Matt 236

Unfortunately it looks I won’t be able to make this one as I’m working that weekend. Have a good time and I’ll try and ensure I can keep Chessington free.

It’s amazing to think how Chessington looked then. Full of life, character, atmosphere and mostly well looked after attractions (although I did notice there wasn’t any fairground music though). Fast forward 20 years and unfortunately the park is in somewhat of a state. Watered atmosphere, less character and most attractions don’t seem as well looked after. Vampire’s station is basically a stripped back shed with a dead animatronic, poor quality download track and lighting that belongs in a school disco. The Castle facade is also still a terrible mess that needs a hefty jet wash, repaint or just torn down and rebuilt completely. Even the Pirate area seems to feature less character now. Ramesis, Tomb and Hocus Pocus are now in an appalling state and feel like they are literally waiting to be ripped out. Dont get me wrong, there are still good things going on at the park now, but not like they were in the 90’s. Unfortunately this probably won’t change anytime soon purely how the park is budgeted.

Sod it, I’m off to Kaatsheuvel! Strangely there’s been a consecutive chain with the Dahl family detesting attractions based on their IP’s. First it happened to COTCF at Towers and now looks like it’s happened again here. Apparently they also disliked the 1971 Willy Wonka film too. Fingers crosses this new attraction can add something to a park which has been badly struggling for years.

Well, I’ve never seen or heard of so something like this being done before, but it’s an absolute disgrace if they are. It’s like Merlin don’t want people to return to Towers.

I need to get some more of these pins! Thorpe definitely offer a good selection of merchandise and it’s great to see them releasing more unique items this year too such as top trumps and games. The ride brand chocolate isn’t too bad either (though perhaps a little pricey). I really liked the Stealth bakewell tart flavour they made. There didn't seem to be as many resins this time, but can’t have it all I guess.

I thought 2018 was supposed to be the year of park’s offering the best new ride, not offering the worst possible customer service. Blackpool with it’s apparently awful manner of providing information and suddenly slashing hours, and Towers with it’s staggered operations and further outlet cuts. If both parks are trying for RCT a 0 park rating, they should be given a medal.

Or simply do what Europa Park do and don’t release the official closing until like 1pm that day or something. After all, Mandy and the Mack family have a close connection. Although in all honesty almost any method of closing time is better than just cutting off several hours of park time in the day.

Well, the park clearly need to hire a better PR team. Least they offer a good ride variety, but yes the Alice wall would be nice if they covered it. Then again, I’d definitely take Icon over these because the park did need a new major star attraction.

Looks an improvement over what was there before, but it does sadden me a little that they still seem to want to go ahead with this reservation queue thing. Despite it’s hiccups, they have considered it so far successful, which is hard to believe. I think they may be tricking it on more attractions.

The company (along with Shambhala & Illuminations) was the saving grace for the trip.

Absolutely astounding you managed to actually have a highly enjoyable PA visit. When I I was there operations, staff (especially customer service) and food were awful. I will say though there was a sandwich place near Baco which was ok but that’s bad about it. Understabd about Khan, but not too sure on the others. I found Stampida ok, Baco surprisingly enjoyable and El Diablo boring apart from the very start and end of the ride. Shambhala seems to be a surprisingly marmite one, where people either rank amongst their favourites or find it overrated. I’m the former there so you can take that as you like. I had a love-hate on my previous visit, but probably won’t return in a rush. At least Phantasialand toilets are themes though.

Wow never realised this actually used to exist,which seems like neat but pleasant little extra after the ride. Shame they got rid of it. I believe it was sometime around 2011 when this was removed and the exit re-routed with a more simpler generic one. The old building has become the Princess Pavillion Meet and Greet area now, as I’m aware.

Ideally, the park/Merlin could create a special park card system, which can be purchased and used at restaurants or even shops. Pre-purchase meals could be another thing, where they show a reservation number/email at food outlets and receive their pre-ordered items (meal deal?). Unless they already offer this. Society is definitely gradually leaning more towards ‘Card only’ payments, but I’d still say a noticeable amount of people still use cash. Either because they prefer or have to. For the latter, peak meals could now be rather hassling.

Glad you enjoyed the ride. They’ve definitely created an impressive attraction here. Hope to ride it in the coming weeks/months.

The Jim Button ride looks lovely with some decent theming. It looks completely unrecognisable from the Old Circus theme, which was perhaps becoming dated. Great to see Europa injecting do much love there. I just hope Can Can Coaster gives justice to what Eurosat once was.

Yes unfortunately Bush BBQ and Pulled Meat have bit the dust. Quite a shame really as I did enjoy both in their own ways, however not surprised with things considered. Whether they lay dormant this season (and beyond) or reopen for peak season remains to be seen. The card only method is an interesting one, which seems to apply to most food outlets. Is this really a way of speeding up service or is there more to this? What if it’s Merlin’s way of trying to abolish counterfeit money?

Deeply saddened upon hearing of Roodie’s passing. Thoughts go out to his family and closest of friends. I only met him a few times during meets, but he was lovely down to earth guy, who was extremely friendly. He wasn’t one for running round hitting checklists or the first there, but one to simply just take in and enjoy the parks with the company amongst him. Roodie’s premature departure certainly puts things into perspective to try and appreciate life more, regardless of how good or bad things in our lives seem to be. Whether that be a trip/holiday being delayed or cancelled, not landing your dream job or moments where seems to going to plan. The last time time I knowingly saw him was leaving for the car park at Chessington after an exciting meal and visit to the park. Little did I know at the time that would be the last time I saw him. He may have only been active in the community for just over a year, but certainly left a lasting impression. As long as we can continue to enjoy these wonderful meets and socials. Amongst remembering the good times of those Roodie attended, his spirit can definitely live on. Roodie May be gone, but he is definitely not forgotten. Thanks for reading and I apologise if this is too much for anyone.

Both coasters are looking very good yet very different at the same time. One is an immersive woodie with special effects and a pre-show, whereas the other is a sleek styled and modern launch coaster that interacts with numerous other attractions. Wicker will probably be more successful in the shorter term, with it’s advertisement and publishing, whereas Icon I expect more-so in the medium to longer term, when more people start riding it (subject to positive reviews). 2018 has arguably been the best year for new rides this decade.

I get the impression the ghost train will be an ongoing adjustment from the park. Scene Two in particular has seen some substantial changes, making it more of a walkthrough/maze than what was previously a show scene. At first I can say, the decision to change this was definitely a mixed bag. However hearing upon the move being as a result of excessive breakdowns, it is perhaps more of a positive in that regard. Derren has been a problematic attraction for shut downs (usually on a daily basis). Fingers cross this debatable move will noticeably improve it’s reliability. Can also add on my last ride, the VR worked well as did the shop. Apart from the Demon getting stuck outside after the ending, which was just bizarre.

This definitely looks better than expected because it offers a unique and interesting access way to access the upcoming Rookburgh area, whilst in keeping with the stunning Berlin Street. Can’t wait to watch Rookburgh progress and develop, and who knows what else may enter the new area in the form of attractions, shops, restaurants or even more. Mamba’s new rockwork is without doubt stunning.

Absolutely love the new additions and attentive care the Macks put into Europa each year, whether that’s a cute update to one of their family rides or tweaking shops or eateries. Europa definitely have a can can do attitude. Speaking of which, the art work looks great, although I will very much miss the original space theme too.

Mexican Cantina is becoming Sombrero’s Burrito Bar. Hats off to them.

Love a park that go all out on doing up areas and making them look almost new again Mamba didn’t necessarily need work doing, but looks amazing though as s result of it. The Berlin building demolition seems a generally unexpected one, but shows the park has some interesting developments up it’s sleeve. Apparently, Ling Bao has also seen some changes, especially to the main restaurant which has been given a noticeably more modern Asian look. Rumours suggest that China could be the next area to be redeveloped and Geister Riksha replaced with an updated dark ride.

Wow. There’s snow in Poland too. Oh, and the coaster being built in the pictures looks lovely too.

The irony that a coaster using fire is closed due to snow. Honestly though, there are certain weather conditions which make it unsafe for certain rides to operate in and with recent track history the park will need and want to follow that. One should note it is not just Merlin parks that close attractions due to weather. When I was at PA last year, Shambhala and other attractions had ceased operation due to high wind.