Matt 236

I'm no expert and haven't been yet mysel. I think the nearest major airport is Hamburg and after that it's either a train, bus or taxi. It may be worth speaking to someone who's visited as I know a few here went here recently.

Gruffalo hotel admit it, it's going to happen just like the Derren Brown one will at Thorpe.

As far as I'm aware only two of the props listed are from Professor Burps, which include the feet and hippo head. Very much doubt I'll be bidding in these, but I'm some numerous will which may be over the odds. Expect to see some items in a highly known enthusiast's shed soon!

Glad to have been at help here. It's definitely a park that needs to be visited. They definitely look to be on the up when it comes to improvements.

Agree pretty much with what Nick said. A dark ride, a woodie and a better Log flume is what it needs and then it's definitely a leading player. You can definitely tell the last fast few investments are of top notch quality, Lost a Kingdom, Critter Creek and even the entrance. The old log flume and Go Karts especially need replacing. Entrance again is loverly and certainly one of the better ones in the UK. My my full report is here, if you're interested.

In terms of parks with flames and animals, we have: Chessington Flamingo Land Drayton Manor Unless I've forgotten something, I would highly doubt it would be Chessington. I'm betting Drayton personally (since Storm Force uses lake water), but that's purely speculation.

More Symbolica updates Building is starting to take shape nicely now. I forget get whether it's been said, but this will be the most expensive ride ever built at the Efteling, at a cost of 35 million euros with a ride duration of 6-7 minutes. It will be trackless too. Apparently most of the work is going on the outside of the attraction at the moment as they want to finish this first before they start working on the insides for the attraction itself.

Somewhere in the rural Hamptonshire countryside, lies a mysterious theme park. But this isn't any ordinary theme park, which is home to dinosaurs, Cobras, wonderful beasts and a famous animated pig (to name a few). This is a park that is certainly on the up, investing in attractions that improve the park whilst retaining and complimenting it's character and values. It's a place so renowned for its greatness, legend has it adventurers have travelled to the depths of boots to witness it's golden gates. WELCOME, TO PAULTONS PARK Home to the weird and wonderful, like this raining tree. For 2016, the park have invested at great lengths to bring us this wonderful prehistoric land through dedication of 8 million coins. It's well spent if you ask me. One the main new discoveries of this new lost area is one of two coasters, Flight Of The Pteranosaur. A veto a family suspended coaster which dominates the centre of the world. The rock work theming is superb and of high quality. And what a great family coaster this is. The coaster is great fun and interacts with the area superbly alongside a good proportion of theming. The end helix is also superb. As far as I'm aware the layout may be clone of another (maybe Grona's) but that doesn't take anything away from the ride which certainly looks to be a hit for the park. It's the perfect fun thrilling coaster for the family. Theming, with working animatronics. The second new coaster is the Veloceraptor. Another Vejoma, but this time a boomerang style coaster like Ben10. This is another superfluous coaster for the park and another fun ride. Whilst it doesn't beat Pteranosaur for me, I do prefer it to Ben 10 as this gives more a kick I think. But the area is more than just coasters though (listen Merlin). They also have one of these crazy fun spinning rides like the Crazy Taxis at Europa Park. This ones called Boulder Dash. This small Triceratops coaster, which I didn't get chance to ride ( ). Fact, this ride isn't actually brand new and was rethemed into the new area. It used be known as the Flying Frog I believe. They also have a Safari track ride too which is neat. Some very good theming here too. It's great to see park put so much effort into something just like this whilst a number of others (not naming) are either ripping theirs out or leaving them to rot. Best car style attraction in the uk by far. Theres also an interactive Dino show too, which is good to see the park not just focus on the ride side either. Plus there's some roaming dinosaur animatronics in the area too. They even have an area shop which is themed to a good level also. They've also added a new food place and smaller flat ride to the area too. Certainly making one of the best themed areas in the uk. Also in the park, resides my second home. Critter Creek. The theming quality they have here has been done very well, especially for a park like Paultons. And here is the Cat-O-pillar, which again has been rethemed into the new area. The theming again is fantastic, weird and wacky. The coaster was alright but not my favourite. The area is also home to a random aquarium type place. For a park like this, it's a nice little walk through. The park is also home to Cobra, arguably their signature ride. The queue line was a little shabby (spilt mess in the queue and a few areas of chipped pant), but that can be forgiven for the moment. There is even a shed tunnel, and that isn't the best part. Cobra is a really fun coaster and possibly my favourite ride at the park (either this or Pteranosaur). Two things to note about this ride are that it is a Gerstlauer, and an enjoyable one at that and that its 10 years old and was working fine. No lifeless structure here. Speaking on lifelss, this ride was shut (at least when we went passed it) which was a shame as it looked fun. They however have a Disko called The Edge (not Kobra) as Paultons know how to spell. This one is also run on a better setting too as you really get a good cycle. My only criticism are you were required to wear leg seat belts and mine was very tight. (Which ruined the experience in a way) and the ride doesn't feature much in terms of theming, but I'm sure that will be sorted one day. The park also have a 4D cinema which features a fairly quirky but nicely themed facade outside (not cheap looking). The movie itself was alright, nothing amazing but was nice for a sit down and seemed entertaining enough for the guests. Its no Angry Birds but is good for what it is especially being the only undercover attraction so far. The park even have a loverly grand carousel. Featuring some loverly shrubbery too. But the one thing park are famous for is Peppa Pig World, the investment (alongside Cobra) which have really helped the park develop in the last few years. Sadly I didn't anymore photos here because my phone's camera reached capacity but all I can say is, it's a loverly themed area for the park's clientele and the park got the right balance with everything there too. We only managed one ride in the area, that was Windy Castle. From the outside it looks like a little innocent spinning observation ride thing, think again! Peaj, Steve, Alex and I all shared one capsule and when you have no spin limits on a ride that also rotates upwards on a 4-5 minute cycle you're in for one hell of a white knuckle ride. it was honestly crazy and ridiculous how crazily fast we were all going here and whilst it was hilarious to start with, I'm certain my thrill limit has been reached as it felt very painful and comftable towards the end of the ride and pretty nauseated for the tail end of the day too. Think this has put me off tea cups for the time being. As much as things post 2006 have clearly marked the up for the park (moreso post 2010), there's still a fair few number of areas in the park that look bland and in need of an update. one of these is the park's log ride which is pretty much an off the shelf Reberchon. Considering this ride isn't even 20 years old does show how superior their new stuff is now. I could probably say the same for the Go Karts. I didn't try these either as I think there was an up charge. that being said, there isn't a massive amount of upselling at the park. Considering I didn't see any HB leisure stalls or any posters trying to persuade me to buy a pass. Although the park exit is deliberately through a massive toy shop, that is more a tactical decision (and a cunning one at that). But Paultons isn't just home to a decent selection of family rides. There's also a very reasonable amount of gardens and green spaces which help enhance a day here. Which made for a really enjoyable day out that was enjoyed by all. Unfortunately though Peaj was eaten by a giant hedge snake and hasn't been seen since. Paultons is definitely a loverly park and worth a visit. its a place that puts effort and dedication into everything they do. Whether that be building a giant new themed area, staff friendliness or keeping the place tidy (we saw someone pick up litter minutes after it was dropped). With the possible exception of Cobra's queue, everywhere was beautifully well kept with no signs of wear and tear anywhere and a good atmosphere throughout. The future for the park is bright and seeing the massive improvements they've made in the last few years (each one better than the last). All they need to do is build a proper flume and add a dark ride and they will then have a perfect full lineup. Whilst the park have little to nothing in terms of merchandise, I think they have it right by housing a massive toy shop at the exit which will no doubt be blissful joy for many of the kids (and a nightmare for many of their parents). Chessington step aside. This is what a family park should be. Jump in the boot and let's go!

I never expected to find a ride that would be beyond a thrill level I could handle. nor did I expect it to be a twirling teacups in Pepper World, even if it was on a Peaj's tea cup setting.

Riding Saw is a bit like Russian roulette. Some cars can be quite smooth whilst others can be horribly rough. Seating sometimes has something to do with it too.

Yeah I definitely feel more than capable of running a park multiple RCT games. Drowning guests, crashing rides and ultra extreme thrill ratings have always given me reassurance.

The UK isn't doing too bad for air time stuff. Yes it needs more, but so far we have: Oblivion megafobia Grand National Stealth Thirteen Wild Mouse to name a few.

I'm extremely disappointed and concerned something like this could happen. I just hope the abuser gets what it deserves and the law is on our side. Hopefully this will have no negative impact to the other 95% of innocent childless adults who visit Legoland and we suddenly find ourselves in a Gullivers situation.

Not forgetting, you drop bro-detonator swing innit-Rush Wet Fam-Tidal Wave Sick Rapids-Rumba Rapids the pyramid one bruv-X Spin Fam-Vortex Moist-Storm Surge

I don't know what makes me sadder, the poor state of disrepair the ride has become in or the likeleihood of it's successor. The Bubbleworks in its heyday was charming attraction, something magical, immersive and that appealed to everyone whether they were 7 or 70. Sadly over the years the ride has suffered neglect and become a shadow of its former self. Whether that be the LED flooded scenes, garish colours or mess of the fountain finale. The ride could've still had a place at Chessington today if the park had cared. Parks like Europa and Efteling really look after their dark rides which often get updated whilst keeping their charm. See Fata Morgana, Piccolo Mondo, Festival Carnival and Geisterschloss. Whilst this his forseen closure could seen as putting the ride out of its misery, I can't say I'm optimistic for it's replacement. Rumours point towards an IP retheme of the Gruffalo. My main concern isn't really the case of the ride using a less creative and original (typical Merlin) approach but moreso cohesion. The original Chessington was aimed to have different themed world areas, China (Mystic East), Mexico (Mexicana) and even India (Wild Asia) proved this. By adding a fictional (even if British) IP into a European themed town with a forest theme will most certainly cripple area cohesion for sure. Of course, they could surprise all of us by making the whole area feel more fitting whilst retaining the original features. But the likes of Zufari, Tombs and Angry Birds unfortunately fill me with no confidence what so ever.

Because some of our members broke it on Ministey Of Sound night, after a long ride marathon. Either that or it's just taking a long time for an essential component that the ride cannot run without.

Most of Old Town (formerly Canada Creek) is currently derelict. Loggers is shut off, the Noodle place has closed down, The ice cream place has shut down and so has the hot dogs alongside the long gone CCR. Apart from Rocky, the game stalls and Slammer & Samurai just outside, this area of the park now definitely feels like a dead zone. Whilst we may see more action for Fright Nights, I feel area is currently under consideration from the park on whether to restore it and reopen Loggers or to eventually demolish everything (including Rocky ) for their next big thing (likely a coaster).

Sadly, these incidents will be the norm with the issues we face in modern times. Least it was a false alarm though and the security team dealt with it well. It's not the first 'attempted' incident near the park and sadly won't be the last.

IP-The Ride just add something

Interesting decision here. Hope the new carousel is positioned nicely. I'm guessing the old one is for the chop, which is a shame as it has loverly murals of old Chessington, not to mention the spinning teacups. I do wonder whether this has anything to do with one of the potential future coasters going in that area?

I don't think he's going now anyway. So, Peppa is safe from being bacon. For now

Secret Life Of Pets (SLOP) is the one earmarked for Shrek (if I remember correctly)? Shame if Dragon Challenge is going completely (having never ridden) even if the re-theme and 'no' duel element removes much of its gimmick. However I'm sure Univerdal know what they're doing and in true fashion will replace what was good with something great. Its astounding how how the park can suddenly thrown in new plans this and accomplish it within 1-2 years whilst WDW take 5+ years for a land still not finished. Wonder whether the ride would get relocated or become the second and third B&M's (there's 2 tracks) to face the scrap heap.

I'll be making this one, but gutted TPM's no.1 bag holder won't be joining now

Did look very nice when I looked there the other day and definitely a hit. I would've eaten there too (if I'd had the budget). Out of interest, has Crust shut down this year as I don't think it's been open at all this year. I know the noodle place and Ice cream shop in Canada creek/Old Townhave shut down.

SLOPS? All sounds potentially exciting stuff and the park is truly continuing to rise in the up by the sounds. Dragon Challenge refurb sounds both interesting and a little concerning. I wonder whether this will be a complete Hulk style rebuild or a new ride completely? It would be/feel very strange for the park not to have this ride in the near future.