The
UK's tallest and faster rollercoastermysteriously shut on May 25 - but members of the public are commending the theme park's actions.
Thorpe Park's new ride Hyperia claims to be the fastest, tallest and one which stimulates the most weightlessness in the UK.
On Friday May 24 thousands fled to the theme park, based in Chertsey, Surrey, to celebrate the opening of the new rollercoaster. However, less than 24 hours later, the park announced that "due to unforeseen circumstances", Hyperia would be closed until at least May 29.
Yesterday, a further announcement was made, but this time declaring: "Despite our best efforts we are unable to commit to re-opening Hyperia before Saturday 8th June." Both statements failed to mention the reason for the original closure, or its extension, with only that they "have had to temporarily close Hyperia following standard technical pre-opening procedure checks".
At odds with the annoyance normally usually caused by ride closures, many people have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Thorpe Park for being upfront about the closure.
Another user commented: "Nice transparency Thorpe, I don't think some people realise it won't just be the snap of your fingers and the ride can magically operate again. To be honest I give kudos for not rushing things and keeping people safe."
In response to a video update on May 29, thanking fans for their patience, one X user said: "Loving the inclusivity of the announcements you're making here. People don't understand that a lot of communications is now video based because that is what people are demanding. It allows you to post it in places your text updates can't reach too. This is a good strategy."
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The theme park has been responding to as many messages as possible to help with refunds or ticket transfers. In the video update, Thorpe Park's team member Alice, commented: "Please from all of us here at Thorpe Park, accept our deepest apologies. Just like the launch day, you showed up, and we were so excited to welcome you all. So, breaking this news to you was incredibly tough, but thank you for being so understanding."
Others X users have also been commending the social media team, who have been responding to messages from concerned ticketholders. "This is how any social media team should be. Handled the situation extremely well," shared an X user.
Thorpe Park is currently directing anyone with queries or concerns regarding Hyperia's closure, to its FAQs page.
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