For the thrillseekers amongst you or those who simply love theme parks, you can now land a dream job as a professional ride tester – and we’re not just talking about a domestic fairground…
Don’t get us wrong, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park are great, but how do you fancy an all-expenses paid trip to Florida?
As too good to be true as it might sound, we’re not having you on with this one: the role of ‘Professional Theme Park Tester’ is currently up for grabs and, if successful, it’ll see you flown out to Orlando to try Universal’s newest addition, the upcoming ‘Epic Universe Park’ (EUP).
Being offered by theme park specialists and package retailer, Attraction Tickets, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will see you spend a full week at the world-famous resort and essentially cram in as many rides and amusements as possible. So what’s the deal?
What does the role of an official theme park tester entail?
Well, for starters, you’ll be spending plenty of time on every ride there is to try at the soon-to-open Universal Epic Universe, and indeed all the other attractions at the wider Universal Orlando Resort.
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As well as reviewing each ride and getting lots of pictures and videos for social media whilst sampling the amusements, you’ll also be tasked with rating the best snacks, the best places for a photo op and the very best of the other entertainment offerings around the parks.
Oh, and if you’re wondering how much all of this will cost and whether you can afford it, don’t spare another thought: the company will not only be paying for your flights and transfers, as well as stay at the onsite hotel, but they’ll also be giving you a tasty £1,000 spending money during your time in Florida.
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Literally sounds like the perfect week if you ask us.
What are the requirements?
Now, to be shortlisted for the chance to become a theme park tester for a week, you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re willing to try all the rides and give detailed reviews of each, be camera-ready and get plenty of footage that may be used on Attraction Tickets’ social media channels and the website.
Oh, and you’ll also obviously need to be willing to fly – to Florida, specifically, meaning you’ll also need to take time off work to spend the full week in Orlando; have an up-to-date passport, ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization – essential for US travel) and valid travel insurance valid for 2025.
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Basically, so long as you’re eligible to fly to America and are willing to fully immerse yourself in the experience, you stand as good a chance as anyone else.
The ‘Dark Universe’ is part of the resort’s new EUPUniversal Helios Grand HotelCredit: Supplied (via Attraction Tickets/Loews Hotels)
What is the application process?
To apply for this role, all you need to do is film a short video (no longer than three minutes) explaining why you think you’d be a great Theme Park Tester. Send it via email to [email protected].
Please note: applications will close on Friday, 15 November 2024 and anyone applying after this date will not be considered, so don’t miss out on this golden opportunity.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of internal experts at Attraction Tickets, who will then decide who will be chosen as a professional Theme Park Tester by Friday, 10 January 2025.
You can begin your application process and find the full terms and conditions HERE.
Featured Images — Drew Hastings (via Unsplash)/Supplied
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Bayern Munich reportedly set to target Phil Foden in the summer transfer window
Danny Jones
European giants Bayern Munich are said to be interested in homegrown Manchester City star, and are interested in signing him this coming transfer window.
And if you believe some of the reports circulating around the Stockport-born footballer, he could very well be looking to leave the Etihad in the summer.
Foden seems to have somewhat fallen out of favour at Man City of late, having been benched in four of the last five games, with his overall minutes having been on a gradual slump over recent months; as a result, some sources are suggesting it’s prompted a potential move away.
As per TEAMtalk, the Bundesliga side is hoping to target the City youth product and England international ahead of next season, with former teammate turned Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany very keen on acquiring his services.
Man City have stepped up efforts to secure Phil Foden's future with talks held during the international break and confidence is now growing that a new deal will be finalised before the end of the season, amid Bayern Munich interest, @TEAMtalk can reveal.https://t.co/ScBP5a3a08
Whether or not having a club and Premier League legend in charge would serve as a sweetener for the attacking midfielder or not, who knows?
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, while the gifted playmaker is said to be “frustrated” with the current situation at Man City, the club are believed to have “stepped up efforts to secure the long-term future of Phil Foden, with fresh talks held during the international break”
Having still managed to chip in with 15 goal contributions so far this campaign – two-thirds of those involvements being goals – the hope is that they can tie him down to a new deal long before the end of the season.
There’s no question about his natural talent and versatility across the forward line; it’s just whether or not he’s happy with his game time under Pep Guardiola, which admittedly has often fluctuated ever since he broke into the first team.
Pep has never made a secret of his love for Phil, either; he’s just not afraid to mix things up and try different things given the squad depth at his disposal and other teams in the division becoming increasingly competitive.
It’s also worth noting that many expect him to be in Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineups for the Three Lions at this year’s World Cup.
At present, Foden’s contract is set to expire at the end of the next term (2026/27), but it’s rumoured that he could soon commit to staying until 2030 on paper.
Now 25, the once up-and-coming youngster/’rising star’ is now a fully-fledged senior professional and serial winner.
With many years still ahead of him, you could argue that this is the perfect time to take on a new challenge, or equally, stay with his beloved Blues and extend their modern dynasty as one of the more experienced and decorated members of the dressing room.
As for whether Kompany can convince him to swap his familiar surroundings for a fresh chapter in Germany, or whether or not another big Champions League-level outfit monitoring the situation could come sniffing, only time will tell.
For now, let’s just hope he has an incredible few weeks over in North America this June and July.
Inside the £1.3m Bolton gatehouse considered a ‘remarkable’ piece of local history
Emily Sergeant
A magnificent Grade II-listed gatehouse in an affluent area of Bolton has gone on the market, and it’s your chance to own a piece of local history.
You will need a small matter of £1.3 million before you’re able to call it yours, though.
Now, as we always say before we write about these stunning homes, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have this kind of money just sitting in bank accounts right now… but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Lostock Hall Gatehouse – a breathtaking Grade II-listed residence that’s believed to date back to the late sixteenth century.
Tucked away in ‘complete seclusion’ in the sought-after Bolton area of Lostock – which is known and loved by families thanks to its varied housing options, excellent local schools, convenient transport links, and proximity to amenities including Middlebrook Retail Park – this extraordinary five-bedroom link detached property is described as being ‘rich’ in heritage and architectural significance.
The home has been thoughtfully enhanced over time to introduce refined features for modern life, all while preserving plenty of original features.
Set behind imposing electric gates and nestled on a plot of just under three quarters of an acre, Lostock Hall Gatehouse is divided into two detached buildings, which estate agents say offers ‘unparalleled’ versatility for multi-generational living, business use, leisure space, or even guest accommodation.
This is the impressive Lostock Hall Gatehouse in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The main residence is packed with bags of character – think an original stone frontage, charming mullion windows, feature fireplaces, exposed beams, expansive rooms, and so much more.
Some of the other stand-out features in the main house include two impressive reception rooms, a beautifully presented country-style kitchen, and five large bedrooms arranged over two floors.
A short walk from the main residence stands a substantial two-storey detached building, which is in need of some refurbishment for sure, but estate agents say it presents exceptional potential and flexibility for a wide variety of uses.
It’s currently on the market for £1.3 million / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Just as you’d expect, the outside of the Lostock Hall Gatehouse is almost an impressive as the inside, as it boasts manicured lawns and gardens stretching beautifully across the plot and designed to be enjoyed in every season.
The large private driveway also provides off-road parking for several vehicles.
This property is currently on the market with the Bolton branch of local estate agency chain, Miller Metcalfe, for £1.3 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy at the Rightmove link here.
Danny Jones -
28th October 2024 
