Matt 236

F.L.Y update via Phantasija The project is definitely taking off now.

I haven’t forgotten. I promise. Just in a “high Priority” queue. Appreciate the feedback though folks

Decided to create another piano video, this time based on Droomvlucht (Dream Flight), A dark ride located at The Efteling.

Efteling may still be closed for the time being, but that doesn’t stop the park giving us some beautiful drone footage. Watching this makes me want to return here so badly.

Depth Charge (3)Detonator: Bomb's Away (3)Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3)Nemesis Inferno (4)Quantum (3)Rumba Rapids (3)Rush (3)Samurai (3)Saw - The Ride (2)Stealth (3)Storm in a Teacup (3)The Swarm (3)Tidal Wave (3)Vortex (3) Nemesis Inferno + Saw-

In a (usually) ever moving world, parks change and update. Whether that be building attractions themed to blockbuster movies, the latest children’s book or original ideas. whilst new attractions rise, old ones will naturally and unfortunately fall. Due to age, redevelopment or reasons unknown. On the ever-growing list, here’s 10 attractions I wished to have experienced. 1/ Pirate Adventure- Drayton Manor Theme Park Operated 1990-2015 I have quite a soft spot for dark rides, especially those with a Pirate theme. Pirate Adventure was one of several dark rides to open, taking a spin on the “POTC“Format. For example one scene apparently features a goat instead of a dog. It was one of the biggest park attractions at the time. It closed around 2015 time on the grounds it was getting repairs, however never reopened. This was eventually confirmed by park management. In 2020 much of the ride’s props and scenery were sold at an auction, putting a final nail to the coffin. I was naturally disappointed I never got to experience this, especially considering I first visited in 2016. It was likely amongst one of the most distinctive and characteristic UK dark rides in it’s time. 2/ Transdemonium- Parc Asterix 2003-2018 It probably wasn’t the best or most technologically Advanced dark ride, but looked among of the most quirky and original ones out there. Opening in 2003 at a cost of 6 million Euros, it was the park’s only dark ride at the time. The ride system was manufactured by UK based WGH Transportation with scenery completed by Farmer Studios, who worked on attractions such as Terror Tomb at Chessington. It’s underground queue and mix of medieval and circus theming, helped it’s unique appeal. Including some random yet hilarious effects such as a random train horn and the exit going out through a demon-like creature. It is believed to not be the best kept Of attractions, with temporary Halloween theming kept up amongst a determination of speed over time. In 2019 Transdemonium didn’t open and quietly disappeared off the map. It was believed the attraction was closed for renovations and would reopen for Halloween or in 2020. However park management eventually confirmed it’s permanent closure and started gutting the former attraction. The former space was used for the park’s winter event to house numerous temporary attractions. Missing this Dark ride (so narrowly too) seems one that has hit the most and summarises many things that were happening around that time. 3/ Duelling Dragons/Dragon Challenge- Universal Islands Of Adventure 1999-2017 Once an Orlando icon, but quickly falling from grace. I think the original theme and setting looked great, from it’s compelling backstory to amazing queue-line. Sure, they didn’t have the best layouts but their (once) unique duelling element made for something of a special ride. It’s clear the ride lost it’s elements over the years. The Potter re-theme resulted In most of the original theming being removed and never properly fitted in. What’s more, an incident meant it could never duel again. With lessened appeal and another Potter addition planned , it was clear the ride’s days were numbered. In late 2017 Universal would slay the dragons. Both coasters were scraped, making them the first B&M coasters in history to do so (if you don’t count Hulk’s re-track). I may be a bit of a Cred hunter, but missing on these unique inverts is definitely a disappointment especially considering my hopeful dreams to visit Orlando oneday! 4/ Knightmare- Camelot Theme Park 2007-2012 (relocated) I never visited Camelot Theme Park, but heard it was an interesting mixed bag of a park. One of the top draws to the place (for it’s latters years at least) was the installation of Knightmare, a relocated Schwarzkopf from Japan. Sure it lacked much of the impressive facade from it’s former home but was still an impressive attraction for the park it was in. In 2012 the park closed down and a number of attractions were relocated. Knightmare unfortunately wasn’t and despite rumours of buyers, stayed put where nothing happened. At the start of 2020, the rusting coaster was demolished putting to rest any hope of relocation. It’s such a shame that such a unique coaster ended up like this, let alone one in the U.K. Schwarzkopf coasters are a dying breed. 5/ The Great Movie Ride- Disney’s Hollywood Studios 1989-2017 One of Disney’s many ambitious projects of the eighties was to open a ‘’Movie themed’’ Park. This would not only fulfil original ideas of a Movie pavilion for Epcot but prepare Disney for it’s increase of competition with Universal opening a year later. Situated within a replicant building Of the Los Angeles TCL Chinese Theatre, the ride’s content was just as grand as it’s exterior. Featuring a mixture of live acting, set pieces and animatronics. Mary Poppins and The Wizard Of Oz were amongst the films included. The ride was cut (no pun intended) from the lineup due to the park’s shift and redevelopment, where things shifted away from movie making and more towards entering the world of movies. A Mickey Mouse is a great fit, however it is still such a shame a former grand attraction has been removed, especially being a vocal part to the park when originally opening. 6/ Big Bad Wolf- Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1984-2009 It’s such a shame these coasters are a dying breed now, especially given how fun they can be. The Big Bad Wolf was definitely amongst the better models, from it’s beautiful scenery, interaction remarkable drops. Those POVS make the ride out to be Vampire on steroids. Hearing such an iconic ride being torn down was naturally saddening, especially at a time when Vampire was the only suspended coaster I’d experienced. Verbolten looks an adequate successor, but it’s greatest weakness being it isn’t the Big Bad Wolf. 7/ Volcano The Blast Coaster- Kings Dominion 1998-2019 I remember seeing this coaster on countless documentaries and was instantly fascinated by this coaster due to it’s uniqueness. It’s volcanic theming and the fact it was the first LIM launched inverted coaster. It seemed quite a signature attraction for the park. The ride appeared to have numerous reliability issues and closed around 2018 to never reopen. In 2019 it was demolished, whilst I’ve been able to ride some of featured documentary rides, this wasn’t one of them! 8/ Eagles Fortress- Everland 1992-2009 Another suspended coaster for the list. If you thought I was obsessed with these attractions, you’d be right! Less is known about this one than others, but it was believed to be highly unique within a stunning location. The ride’s downward hill position certainly enhanced it’s experience. The attraction became SBNO in 2009. Whilst the reasons are unknown, it is likely as a result of age and maintenance. The ride was demolished six years later. A shame for such a unique looking coaster! 9/ Back To The Future Ride- Universal Studios Orlando 1990-2007 The Back To The Future Ride was probably amongst the most popular and iconic attractions at Universal parks back in the day. I remember hearing about this ride in primary school, years before I became a proper park enthusiast. Whilst it would probably look dated now, it’s such a shame this unique attraction was shuttered especially being such a big fan of all the movies. As much of a fan I am of The Simpson’s (which replaced it), it’s replacement looks somewhat inferior and appealing to what was there before. Least the train theming still exists. 10/ The Never Ending Story Rapids- Movie Park Germany (formerly Warner Bros Movie World) 1995-2004 Or Earlier Never Ending Story was one of the biggest fantasy films of the eighties. Although I only watched it for the first time 3/4 years ago, I instantly became obsessed with the movie from it’s unique and provoking themes. When Movie Park Germany opened in 1996, it was owned by Warner Bros, who own the rights to the movie and built an attraction based on the film series. Comprising a rapids ride and pre-show, the attraction passed through numerous scenes depicting the settings and characters from the movies including the iconic luck dragon Falcon! At somepoint around 2004, the park was sold and rebranded, resulting in many rides being re-themed. This was one of them, resulting in a similar (yet watered down) theme with the pre-show removed completely. Whilst traces of the original may have remained, the attraction was fully are-themed in 2018, resulting in any final traces heading towards the nothing. Whilst the new theme has been done rather well, there is a part of me that is disappointed it never got to ride with the original theme. But like all rides on this list, it shall remain a wonder I never had the experience to try. Thank you for reading. What defunct attractions does everyone wish they’d got to experienced? Feel free to comment below.

Here goes: 1/ Taron (obviously)- for it’s layout and impressive scenery 2/ Black Mamba- remarkable surroundings and superb layout 3/ Helix- immense terrain and layout 4/ Balder- Ejector machine 5/ Baron 1898- quality immersive attraction 6/ De Vlieglande Hollander (Flying Dutchman)- Quality experience that is a water ride, coaster and dark ride all in one! 7/ Wodan Timburcoaster- ralentless machine with a great theme 8/ Euromir- one of the most unique coasters around 9/ Shambhala- forceful yet elegant 10/ Oziris- underrated invert with a quirky theme 11/ Pegasus Express (Asterix)- also underrated, fun ride 12/ Untamed*- This really packs a punch! 13/ Goliath*- Impressive it is 14/ Lech*- Vekoma have come a long way since SLCs 15/ Zadra*- RMC goodness 16/ Nemesis- there had to be a UK one in there somewhere and this is probably the best example 17/ Smiler- not for everyone, but I overhear a lot that American park fans like the look of it 18/ Taiga*- Another quality looking Intamin 19/ Fenix- quality wing rider with excellent landscaping 20/ Troy- Anothet quality woodie * = not experienced yet so going by reputation.

Think it’s still a little ambitious of it being completed by then, even if “some of us” unintentionally mess up the game.

Colossus (1) Depth Charge (5) Detonator: Bomb's Away (5) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (5) Nemesis Inferno (6) Quantum (5) Rumba Rapids (5) Rush (5) Samurai (6) Saw - The Ride (5) Stealth (5) Storm in a Teacup (6) The Swarm (5) The Walking Dead - The Ride (5) Tidal Wave (5) Vortex (5) Collosal Headache- Storm in A Teacup+ If my calculations are incorrect, I expect I’ll be banned or something.

It’s always my fault then. I have no idea how that happened but oh well.

Amity Beach (5) Angry Birds 4D Experience (5) Colossus (5) Depth Charge (5) Detonator: Bomb's Away (5) Flying Fish (4) King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (5) Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (5) Nemesis Inferno (6) Quantum (6) Rocky Express (5) Rumba Rapids (5) Rush (5) Samurai (7) Saw - The Ride (5) Stealth (6) Storm in a Teacup (5) Storm Surge (5) The Swarm (5) The Walking Dead - The Ride (5) Tidal Wave (5) Timber Tug Boat (5) Vortex (5) Wet Wet Wet (0) Zodiac (5) WET WET WET OUT! RESET! Amity Beach (5) Angry Birds 4D Experience (5) 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 (5) Quantum (5) Rocky Express (5) Rumba Rapids (5) Rush (5) Samurai (5) Saw - The Ride (5) Stealth (5) Storm in a Teacup (5) Storm Surge (5) The Swarm (5) The Walking Dead - The Ride (5) Tidal Wave (5) Timber Tug Boat (5) Vortex (5) Zodiac (5) If we keep this pace going, we might get it completed in time for the 2021 season.

Interesting opinions there, thanks for the upload.

The entrance portal is ok, but the offices to the right generally look odd now. Hopefully that area will be one of the next places to be sorted. Rookburgh definitely seems to be getting a mixed response from people, but we will have to see when it’s all finished.

April Fools has been cancelled this year due to the Corona virus.

With none of us likely to visit a park in current situations, I decided to create a new thread to Try and keep things upbeat. What are everyone’s most memorable theme park visits? Where did you go to and what made that place or trip so special? Be as specific as you like, make a list. Was it the circumstances or the atmosphere that made it so? I’ll make a start. 5/ Blackpool Pleasure Beach September 2014 I had just gone through a Bumpy time of family related health issues, so this trip couldn’t have come at a better time. Blackpool was TPM’s most ambitious meet-up to date and the park proved to be my first major non-Merlin Park at the time. many of my Blackpool trips have had somewhat special circumstances, but none more than this one which really pushed the boat out for me on both a progressive and social level. 4/ Cedar Point- August 2018 For years it had been a goal of mine to get out to the states and this was the trip to do just that. Cedar Point is easily my favourite amusement park, from it’s selection of modern and traditional attractions, not to mention beautiful location. But one of the things that made this trip stand out was seeing how remarkably different American culture is. Long roads going for miles, vast landscapes and flags on pretty much every street. 3/ Chessington -April 2013 The trip that started it all, and one of the most important of all time. This was the first trip with the TPM community. The one which would pave the road for future meets and trips to come. Getting to meet so many different enthusiasts was simply amazing and further helped build my already strong interests in theme parks and other attractions. 2/ Phantasialand- September 2016 Any visit to Phantasialand is memorable full stop, especially this visit. Given the circumstances of my personal life then, I wouldn’t be forgetting this trip anytime soon. I was simply blown away by this place and everything it had to offer (excluding Temple and that Wakoblando). Taron was definitely something to remember too, 1/ Disneyland Paris- April 2015 I don’t think any trip ever has (or ever will) reach the Crazy excitement levels seen here. At that point of time I was crazily obsessed about visiting Disneyland Paris. So much, I even made a several part series known as Disney and the Creek. April 2015 was when the dream finally came true, thanks to Peaj (and a handful of TPMers). Everything from the trip was truly memorable, from the ‘chest belting’ singalongs during the journey to that last Earl of Sandwich before leaving. Not only were the parks truly magical, but everything during the whole visit was so memorable. I’ll never forget that.

Thanks, and Challenge accepted. Hoping to add some different uploads over the coming weeks and will definitely add pre-2018 Duel theme to the list.

With the park’s unlikely to open anytime soon, I decided to create a piano medley based off the soundtracks from Thorpe Park Resort. Created the arrangement myself.

With McDonald’s and Primark closing at this point, I doubt anyone here will be getting out anytime soon unfortunately.

Unless you’ve been living under on a distant island or on a galaxy far away, you will be fully aware of the current pandemic that is happening, causing for much concern and cancellation of next to everything fun, social or entertainment related. Whilst there are definitely bigger concerns out there, we probably won’t get our park fixes again now for at least a little while. This is why I’ve pitched up the idea of 10 Theme Park related things you can do and enjoy in the comfort of your own home whilst waiting for all this to blow over. Feel free to post your own suggestions too. 1/ Theme Park Video/Computer Games The first (and possibly most obvious) thing to do when the parks aren’t open. There are plenty of theme park games, from the obvious Roller Coaster Tycoon Games and Planet Coaster, to the slightly more obscure Theme Park World and Roller Coaster Factory, and even the whacky (yet wonderful) Legoland games. Whilst we wait for this to blow over, enjoy your own fictional parks, simulations and creations! 2/ Watching YouTube Videos Again, another straight forward option. YouTube is literally a library for theme park videos, let alone everything else. You can watch literally anything, from Theme Park Worldwide, Jack Silkstone, Pleasure Beach Experience and many many others. Not a fan of these or vloggers altogether? Then why not watch a POV of your favourite/bucket list coaster or that charming dark ride from Efteling? I know it’s not the same as visiting in person, but in the right ambience it can do the trick! 3/ Listening to your favourite park soundtrack or Album Theme Parks don’t just give us great attractions and experiences, but they also give us some great music and playlists. Whether Imascore you adore or snore, there are lots of soundtracks to listen to and cherish in the comfort of your living room or bedroom. Belt out that Europa Suite or Villa Volta music from your sound system. Or if you prefer listen to the popular music playlists that usually echo through those amusement park entrances. In your living room. Not Coronation street please! 4/ Theme Park (related) construction toys Theme Park toys and gadgets are becoming more common these days. You have Lego Rollercoasters, nano- park building kits and other crazy contraptions that are based off, or at least resemble theme park related items. Definitely worth a shot. 5/ Watching Film/TV shows with theme parks in You could say I am just repeating point 2 again, but I say no. The difference between those are that those films and tv series use the parks essentially as film sets fo centre around or the development of the plot line. Whether that be that underwhelming time the Lampoons visited Six Flags Magic Mountain, that time the Spykids saves the day in Knotts Berry Farm or that time Will embarrassed everyone in the Inbetweeners? It’s all there Indeed and lots to see and adds even more amusement (no pun intended) to compare the accuracies and inaccuracies to how these parks actually operated in real. Silly me, how did I not even mention Final Destination? Ok there you go. 6/ Reminiscing Old Park Trips This one won’t be for everyone, especially if it triggers serious park withdrawal symptoms, but nonetheless may still be something worth doing. Whether you’ve been worldwide, around Europe or generally stuck to just the U.K. parks, there must be that trip, that place or that visit that literally stuck out for you and gave you ever lasting memories. For me, it has to be that first trip to Disneyland Paris back in 2015. I had never been so excited upon visiting a park before and felt simply overjoyed with everything about that trip, from an entertaining park group to some simply hilarious and magical laugh out loud memories both within and outside the parks. Wow! Five years. 7/ Looking at your merch collection Again this won’t be for everyone, but for most, there is surely some item that you have, or at least were collecting at one point. Maps, pin badges, mugs, clothes or even shot glasses. I know this seems like a long shot, but it is these items that help with those connections to the parks and remind of us those wonderful visits we had there and hopefully will again one day too. I’m generally a resin person. 8/ Books from parks and attractions The title alone is rather vague I admit, but there are lots of park books and even articles to read right now. From park guides, brochures, theme park biographies and picture books too. Many have informative content which really go down into the depths of how parks and attractions cane to be. John Wardley’s biography is a strong personal recommendation! 9/ Act It Out! Ok, I’m probably scraping the barrel a bit here and I can see most of you already acting confused as you read this. But if you can’t get down to those memorable attractions, bring those memorable attractions to you. Act it out! Dress up or style as your favourite park characters. Why not re-enact the Hex pre-show or Symbolica’s storyline? Ok, I just got the idea from this video, but it’s still pretty fun eye? 10/ Interacting with park mates and communities Last but not least, but the most important thing of all, stay connected with your theme park mates and communities. It may all seem awkward being separated from next fo everyone right now, but you can stay together through virtual context. Drop messages, video chats and other means. Talk about your favourite rides, debate whether Helix is better than Taron (no fighting please), but more importantly, stay happy and well entertained in this challenging time for everything theme park and non theme park related. Thank you for reading if you survived to the end. We are all in this together!

Stay strong everyone! We will get through these challenging days somehow. I wrote a blog about some suggestions. https://forum.maniahub.com/blogs/entry/931-10-theme-park-related-things-to-enjoy-right-now/

Towers have just announced they will delay their opening, so I expect anytime now (maybe even tonight) an announcement that all the other parks will close up.

Think my bucket list Is looking a little bit shorter now. Might visit some parks in the fictional RCT universe. Aside from that, who knows.

Thank you Matt for keeping us updated. These are indeed strange and challenging times we live in, but hopefully one day we can look forward to seeing these meets running again soon.

Add Fantasy Island and Drayton Manor to the list of parks/attractions closed. They won’t be the last.