Matt 236

Sounds like an American version of Blackpool Pleasure Beach from the report, albeit with better maintained wooden coasters, more classics and a crappy version of River Caves. Should try and get out to this place one day, but probably as a road trip thing.

I guess at the end of the day if the paint scheme of the boat looks unpresentable, we should look away from it? Like the state of Slammer, Loggers and the whole of old town, areas of removed and dilapidated theming, mixed up areas, closed outlets and the presentation of most attractions. Every Park has it’s ups and downs, but the way Thorpe has been operated in the last 5+ years would make you think they are being run by a company billions in debt which are barely making a profit. I wont hold my breath for fright nights, but they have a chance to make it less terrible than last year.

To be fair they should’ve repainted the whole boat, however as they say with every project, it’ll do!

This feels somewhat appropriate. I honestly hope they can get appeal or tackle these issues. Highly disappointing news.

Although I be been quite late on the Fright Nights band wagon, even the likes of Studio 13 and the ‘original’ Cabin in it’s first year. Last year’s event was a complete shambles showing quantity does not mean quality. The fact Blair Witch was probably the best attraction is something of an embarrassment. Even if this year’s event is better it probably won’t be a patch on anything 5+ years ago.

Thing is though Ferrari is a fair distance away from the main park. Yes, you can see Red Force for miles, but it’s pretty difficult to hide a near 400ft coaster. With Garda I get the impression they will be building this towards the back of the main park. A recent TPW vlog implies this is the way with the areas near Fantasy Kingdom. If so, this could cause some noticeable clash with theming and styles. A water park would suit Garda, but it’s all down to the execution and presentation as to whether everything will be awesome (had to be said).

I’m very mixed on this whole development. A water park for Gardaland sounds great as does a Legoland water park. However having a Legoland water park in a non Lego park, I am slightly more apprehensive of as it might seriously clash with the park’s styling. Then again I suppose they now have Kung Fu Panda and Peppa Pig (2) lands so maybe it will work. Could this mean we start to see more Legoland water parks rolled out across the world? Maybe even as standalone attractions? Garda have planned a water park for several years, so the buyout has likely had little to no impact on the original plan.

Given the extreme difficulty they have with this area, this looks a sound improvement and is probably the best case scenario we will probably ever see.

Shame Saw Alive has gone, even if it wasn’t typically the best maze. I guess at the end of the day it’s yet another derelict thing in the park. They have at least five now.

Could be anything really. Except for the ride reopening of course. Probably Fright Nights related.

Glad to hear this park was operated well, but still a shame on the farce with Kingda Ka.

This is how you refurbish a double drop flume ride! Despite the slightly questionable cohesion it looks great!

I’ll have to give this one a go in the near future, but Zadra is looking most likely to be RMC number two for me. The thing I love about Steel Vengeance is the incredible length and relentless the ride takes it’s layout. Whether that be it’s vertices drop, tight inversions, ejector and floater airtime and tight corners. It’s location and styling complement that. Regardless of Untamed being better or worse, it’s great to see Europe has another RMac. Just need the U.K. to get one now really.

Well it seems like Paultons are firmly heading towards being the best U.K. park with this. The area and setting look incredible! The new spinning coasters look ace, even if it is a clone. I think it’s safe to say Cobra is no longer the park’s signature coaster.

I honestly cannot wait for the UK’s Disneyland to open, I have full assurance this is actually going to happen. Either that or I’m talking gibberish.

This is hilarious

Yep, because my post above was clearly being serious! We won’t even notice the takeover differences for at least two years I reckon, if there’s any even!

Wickerman reopening is great and definitely better than nothing! Lets hope Lego Merlin can reopen those other rides.

Well whatever it is, I’m sure it’s not a repaint, retrack or new trains. Continue, as you do!

Certainly an interesting buyout, however given the current tie-ins with these companies and higher management expected to remain similar, the changes may not be too drastic. I'm sure there will be complaints though regardless of what direction the parks take now.

I like Cedar Point and can say it is one of my favourite parks and arguably the best place for coasters in the world. Would say most of the above is agreeable, Steel Vengeance is fab, Maverick great, I love Millennium Force, Rougarou surprisingly good and Magnum is better than Big One. I like Raptor and didn’t find it too tough on both times I’ve visited, but probably still prefer Nemy. I like Gate Keeper. I think Valravn might be the biggest letdown in terms of major rides there, I just find it seriously lacks something and never seems to get going. Oblivion has the best drop of the three dive machines I have done. Its tricky to say what the park’s next coaster will be and where it’s going? They demolished the old staff dorms but they have Monster trucks there and their old flume/dinosaur area is now Forbidden Frontier. Cedar Creek going is speculation I keep hearing, but then again the ride has much history too, so it’s tricky.

I think this place trying to reach the top spot of my european bucket list. That drop looks immense! Just hope this park can stay stable once the government funding ends.

Chiapas is quite simply a masterpiece. Even when the day comes that I finally do Splash Mountain and Ripsaw Falls, I have faith it will remain my number one water attraction. Right, so I finally ticked off two substantial U.K. parks last week, so thought I might as make a Top 10 UK parks list. Top 10 U.K. parks: 1/ Alton Towers 2/ Blackpool 3/ Paultons 4/ Chessington 5/ Thorpe 6/ Legoland 7/ Flamingo Land 8/ Oakwood 9/ Pleasurewood Hills 10/ Lightwater Valley Fantasy Island is essentially my last major park left now, with the exception of Blackgang Chime and the park’s in Devon and Scotland.

You say that, but until very recently, even parks such as Europa and Phantasialand haven’t been promoted through the U.K., although both have had their share of enthusiasts. Most non enthusiasts tend to only visit Disney/Florida parks, Port Aventura and (to a lesser extent) Tivoli Gardens, when it comes to non U.K. parks. Ok, sure Stargazing is definitely marketed as budget accommodation, but is still pricey for what it is. Whilst Cite Suspendue wasn’t cheap, I think 250 euros for a room for two with breakfast and two days park entry isn’t too pricey. Not to mention it offers what any good park accommodation should offer. Escapism. Hopefully the 2021 Coaster will put this place more on the map like Baron has done for Efteling. Asterix is worth a trip.

Might have to give this a go in August. It’ll either be surprisingly good or mediocre I reckon. 10 minutes of headset is a bit long I won’t lie. Europa’s VR coasters are actually surprisingly good. I think China will be the next area for redevelopment. I can see Jenja being returned/upgraded whilst the food shacks with Geister and what’s left of Silbermine are likely to be demolished.