Matt 236

I think if/when the parks reopen this year we will see similar measures to these, like the ones Legoland implemented by keeping those gaps or filling every other row on ride vehicles.

Studio 13 8. Blair Witch (2018-present) The Curse Cabin in the Woods

Disappointing but not surprising either. This project is a massive investment for the park and to delay it (as difficult it would seem) was likely the best thing the park could do. Even if/when the parks begin to reopen, it is unlikely visitor numbers would settle at expected levels due to previous things going on. Will definitely a spring a visit for them for the future.

Interesting discussion point. A Tier- sorry don’t have anything here currently. B Tier- Chessington, I’ve always loved Chessington and I think it captures a great selection of attractions for people to enjoy. I would’ve once put this in the F tier, but I am quite happy with a lot of the things they have been doing the last few years. Re-theming an ageing dark ride, giving their flume an update and also putting in some family rides amongst (hopefully) a new pirate ride. The place has been getting some new life recently. C Tier- Alton Towers. They have an impressive coaster line up (bar Rita) which is amongst one of the best in Europe IMO. They also have some beautiful grounds/landscaping and two decent dark rides. Unfortunately they seriously lack shows and support attractions, which is greatly noticeable when several major breakdowns occur. The removal of flat rides over the years has taken it’s toll. D Tier- Legoland Windsor- Currently Merlin’s gem and flagship asset (mentioning all Lego parks here). Most people on here aren’t the target audience, but they seemto be doing well for what they are offering. The park have definitely been receiving hefty investments with their Monster Party ride, a tiny coaster and a new area next year (supposedly). The only things that drag the park are it’s hefty queues and the landscaping isn’t as good as it used to be. However the TLC the park has received recently is refreshing to say the least. F Tier- Thorpe Park- Surprise Surprise? No one is really surprised. This was the place to be in the noughties with it’s great choice in investment. Skip ahead ahead a decade and I can’t say the same. Poor choice of additions, consistency, TLC and direction have put the park in a stagnant position. Half the place is themed to horror and one of the best former family attractions Is little more than a statue behind a fence. It says a lot that the best attraction the park have added since Swarm is a set of bumper cars and that they now receive the mouse’s share of investment. I haven’t been to Garda or Heide yet, but might well do one day.

Big Top (2016-2017) The Walking Dead: Living Nightmare Blair Witch Project (2013-2016) Experiment 10 Creek Freak Massacre The Asylum Se7en Saw Alive

I think the ride during it’s second season (and first full year operating) was definitely at it’s best. The second VR was an Improvement, the new finale added that extra element (and was my favourite part of the ride), plus we still had that “live action” element between the two sections. I’m not saying it was perfect then (still a way off) but it was something. Whatever happens to DBGT if/when the Park reopens is anyone’s guess, however with hygiene measures and the nature of the attraction, we could potentially see the attraction opened with “toned down” affects I.e no VR or the attraction temporarily/permanently closed. If the later happens, only time will tell if it reopens with an amended setup, receives a re-theme or is mothballed until eventual redevelopment. It is no secret that DBGT has been a white elephant to the park. They spent a lot of money and resources on it, however it never truly paid off and has had little to no impact on gate figures as a result. It’s absence from the anniversary hoodie says it all.

Beautiful. I can definitely see remnants from the sketches that went into the finished design such as the twisted tower in the final picture. Tover Land is definitely an up and coming park and let’s hope they continue to develop. Was pleasantly surprised by the place when I visited last year.

Second Attempt (I hope) Terror AT Amity High Studio 13 Blair Witch 2017 The Freezer The Curse 10th Anniversary Actors Cabin In The Woods Big Top 2015

Here goes something: Studio13 Blair Witch 2018 The Curse Cabin In The Woods Big Top 2016+ Experiment 10 Creek Freek Massacre Platform 15 VOID!

Stealth (2)Nemesis Inferno (4) inferno+ Stealth-

The above video has somewhat managed to give me a screenshot of what the ride was like then and how it worked. The wording was an error on my part. from what I have seen from the ‘original’ Vampire, it definitely appeared fo have a greater atmosphere amongst being more theatrical. I have done two suspended swingers with their original cars and whilst the swinging doesn’t seem significant it definitely has a more prominent appearance.

Nemesis Inferno (5)Rush (3)Stealth (3)The Swarm (3)Vortex (1) Nemy Inferno+ Vortex-

Nemesis Inferno (3)Quantum (3)Rush (3)Samurai (2)Stealth (4)The Swarm (3)Vortex (3) Nemesis Inferno +1 Samurai -1

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.