THORPE PARK, SURREY, UK

The Thorpe Park Facebook page has revealed a testing video of their new B&M Wingrider Coaster - The Swarm.

While the train gracefully glides around the track, it does seem a little slow at the moment, probably due to the fact it's new and the weather is cold.

It's still very exciting for all coaster fans in the UK though. Take a look on Thorpe's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150702617094815

ALTON TOWERS, STAFFORDSHIRE, UK

Plan submitted to the local council reveal details and layout of Alton Towers' new coaster for 2013.

The new coaster will be situated in the X-Sector area of the park where the Black Hole tent currently sits. The tent will be removed to make way for the park's second new coaster in three years.

The coaster is most likely a Gerstlauer Eurofighter. The noise report submitted with the plans refers to Saw: The Ride at Thorpe Park as a similar example. The proposed layout features a vertical lift and a small footprint, which is synonymous with the Eurofighter model. There are definitely 8 inversions on the plan submitted.

The height of the coaster is 195 metres above sea level - roughly the same height as Oblivion - and will be themed to match the X-Sector area's colours and industrial atmosphere. This means it shouldn't require planning permission. The actual coaster will be around 22 metres high (72 feet) at the highest point from the ground.

The planning applications are currently pending decision, but only for the station building. Alton Towers seem confident the coaster itself falls under their standard development plan. The determination date to accept/reject the plans is 14th February 2012.

For more information, please see the related links below.

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES, SURREY, UK

One of the oldest themed areas at Chessington World of Adventures is to undergo a retheme - if planning permission is granted.

Plans submitted to the local council in late November show the Toy Town area will be replaced with a show stage. Gone are the Flying Jumbos (although rumours suggest they'll be moved to the site of the old Rodeo ride) which will be replaced with log style seating.

The buildings in Toy Town will be getting new African themed facials, partially resembling the theme that is prevalent throughout Yorkshire theme park Flamingoland. The proposed new theme strengthens the rumour that a Madagascar film tie-in is on the cards.

PAULTONS PARK, HAMPSHIRE, UK

Over the past few weeks, Paultons Park have been posting cryptic messages on their Facebook page. The messages point towards strange temperature readings and rumblings being recorded on the grassy area near to the Edge and Cobra rides.

Despite badgering the management at the park and checking the local council website for planning permission applications, we're none the wiser.

However, the park have registered a new website - www.theresnosmokewithoutfire.com - which displays a volcanic scene and a dinosaur. Paultons Park also created micro-sites for Edge and Corba during construction so it's safe to say a major new ride with a prehistoric theme is on the cards!

PLEASURE BEACH BLACKPOOL, LANCS, UK

At nearly 215ft, The Big One at Pleasure Beach Blackpool was once the tallest and fastest coaster in Europe.

Following on from our last 3D rollercoaster front seat point of view - The Ultimate at Lightwater Valley - we're pleased to bring you this iconic coaster in sexy 3Dness!

You'll need the red & green/blue glasses to view it properly. The clear-lensed 3D glasses that you stole from the cinema will not work.

For a 2D version and to see over 750 other theme park videos, please see and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

DRAYTON MANOR PARK, STAFF, UK

People visiting Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas event this year (26th November to 2nd January) will have to pay a £2 parking charge.

This is the first time the park has introduced a parking charge. It's unclear if the charge will be extended to the regular 2012 season (we're waiting on an email reply). The charge can be seen on the parks tickets page on their website.

This parking charge, as burdensome as it is, brings the park in line with many other parks in the UK, Europe and USA who charge for parking.