Matt 236

On a highly positive note, Monster at Gröna Lund will feature the classic standard B&M invert trains!

 
Either Gröna Lund are smart or B&M realised no one likes their new trains (or some other reason someone will definitely point out 😂).

Vekoma madhouses are a well loved ride type for UK enthusiasts, because, yknow, Hex exists. Arguably the best example of its kind. And in the UK we're treated to 2 other pretty decent ones too.
 
But is it actually your favourite? And how would you rank the others you've ridden, be they Vekoma or from another manufacturer?
 
[Basically I'm just trying to come up with some sort of thread to kill closed season/covid blues which isn't that ride game... ]
 
Here's mine...
 
1. Hex, Alton Towers
I'll be honest, I'm not as fond of this as many others (not even my favourite dark ride at Towers...), but it's still the best.

2. Le Palais du Génie, Walibi Belgium
I can't quite explain why, but I've always really enjoyed this one. Just really well presented and the ride sequence is fun.

3. The Haunting, Drayton Manor
I think I've preferred this more for the pre shows than the main show, but eh, it's still great. Definitely feels miles better than most of the other stuff at Drayton.

4. Haunted House Monster Party, Legoland Windsor
Mostly for the soundtrack. But it's a good blend of fun and spooky too in fairness.

5. Houdini, Bellewaerde
A madhouse themed to magic has buckets of potential, and I'm surprised it's not a more common theme. But this misses the mark a bit. Still think it's alright though.

6. Villa Volta, Efteling
Never really been a fan of this; pre shows drag on for way too long.

7. Merlin's Magic Castle, Walibi Holland
For some reason, I see lots of people rate this quite highly. Never got why though? It's just so...eh?

8. Verlies des Grauens, Belantis
Really didn't like this. The queue is a saving grace, since it's basically in a castle and genuinely unnerving. But the ride sequence is trash.
 
9. Le Défi de César, Parc Asterix
This comes with a disclaimer, in that I rode this last year when no pre shows were running because of Covid, and half the effects weren't working during the ride sequence because of a shutdown just before I got on. But what I experienced was bad and highlighted ineptitude on how to run a dark ride, frankly. From what I've heard, the full experience does sound really good, but can only go on what I've experienced for now...

10. Feng Ju Palace, Phantasialand
Phantasialand is the park of extremes - I either absolutely adore their rides, or think they make a flaming pile of rubbish look attractive. This firmly belongs in the latter choice. From the confusing story, the weird pre show, the poor ride segment, it's just bad.
 
 
So go on then, how would you rank your madhouses?

Haven’t done as many as some, but here goes. 
 
1/ Hex- Alton Towers
No surprises here. I adore the soundtrack, the buildup, storyline and that the whole thing is nestled within the original Towers. Excluding the main hardware of course. 
 
Still remember my first ride on this and instantly became obsessed with it. The story ends there.
 
2/ Villa Volta- Efteling 
Simply stunning. I love the decorative exterior and interior, the hidden effects and the marvellous orchestral soundtrack. Kudos for this being the original madhouse.
 
3/ Defi De Caesar- Parc Asterix 
Definitely one of the more unique madhouses out there, from it’s comical yet original pre-shows and a storyline typically different that your usual curse/bad luck type of storylines.
 
4/ Haunted House Monster Party- Legoland Windsor
Fun, enjoyable all round and a marvellous soundtrack (as others have mentioned). It’s free flowing story makes a change from your usual plot lines and makes it noticeably more re-rideable as a result. Shame about the exterior.
 
5/ The Haunting- Drayton Manor
I can’t remember as much when I did this, which is probably bad of me, but I did like the spooky atmosphere, projections and midnight syndicate soundtrack though. Neither the best or worst.
 
6/ Feng Ju Palace- Phantasialand 
Somewhat the opposite of Monster Party. Beautiful exterior but the rest sucks. A long, confusing and tedious pre-show (though some of the effects are cool) and á just as mundane madhouse. Hopefully if the park redevelop the Asian area next, they can improve the madhouse whilst at it.
 
7/ Fluch Der Kassandra- Europa Park
Dare I say this could be the park’s weakest attraction? Maybe? Don’t get me wrong, the madhouse section is fine (if not unremarkable). Although the lack of context and storyline does detract substantially.
 
8/ Impossible- Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Does it even count? Maybe not? Is this just a “typical ploy” to ensure my favourite park doesn’t have an attraction last on this list? Quite possibly. 
 
Regardless, Impossible is simply an awful attraction trying to pose as a madhouse and should be the next thing Mandy rips out! 
 
Need to do more madhouses once this selfish virus ends (if ever).

Have removed a couple of posts from here - Regardless on your opinions on Nick’s music - fair play to him for organising this - just looked and I saw he’s raised almost £600 to donate to a mental health charity and no one deserves to be berated for that - that’s significant amount especially during these times from such a niche market.
 
Whilst I get it may not be everyone’s cup of tea I think it’s great people when people l come together and do things like this which will ultimately benefit others more in need, especially in times like this!

Soooooo, The Ride to Happiness, presented by Tomorrowland, anyone?
 
 
 
 

Alright!! Whoever the heck is hacking Wisey, get off his profile now!!
 
You think we would all believe the man would visit Efteling!!!??? 😮

Depth Charge (3)
Detonator: Bomb's Away (3)
Flying Fish (3)
King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (3)
Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (3)
Quantum (3)
Rocky Express (3)
Rumba Rapids (3)
Rush (3)
Samurai (3)
Storm in a Teacup (2)
Timber Tug Boat (4)
Vortex (3)
 
Samurai +
Storm in a Teacup -
I have fixed your errors @Matt Creek

In fairness, attractions can only do so much to enforce the guidance given from the government. Realistically, no attraction is going to check the address of every person, and then check what tier that address is in. It's the same for restaurants: no restaurant is going to be actively checking that every person in a group is from the same household.
 
This conversation is presumably coming from Theme Park WorldWide's visit to the park, despite the fact Shawn lives in a Tier 3 area and the park is in Tier 2, with his justification being 'TPWW forms his sole income, so he's travelled for work'. 
 
If you live in a Tier 3 area, you are told to avoid travelling, but you are not banned from it. So Shawn/TPWW aren't breaking any rules. Attractions and venues can, in theory, stop them from entering under their own T&Cs, but almost definitely wouldn't unless people were causing issues.
 
Ultimately, it's a bending of the rules, not a breaking of them, and you could argue it's morally a grey area. And it shows how easy it is to exploit the government's recommendations, and how important it is for every single person to play their part, and use their own judgement and common sense. 

I think on the whole the new piece of theming mostly looks great from what we’ve seen so far and is probably one of the better examples we’ve seen since Wild Asia at least.
 
However writing more on this, I can understand some of the points of it looking flat which seems the case from certain angles. Also, the existing area may need some work too as it’s looking remarkably worn in several sections.
 
The “time will tell” factor is something else to consider, because whilst something might look great to begin with, it could already start to look rundown and dilapidated after just 2/3 seasons without proper care and/or construction. Something which has happened too often with previous projects.
 
Lets hope the park can show us they can pull off a substantial flat ride investment and make it work, because at the end of the day it’s still under construction. 

Whilst they are at it, I have also heard:
 
Professor Burps Bubbleworks is returning and replacing Gruffalo (they’ll use remaining props and printed cardboard  Scorpion Express will be renamed Runaway Train, minus the rockwork Tiger Rock will be renamed Dragon Falls. Again minus the rockwork  Chessington. All back Right!

I also have some exclusive genuine news that Room on the Broom will be called Room in the Hocus Pocus Hall next year!
 
The maze will go back to also using its previous name because Nick the cleaner found an old sign from Hocus Pocus Hall and thought of how good it would look added to the current sign.
 
Inside the maze you will be required to wear 3D glasses once again, not because anything is in 3D, but just because they look funky.

I’ve heard the same thing! Mr Gul Lible messaged me the other day. Forbidden Tomb is returning!

You also get a prime view of the mass refurbishment that is happening to transform Tomb Blaster back into Terror Tomb for the 2021 season.. I heard dan from the donut stall is happy to give more info

2021 - year of the classics! Forbidden Tomb, wicked Witches Haunt and best of all Toyland Tours is coming back. It was why they played Toyland tours audio in Towers Street Trading this year! It was a teaser! 
 
All jokes aside maybe just maybe the name 'forbidden Tomb' will be reused with its current new 2020 storyline. It would still work as a name. 
 
This has nothing to do with its old ride. It was only renamed Forbidden Tomb in its final year under its previous form so the name doesn't have much 'old' meaning. If it was a return to the old I'm sure it would use Terror Tomb in name. 

Double Post! (shoot me)
 
Decided to create a piano medley based on tunes from Efteling. Which tunes do you recognise?
 
Any future requests feel free to PM.
 
Mods place where you please!
 

Double Post! (shoot me)
 
Decided to create a piano medley based on tunes from Efteling. Which tunes do you recognise?
 
Any future requests feel free to PM.
 
Mods place where you please!
 

Clearly this is going on the flying fish!!

Please don't kill me but....
 
Time for the annual, hated, despised, detested and loathed Thorpe Park Rides and Attractions Game!
 
As annoying as this now is it wouldn't be the same going through a closed season without this game! 
 
As ever, very simple rules:
Each ride starts a round with 5 points Must give a ride +1 and -1 every go Before having a second turn must what three turns (other replies) Once a ride hits 0 it is removed and points reset to 5 for every ride  
I have not included Walking Dead, Jungle Escape and DBGT as they did not open this year.
 
Will we have the same ride as the last few years end up victorious again this year and lead to tears and tatrums once more? Let the game commence!
 
Amity Beach (5)
Angry Birds 4D Experience (5)
Colossus (5)
Depth Charge (5)
Detonator: Bomb's Away (5)
Flying Fish (5)
King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems (5)
Lumber Jump (5)
Mr. Monkey's Banana Ride (5)
Nemesis Inferno (6)
Quantum (5)
Rocky Express (5)
Rumba Rapids (5)
Rush (5)
Samurai (5)
Saw - The Ride (5)
Stealth (5)
Storm in a Teacup (5)
Storm Surge (5)
The Swarm (5)
Tidal Wave (5)
Timber Tug Boat (5)
Vortex (5)
Wet Wet Wet (4)
Zodiac (5)
 
Nemesis Inferno +1
Wet Wet Wet -1

I think it's way too early to say either way whether something like this will happen.
 
1. We still need a vaccine. Yes, there's been great developments announced this week, but there's still a long way to go.
2. When a vaccine is made available, it will (or, at very least, should) be made available to older generations, NHS staff, etc first. The overlap between people who have been given access to the vaccine and people who want to go to the park at March will be small.
3. If you're requiring guests to be vaccinated, staff should be too. And then you encounter the same issue as above.
 
I can definitely see it happening for some events at some point in the future. I think start of season 2021 is too early for the parks to implement that. We could see similar ideas about having to show you've tested negative in the last 48hrs of your visit, for example, if regular testing with quick results (like happening in Manchester at the moment) becomes more of the norm. But then you're relying on the country's testing systems, which has been shown to not be as robust as it needs to be.
 
With the situation changing so much and developments moving rapidly, I don't think we can really say what the 2021 season will look like in terms of Covid-regulations until February at the earliest. There's just way too many variables at this point.

Here goes.
 
Before Lockdown 1:
Winter Wonderland 
Blackpool PB 2x
Paradise Wildlife park 
 
After lock down 1
Thorpe 3x
Chessington 2x
Towers 
Fantasy Island 
Adventure Island 
 
Lockdown 2- Nothing At All!
 
Feel like I haven’t done  too badly given this horrible year!
 
Wake me up when this all ends!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54350423
 
All the while, the top managers at Disney returned to full salary a month ago. A lot of long term workers getting the boot. Several entertainers across the Disney World resorts have been made redundant such as the Grand Floridian band who have performed at the hotel for 32 years. The heart of Disney, the people, being thrown to the bin. 

Following the 28,000 job cuts across US Disney resorts, yesterday large amount of entertainment cast members have now been let go from Disney World. Just to name a few this includes Festival of fantasy Parade, the castle show, Hoop de doo revue, majority of the entertainment around EPCOT, Indianna Jones Stunt show, any main street entertainers, Beauty and the Beat stage Show, Voyage of the Little Mermaid,  Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo at Animal Kingdom. Of course there's far more under the radar entertainment cut across the resorts such as the Grand Floridian band.
 
 

If it helps, in that tunnel people are supposed to stand one group to where the hazard tape is on the wall and leave two of the crosses empty. We did only find that out at the end of the tunnel (where the staff were trying to get people to distance and explaining the hazard tape rule) but the staff at the start should have made it clear where the markers were. We did also have to put our masks on before entering the tunnel (I'm sure some removed them once in though). We were distanced anyway but most groups weren't. 

No other park out there that I know of handles queues and operations as efficient yet immaculate as Europa Park. Some come close but none properly match this.
 
When you walk into full looking queue, you would expect to wait over an hour whereas in Europa it is more like 30 minutes with almost constant moving lines and trains heading out of the station in as quick as 20 seconds. 
 
That’s before mentioning just how many attractions this place has which is probably more than any other park worldwide with such variety and sometimes mystery.
 
It’s also just a lovely place to be in anyway, even just having a beverage in one of their outlets is such a lovely experience!

Right given that Halloween could be ruined further because of Conor Rhona and circus clowns, MR Fish and I decided to take a little trip to Fright Nights to see what it was about. 
 
Fearstival Arena

Entertaining, humour and a very central location which made for an entertaining watch. 
 
Creek Freeks Unchained

Probably one of the better scare zones I have experienced recently and nicely put together. The actors got a perfect balance between everything and integrated nicely with Platform’s exit. I miss the maze but this will do.
 
Platform 15

Some may call us donuts but we decided to chip in and spend £10 for a maze we’ve already done (yeah that’s right) and maybe we’re silly for doing so.
 
Actually I reasonably impressed with the maze this time, there were lots of actors (I counted 19) and the maze is of a reasonable length anyway. Probably not my favourite maze I’ve ever done but still enjoyed my run through to the point I almost forgot the cost. Guess I can say I’ve actually done a scare maze this year given everything that’s been going on.
 
Park was very busy when we went with social distancing being a mixed bag indeed. Staff were doing a reasonable job at trying to carry this out given a fair chunk of their clientele probably don’t understand or care about it. 
 
Park atmosphere was a mixed bag. Park feels very normal until around 3pm when the audio changes and the actors and scare attractions start to appear. There were some areas such as Old Town which had a great atmosphere but others which could’ve been better. Park lighting wasn’t great sadly because of too many white coloured flood as opposed to more fitting items.