Matt 236

TBH I can't really remember 100% but I recall the ice room being rather misty when I was there.

Welcome back to part 2 of my exciting trip report at Blackpool. Lego Spongebob welcomes you to this next big instalment of the blog [Wow! are we at Legoland now?] Speaking on Big, I think it's finally time I give this giant a ride then! It's a massive beast that dominates the whole park, so it should an amazing ride then ;]? And it's time to review, Vertical Reality! In 1994, the big one was a massive tall beast that was major large scale ride and investment along with being the tallest coaster in the world and being only second to Nemesis in greatness. 20 years later though and much of the greatness has dried up. Whilst the big one is far from being an absolute awful ride, it's also a long way from being an amazing one too. The ride starts rather well, with a brief pre-lift section and then the long lift which offers some great views of the pleasure beach and surrounding area as the world beneath gradually disappears. Once reaching the top, the ride goes down the drop suddenly swerving right and the ride speeding up as it's drops to the bottom, which is a thrilling and intimidating experience with the gust of speed, smallish restraints and massive drop. Since the ride has started so well it will continue with this greatness during the remainder of the experience. The answer to that unfortunately is no! After the first drop, the ride loses much excitement and force as the ride climbs it's first hill, which unlike most hyper rides it doesn't fly over it but instead gradually reaches it whilst losing speed along the way until it's almost crawling when it reaches the top. The rest of the ride doesn't really fulfil much either as there isn't much force or too much thrill for the rest of the ride which is quite disappointing, also there isn't a great deal of airtime on this ride which considering I was sitting towards the back and these types of rides should feed upon it was also disappointing too. It does well in taking you up a great height with an intense first drop along with giving good sights of the park and area, but apart from that it doesn't quite fulfil the greatness in the giant dinosaur it first appears. That being said I shouldn't really complain too much as it is the uk's tallest and perhaps largest roller coaster [ultimate is of course the longest] and that we've actually got a large ride on this scale on our island, considering how little space we have and so many of our parks are heavily restricted on what they can actually build [especially Legoland, Chessington & pretty much almost every park]. I think it will be a long time before we see another massive ride on this scale [if ever]. From one Arrow to another Arrow, it's time to ride the one and only Steeplechase, because no other rides of this type no longer exist in the world apparently, So what are my thoughts on this ride rarity? whilst it looks rather average and generic off ride, it's actually a great roller coaster ride, it doesn't have any gimmick, it doesn't have any unique elements, nor does it need any of these as it's such a great all round ride, with it's fun racing element, scenic views and interaction with other surrounding rides and it's loose and open restraints as only a seat belt holds you in, a fun and slightly scary experience. From one horse race to another, it was time to experience the Grand National, our fifth and final wooden roller coaster on the trip, one that was highly appraised by many park and coaster fans alike. But would this be the ride to top my coaster list at Blackpool or even take the crown away from Megafobia as best woodie? Can't believe I didn't take more pictures of the ride, I guess the rush around riding at the park and the fact most of the ride can only be seen outside the park are the main reasons I didn't. Anyway, what did I think of the ride? Grand National was amazing, it was such a fantastic great fun ride with it's racing coaster element, multiple drops and hills which give quite a lot of airtime [ more than Big One ever will] along with a great paced layout makes this a great fun thrilling ride. But the big question, has it become my favourite my favourite all top time woodie? The answer to that is yes, however only to the ones in the park. It's such an incredible ride and there's not really a bad thing I can say about this ride [apart from the loud station brakes maybe] as it doesn't fail to deliver greatness during it's ride experience. Megafobia still holds on to no.1 woodie [for now] as that ride is just so intense. We need more woodies here in the uk [Merlin take note]. Before we move to our next ride, I KNOW A GUY THAT WILL GET ON YOUR NERVES! GET ON YOUR NERVES! GET ON YOUR NERVES! Time for another ride which will also be another first for me, my first bobsled coaster and NO! We are not at Europa before you ask! So, what did I think of Avalanche then? I thought it was a really good ride actually, gains a lot of speed in it's circuit and flies through those helixes which is just an incredible experience with the train coasting down the tube rather than the usual track setting on many other coasters. Just wish the ride was longer really as it ended just as I was really getting in to it [love Mack rides]. Hope to try the other few mack bobsleds one day! I had really been through quite a roller coaster revolution on my trip to Blackpool and the final new coaster had to be the appropriately named, Revolution. And that was all the Blackpool coasters completed. Despite looking like a mediocre one trick pony, this ride is actually pretty good. You're thrusted forwards first of all in to the loop the first time which is quite good, but then the backwards launch is a feeling like nothing else, the feeling of being pushed in to your restraint during the loop is such a strange and slightly scary experience as you feel like you're going to fall out! Moving on from the coasters now and it's time to take a trip in to wonderland, I've a golden ticket And what a wondrous ride this turned out to be. Whilst in no way is this a ground breaking or top notch, it's fun little dark ride, full of charm, humour along with being a generally pleasant attraction to experience. Incidently, this ride is a sort of knock off from the original Alice In Wonderland ride at the California Disneyland with it's cheshire cats style vehicles,indoor-out door dark ride sections and storyline which opened seven years before this one [why am I referencing so many other parks on this TR, especially Disney]? From one extreme to another and now it's time to enter Valhalla. Wait a moment, the waterfall isn't running, I hope it isn't closed. That Looks more like it! The ride was closed during most of the day and didn't actually open until quite late in the afternoon, we must've meant it had quite a few problems as it broke down several times after that as well. We decided to join the extremely long queue for the ride which cost us around 90 minutes of time [we could've used for other rides]. But was it worth the extra long wait? The answer here actually is Yes, but just about. Valhalla is a very long and very wet water/dark attraction which features an array of drops, effects and a drenching. Some of the thing included on this ride are just incredible! going in to a long hot room with heat and fire one minute, then entering a freezing cold one with ice,misters and the like the next is absolutely incredible, is this is before I get on to the backwards drop, immense sound track and other elements too. Valhalla is an absolutely amazing ride and experience, it's so breath taking when you see it all and everything inside unfolds and well worth the time. The ride makes almost every other water ride in the country look like a travelling Zamperla log ride [even Loggers] and is something that wouldn't really look out of place at a park like Efteling, Phantasialand or even Europa. Absolute masterpiece. Hex however is still my number one dark ride for the story and towers alone, but Valhalla comes in at a very close second. Moving from a breath taking experience which despite being ringing wet, I still couldn't get over, we headed off to get some final rides at the park whilst it was gradually getting dark before closing. But the question is, which rides did we finally ride, or even re-ride during the twilight hours and which Big addition would be chosen as the finale and first proper night ride of the trip? Only time will tell, but you'll just have to wait until Part 3 submerges.

Shame it's still not on 3 trains (yet) At least they do physically now have 3 trains so if train 1 or 2 get broken, they should still be able to run 2 on the track.

Someone I know who works quite high up in Pizza Hut, told me the Pizza Hut at Thorpe would be going after this season, so I'm absolutely certain we shall see an inhouse pizza pasta place there next year, plus the extensions for indoor eating also makes perfect sense too.

It's been my intentions over the last few years to try and visit to try and visit a new theme park or attraction each year, which started with Alton Towers in 2012 and Harry Potter Studio Tour, Madame Tussauds, The Dungeons along with a return to Oakwood [after 15 years] in 2013. At first I wasn't expecting to receive any new park credits for 2014 with Paultons Park called off and Euro disney put on hold. This year it was my intentions to visit a park that was of the following, 1/ was a major place with top class rides, 2/ was outside the Merlin circle 3/ a place outside of the uk. On this trip, I was able to achieve two of these, by finally visiting Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a park I have been wanting to visit for some time and home to a large collection of prominent rides to the uk/world theme park industry [though some are hit and miss in places] where I would gain a whole new list of ride credits [and first]. Upon entering the park, you are greeted by a number of different things, one is the sheer prominence of rides that appear in front of you towering in the back ground, particularly the Big One which pretty much dominates the whole park, the second is the amount of former rides laying dormant at the park. The monorail and ark are two of these, both of which I saw before even getting properly through the gates which isn't the greatest thing to see. The first ride/new cred of the day was the infamous Wild Mouse. First opinions of the ride describe it as a small compact and doesn't look too exciting, however this ride has some tricks up it's sleeves! Despite first appearances, the ride is surprisingly good, very fun and quite scary at a few occasions too, with its sharp tight turns, bumpy rattle through the track and it's sharp and sudden drops, an experience with just seat belts and no restraints is quite intense. A great classic that shouldn't be overlooked despite first appearances, plus my second ever woodie! From one classic to another [most of Blackpool's rides are classics], it was time for the one and only Ghost Train. A few minutes later and my spooky distraction was over. I quite enjoyed this ride and it's got got quite a few interesting elements to the ride including the roller coaster like drops, moments of the ride going outside and the spinning tunnel with train lights [which seem common to some ghost trains]. Whilst it's not on the leagues for rides such as Hex & Duel, which may be a bit of an unfair comparison to begin with, this ride wins it over for novelty and ride length and is an example of what a traditional Ghost Train ride should incorporate. It's certainly better than Castille Del Terror at Tivoli and Spooky 4D, both of which probably aren't as old as this which already states it's point. From one dark ride to another, our next attraction was Impossible, which comprised a set of indoor attractions all joined up together, starting with a mirror maze, a series of strange objects and illusions and a small haunted swing style ride where the room spins around. This wasn't the best of attractions as it mostly felt like a cluster of attractions just stuck together to make one big ride. The Mirror maze was alright, but the swing ride was so dull it was laughable. I'm sure 30 years ago [long before Hex] the swing element would've actually looked pretty but now, it's so bad it's good! After a random mediocre experience, it was time for some white knuckle fuel on Ice Blast, which is now the only non coaster thrill ride in the park with Bling gone. The ride starts with the seats raising up slightly and then lowering gradually where riders are instructed to secure all loose valuables [like there's chance now], before the capsule is thrusted upwards, then downwards and then up again, until height is lost and the pod gradually lowers back to the ground. The ride is ok, the launch is pretty fun and thrilling as you are pushed in to your restraint flying up followed by some small hits of air time and the then the end. Not a bad drop tower, however it certainly doesn't beat Detty but is much better than Bounce! After launching back to earth, it was time to take on another woodie who is the grand daddy of them all at 91, it's time to take on the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper is such a fun coaster to ride, as it leaps from hill after hill during it's circuit, offering a reasonable supply of air time, whilst it's not as good as Megafobia back in Oakwood, one must remember for a ride of this age it still provides an excellent experience which is great fun with lots of thrills along the way. Another great woodie. By now on the trip it was time to take on a ride that I and many had been strongly anticipating during our trip, one that would offer an immense ride experience and tick quite a few boxes for firsts. This ride was known as [drum roll]. Infusion Well first things first, it sure looks rather pretty for an SLC. This is the first one I've actually ridden. Having heard of many of these ride's being rather rough and uncomfortable [including this one], I set my expectations for this ride rather low. But would my opinions be just as rough once I had finally ridden it? The answer to this in most ways is NO! Whilst the ride was in no way perfect or in anyway a patch to a B&M invert, this ride was surprisingly good and did beat my expectations. The first half for me was quite fun actually, it rolled through twist, turns and inversions whilst over a large lake of water and fountains. It wasn't really rough at all infact I could almost call it smooth. The second unfortunately wasn't as the ride did seem to get noticeably rougher, as I bashed my head in to the restraint outside of choice several times, making the ride a little painful towards the end. Not a bad ride really and I enjoyed most it. The end is certainly rougher than Colossus but maybe not as much as Saw. Following on from my hit and miss SLC, it was time for ride on the Grand Prix, which is sort of Blackpool's equivalent of Autopia, although this ride existed before any of them were built as I'm aware! Not a bad little ride, but not remarkable either. The ride pretty much takes a journey down a spiralling descent passing nearby rides such as Avalanche & Revolution among others, gradually turning around ascending back up the spiral to the station where the ride finally finishes. Time for another cracking ride, me thinks! Technically Blackpool's newest contraption, unless you count it as a retheme from when it was the Gold Mine [something I never got to try unfortunately]. Despite getting very mixed reviews [some loving it and others hating it], I'm going to definitely say I love this ride. I've always been quite a fan of Wallace & Gromit [especially growing] and used to watch the movies on VHS on a fairly regular basis [wow do I sound old] and would enjoy seeing all the action whether it be the penguin train chase or Gromit flying in the red plane. For me, the ride has captured the world of Wallace & Gromit very well, which is full of funny gags, rich detail in theming and settings along with high quality scenes and animation throughout the whole ride, also including plenty of audio dialogue and of course the catchy theme tune as well. In terms of overall quality, this ride does kick all of Merlins other existing uk dark rides to the curb [at least in their current forms], with Hex being the only exception. It may lack the originality of many other rides out there, but it's a great fun family attraction and whilst the ride mostly consists of prominent scenes from the four shorts and film, I think it's paced very well and fits together perfectly. The ride is such high quality that I would say it's almost at the league of some of disney's dark rides [something I cannot properly clarify currently] and the only slip up on the whole dark ride is the scene where the penguin is falling in which the movement mechanism came be seen! Currently my 3rd favourite dark ride at the moment of writing. You'll find out what my top 2 favourite are shortly. Leaving Wensleydale behind us, we set off to Nick Land and decided to take a ride on the big orange track thing in the distance known as Nicklodeon Streak [formerly Roller Coaster]. It was quite a fun and enjoyable ride with quite a few bits of airtime and force. I wouldn't say it was as good as Dipper and Mouse but it still a great ride, I'd put it on top of Infusion anyway. Also this ride running just one train [with the state of the 2nd not looking ready for adding]. Apparently this ride is almost always on just one train [unlike the others], at least the queue wasn't too long and it was more pleasant than waiting for one train Colossus. I think it's time to jump on another coaster now. I'll say Blue Fire! oops, I meant Blue Flyer, just remembered I'm in Blackpool not Europa [one can dream]. This is not a bad little, quite a fun little woodie for kids to do, certainly not my favourite by far and perhaps my least favourite coaster, but then it's aimed more for kids and young families. Still it's another credit and woodie to add to the collection. By now, all these woodies and other rides made us a bit hungry so we decided to grab some lunch at the park, where we decided to head over to the conveniently named Coaster bar, positioned on one of the pathways between Dipper and Avalanche. I went in for the Chicken Fajita in the end which was ok [sadly the picture didn't turn out as well as hoped] , not the most amazing thing but it edible, good enough and not bad value for money, plus the wedges were pretty decent [beats Oakwood's offering by a country mile though]. Whilst eating, we were all amused by a selection of songs playing from a slightly quiet and muffled speaker here. But these weren't ordinary songs though as these were intact all songs from Disney movies [snow white, Pochahontis, Enchanted etc.] which was certainly something I didn't expect especially in Blackpool. This made me rather happy whilst eating my food, having always a rather big fan of Disney [one day Disney]. And that concludes part 1 of my exciting trip and weekend away in Blackpool, but Which big ride had a very big queue which became a big surprise? Which ride had a big trick and which big disney character sort of has their own big take at Blackpool? Stay tuned for some big updates in part 2!

finally happy I got one right. Now it my turn! 1/ My favourite eatery at Thorpe is currently Bar360 2/ Nemesis Inferno is the ride I have ridden the most in the world 3/ my phone alarm plays music from Aladdin everytime it goes off!

So I guess this makes 3 closed attractions at WDW for 2014, Maelstrom, American Idol Experience (not a big loss IMO) and now this. Hollywood studios by he sound of things will have a lot of empty spots at the park for a while by the sounds, considering the Frozen boat ride and Avatar Land are the next big attractions to but the resort in the next few years. Still, doesn't sounds like a massive loss, despite being an open day attraction.

2, for the difference and odds

I'll say 1 on this one.

Grumpy Cat Chicken Sandwich or Chicken Burger?

Mack (of course) Balder or Wodan?

Vortex S&S power or KMG?

Not much there yet, but excited this B&M is finally coming off the ground now

Gwazi Blackpool tower or London eye?

Following the recent disappointments of the rejection of the Haunted House and next years (replacement) investment involves stereotypical branding which eliminates, half the target audience, here's a lighter subject, which Legoland have confirmed the plans for this years Christmas event. http://www.legoland.co.uk/Plan/Christmas/ Pretty much sounds like a slight variation and expansion on last years, got some fairly major attractions open this time including a coaster cred, although the ticket pricing for this attraction (in typical Legoland fashion) is very steep and over priced IMO, nearly £30 at peak time when only 20% of the park will be open, plus pass holders still have to pay.

RMC, GG or other, I don't care what coaster type as long as it's a woodie in my books. The U.K. needs another woodie so badly seeing it's nearly 20 years since the last one. Despite Blackpool & Oakwood being the only parks I've done with woodies, I've already pretty much ridden all the uk woodies with only 3 left to do (one which won't happen any time soon due to the location being highly restrictive on adults without kids) which goes to show how the uk is somewhat lacking in wooden coasters (although we'll hopefully see at least another 2 when Dream Land Reopens). Think its a shame to think places all over the states, Europe and even Ireland are getting these impressive machines yet over here we've actually lost some woodies with Pleasureland Cyclone, Frontiers Woodie and Rotunda's Runaway among others being demolished without trace over the last 15 years. Merlin here aren't overly convinced on adding one because they're so hot on marketing and profit. The only slightest if hope of the U.K. getting another woodie if Merlin don't give in or a new park opens is Oakwood, Drayton and Flamingo at the most. Don't think Paultons have the space or funds and there's no chance on Lightwater who are greatly struggling ATM. Would just be great having a woodie just down the road half an hour away instead of travelling 4/5 hours to experience one.

We'll, that's big. All about I can say about it the moment, hopefully it'll be nicely styled once finished.

Great to see the end of the EDF sponsorship, wasn't keen on it and preferred it in the BA days. I think the coke sponsor shop will either be a brilliant or terrible update to the eye, I just hope they don't ruin it too much.

My Bloody Valentine (because Thorpe did lots of effort when I saw the tour) Fright Nights or a Hocus Pocus?

Cold

Alton towers

Sharks

It's that time of year again, where after getting lots of new coasters up in Blackpool, it's time to update my top 10's 10/ Nemesis Inferno- most improved ride in 10 years 9/ Oblivion- it's a one trick pony but that drop is amazing 8/ Thirteen- the second half is fantastic 7/ Air- much better than I expected 6/ Speed- best euro fighter lay outin the uk 5/ Big Dipper- amazing ride, it may be 90 but it packs a big punch 4/ The Swarm- amazing drop, theming and inversions, plus this ride has improved so much already 3/ Grand National- what's better than a woodie? A racing woodie, not to mention amazing layout 2/ Megafobia- the thrilling layout and air time still makes this my top woodie 1/ Nemesis, to describe this ride as amazing is still an understatement Things to mention/ Smiler loses its place altogether due to how rough I is for a supposedly new coaster (notably the 2nd half) Did Air after not done it for a couple years and was surprised how good the ride actually was, really enjoyed it, Dragon just loses out on its place although its probably still in my top 20 Inferno stays there for improving so much and being a B&M in Thorpe alone. Big one was good but apart from the drop, the ride didn't blow me away and make me go wow! Avalanche is good but just to short Now, time for dome new top 10's water end dark rides- Dark rides 10/ TombBlaster- great ride- but needs a lot of refurbishing 9/ X- Thorpe park, pretty decent dark coaster- uk needs more roller coaster dark rides 8/ Sub a Terra- not bad for a shipping container drop tower 7/ Spirit Of London- great Wardley ride, this summarises the London story so well. 6/ The Dragon- debatable whether to class it as one, but the dark ride section us just so good on here 5/ Bubbleworks- I know it's not as good as it was, but this ride is just so fun and pleasant to go on 4/ Duel- great fun ride, really enjoy shooting at the models whilst hearing the amazing soundtrack 3/ Wallace & Gromit' ride always been a great fan of Wallace and Gromit and this ride tells the story well, plus high equality models 2/ Valhalla- truly amazing ride, the effects are unbelievable plus it gets you soaking wet too! 1/ Hex- the story, the theme tune, the atmosphere, this ride is a masterpiece Water Rides 10/ The Flume- it's alright but gets a little boring unless your in a fun group 9/ Traitor- boat ride- short but sweet, just needs more effects and everything here 8/ Dragon Falls- this ride could be potentially higher if it was more extensively themed 7/ Tidal Wave- excellent theming subs everything, just a bit too wet for me at most times 6/ Pirate Falls- a simple ride layout greatly improved by interactive models and story 5/ Viking River Splash- Great paced rapids, easily the wildest in the uk 4/ Loggers Leap- great double drop, only ruined by the tunnel being removed and lake water 3/ Drenched- the drop is brilliant, very wet but more bearable than tidal wave 2/ Congo River Rapids- very fun, long length moderately wet rapids ride 1/ Valhalla- see top 10 dark rides With the possible exception of winter wonderland (which won't change anything), it's very unlikely that this list will get an update until somepoint in 2015 where should everything go to plan, I could find quite a few bits of new credits appearing (fingers crossed). New coaster creds so far 2014 Avalanche, Big Dipper, Big One, Blue Flyer, Grand National, Infusion, Nicklodeon Streak, Revolution, Rita, Runaway Mine Train, Steeplechase, Sonic Spinball, Wild Mouse. New dark ride creds so far, Spirit Of London, Traitor boat ride, Extremis London mk2,, Duel, Sub-Terra, Wallace & Gromit, Valhalla, Ghost Train, Impossible, Alice In Wonderland, Coral Island indoor monorail, Extremis Blackpool New water ride creds 2014 so far, Congo River Rapids, The Flume, Traitor boat ride, Valhalla, South Pier Log flume

Just when things couldn't really get worse for the park, this happens http://www.themeparkguide.biz/news/lego-friends-coming-to-legoland-windsor-in-2015 Looks like they're getting a Lego friends attraction/retheme for Lego City. I feel very disappointed about this as not only could it ruin one of the most characteristic park areas but has no appeal at all, Duplo Valley appealed a lot more than this has. This just makes me even more upset that the Haunted House ride hasn't happened and by the looks things certainly won't be (at least for 2015). Thank you windsor council and residents

I knew a Frozen ride/attraction would be on its way for Disneyworld soon, although I have mixed opinions on this. It's really good they're finally bringing in a Frozen ride to Disney parks, considering how successful and popular the films been. However I'm not too keen on the location of Epcot though, ok Maelstrom wasn't the best of dark rides in its original form but this retheme does sort of ruin the point and character of Epcot in that it's supposed to be a sort of educational patrk and be based around places within the world and though Frozen is strongly based on Norway, adding a ride based on a Disney film and fictional events does ruin that slightly. I am in favour of this ride opening, just not in Epcot as I believe it's the wrong park for this type of attraction (Disney fantasy) and think it should have been out somewhere like new Fantasy Land in the magic kingdom instead.