with it.

[quote=""Spendleb""]I suppose it was more of a query on why the poster thought it was one of the most existing UK parks this year, Raptor appears to just be a rebadged Rat Ride (I helped to build this!), is it really worth visiting for this? Eagle's Claw is not bad but this ride is even seen in touring fairs these days, nothing new.

Personally I wish they would spend big as they have so much space, it could be a fantastic park given the right investment.[/quote]

Raptor Attack is a re-theme of the Rat, yes. But it has been done very well, and things added which make the ride more interesting. And I don't know what they have done at the ride itself, but it does seem faster and smoother. Personally, I would say it is worth visiting 'just' for that. In fact, that is the main reason for me going - to see what they have done since the start of the season, as well as to meet up with TTFers of course.

I know what you are saying about Eagle's Claw, but I feel that it is a particularly good example and have heard others say similar things.

I need to try Whirlwind too (which I know is another fairground ride). And I seem to remember there being some coasters there too

I'm sure you realise that one of the biggest problems with development of LWV is the opposition of Harrogate Council, who seem to have that area designated as for agricultural use and are very dogmatic about that. (Check out the process when LWV applied to build for a holiday village)

[quote=""bradpeet""][quote=""Spendleb""]I suppose it was more of a query on why the poster thought it was one of the most existing UK parks this year, Raptor appears to just be a rebadged Rat Ride (I helped to build this!), is it really worth visiting for this? Eagle's Claw is not bad but this ride is even seen in touring fairs these days, nothing new.

Personally I wish they would spend big as they have so much space, it could be a fantastic park given the right investment.[/quote]

Raptor Attack is a re-theme of the Rat, yes. But it has been done very well, and things added which make the ride more interesting. And I don't know what they have done at the ride itself, but it does seem faster and smoother. Personally, I would say it is worth visiting 'just' for that. In fact, that is the main reason for me going - to see what they have done since the start of the season, as well as to meet up with TTFers of course.

I know what you are saying about Eagle's Claw, but I feel that it is a particularly good example and have heard others say similar things.

I need to try Whirlwind too (which I know is another fairground ride). And I seem to remember there being some coasters there too

I'm sure you realise that one of the biggest problems with development of LWV is the opposition of Harrogate Council, who seem to have that area designated as for agricultural use and are very dogmatic about that. (Check out the process when LWV applied to build for a holiday village)[/quote]

LOL don't get me started on Harrogate Council, been up against their planning department

[quote=""Spendleb""]I suppose it was more of a query on why the poster thought it was one of the most exciting UK parks this year, Raptor appears to just be a rebadged Rat Ride (I helped to build this!), is it really worth visiting for this? Eagle's Claw is not bad but this ride is even seen in touring fairs these days, nothing new.[/quote]
John thinks it is one of the most exciting UK parks this year (and I agree with him) because in terms of new additions it's second only to Alton this year. Firstly a fantastic looking retheme of what was already a decently themed coaster, and secondly what is generally regarded as one of the best flat rides in the world. They've really outdone Thorpe/Chessy/Drayton/Flamingo/Oakwood this year, I'm sure you'll agree. Just ONE of those two new additions would be better than most recent years at Lightwater!

[quote=""Spendleb""]I suppose it was more of a query on why the poster thought it was one of the most existing UK parks this year, Raptor appears to just be a rebadged Rat Ride (I helped to build this!), is it really worth visiting for this?[/quote]
Absolutely, I really liked the rat anyway and it looks like they've done wonders with it - its probably the best themed ride this country has seen in quite a while (definitely better looking than either wild asia or dark forest IMO).

Then of course there's whirlwind as well, so taken as a whole I'd say its the most exciting in terms of new additions after Alton this year, though obviously the park as a whole is still a long way behind the best.

Hmm, I started writing this before Sam posted - seems he pretty much predicted exactly what I was going to say!

Good comments guys, I might have to visit again this year then, once they stick the voucher in the local paper 8) Must admit I did love working there but that was a LONG time ago!

Me and Petey are interested in this trip!

...Now to sort out the minor problem of transportation!

I'm a possible for this - I'll most likely decide the night before though so not a definite yet!

Definate Yes for me and Ellie!

WIN

Pete

Really need transport to this if there is any! Prepared to get train to somewhere, but will need to get lift rest of way and no, Im ashamed to say I have never ever been

Afraid my car is jam packed full Dave (Sam, Pete and Ellie somehow have to squeeze into the back of my tiny fiesta for a 2 hour drive lol), else I would have been able to drive you up from Nottingham. Though on a Sunday there would be no trains to get you there early enough anyway Sorry!

[quote=""Mattmash""]Afraid my car is jam packed full Dave (Sam, Pete and Ellie somehow have to squeeze into the back of my tiny fiesta for a 2 hour drive lol)[/quote]
Woo hoo! I call shotgun!

This could be an 'interesting' journey... :P

For those driving up, the A1 is currently being upgraded to motorway standard. There's a rather long 50mph zone from Dishforth to Leeming in all its SPECS controlled glory too . You might need to add another 10 mins onto your journey for heading through it.

That also means there's quite a few turnoffs closed too, including the old one which your sat nav might send you down which is for Rainton. You'll need to continue on to the A61 turnoff for Ripon, but this has been reprofiled from the north so probably the same from the south, so be prepared for your sat nav possibly having a hissy fit!

I think hat's the signposted route anyway I think isn't it? I'm sure I went that way last time. I note that the old Rainton turnoff is a little shortcut on to the A61. Thankfully I don't use Satnav :P

Plan is to stop for an informal gathering to have coffee and other light refreshments at Wetherby Services on the A1M on the way up at around 9AM. It is about 35mins from there to Lightwater.