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Matt’s Moderate Adventures

A blog by Matt 236 in General

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    38

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About this blog

Prepare for physiological cred journey!

Entries in this blog

Why Parc Asterix is Underrated:

Many enthusiasts boast about Efteling, Europa Park and Phantasialand. This isn’t my quote but it’s true. These parks boast quality attractions, theming and usually lead the way when it comes to innovation.. but what about Asterix?   Parc Asterix is a fair sized “family park” located in Plailly France, just outside of Paris. This place boasts a well rounded diverse selection of attractions and is based off the Asterix comics.  Despite it’s continuation of investments, class ride

Seeing The Point: Creek goes to the USA Part I

America! It’s somewhere I have wanted to go and visit since I can remember.    I had always dreamt of visiting here, since seeing it in films, television and more. The style and the culture.    Recently that dream became a reality, thanks to a great opportunity with some great mates. Bringing not only a chance to visit the states but one of it’s most iconic parks Cedar Point.    Now you’ve probably already read Mark9’s informative trips from here, so a different scope sh

Galactica: A Gimmick Lost In Space

It had been almost two years since my previous visit to Alton Towers, due to numerous reasons and terrible planning in 2015 [see my Alton Towerless weekend entry]. Whilst 2016 is set to Thorpe's year on the new ride development front, a new attraction managed to pull me in to the orbit of Alton Towers. That new experience was Galactica, the park's former flyer Air, now turned VR coaster for 2016.Would this ret-heme reach new heights or lack atmosphere without Air. Now I know what some of you

Euro Matt: The Wonders Of Europa

Over the last year, my theme park adventures have taken me to some  weird and wonderful places away from the U.K. This is all started with Disneyland Paris last april [with a return visit in September] followed by Efteling in November. But from here on, where would my next theme park adventure take me? It would take me to Europa Park, the crème de la creme of European parks amongst being one of the best in the world [if not the best]. After a doable 1 hr 20 minute flight to Basel from Gatwi

The Lost Creek

Somewhere in the rural Hamptonshire countryside, lies a mysterious theme park. But this isn't any ordinary theme park, which is home to dinosaurs, Cobras, wonderful beasts and a famous animated pig (to name a few). This is a park that is certainly on the up, investing in attractions that improve the park whilst retaining and complimenting it's character and values. It's a place so renowned for its greatness, legend has it adventurers have travelled to the depths of boots to witness it'

Eye Of The Tiger

Chessington. It is arguably one of the most iconic and notable tourist attractions in the United Kingdom and naturally enriched in facts and history.   Opening it’s doors in 1931, Chessington Zoo was born and was once the largest private zoo in England as a result. Years passed by and Pearsons brought up the zoo. When the 1980’s arrived, the zoo was believed to be in decline and Tussauds (part of Pearsons) had the challenge of rejuvenating the attraction to a new generation.  

Current Thorpe Park Attractions Ranked Worst To Best

Some love it, others love to hate it. That’s Thorpe Park! Home to numerous attractions, some are delightful, others are worse than that Hunchback Of Notre Dame sequel and a few are just alright.    Here’s my honest and “potentially” spoiler inducing opinions on the Island’s current offering.   27/ Wet Wet Wet  Literally says what it does on the tin. You go down a slide and then get wet, wet, wet. Mind blown, who would’ve thought it! Next you’ll tell me it’s only intended for k
California Extreming

California Extremin, Part 1- Six Flags Magic Mountain 

Hey all, I initially thought that I would be handing in my blogging quill  following my Florida trip 2 years ago. However I guess my passion and interest for parks and traveling has perhaps resurrected this.   Until last month, I had never set foot in a Six Flags park (shock horror). However that finally changed, following a significant trip to California. After some sightseeing shenanigans in San Francisco, it was time to experience my first major park. Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Phantastically Acceptable

2016 has certainly been one of my best years for visiting new amazing parks, being lucky enough to visit Europa Park, Liseberg, Paultons Park and Drayton Manor (I suppose).    This September though, things would become even more fantastic as I was to experience my first time. The first time I would be visiting Phantasialand. This is a park I've been wanting to visit now for a longtime, hearing how flawless the theming and attention to detail was here and the quality of the rides; at le

Wickerman- A Hot Topic

The Wickerman marks a noticeable and remarkable  change from previous Secret Weapon coasters. Not only does it aim more towards older families (over thrill-seekers) but it doesn’t feature a ground breaking element (if one can excuse their previous claims. It’s made out of wood too by the way. This review contains spoilers.    Now enthusiasts, fans and the like have been wanting   a wooden roller coaster at Towers for years. Previously with little success, until now. Cross Valley

Rage Against The Time Machine

It has been five years since I last visited this quirky little place and quite a lot has changed for better and worse. With a horrible virus still at large and more countries on the quarantine list, I probably won’t be going abroad for a while so staycation it is. But is it all worth it? New for 2019 the park added Axis, a flat ride which is like an afterburner but goes over the top (360) giving an intense but unique experience. It’s easily the best flat ride and probably one of the be

20 Years Of Awesomeness

In 1996 within the Berkshire countryside, a defunct Safari park was invaded by bricks. Bricks that would mark the way for Legoland Windsor which would become the second Lego theme park in the world after Billund. Home to a boating school, driving school, Lego model village, A pirate log flume  and more, the park was truly a unique place especially in it's early years.  Twenty Years on, the park is now part of the Merlin machine currently operating six (and counting) Legoland parks and

Spooky 2016

Welcome, to the Haunted Reviews, Mwoarhaha    2016 has provided me with a vast number of park trips and adventures. A trend which has continued happily for the Halloween season.    Due to excessive number of events done and trying not to bore you with maze review after maze review, I thought I would try and compact my trips into just one report. Where I intend to focus mainly on the best bits (and sometimes the worst).    Xtreme Scream Park/

Seeing The Point: Creek goes to the USA- Part 2- All The Mall Things

Welcome Back (if you didn’t get bored last time).    Previously, I left you with a Cliff hanger on whether we managed to get on Top Thrill Dragster. I’m afraid this is going to be a bit of a disappointment, because we didn’t return to the park. On the second day (at least).    Day 2- A Pointless Day Although our hotel package included park tickets, these were only valid for three days, so at least one of our days was to be away from the park.    With adverse weather

A Frightening Shocking Time Of Year

Halloween! It’s usually my favourite time of year. Parks are open longer, the darkening evenings lead to more night rides and the parks play host to scare mazes, spooky shows and creepy theming. Maybe all three.   Now 2019 is far from my best and favourite year of Halloween. I haven’t visited as many attractions this year, due to numerous commitments and setbacks unexpectedly happening to me lately. However I’ve tried to enjoy and make the best of what I have been able to do.   

Ten Defunct Attractions I Wished to have  Experienced

In a (usually) ever moving world, parks change and update. Whether that be building attractions themed to blockbuster movies, the latest children’s book or original ideas. whilst new attractions rise, old ones will naturally and unfortunately fall. Due to age, redevelopment or reasons unknown. On the ever-growing list, here’s 10 attractions I wished to have experienced.   1/ Pirate Adventure- Drayton Manor Theme Park Operated 1990-2015 I have quite a soft spot f

Seven Rides That Summarise 2020

This year May not be over yet but it has been one long roller coaster ride and sadly not an enjoyable one other . As this horrible time remains  dominated by a  never ending pandemic, here’s some rides that may be a reminder and summarisation of how 2020 is going. Hold on tight and remain seated, you are in for a very bumpy ride! 1/ Meanstreak- Cedar Point  Tall, long and dominating. The whole presence of this attraction should deliver something great to live up to it’s name. Sadly 
California Extremin Part 2 Universal Hollywood

California Extremin, Part 2- Universal Studios Hollywood 

Hello and welcome to part 2 of my California 2024 trip reports. This entry takes us Universal Studios Hollywood, the original universal park which has now been open for over 50 years, predating every other park considerably. Even the Orlando resort. As oldest Universal park, at first glance this park is significantly smaller than its other parks with considerably fewer attractions, especially compared to the Orlando resort. However this park makes up for much of that shortfall. 
Knotts Berry Scary Farm

California Extremin- Part 3, Knotts Berry (Scary) Farm

Welcome back, if the other parts didn’t  bore you. Here’s my report for Knotts Berry Farm. But first, here’s a photo of the Hollywood sign. Seeing this in the flesh was just exciting.  Out of the California parks I visited, Knotts has got to be the most divisive one I’ve done so far. A somewhat underwhelming park in the day, plagued by disappointing operations, some rundown areas and other bits. That said, the beef meal at the BBQ place was superb.   Owned by Cedar Fair
California Extremin- Disneyland Part 1

California Extremin- Part 4- Disneyland- the original

Hello, here is the fourth and final report from my recent California trip so no better place to end than in Disneyland. Not Paris, but the one that started it all, which Walt built and set foot in.  Opening in 1955, the park and resort marks for one of the first and oldest theme parks (not amusement parks) around, which perfectly boasts and balances traditional character, but also modernity as well. Unlike its French and Floridian counterparts, this one (at least in landmass) is much sm
Disney California adventure- California Extremin

California Extremin- Part 5 Disney’s California Adventure & conclusion

Welcome to the fifth and final addition to my California trip report. You’ve heard of car park coasters, now get ready for car park theme parks! Ok, this place doesn’t look like a car park. At least not anymore! Opening in 2001 on the former original car park of Disney, the neighbouring Disneyland was a magical, immersive and well themed destination. This place had none of them and was seen as a disaster and embarrassment. Flash forward two decades, and through various updates and expan

Closed Season Cravings-Disney At Christmas

Several weeks into the UK theme park closed season and the urge to visit somewhere has kicked in. Rather than pay over the odds for a zoo with a Poundland grotto or illuminated bricks, I decided to return somewhere special to my heart. Lurking in the distance lies, a magicical place.    Disneyland Paris, is that magical place. A place of dreams and wonders  It's certainly clear that 2016 isn't the most ideal time to be visiting with the yearly closu

Matt Creek's 2016 Part 1-The UK

The Closed season is here, Christmas  music and decorations are around everywhere and the sight of new year  isn't far away.    This means one thing, time to review 2016. This year will be a two part edition, with part one focusing on the UK and part two on the wonders abroad.    The Merlin Machine/  Given the circumstances of 2015, it was fairly imminent this wasn't going to be the best year for them. With Park-wide budget cuts, ride closures and controversial decisions, th

Matt Creek's 2016 Part 2- Phantastic Abroad Adventures

Thank you for reading part 1 of my trip report. Here's part 2 of my annual review if you have not died of boredom where we will look into the wonders of the international parks.   Europa Park Visiting what is arguably the best European park (or even the world) is one thing, but doing it in a medium sized group that is TPM made things that extra bit more exciting.    Situated within a small and charming German town makes for one beautiful location making it one of

Phantasialand: Ein Deutsches Winterwunderland

Phantasialand is one of my favourite theme parks, it may not be the biggest park out there, but they certainly know how to mix a combination of attractions within remarkable footprints.   Just over a year following my first visit, I decided to make a return visit for Winter to see the park beautifully lit up and decorated for Christmas. Berlin Street, a beautiful park entrance (at least once you get past the street). It borrows some elements from Main Street but also makes i

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