With the introduction of a new attraction (The Curse), as well the return and improvement of previous attractions, the park didn't fail to meet our expectations.

The Asylum

Returning back to the mental hospital from hell was an interesting experience. With the loud sirens and bright flashing strobe lights it was very disorientating from the moment we stepped in, right the way through to being chased out by an chainsaw yielding madman.

The Asylum is one of those mazes that either scares you or doesn't. The performers are supported largely by the disorientating effects which obviously affect people differently.

Hellgate

The parks joint oldest Fright Night attraction came back this year, with a few minor makeovers. Actors seemed to be very well placed compared to previous years which enhanced the experience.

The overall experience seemed to follow really well and effects other than those instigated by the performers worked equally well.

Se7en

Se7en is one of those attractions where your group really decides how much you enjoy it. If you get into the story and explore the rooms, looking and smelling the finest details you really are able to have a fantastic time.

For this year, some work was done to the attraction including lighting and sound systems. However, certain parts of the attraction that were not effective previously have been removed such as the end section trapping guests in the cage to represent the sin of "Greed".

The Curse

We were invited to jump on board a shipwrecked victim of a previous Tidal Wave and see what happens when sailors turn to zombies.

The Curse, unlike the other attractions (excluding se7en maybe) provided a more detailed scenic experience. The theming was 2nd to none on park, which was perhaps at the expense of performers. Going through the maze with a full contingent of performers provided an exciting experience. The performers, when in larger numbers, were placed in far more interesting positions than when less were in the maze.

Circus of Horrors

Circus of Horrors like in all previous seasons never ceases to amaze and turn our stomachs. The attraction returned back to its home in the Time Voyager's Theatre where 7 different performances were conducted. The many different freakish acts showed the human body pushed to it limits. The performances like always were fully attended and provided a welcome relief to many guests wishing for a break from the rides.

General Park Theming

The park itself this year seemed to have had less attention paid to theming compared to previous years. The rides (that is with the exception of Nemesis Inferno) had less atmosphere which seemed to make the park itself feel more like a late opening event rather than a Fright Night. The exception was Nemesis Inferno which received a "Hell Freezes Over" treatment for this years event.

Fright Night 2008, Q's, Fastrack and Reliability

This year is without a doubt one of the worst years for Q's. Whilst the park didn't hit capacity over multiple days (such as in previous years) guests did flock in their thousands. Combined with some reliability issues this caused some unhappy guests. Crediting the park, gate figures were limited to control the Q's and sales of Fastrack on rides were suspended and only pre-booked Fastrack was taken. It is good to see that as things took a turn for the worse the park was fast to react and in a good way.

Overall I would say Fright Nights 2008 were very successful and hopefully this will once again secure the future of the event for many seasons to come.

Whilst all our positions are unpaid (we are a non-profit organisation after all) we still seek to employ a strong team, as this is what we think has made Thorpe Park Mania and Maniahub what it is today.

So do you think you have what it takes?

Remember we are one of the leading UK Theme Park websites and we attract literally thousands of users each month. Don't let that put you off though, we all get along and have a laugh along the way too!

We are currently looking for Content Moderators and CSS / Graphic Designers, however if you have got a skill that you think we might need (NoLimits and RCT 3 included) then drop us an email.

We wish you all the best of luck to apply visit http://apply.maniahub.com. See you soon!

The UK's thrill-capital, THORPE PARK, leading next generation film studio LIONSGATE (NYSE: LGF) and TWISTED PICTURES today announced that they will launch SAW - The Ride, the world's first ever horror movie-themed rollercoaster, in Spring 2009. Based on Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures "Saw" franchise, the most profitable horror franchise in movie history, SAW - The Ride is the scariest ride in the world. The latest installment in the series, 'Saw V,' premieres on Friday 24th October, and THORPE PARK will be inviting visitors to 'Face Your Fears' on their new terrifying attraction next year.

Like the films, THORPE PARK's new rollercoaster will test the nerve of all who dare ride it and visitors will be at the mercy of the series' master manipulator, Jigsaw. The ultimate test of SAW - The Ride will be a 'beyond vertical' drop of 100 degrees from a height of 100ft, making it the steepest freefall drop in the world. Riders will also endure three inversions that will add another dimension to a whole new experience of adrenaline-fuelled fun for thrill seekers.

SAW - The Ride continues the growth of the 'Saw' franchise as an international cultural touchstone. The original 2004 'Saw' launched a new wave in horror films and introduced a bona fide icon of terror: Jigsaw, the philosophically inclined psychopath with an exacting moral agenda and a genius for gruesome games of survival, 'played' with those he believes have ceased to value and appreciate the gift of life. Ratcheting up tension and invention with each successive film, the 'Saw' franchise has become a part of the zeitgeist while jangling nerves around the world. To date, the four 'Saw' titles have taken in over $550 million in worldwide theatrical box office and their combined gross DVD sales are nearly 24 million units.
Candy Holland, Creative Director for Merlin Entertainments Resort Theme Parks, is the woman behind the ride and arguably has Britain's scariest and most exciting job. She is an extreme thrill enthusiast and will draw on her extensive background in theme park and theatre set design, working with the project team to make it the scariest ride in the world. Candy was also responsible for the creative development of THORPE PARK's Stealth ride, Se7en maze, and Oblivion and Air at Alton Towers Resort.

Candy Holland comments, "I'm a huge fan of horror films and am utterly relishing creating the scariest ride in the world. Anybody who has sat through a 'Saw' film scared and terrified beyond belief will have some idea of what's in store for them at THORPE PARK. SAW - The Ride is going to be shocking and intense..both physically and psychologically..and is sure to give you nightmares.

"We have worked in close collaboration with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures on this project to ensure total accuracy of the key elements of the 'Saw' films, which when combined with the latest rollercoaster technology will create a phenomenal ride experience."

Marketing Director of THORPE PARK Carolyn London says, "SAW - The Ride is definitely only for the brave, and will add an element of edge to an already adrenaline packed breadth of thrills on offer. We're certain the 'Saw' theme will set pulses racing and will satisfy the appetite of those in search of the ultimate exhilarating experience."

'Saw' producers and Twisted Pictures principals Mark Burg and Oren Koules remark, "We love scaring people, and SAW - The Ride is a whole new way to do it. The team at THORPE PARK have really impressed us with their grasp of the 'Saw' universe and with their dedication to creating a truly edgy attraction."

Partnering with THORPE PARK means we're able to bring you great new content, such as on-site Project Dylan construction updates, as well as the Park's views on the latest news and issues.

Peter Ronchetti, THORPE PARK Divisional Director, comments: "We are delighted to confirm that we have given Thorpe Park Mania the title of 'Official THORPE PARK Fansite'. The team have created a fresh and exciting website that fits well with our brand. The dedication and creativity they have shown in creating the site caught our attention and we just couldn't ignore it! We hope this will provide a fruitful relationship and the information sharing channels can help us communicate easily to our most enthusiastic fans."

As well as all this, we're pleased to present our new Project Dylan construction site, with improved organisation of updates, and an improved RSS feed...so you'll never miss an update.

We hope you continue to enjoy and visit the No.1, and now 'Official THORPE PARK Fansite': Thorpe Park Mania.