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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.

Tips on how to beat boredom in a queue 1/ don't use the queue 2/ beat boredom up 3/ challenge boredom to a game if this doesn't work, boredom won.

Thanks for this insight into the Odyssey that started the transformation into the Thorpe we know today. some interesting facts there. Never knew of those expiry dates for the IP's, but the Derren one sound quite reassuring. I can definitely see why, not much facial work has been to the ride, judging by all the structural and subsidence issues it has faced. How bad is the sinking problem out of interest? Was there any mention on Canada Creek/Loggers?

It did indeed in the last hour. And I give kudos to the engineers for doing so. still, hopefully Stealth and Tidal can be sorted as they both looked lifeless when I visited. they were also giving out free return tickets on the way out from what I saw. Ghost was ok though however I think it may have been on lower capacity as they were not filling all the queue line up.

On park today. All three rides as mentioned are closed. Not a good day for reliability. Have no idea what's up with Stealth and Inferno but hope they work soon as the park is really struggling without them.

Rushed evacuation scene? Well I never! I honestly expected a relaxing and peaceful experience on a ride of this nature.

I thought the throughput was around 800-900 PPH. But then again that may be on full capacity. Which again I hear it isn't on full just yet so may well be 500-600 PPH right now.

Well we know Chessie's is getting a brand new card factory for 2017. the ride will be themed around the Gruffalo, will be happy, clap, singy, patronising and only amusing to people under 5.

That's exactly why I mentioned them. But that said, Slammers actually been the most reliable of the three ironically. Lets hope they can get it back up and opening as the park really do need it open as the park numbers need to be up this year.

Apparently the Ghost Train is unavailable again. oh well, it was good while it lasted. Slammer is laughing uncontrollably and Smiler says hi.

Well considering the 2016 season hasn't ended yet and we've just been given a big dark ride, anything could happen. Maybe Loggers will reopen with a new alongside a repainted Colossus. Or perhaps Saw will get VR and Rumba rethemed to Ice Age for all we know.

It's August now and I have no idea what's going on with this meet and whether it's happening on the 13th or 20th. I don't want to make this a ranty post, but would like to make a few suggestions in regards to meets. 1/ add the specific date/s of the meet into the topic name and hide the polls The showing the meet dates on the calendar and Facebook chat groups to planned attendees have been very helpful lately.

Symbolica Latest Tower structures now on site. The attention to detail Efteling put into their attractions is remarkable. The ride will feature a Summer opening next year, which judging by Baron may be around July time. source Loopings

Was originally going to write a full out review, but not sure I will now but here's my thoughts on the ride. QUEUE AND EXTERIOR exterior is done rather nicely (except the exposed shed parts). The queue feels any typical Merlin queue with cattle pen layout, queue music, announcements and minimal theming. The uncover section is slightly better with the increase in theming and posters but still has room for improvement. The baggage hold however is nicely done. The Pre-Show Probably my favourite part of the attraction, I think it's so well done with the Derren projection, feels so realistic and builds it up well. Probably one of the best UK pre-shows and only second to Hex and Oblivions. The themed corridor is very nice, as is the suspended train. It's a striking centrepiece and nicely detailed. First VR section I'm not a massive VR fan, but this was quite good. The aspect of having different visions is good and the quality is much better than Galactica's. Good, but not amazing. The tube carriage is also well built. The Evacuation (transition scene) Feels somewhat Sub-Terra like, but again theming is very good, acting is good and the effects in the main chamber with the train coming towards you is highly impressive. The Second VR Section Weakest part of the ride for me. Graphics again are good (not amazing) but feels very stretched out and like a curveball in the plot line. Your there just watching these monsters for a while, then smoke followed by them pushing the train underground. The trick ending though is alright I suppose. you then exit to the gift shop. Conclusion There are some things that work very well on this attraction and others that don't. The Pre-show and transition are done excellently but the VR is hit and miss (especially the last one). in terms of rides in the UK, it's a great contribution, but to the world not so much. It's no Tower Of Terror or Ratstouille but for the uk it's an entertaining ride. Hopefully this ride will still work well in a few years, not be neglected and become outdated (one of my main worries) as it wouldn't work without the VR. Rating 6/10

Just realised Piccolo Mondo at Europa Park used to be known as Ciao Bambini and as a result received a major retheme/refurb in 2011. Knew the soundtrack sounded comparatively different to the one I bought.

I really like this for Baron alone. The Victorian area looks nice too.

Didn't Smiler used to have five? I'm guessing since the incident they've only been able to replace one of the trains. if the throughput is 700 typically, it's still doing a better job than Galactica which struggles getting 600 PPH on a good day.

I don't think they like you and did this on purpose. I'm struggling to get over there.

If the next big thing utilises another run down, apocalyptic and abandoned warehouse theme, I won't have much interest in this. Unless its a Mack or a Woodie, where this may be forgiven.

More like what didn't they change when they rethemed it?

Glad you had a great time at the park. Agree, Efteling is such a loverly place to visit and a very relaxing place to be in, despite crowds and size. As you mentioned, it's great to see a park with so much dedication to the experience where upselling (like Merlin's) is practically non existent. Alongside, they put in much care and effort into all there attractions new and old. Agree with Baron, the top notch pre shows make alone make Baron an outstanding ride and Dutchman is easily one of the best non Disney experience rides out there. I don't think there's any rides you could really fault at Efteling as being dull, let alone terrible. Did you watch the Aquanura water show there? As that's absolutely superb and is one my favourite park shows. Which fairy tales did you manage to see there? It's definitely an area where you need a good 2 hours to take everything in.

Yes, they will obviously just fly open the ride regardless of its problems for guests to see, because there's no chance of another Smiler incident happening on another ride. in all seriousness, all rides sadly have problems (even reliable Macks and B&M's) so it's just unfortunate timing to be fair. Not to mention Stealth is usually the worst for major breakdowns (Saw being worst for minor ones).