Han30

Thank you so much everyone for replying! 🙏
 
@JoshC. I took your advice - yesterday at Towers I reminded myself too look around to spot some “non teen groups” - and there were LOADS.
 
@Martin Doyle That’s an interesting point about Efteling - abroad you do tend to notice more adults without kids visiting the parks. 
 
I think you guys are right - it’s a Thorpe thing. Now I think of it, it’s generally at Thorpe that I feel too old, standing alongside all the teens!  I suppose other places (particularly Towers in the uk) don’t have that feeling so much (unless it’s school trip season!)
 
You’re spot on there @Han30 - I completely agree, who bloody cares anyway!
 
I can honestly see myself visiting the parks well in to my old age.  Thinking back to yesterday at the fireworks, I can’t see myself ever not wanting to return!

I think I accidentally clicked the wrong answer on the poll (I’m blaming my age 🤣 - the irony).
 
Honestly I don’t think you can ever be too old for theme parks - if it is something you enjoy, go for it!
I turned 40 last year (should probably change my forum name as I’ve been here 10 years and I’m no longer 30) and I don’t feel my age in general day to day life.  That said I totally understand particularly Thorpe Park - because it is mainly teenagers that visit I can often feel a bit out of place but then I certainly don’t act my age so it doesn’t bother me - I usually visit the parks with my 17 year old niece and it’s not as noticeable as when I’m with my friend who is my age and her son because we are both in our 40s (don’t know if that made any sense - it’s been a long day!).
 
I don’t think anyone at parks would be looking at you and thinking you are out of place unless they are extremely judgmental.  I visited Thorpe a couple of times by myself when my ex worked at the park - first time I felt so uncomfortable at first and then after a while I thought sod it - people are out enjoying their day and won’t be scrutinising other guests or even noticing.
 
Ive been an enthusiast for 21+ years but didn’t start visiting the Merlin parks regularly (more than my annual visit) until 2013.  I did have a Tussauds pass in 2002 but that only covered off peak days for Thorpe and Chessington.  So I was 32/33 when I became a regular visitor.  Yeah I do feel old at times - but if I still enjoy parks when I’m 70 I’ll still be visiting.
 
I totally understand being a bit self conscious but I honestly think these things are often more of a big deal in your head than in reality and the way we might feel is not a clear indication of what is real.  Not sure if I’m making sense - it’s been a long day and I’m zonked.  Also apologies for possibly typing an essay 🙈

As Matt said, we are never too old, but our feelings for things change.
I am more than twice your age and love rides and roller coasters but I have often commented on how different people are, both emotionally and physically. Our appreciation and need for things change. Some would never consider using the rides, me? I have never been interested in basketball. If we were all the same, there would be one heck of a queue for the ride we love. The demographics of society affects the type of people attending parks, I.e. The majority of youngsters are not in the type of employment from which there would be difficulty in having time off.  Again for me in the past I worked shifts, so that helped.
 
Don't let your age control whether you ride or not, let your feelings decide that, and whatever you choose, enjoy it.

I thought the exact same thing about Adventureville - weirdly reminds me of the bubbleworks.
 
Ive not visited adventure island since 2017 and gutted about over the hill - I genuinely enjoyed that ride.
 
Axis looks interesting - is it very intense?  I wasn’t a huge fan of Scorpion so not really fussed that it has gone and the last time I rode Dragons Claw I had to go to the toilet to be sick 🤢 .  As for Time Machine - did it once - never again 😱 - horrific thing!
 
Great review - was hoping to take my nephews there but I think it’s best to stay away after what you mentioned about lack of social distancing etc 👌

I went to my first Scarefest last week - already done Fright Nights since 2013, and did Tulleys a few weeks ago.  Totally agree with you about The Welcoming.
As for Sub Species - that's the only scare maze that has truly terrified me to the point that I ran out and burst into tears whilst having an asthma attack and bad anxiety - I'd probably do it again in the future despite it being fricking terrifying - but it achieved for me an actual scare - the dude with the chainsaw at the end was bloody terrifying ?

Doing Steeplechase no handed just takes practice...you need to hold on for the brakes though.
Mousey no hands is easy if you are six foot four, just wedge yourself in.
Went with my wife Saturday night, fireworks, beer and coasters, heaven.

There was a lot of screaming on the small coasters!

The Ghost Train is definitely worth it, especially as it has it's real ghosts as well, supposedly.

Really good trip report, BPB is my home (season pass) park, I live half an hour away, so go roughly weekly.
I never hold on on the Mouse or Steeplechase Han, I treat the place more of a pub with rides...beer is an essential in Blackpool.
Quite right about the Big One, it is all about the first drop, and yes, the front left seat is often the wettest on Valhalla.
Shame you missed Revolution, the drop backwards is very good indeed.
The BPB staff are very friendly and informal, lots have become mates over the years, because I am very tall they tend to take the p!ss out of me from miles away.
 
Hope Infusion didn't rattle your teeth loose!
Wouldn't want any issues there...

Haha, I was the exact same after riding Steeplechase and Wild Mouse- I tend to have a will prepared before riding them 
Couldn't agree more on Infusion though, its rare for me to not enjoy rides, heck I even find some enjoyment in Colossus and Saw, but Infusion.. Holy jeesus is that thing a abomination!

Great review - and fab on ride pics - question though - how did you know where the camera was on Vampire?!

Great pics - sounds like you had a brilliant time 

Nothing wrong with your photography - got some pretty good photos in there.  I've never seen Duel with a queue before - although when I went a few weeks ago we had to walk around the queue line which I've never done before - was odd as the ride was walk on.  Ah Smiler looks so sad with no lights but at leasts its running again!

I second what Adam said. The park spreads so far its not the queues, it's the distance between rides that account for not being able to do rides, which is why it's important that if you want to do everything here you don't go back on yourself. I really hope SW8 is more then just a coaster, or not a coaster at all. More then ever Towers is in need of some back up rides, so I'd love to see mutiny bay extended not just with a potential multi million pound ride, but also the introduction of more flats (even though, it seem,s its the only area of the park left with multiple flats)

Some nice pics there - guess I can't really judge the place without visiting but the only thing I will say is - BURGER KITCHEN - NOOOO!!! I used to really like that Crossed Ribs gaff. I've only ever bought coffee and chips from Burger Kitchen - everything else looks a wee bit suspicious
As for theming, due to it being largely a kids/family park I guess they (and the GP) don't notice small things which enthusiasts would. I know, before I became interested in theme parks etc I never really took much notice of theming. I first visited Legoland last year and was pretty impressed with the place - maybe because I wasn't expecting much - although if you compare Legoland Windsor to other Lego resorts (from photos anyway) it doesn't shine that brightly

Really enjoyed reading that and a great selection of photos to show off how beautiful the park is - the greenery/plants etc are really peaceful, then you have the animals aswell. Ok so it isn't a thrill park but has a decent selection of rides and is a good day out.
I visited Paultons back in 2011 for the first time in years when they were promoting Peppa Pig world (and I got to meet Peppa Pig whoo) - when I returned last year I was stunned at how well themed it was - Merlin take note!!
If you have a strong stomach then The Edge is more intense than Kobra at CWOA. And just to confuse things, Cobra is a pretty decent coaster (my fave ride there).
I think Magma is good but yes I agree about the queue line not making a great deal of sense but the ride itself is good fun.
Did you go to the area where Wave Runner is? - Basically same as Depth Charge at TP which is great if there isn't a big queue because the stairs on that thing are horrible if you have a fear of heights!
Great park, great staff and I would recommend a visit to anyone - I love it there and I am old and my niece loves it (she isn't old)
Hopefully at some point this year I shall make another visit to Paultons - oh and the new entrance look v nice

Have you taken something Myk?! Nice blog entry

You should have packed Storm Surge in your case and dumped it back there.
Looks like a nice clean fresh park, if things like Splash Battle are going round empty is it not doing very well, or was it just a bit cold for it?

Brilliant review - a good read and excellent description of the ride experience

Aww Han!
I too am so glad you didn't disappear - TPM wouldn't be the same without you! You are by fun one of the funniest people I have ever met (even if sometimes that is down to you acting like an idiot ). I am really glad that you have been able to begin combating a few of your fears (mostly the anxiety, really) - I realise that can be super difficult.
You are definitely a valued member here, and as far as I'm aware everyone likes you! So who cares if you jump in puddles from time to time and go a bit crazy (you've met Ian, right? ) - it's the best way to be!

Alton is the best

I like how a quarter of the way doghouse said you were waffling.....

I hoping to get up there for my Bday in 2014

I'm glad you had a great time, hopefully you will be able to go again so we can ride AIR!!!!!!!!!!

Awww Han, I love this, glad that you've concurred loads of your fears, and you are very welcome to be here, hopefully I'll see you again at the Stealth ERT/Photo Shoot, if not, some other time