Somewhere in the past, my new college mates and I decided to go somewhere where we could hang out as a group of friends, instead of a group of classmates. We came up with a few ideas, such as a picnic or a day out swimming, and as it so happens one of our ideas was a day out at one of Europe’s best theme parks: Thorpe Park. It sounded great at the time, but no one was sure if we could pull it off. Naturally, being the theme park fan I am, I jumped at the chance and set about doing my research (ticket prices, calendar times etc.) A few days later, I showed them what I found out and that’s when we decided to go to Thorpe Park.
We have a date, a rough number of people (about 11) and an idea of transport (most of us are going by train and the rest of us are probably coming by car), but unfortunately, that’s all we know. Before I continue, I would just like to quickly say that this group I am going with are quite positively the best bunch of people I have ever met, and this trip in particular means a lot to me, which is why I really need your help (more on that later). Anyway, we are all around 16 – 17 years of age so we have no problem with which rides we want to go on, but unfortunately this is where the problems start.
We have decided to book online by getting ‘group tickets’ (group tickets are for groups of more than 10 people, which we have, and these tickets can only be booked online and in advanced) our date is Monday 16th April which means there is a high chance of rainfall (but hopefully global warming will play a part by giving a higher chance of sunshine) and if it does rain then delays will happen. We also haven’t agreed on our route. I suggested going round in a clockwise circle (starting with the Lost City), but other people in group suggested ideas such as running straight for Stealth (I’m a fast runner, but I don’t fancy doing Stealth first thing in the morning after breakfast!) or going in an anti-clockwise direction or doing rides in a particular order (which means more walking/running). I’m staying with my idea for the moment, but despite being the ‘theme park expert’ of the group, I’m actually not certain what to do. Whatever ideas we have, we are still left undecided…
And this is where you come in (yes you, the person who’s reading this article!).
I need help and you guys are the best choice for helping a fellow TPI out. My group can ride almost anything, we have a certain date (and almost time), we have no problem with waking early (hopefully!) and we will only stop for breath when we need lunch! My/our problems are (in no particular order):
1). On the 16th, the park is open from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Crowds should be light because although it’s the day after a two week half-term (Easter) finishes, everyone else (except us!) should be back at school. We want to be early, but how early? Should we arrive when the gates open or before that?
2). We are going to book online, but we don’t know which one of us is going to do it yet. Just in case I ended up doing it (hopefully I won’t, I have no experience at booking online whatsoever) what do I have to do to get online group tickets fast and easy?
3). Ben Mills once did a ‘game plan’ years ago but I think I needs an update or something. It contained good advice, but the last time (about a year ago, but I didn’t do a trip report) I visited, I went in a circle and tried to do as many rides as possible, and it worked (even though Stealth wasn’t open, damn unreliable Intamin and his unreliable hydraulic launched coasters!). What should we do? Should we stick to my original idea or do you have a better idea that I could use?
4). Well number 4 isn’t really a question, but any other advice would be appreciated!
Please! I really need your help on this one, because I really want it to be a fantastic day out, not just for me, but for the whole group as well, they deserve it! I’ll need your answers before the half – term starts (Monday 2nd April) and if you guys can help me out, then I’ll promise I’ll do a trip report as soon as I get back.
Thanks in advance, Mark Walker!
P.S. Unfortunately, Adrian won’t be with on this little adventure, but that accursed nuisance of a brother will join me in future articles!
Anyway, can Thorpe Park fans please help me out!
You get tickets for £21.60 if you have a group more than 10 online but far better to visit Woolworths at the mo! They are doing their yearly offer of spend £10 in store (easy done with easter coming) and they will give you a two for one offer. A much bigger saving.
I'd say getting to the park early is definately worth it and go to the back of the park and get on stealth first. 9.30 should get you in early enough.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your day.
Any other help or advice would be great!
I would still like advice though!
