Matt 236

Haven’t done as many as some, but here goes. 1/ Hex- Alton Towers No surprises here. I adore the soundtrack, the buildup, storyline and that the whole thing is nestled within the original Towers. Excluding the main hardware of course. Still remember my first ride on this and instantly became obsessed with it. The story ends there. 2/ Villa Volta- Efteling Simply stunning. I love the decorative exterior and interior, the hidden effects and the marvellous orchestral soundtrack. Kudos for this being the original madhouse. 3/ Defi De Caesar- Parc Asterix Definitely one of the more unique madhouses out there, from it’s comical yet original pre-shows and a storyline typically different that your usual curse/bad luck type of storylines. 4/ Haunted House Monster Party- Legoland Windsor Fun, enjoyable all round and a marvellous soundtrack (as others have mentioned). It’s free flowing story makes a change from your usual plot lines and makes it noticeably more re-rideable as a result. Shame about the exterior. 5/ The Haunting- Drayton Manor I can’t remember as much when I did this, which is probably bad of me, but I did like the spooky atmosphere, projections and midnight syndicate soundtrack though. Neither the best or worst. 6/ Feng Ju Palace- Phantasialand Somewhat the opposite of Monster Party. Beautiful exterior but the rest sucks. A long, confusing and tedious pre-show (though some of the effects are cool) and á just as mundane madhouse. Hopefully if the park redevelop the Asian area next, they can improve the madhouse whilst at it. 7/ Fluch Der Kassandra- Europa Park Dare I say this could be the park’s weakest attraction? Maybe? Don’t get me wrong, the madhouse section is fine (if not unremarkable). Although the lack of context and storyline does detract substantially. 8/ Impossible- Blackpool Pleasure Beach Does it even count? Maybe not? Is this just a “typical ploy” to ensure my favourite park doesn’t have an attraction last on this list? Quite possibly. Regardless, Impossible is simply an awful attraction trying to pose as a madhouse and should be the next thing Mandy rips out! Need to do more madhouses once this selfish virus ends (if ever).

Regardless of whether how reputable or successful ones work is, it’s great to see someone create an original project with much of the park community. And for a good cause with the charity thing too. It’s a fact that the last year has (and unfortunately) continues to be a challenging and difficult time for almost everyone. People can’t meet up and catch-up with their family, friends etc. And it can be hard indeed for many. Until that hopeful time in the future arrives where we can enjoy life properly again. Not everyone will be tolerant (let alone impressed) by people’s creations. And I say to this. If you don’t like something, don’t watch it!

I'm fully aware things have imperfections but could you be more specific.

With Europe likely to remain closed for some time yet, I decided to create a piano medley based around the soundtracks of Europa Park.

Whilst we all wait impatiently for the park season to begin (whenever that may well be), an eager fan sets up shop ready for opening.

So Disneyland Paris has now officially extended their closure, with reopening now scheduled for the 2nd April. Source- park social media. Wouldn’t be surprised to see this pushed further to May or June given circumstances. Delayed closure/reopening of other European and U.K. parks is unfortunately imminent.

I just hope it isn’t like their burgers!

Tbh I’ll be happy to ride almost any coaster this year given the state of everything right now! That name is certainly quite a spin (pun intended) on your typical coaster name.

Nothing is safe or confirmed (even the U.K. parks), but if I’m permitted to travel anywhere besides the kitchen and garden, my 2021 itinerary might be: The Merlin Parks Blackpool PB Paultons Phantasialand Efteling Tover Land Walibi Belgium Energylandia Disneyland CA/ California Adventure SF Magic Mountain Universal Hollywood Knotts Plus maybe/hopefully Flamingo Land Plopsaland (in spite of “that burger” Walibi Belgium Europa & Rutluntica Another European park (maybe for Christmas) Light provision ATM, 2021 could be a crazy or crap year depending what happens with the C word person. Carol Baskin!

So the winner blasts them all! Happy New Year all!

I seriously hope this happens and though I’m still in the “I’ll believe it when I see it” club right now, things are looking somewhat more optimistic and hopefully we will see things taking shape soon. Theres still many hurdles ahead for this project and one has to hope it doesn’t end up like one of those that gets abandoned during construction or how Hard Rock park ended up.

Corrected. This will truly be a coaster like no other! Unless you compare it to an Intamin multi-launch.

Now that’s what I call a rocket lunch No Go Kart acceleration here!

Depth Charge (3) Detonator: Bomb's Away (3) Flying Fish (0) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3) Quantum (3) Rocky Express (3) Rumba Rapids (3) Rush (5) Samurai (4) Vortex (3) Le Rush + Les Poisson Volant - OUT RESET Depth Charge (3) Detonator: Bomb's Away (3) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3) Quantum (3) Rocky Express (3) Rumba Rapids (3) Rush (3) Samurai (3) Vortex (3)

Depth Charge (3) Detonator: Bomb's Away (3) Flying Fish (3) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3) Quantum (3) Rocky Express (3) Rumba Rapids (3) Rush (2) Samurai (3) Timber Tug Boat (4) Vortex (3) Zamperla Tug Boat Ride + S&S Sky Swing Ride - This game needs a 2020 style ending

Depth Charge (3) Detonator: Bomb's Away (3) Flying Fish (3) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3) Quantum (3) Rocky Express (3) Rumba Rapids (3) Rush (3) Samurai (2) Storm in a Teacup (3) Timber Tug Boat (4) Vortex (3) Tim Timboat + Sam Rye -

Depth Charge (3) Detonator: Bomb's Away (3) Flying Fish (3) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3) Quantum (3) Rocky Express (3) Rumba Rapids (3) Rush (3) Samurai (3) Saw - The Ride (2) Storm in a Teacup (3) Tidal Wave (3) Timber Tug Boat (4) Vortex (3) The Tug Ride+ Sore-

Depth Charge (3) Detonator: Bomb's Away (3) Flying Fish (3) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3) Quantum (3) Rocky Express (3) Rumba Rapids (3) Rush (4) Samurai (3) Saw - The Ride (3) Stealth (3) Storm in a Teacup (3) Tidal Wave (3) Timber Tug Boat (2) Vortex (3) Stealth + Tom’s Tug Boat -

Colossus (2) Depth Charge (3) Detonator: Bomb's Away (3) Flying Fish (3) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3) Quantum (3) Rocky Express (3) Rumba Rapids (3) Rush (3) Samurai (3) Saw - The Ride (3) Stealth (4) Storm in a Teacup (3) Tidal Wave (3) Timber Tug Boat (3) Vortex (3) Stelf + Colosis -

Colossus (4) Depth Charge (3) Detonator: Bomb's Away (3) Flying Fish (3) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3) Quantum (3) Rocky Express (3) Rumba Rapids (3) Rush (4) Samurai (4) Saw - The Ride (3) Stealth (2) Storm in a Teacup (3) Tidal Wave (3) Timber Tug Boat (3) Vortex (3) Zodiac (1) Stealth 1+ Zodiac - I'm BACK YO!

Such a shame, 2020 has been such a horrific year especially for Drayton Manor. First the floods, then the (ongoing) pandemic/lockdowns and now this. Not to mention going into administration and the “imminent” Splash canyon accident fine. Don’t think any other park has had it so hard. Least no animals or anyone were hurt though.

I think on the whole the new piece of theming mostly looks great from what we’ve seen so far and is probably one of the better examples we’ve seen since Wild Asia at least. However writing more on this, I can understand some of the points of it looking flat which seems the case from certain angles. Also, the existing area may need some work too as it’s looking remarkably worn in several sections. The “time will tell” factor is something else to consider, because whilst something might look great to begin with, it could already start to look rundown and dilapidated after just 2/3 seasons without proper care and/or construction. Something which has happened too often with previous projects. Lets hope the park can show us they can pull off a substantial flat ride investment and make it work, because at the end of the day it’s still under construction.

The changes are a mixed bag and perhaps not surprising or expected, especially given the substantial increases. On one note it now costs significantly more for the same product, unless one goes for the basic pass. However it could be argued that despite it’s numerous flaws, the MAP in it’s original form offered cheap and remarkable value. The intention may well to reduce the number of pass holders whilst making more money for the company. Whether we see more of this towards investments at existing attractions, remains to be seen.

Whilst they are at it, I have also heard: Professor Burps Bubbleworks is returning and replacing Gruffalo (they’ll use remaining props and printed cardboard Scorpion Express will be renamed Runaway Train, minus the rockwork Tiger Rock will be renamed Dragon Falls. Again minus the rockwork Chessington. All back Right!

Amity Beach (4) Colossus (5) Depth Charge (5) Detonator: Bomb's Away (5) Flying Fish (5) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (5) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (5) Nemesis Inferno (6) Quantum (5) Rocky Express (5) Rumba Rapids (5) Rush (5) Samurai (5) Saw - The Ride (5) Stealth (5) Storm in a Teacup (5) The Swarm (5) Tidal Wave (5) Timber Tug Boat (5) Vortex (5) Zodiac (5) Inferno + Amity Bluergh-