6 hours ago, Mark9 said:

 

I literally want to live in the Chiapas plaza. 

I would happily live anywhere anywhere in Phantasialand. Except for Crazy Bats/Nighthawk!

 

Staying on-site is the nearest thing to this indeed.

 

Might as well list my favourite theme park hotels I’ve stayed at.

 

5/ Legoland Hotel- Legoland Windsor 

Staying here is a Lego fan’s dream. Booked this in off-season and was much cheaper than usual. Expected a glorified Travelodge but was pleasantly surprised, from the physical (lego built) theming, shows, amenities and excellent service. You could even find a Lego polybag in your room!
 

The breakfast wasn’t too bad either. 
 

4/  La Cite Suspendue- Parc Asterix 

A unique yet pleasant surprise. You stay in a room which is clustered with a few others in modest sized buildings. It’s secluded and quiet surroundings certainly give this place a strong feel of escapism away from the theme park, let alone the real world!
 

3/ Newport Bay- DIsneyland Paris

My first (and hopefully not last) Disney hotel stay. I love the grand exterior and the inside reminds me of a ship, which is likely intentional. Rooms are reasonably themed and the pool area a pleasant surprise to visit. The main restaurant is decent enough and the complex located a short convenient  walk from the parks.

2/ Efteling Hotel- Efteling 

Grand, big and beautiful, it is pretty much what you would expect from an Efteling hotel. The rooms feature discreet but noticeable theming and styling appropriate to the park’s character. The breakfast is delectable enough although the park entry for the hotel  is underwhelming given you go straight through a play area as opposed to an architectural master piece!

 

1/ Hotel Ling Bao- Phantasialand 
Staying here was literally like being transported to another world. From it’s splendid decor throughout, there is literally nothing I can fault here. The bars were cosy yet reasonable and breakfast offering excellent cultural culinary delights. The park’s Chinese area  is also open to hotel goers In the evenings, making this by far the nearest experience to staying the night in a park! 
 

Surprisingly haven’t stayed at any of Europa’s hotels yet but they all look great. Colosseo or Bell Rock are the ones I would choose if I ever get the chance.

The indoor sections look rather interesting, especially the drop track which seems surprising. The exterior reminds me of the Smiler, purely because the landscaping doesn’t look particularly appeasing.

 

Not bad for a first major park Cred, let alone a launched spinning Intamin!

Absolutely gutted.  This coaster has seen more pushbacks than the second launch section!
 

I guess now is a good time to say Parc Asterix isn’t underrated after all!

Rapids look pleasant enough with much of the theming, a,though perhaps a little bare in places which I’m sure will improve in time. Fingers crossed this park continues to move forward.

 

I find it very strange Power Park have invested in a similar Gerstlauer to Junket, but if it’s something new for them that’s a positive I suppose.

Absolutely love it! 
 

This is the best thing they have produced since Zadra!

It is no secret that Monseur Cannibal is essentially a racist themed attraction and the issue is only becoming more and more prevalent with recent events over the years.

 

I adore many of Efteling’s charming and whimsical attractions but not so much this one. A cannibal theme set in Africa is quite shocking to say the least and I always avoid this ride when I visit.

 

The sooner they partly or fully re-theme the attraction, the better it will be for anyone really.

I love the look of the new intamin track, hopefully they will blend the settings though because seeing Hogsmeade whilst riding this will take thrming back to the pre-historic days.

Things are far from perfect right now for many people. I’ve had several trips delayed/cancelled, life plans on hold and continue to be furloughed for the time being.

 

Whilst it’s really easy to just go on a rant and wave about everything not working out, I just try to remember a few things. There are a lot of people in a much worse position, whether they have lost their jobs, battling an illness or have lost a loved one. 
 

2020 has been an awful year for almost everyone, but I’m trying to focus on the first 2.1 months of the year which were actually enjoyable. Plus one day, there will be something to look forward to again. For everyone.

Well in an unsurprising move, Black Mirror Labyrinth will be delayed until 2021 now.

 

Source-Thrill Nation

 

2020 has literally felt like an episode from the series in many ways.

A fairly interesting selection of merch there. I particularly like the look of the new Rangers Mug. 
 

Shame about Total Thorpe Park closing. I guess that makes TPM the last fansite purely dedicated with the possible exception of TTSP?

Interesting how Merlin are going about not reopening these dark rides. I’m guessing the poise of social distancing measures are somewhat more difficult to achieve in these spaces given they are enclosed. 
 

Shame if all these ride types can not reopen anytime in the foreseeable but only time will tell. 

Not a fan of the changes done to the Blue Fire queue line, but understandably this is to make social distancing easier.

 

On the other hand, love the changes they’ve done to Geisterschloss and Schweizer. Love when parks plush their older attractions. The Batavia area and preview look excellent, especially the facade area. 
 

Cant say I’m a fan of the EP radio thing. I’m sure it will serve some purpose to it’s visitors but much prefer themed audio. Already miss hearing ALLO ALLO in the French area.

Is it too soon for me to say it’s a great big beautiful tomorow?

 

Regardless it’s great to see the parks slowly reopen, even if current situations are limiting things such as shows and capacity. Some parks in Germany also opened today such as Europa (albeit on much lower capacity and changes with social distancing measures).

Just now, MarkC said:

You'd think so however Livingstone Leisure Limited who own the park made a gross profit of over 7 million last year. 

That is true, however the park have also removed a noticeable amount of attractions including the shopping area in the park.

 

When I visited last June, the park was remarkably quiet despite some school groups. Ride staff even pleaded us to re-ride at the end of the day it was that deserted. 
 

Even if they are owned by a “bigger” organisation, I’m still pessimistic for the park’s survival especially given current situations.

Not good on any accords but not surprising either. 
 

Given the imminent fine will likely be in the six (maybe even seven) figure amount, I can see the park going bankrupt anyday now. 

1 hour ago, Charlesberg said:

One of our flights got cancelled due to COVID-19, so we might rebook PortAventura for January.

 

Does anyone know if there are any compromises with going around that time (since it’s close to Christmas)? Like ride closures or restrictions?

Haven’t been to Port Av around that time, but I remember hearing some/all of the water rides aren’t open which given that time of year is understandable. There may winter attractions to compensate though.

 

Was supposed to be going to Helsinki July time as part of a park trip, but that’s finished now (Pun intended).

 

Might as we’ll rename this thread “2020 trip cancellations” with all going on.

The music here is honestly delightful, upbeat and suites the theme perfectly.

 

The ride itself doesn’t look like anything to write home about but I’m sure it will perfectly compliment what seems to be a decent enough park.

I guess one of the benefiting factors with Efteling is that it’s large footprint and scale likely make it noticeably easier for social distancing and operations, especially given it is just as much a nature park as it is a theme park.

 

The new restrictions may slightly deter the escapism but are completely understandable given the position of things currently. The restraint system is an interesting one, but given how the park have handled things I have full reassurance this is perfectly viable.

 

Whilst some parks won’t get around these like this, it must be remembered each country has different different safety regulations so what might be ok in a Dutch theme park probably won’t be in a U.K. one for example. Also a few exceptions most of Efteling’s attractions are generally “family Based”.

 

 

Here’s mine:

10/  Dino Splash, Plopsaland De Panne- lovely themed flume and probably my favourite ride in the park (considering I couldn’t ride Heidi or Anubis).
9/ Kallerado! Liseberg- Fun large rapids and great with groups for a laugh.

8/ Tidal Wave, Thorpe Park- intimidating, soaking and one of the best themed rides there.

7/ Le Grande Splasch, Parc Asterix- fun and quirky with lots of features between the drops add to the experience. 
6/  Poseidon, Europa Park- Mighty impressive to ride but also watch.

5/ Loggers Leap, Thorpe Park (RIP)- one of the best examples of any classic log flume out there. Shame it is gone for good.

4/ Fjord Rapids, Europa Park- Fun rapids with loads of theming and interactive elements, j’adore. 

3/ River Quest, Phantasialand- Made, crazy but simply Marvelous and one of the craziest water rides I have experienced.

2/ Valhalla (pre-2020 at least), Blackpool- Stunning soundtracks, effects and scenery. You get more soaked than a hail storm, but that’s the fun.

1/ Chiapas, Phantasialand- An absolute masterpiece. This ride is practically perfect in every way.

Glad to see the attractions are slowly reopening segments (albeit with restrictions and limitations). Just got to hope these all go to plan and don’t get breached.

 

As far as current developments go, construction of (yet to be announced) Jurassic Park coaster are still going ahead, although we are yet to know when the park’s worst kept secret actually opens.

 

Construction of Epic Universe on the other hand has been delayed for the foreseeable future, so we could be waiting many more years if this development is even still going ahead.

 

The parks can currently submit reopening plans to the state governor, although reopening likely won’t happen until July most likely.

Safe to say Talocan has done more travelling than I’ll do this year!

 

Glad the place is reopening though.

A boom more explosive than a bag of mentos in a coke bottle!

 

Great to see we finally have a Disney park open though and just got to hope this all goes to plan. Expect other parks to follow similar measures if successful.

Just now, Mattgwise said:

This was being discussed. But the issue as pointed out is the waiting around on paths, with them being clogged up as there will literally be nothing to do. A big issue if the park does get near the 5000 mark.

True indeed. It’s hard to say if/how numbers would be controlled there. Only other way I can this working is areas indicated where people can go such as painted/allocated floor areas like those seen in large supermarket queues or Shanghai Disney. 

The parks will definitely operate on a more thorough and intense process if/when they open regardless of the reduced capacities.

 

One idea that has been hinted is the return/introduction of virtual/online queues where riders may not need to queue as much if implemented. I.E Reserve N Ride.
 

A strain on the system and park tickets are very much a given should it get to this stage.

Part eight of The Making Of Max & Moritz has been released by the park. This one is rather gassy.

 

Really liking the look of some of these show elements. Efteling know how to master unique charm. 
 

The park will also be reopening on the 20th May with social distancing measures and capacity limited to 1/3 of it’s usual amount. Tickets will also need to be booked online.