Matt 236

I'm no expert but if your after the full Europa experience, go for a Europa Park hotel like Bell Rock or Collesseo [there's 4 in total]. Failing that, there's the camping resort for a cheape option. There's also lots of hotels and BnB's in the surrounding village [Rust] which most aren't more than 15 minutes walking for a cheaper option. It may be worth looking at sites like Tripadvisor, Expedia and boooking.com for more info. If you're just after a cheap trip, go for the latter option as you are still allowed in the main hotel complex after hours too.

I can see where I stand here then. That's a loverly bus you have there Steven. #mattistpm'smeggriffin

That would be a terrible idea. Cheap, gimmicky, not fitting with the landscape and something that would make even Rita look good. This coaster needs to be a good one of which. If it's even a coaster to begin with.

With it being the Netherlands, that makes perfect sense. It could well be themed around the experience after eating a few magic brownies now.

This marks the end of a long era. Not just for the Paris Star Tours, but all of them as this was the last original one left. I feel very glad to have gotten a few rides on the original whilst it last. I am sure the new one will be fab though as I've heard good things about the state ones [which I am yet to experience]. Star Tours closure brings up the closed rides at DLRP currently to 12, including BTM, RNRC, Adventure Isle and Peter Pans Flight. Definitely not the year to visit DLRP [unless your a big fan or pass holder], but still better than Towers somewhat.

With Taron & Raik opening [somepoint] this year, the big question will be what be happening next? Here's your answer Race for Atlantis is dead! The once iconic globe which had similarities to the Euro Mir & Epcot icon is disappearing from the park forever. What's replacing it, who knows. But I've heard Hollywood, Nighthawk and that strange underground ominmover ride are apparently on the chopping block.

Need to get in to Orlando before it's too late! Good news for the whales though.

What is it about newness that excites? Having something major that entices excitement. Whether that be a new coaster, immersive dark ride or unique water ride, it can be an addition which offers something different in that park that hasn't been seen before. There are of course times when I'll be more excited for some rides more than others. For example, my excitement for something like a GCI woodie or B&M than something like a gerst. However if the park went all out on theming, landscaping etc. Interest would spike. My interest in flats is generally low unless again they're well themed or unique. Things along the lines of CBeebies land and Thomas Land have no interest to me. How important is story to a ride? Depending on the ride, it can be highly important. At a park like Disney or Universal, it should be a given. The same can be said for dark rides where unless it's a coaster, using one is paramount. Of course fairs and amusement park rides don't necessarily need a story due to the nature of the parks. Are there rides that give you the same enjoyment each time? Select number of rides achieve this, including Nemesis, Megafobia, Joris, POTC,TOT and BTM. Some rides even get better upon re-riding like Baron 1898, Swarm, Air and Valhalla actually improve. Although in some cases enjoyment can drop. This has happened a few times on rides like The Smiler & The Big One.

Great to see Oakwood do some TLC around the park, even if the portrayal on social media comes across as a carbon copy of Towers TLC. Park does need fresh new attractions though. Safe to say Sleepy Hollow is the new Hartenhoff (which as we know is technically happening now).

Well this a surprising and slightly unexpected awakening. Then again it's good news and all honesty desperately needed with ride closures, likely to drop visitor numbers and the need for something fresh. A facelifted flyer, children's area and dodgy Gerst are not enough to keep the park fresh. I'm guessing this will be a 2018 opening, unless this has been in the works for a while. We will see. Anything but an Aqua Trax with an abandond theme!

Multiple closer rides at the start of the season is the theme park equivalent of turning up around an hour late to work every day. Then again, problems do occur and so far no UK parks have managed a full (planned) line up from day one so far.

To Stealth, the ride that got took me out of my Thorpe Park dark age.

It makes me really sad that Swarm's 100% attendance is no more . Must be something major for it to be closed. Bravo Slammer though. You've broken the mould of past seasons, don't mess up mid season.

Lots of nice touches on this facade. Although I'm glad they went for a theme different from recent additions.

"Awaits Pluk's raging post about H&S" It's been a while

Nah Flambards sounds better tbh.Back on track! Park hours have now been announced. The hours for when we will be visiting will be: Saturday the 28th May 9am-8pm Sunday the 29th May 9am-7:30pm Monday the 30th May 9am-6pm Some good park hours here. Another thing to remember is, these are minimal park closings which means if the park is busier on any selected days, they can expand park closing if there's need. May be worth looking here if anyone going/planning to wants some advice on going. https://towersstreet.com/talk/threads/park-hours.3774/

Still, it's pretty impressive when you consider how large the building actually is. This'll probably be universal's best new ride outside of the Potter additions they've had for a while.

I'd say stop playing the IAC altogether as the Inferno theme is a superior theme tune.

Safe to say Paultons is probably the best UK park now.

Seems like a great start to the year then. Least it can't be as bad as 2011's preview day ugh.

Maybe I should become Matt Old Town

I think it's safe to say Paultons are on to a winner with this new area. It appears to be one of the best themed/immersive themed areas of a UK park of modern times.

It seems to be Lionsgate will be doing another 3 years, to an extent. As long as the new Mazes are good and Cabin sees some updates the event should be great. I did find the mazes get a bit stale last year in all honesty though.

Everything I've heard about Tomb's touch ups seems to be mixed and contradictory. I've heard some people saying the ride looks so much better, there's more atmosphere and all the effects bar the boulder have been fixed. Then I hear others saying it's been a wasted opportunity, things still broken and the ride wasn't worth the effort. As someone who's yet to experience Tombs V2, I can't make head or tail of this until April.