Matt 236

Ravelijin was amazing Jack! Definitely my favourite show I've ever seen at a theme park [that doesn't involve fountains or projections]. Basically I liked most of the rides there, the only ones I didn't really like was Monseur Cannibal as it was so difficult to make the things spin. Pyphon was ok but rather dull as was Villa Volta, but is not a patch on Hex.

I'll be there and am inerested in Secret Santa too.

It's that time again to update my top 10 (especially after visiting an amazing park outside the Uk). Roller Coasters 1/ Nemesis 2/ The Swarm 3/ Joris De Draak- (new to the list) a smooth yet forceful fun ride makes for great things in addition to the heavily immersive theme,soundtrack and small touches such as the winning flags. 4/ Megafobia 5/ Thunder Mountain 6/ Thirteen 7/ Baron 1898- impressive theming and story can make a good ride a great one. 8/ Air 9/ Speed 10/ Space Moubtain DLP Off the list Rock N Roller coaster- Space Mountain is better Grand National- as much as like it Joris is much better plus the ride can be rough and operations leave a lot to be desired. Dark Rides 1/ Tower Of Terror 2/ Pirates of the Caribbean DLP 3/ Hex 4/ Valhalla 5/ Fate Morgana- this is a fantastic variation of the Pirates concept, the theming, music, everything is top notch. 6/ Ratatouille 7/ Droomvlucht- high quality again with excellent quality and everything. 8/ Crush 9/ Vogel Rock- such a Loverly ride, a bit like space mountain without loops. 10/ Duel Off the list Star Tours- needs an update Wallace & Gromit- the pacing is rather jarring (as much as I like this ride). Bubble works- Merlin Top 10 water rides 1/ Valhalla 2/ Flying Dutchman (Efteling) 3/ Pirana Rapids 4/ Congo River Rapids 5/ Drenched 6/ Loggers Leap 7/ Pirate Falls 8/ Tidal Wave 9/ Viking River Splash 10/ Dragon Falls Top 10 parks (visited) 1/ Disneyland Paris 2/ Efteling 3/ Alton Towers 4/ Thorpe Park 5/ Blackpool Pleasure Beach 6/ Legoland Windsor 7/ Chessington 8/ Oakwood 9/ Asventure Island 10/ Tivoli World Needs more Europa mcxvi

Just finished my 2nd and final day at Efteling, I think I live this park even more now. Fairy Tale Forest- full of massive charm and interaction, especially enjoyed the giant tree, water lily and troll King fairytales and the rest two were very good. The Soookes Jebbes show was interesting to watch (though definitely aimed at kids). Spent around 2 hours here which wasn't difficult (can see what people mean now). Spooksplot, was an interesting attraction. Certainly not my favourite but cleverly done. If you expect a show you'll be quite impressed maybe not so if you're expecting a ride. Went back to Poule's and had a sweet pancake this time, just as delicious as last time. Sadly didn't but mix as my bag is full to the brim. Baron has growed on me, very good ride definitely not my fav B&M but theming is excellent, plus at night it's amazing. Watched Aquanora again just as great as last time and a gentle soaking by water was definitely needed. Full review coming soon.

Droomvklucht I actually liked, I've never seen so much charm in a ride before like this. I'm planning to do a good look through the forest tommorow, today was mostly getting the big rides done. Flying Dutchman was also very good, amazing even and is fighting between Joris for my favourite coaster at the park. Yeah seen the mix and hoping to get some, however my main concern is, would it be legible to put in hand luggage with the 100 ML rule (gutted they've eliminated their online shop).

Yes, it's better than Alton Towers in most ways (except Hex beats Villa Volta) & they close the queues at closing). There's more atmosphere than Thorpe I must confess and parts of it remind me a little of Chessington (in its prime). DLP will likely be knocked off the top slot st some point, but not yet. After all, day 2 could well swing it.

Well Efteling today was absolutely fantastic. In summary (follow report coming soon). Baron- is good but would it not be for the pre-shows and theming it would be rather dull (need another ride or two I think). Joris- is now my favourite woodie (by a fingernail). It's so smooth yet forceful and the racing elrment only helps. Raveljan- is the best action show I've ever seen. It's faultless! Fate Morgana- is my favourite rude there currently. The theming , smells, sound and music are so immense it's near if not at Disney standard. Polle's Kitchen- absolute bliss one of the best places I've eaten at a theme park really. Anyone know how to get mix back to uk? Aquanora- is pretty much Efteling's answer to Dreams. It's amazing but dreams is still my favourite night show. Efteling is currently my 2nd favourite park. It feels so magical and full of atmosphere and the staff are very helpful, even in tricky situations. DLP is still first he to it not just bring Disney but due to the merchandise being rather dull, rides closing at closing time (instead of the queue) plus the illusion being ruined a bit at times DLP still wins. Btw thinking of doing polles again tommorow unless anyone knows of another good place to eat.

Dogs, they love you, keep you company, are loyal & faithful it to mention add a bit of security. Don't mind cats, but dogs all the way!

My, that looks fabtabulous. Need to get down Japan one day.

Yes I did miss the ride in its prime (just), though even then the fountain finale was still a lot better than what we have now which is unfortunately pretty much an empty wall with two mirror'ish other one and lights that don't give the effect near as much as it once did.

Thanks for the video, I have always had a soft spot for the Transylvania area of Chessington, and this helps it feel more-so. It's astounding how much skill, effort end creativity was placed upon this ride, from the beginning to the end. In its time it seems to come across as a game changing & revolutionary ride, where as mentioned it was one of the few original dark rides created then. There is further possibility that this could've even been close'ish to Disney standards at the time. Bubble works has always been a dark ride I've strongly enjoyed since first visiting Chessington in 2006 and this has helped me appreciate a lot more. I still remember how amazed I was when I first saw the fountain finale at the end with all the giant fountains everywhere and the impressive strobes which made it feel like you were blinking each time they occurred.

Ive heard Hartenhoff is going to be happening, but not until 2020 although it will be called something different now. Back on topic, I just hope this ride turns out to be worthwhile as the outcome could be something that is either utter,y brilliant or disappointing.

I am absoultely certain this is going to be a Simworx ride. Lets hope it's a good one.

Both look like worthwhile additions, especially the Ghost Train, tempted and hoping to ride it this year [as long as I don't need to take out a loan]. Any updates on that massive new power tower they were going to build/get last year but never happened?

Ive been to Thorpe before when Stealths been closed, but still had s good day. Went to Chessie many years ago where Fury was the same yet still had a good day. Even on my previous trip to Blackpool, when Big One (some could argue is their iconic ride) was closed all day due to wind (the big one), yet still had a good day. Though closed rides are a massive hassle, they don't necessarily ruin days out at parks (depending on the date of visit) as there's often lots to see and visit. DLP in 2016 however is another kettle of fish (considering three major rides will be closed all year and a further five or six supporting attractions also closing in the year. One must also remember than Stealth has been running longer than most of the rides there too having been open for Feb half term too. Will I be visiting Thorpe this weekend? No But there's a good reason behind that and it certainly is not Stealth (mcXVI)

I GOT THE FIRST SWARMY TRAIN OF THE YEAR! see no one cares. Anyways, based on usual things Stealth is often the worse for long breakdowns at Thorpe [coaster wise] and hopefully lots of work can be done on the ride to get it ready for it's tenth anniversary [Wow]. Hopefully the offending part is nothing to serious as I hear if some parts of Stealthy fail, she could be down for a year. As far as I'm aware there's not going to be a FHT next year. At least for Thorpe. TBH I doubt many people will be visiting Thorpe now with Fright Nights over and the weather getting now, probs just mostly fans,locals and those with time off to visit probably now.

This makes me very excited! My wish seems to have been granted. I'm hoping this will be a ride will be loosely IP based with an original story. The ride is getting more and more exciting now.

Just imagine Bubbleworks without the fountains, the mirrors and the music? That would be awful, might as well just turn the lights off too as that would be better.

Today is the day many DLP fans have been waiting and/or dreading to happen. And this will be the site of Big Thunder Mountain now for the next 13 months. Source- Inside DLP Lots more work is taking place too. Some light at the end of the tunnel remains however. It's certainly going to be a long year and a half with all these refurbishments at DLP and so many areas closed, and that's before Peter Pan, Star Tours, Rock N Rollercoaster plus Asvebture Isle, Cabane De Robinson, Animagicue & Tram Tour (who cares) close up. I have no plans to do DLP next year but I'm sure the place will look fantastic when 2017 arrives.

Sounds as though a lot of negative events have happened back stage then. Overall it's been a poor year for Merlin as a whole (except Legoland) which is a shame to hear this. Howl O Ween was alright last week but did lack in many areas, in that it needed another maze, at least one stage show and some roaming actors (that are more eccentric than scary). Really hope things can get sorted and HITH can make a come back next year, even if it's under a different name as that alone would entice me fully to return for next years event. Chewing ton (or Merlin eve), do need to get their act together and make these good events great again. 'This will do' attitudes will never be acceptable. I look at other uk Halloween events and the likes of Screamland & Screamfest Burton look like they wipe the floor here personally, and that's before any mention of the fantastic looking Scarefest this year.

Paultons is the only uk park that's actually making 'nice' things, nonetheless this looks fantastic and is one of many why this park will be on my radar for the near future [if getting there doesn't stop me].

With both these attractions closing this year and both replaced in 2017, another thing has struck me. Considering Universal has no areas in the parks they can currently expand, what attractions are likely for the chopping block for 2018 plus attractions I wonder?

Best news since Dreen Brown! Slammer, keep on slamming.

Wow! That happened rather quickly! So 2016 looks to be a good year, 2017 to be an even better one for the park having two massive new rides in addition to a massive new water park too. Vsitor numbers I've heard this year have been their highest yet at both here & the Hollywood park which is definitely a good thing. However the park will definitely be rather bleak between now and may/June having Hulk closed, Disaster closed plus twister going very soon too, amongst other possible closures too.