Matt 236

After accomplishing a sufficient amount of work at uni, I thought it was time for a visit to Legoland Windsor. Supposedly my home park (as this is where my pass is sorted), this would be my first visit to the park for 2014 to see what changes had taken place and to check out the new (re-themed) attractions at the park. In the near distance lies Pirate Shores, the re-themed Pirate area of Legolañd and also the area's 3rd retheme since it's existence. I was rather impressed with the parks recent additions such as the hotel, Star Wars Walkthrough and Duplo Valley and hoping this years updates would continue that good standard. After entering the park, here is the entrance to Pirate Shores (formerly Pirates Landing). The sign looks bright, striking and an improvement of the pirate landings one. The support structure remains the same though. Apart from the slightly changed sign, the first change to notice in the area, is a new selection of models located just in front of the Jolly a Rocker. They're ok I guess, nothing too striking however a pretty good addition theming wise. And now it's time to try out the first re-themed attraction, Pirate Falls- Treasure Quest (formerly Pirate Falls), the 2nd re-theme of the park's log flume ride (however not much actually changed on the 1st). First we are welcomed by This bright new sign welcoming us to the entrance to the ride. The queue area for the ride. This section has seen a number of changes including the rebuilding of the queue shelters. Whilst having a similar design to the original ones, these make look nice and fresh compared to the old ones which did look a little worn. That being said, the empty area in the middle of the queue looks rather dull at the moment, which used to be home to building blocks for kids previously and despite some theming being added, it just looks a mess, dirty and unfinished. The shaft above the drop has also been completely rebuilt in the same style of the original, which was good to see (as the old one was starting to look pretty worn). And finally (it's difficult to see from here), some new models. Almost every model on the ride has been replaced for the retheme, making the ride almost new again. But Here's The Big Question, How does it compare to the original theme? Despite being re-themed in 2010, most of the ride remained the same and though many models were looking rather worn and some effects not always working, the ride was still very entertaining with its humour, creative storyline and animated figures. Unfortunately, I cannot really say the same for the new one as what's been delivered in the new one compared that above can only be described as dry and bittersweet. The ride's new storyline is less amusing, diverts off to pointless characters and situations which don't add to the storyline and lacks any kind of humour. The animatronic side is just as disappointing as there are few things animated in the ride compared to the old one which in comparison to the ride now was flooded with them. Scenes such as pirates mistreating a monkey being replaced with the (apparent) protagonist and antagonist of the new story fighting, which whilst sound effects are included, not a single movement is included in this scene. Whilst there are numerous new water effects on the ride such as squirting skull heads (after the squirting mice) and frog fountains at the drop (Legoland love their water) plus a new piratey soundtrack and improved audio around the ride, this sadly cannot make up for the disappointment in the rest of the ride. It's almost like they had loads of ideas for the re-theme for the ride to start, but then suddenly lost motivation and effort to finish the ride, gave up and just plonked everything in, Compared to Fairy Tale Brook's re-theme, the ride is quite a let down. The only good points are the new audio and sound system and that the ride now looks fresh and new (except a few areas). Overall rating, 3/10. Moving on disappointing Treasure Queuer, it seems Burger Kitchen has now invaded Legoland. Gone is the Crossed Ribs BBQ, an awesome restaurant that sold food similar to Calypso BBQ and existed at the park from day one. Seeing that it looked little more than a metal shed when being built, the facade they've used to conceal it isn't bad and makes it fit in the surrounding area much better. Which is a pity they couldn't hide it from above, even painting it brown would've done the job. The inside isn't any better either. Whilst Crossed Ribs was never (what I call) heavily themed, it was at least more related and coherent to a pirate setting. This interior and design though, has as much coherence to pirate shores as much as Tesco or Primark does. Whilst the area so far isn't that great, let's take a look at the new play area they're building, which doesn't appear to be open yet. And is still under construction. Not a single part of the new area has even been constructed, plus there's still some leftovers from the old (and removed) Rat Trap still in existence. Apparently the play area was supposed to be open for April. However by the looks of things, that will probably be closer to June. Meanwhile in Lego City, Burger Ranch has also been replaced by- (wait for it), another Burger Kitchen. Personsly I think it looks horrible outside, it ruins the character of the area, doesn't connect the remaining rock theming and just sticks out like a sore thumb. Whilst the indoor section is perhaps marginally better than the interior of Pirate Shores, I'm not that impressed by it, although I suppose the fact there's more undercover seating is good for when's there's heavy rain at the park. Amity Fish and Chips at Thorpe (in comparison) looks much better than either of these though and that isn't perfect either. Elsewhere in Lego city, the Xbox gaming zone has had a makeover. Whilst I've never been a fan of the gaming zone (and never will), I can say this a slight improvement over the old one. A big improvement would be to rip it out and bring back an awesome walk through similar to the Magic Theatre! We finish this update with a look at the miniland area of the park, one of the few parts of Lego that are still magical and done right. Miniland is such a nice place to visit whilst at the park, the buildings and creations the model makers have built are excellent. It's a shame this area doesn't always get the love and attention it deserves. However, hopefully those years of neglect will be coming to an end, as part of the area (now completed) will become a brand new Paris area in miniland (although it looks like it has replaced a former area). The attention to detail is incredible and it looks very well done. So far this looks like the only thing the park has done right this year. Hopefully it will look very nice when completed. Overall, although I had a good day when I went, I felt rather let down and disappointed by all the new changes to the park this year except the Paris miniland. Pirate Shores has replaced all the soul and character of the area with bland generic pirate settings, the burger kitchens just don't fit in and the Xbox zone is still an a X box zone, if I wanted to play on an Xbox, I'd just play on one at home instead of using it at a themepark. Legoland was always a park I associated with good theming and upkeep in it's years open (though far from the likes of Disney) and the park always had a 'mostly' well kept look at the best of times. However this appears to have changed for the worse in 2014 with many effects not being fixed and repaired and new outlets with little to no theming appearing. It's saddening to see one of your loved childhood parks ripped of soul and character and not just blandly themed burger kitchens and life-less theming replacing once amazing theming on one of your favourite rides, but also things like the giraffe model being removed from the train just for a marginal increase in capacity and the toilet signs (previously Lego figures) replaced by a more simple and generic design replacing them (m for male f for female). "]http://s798.photobucket.com/user/mattthemepark/media/DSCF1274_zpsaed4990e.jpg.html] Overall unless you have an annual pass and/or live within less than an hours distance of the park, I would perhaps not bother visiting Legoland, for 2014 at least. I've always been a big fan/supporter of the park, but most of he changes at the park for this year are just so disappointing and the park sadly at the moment is little more than a corporate money pit and not really worth entry at half price (forget full price). If you're thinking of going to Legoland, visit Chessington instead as it's much better!

An online source has appeared recently stating the plans to improve the park over the next few years. http://www.independentguidebooks.com/blog/2014/4/20/disneyland-paris-rumour-incredibly-detailed-10-year-roadmap-from-2014 Nothing groundbreaking there from what's seen, however Toy Story midway mania ride addition sounds very interesting as does the Studios Marvel section re theme which Rock N roller coaster will become a Spider-Man themed ride. Also looks like we will be seeing a number of major attractions closed for lengthly times as well with Space Mountain and Star Tours closed at different times in 2015 (the former will be gaining new trains, improved effects and a return to its original theme) plus Thunder Mountain will be closed during the whole of 2016.

Space Mountain mission 2 Peter Pans flight (DLP) or Pinoccios Daring Journey (DLP) ?

Banned for not wanting to go the meet

Can't see detty having anything extensive done to it. Queue lines and walls repainted plus an overall clean up and hopefully some angry bird figures too on the ride and around. The restraint won't be replaced as they were new last year and I can't see them re-painting the tower either. I'm surprised the a Dodgems haven't appeared yet as although they can be built up quickly, the area will be opening next month (however no date had been announced yet).

Rush Raptor or Flug Der Daemon?

Banana berry sundae split Pizza Hut or Pizza Pasta Buffet ?

Vampire is definitely being operated better than it has done during 2011/2012 which then were appealing. Hopefully the ride will continue to run this way through 2014 and the future. Who knows maybe we will see that third train back on the tracks some day. Also the right was running pretty forceful when I rode, however made for a rather exciting ride experience IMO. The new dispatch announcements also work nicely.

Today was a great day. It was great seeing everyone again, plus also meeting some new faces too and also going on many rides today as the park was nice and quiet (definitely the least busiest trip since 2011). The park has definitely seen a lot of great improvements this year, Amazu, Transylvania and Mexicana touch ups, Market Square mk2 and the gift shop (which looks slot more presentable). Scorpion Express is okay, but still prefer mine train (review on the way) but the park was full of so much life and atmosphere, a lot more than 2013. P,us operations on most rides today were pretty good, plus vampire didn't stack for more than 5 seconds. Definitely the best themepark trip of 2014 so far and TPM meet for a while. Really look forward to upcoming meets.

Banned for not riding Scorpion Express

Wales (they haveOakwood whilst Scotland haveM&D) Big Dipper or Grand National?

Banned for not following the Thorpe law

Not sure about a woodie, but there gave been sayings of a major addition on the way for the future, which I do hope mean another rollercoaster. I think a ride similar to Fire Chaser express, juvelin or Verbolten would suit the parks lineup and target audience very well. As much as I'd like too see a Mack launch coaster, a woodIe or other coaster, I'm not sure if chessie would have the space or get the green light from their (strict and hassling) council. I can see them just retheming/refurbishing falls for next at the moment (similar to Scorpion Express) instead of a new attraction, though as much I want them to build another new ride, I can see them only refurbishing existing worn out ones at the moment.

Banned for visiting Europa and Port Aventura before me

Banned for Déjà Vu

Vampire Loggers Leap or Dragon Falls?

In terms of a new B&M coaster, I'm not sure what possibilities we have left, in regards of a new coaster at Thorpe. We've already got the inverter and wing rider. A hyper coaster (but on a smaller scale) could work A dive coaster may be a bit too similar to Saw, so it would need to have a more impressive layout and theming (plus they can't go underground at Thorpe) Flying coaster may be regarded to similar to Swarm, unless it has a completely unique and different layout Sit down and floor less are too similar to Colossus, even if they had different layouts Think that's about it. I would certainly love to see a woodie as the next big coaster as the new ones made by the likes of GCI, GG and the like in parks in the world look fantastic and having ridden Megafobia which is a fantastic coaster I can say it would suit the ride line up perfectly. If Merlin are still uncertain on the woodie idea, they need to see how popular and well acclaimed these new rides are, plus their own one in Heide,and if they're still not confident (dare I say it), just theme it around something like the Hunger Games as that would surely give them more faith. As for Derron Brown-the ride, I can't see this working, especially one a wooden coaster. Having watched one of his performances and the way it was executed and performed, I can say a Derron brown theme would work much better in a dark ride setting, something like an interactive scenic ride or the likes.

Banned for visiting Drayton Manor

I'll be a maybe for the Thorpe park one. Currently unsure about the others at the moment.

Kinda beat me too it, but agree with this and would love to see a meet abroad in the near future (maybe 2015) as there's so many fantastic themeparks out there in Europe.Really want to visit Europa or Liseberg. If that fails, DLP's just a Eurostar journey away.

Jet pack joyride Terror Tomb or the Haunted House?

Whilst I'd say thus soundtrack isn't quite on the standards of say Helix or Mystery of Hocus Pocus Hall, I still find this a very well mixed and nicely created soundtrack, which gives out the sense and atmosphere that reflects the ride's flight and demon theme very well. IMA's scores are simply masterpieces and the music they create and produce is the sort of standard I would expect to hear on film and television. They may well be the B&M' of themepark soundtracks.

Great report. The park certainly looks better than I expected. Alpina Blitz sounds like a very good ride and this looks to be another small theme park that's graduallly going on the map.

Brer Rabbit appears to be still standing at the moment (no idea whether it will be re-themed or completely removed). Play area looks ok and whilst it doesn't appeal to me, I'm sure it will be a very fun exciting place for the little ones. Wonder where this play area is being built?

Goosebumps, loved it as a child. Phantasialand or Efteling?