[Matt N's Ode to Europa Park: A Review from my First Ever Visit]

Great blog, what I like most about Europa is that there is no fastrack or priority lanes which really helps move the queueline in my opinion. On the other hand you could argue that it's not as disability friendly as Merlin's parks. What I dislike most about Europa is the lack of free drinking water / water fountains. One thing Merlin offers in abundance at all it's parks (I know it's also law in the UK). That said the detail of theming, great ride selection and great operations makes Europa a resort leagues above Merlin and arguably better value than Disney and Universal. When you buy a Europa admission, you get equal access to all the attractions.

[Why Wicker Man is the best UK coaster since 1996]

I'd go as far as to say it's an attraction in it's own right, not just a ride. The straight line queue, theming, pre-show, announcements, smells, effects and the ride station is the best I've ever seen at a UK theme park. It really is mid-way quality theming (Which Merlin have always been great at) finally at a theme park. I hope the flames are working again soon, even if it's less frequent as the ride is still strong without them in constant use. I love the thundering noise it makes as the car goes up the lift hill. As with all Merlin attractions, I expect the queue line shop to shut after a few seasons.

[A Newbie's Trip to Tulleys Shocktober Fest]

Great blog, I went to Tulleys the first time this year too and the difference between this and Fright Nights is night and day. I loved it. Only downside is it did make Fright Nights worse for me this year. The only maze which came close was Platform 15 with the unique theme and effects, use of audio and being the longest one there. The Fastrack queue was dreadful though, glad we didn’t pay! Did feel like it had only been 2 mins and I was already out the exit of the other mazes, they felt so short after Tulleys. 

 

I know this is primarily a forum for Thorpe Park, however Fright Nights is such a small and overcrowded event in comparison to Tulleys (Offering NINE at least 10min long mazes next year) I would be much happier if we held the official meet at Tulleys in protest!

 

As you described, I just left Tulleys feeling joyful and like I had got more than the entry prices worth of entertainment. It’s open later with more time in the dark, the whole atmosphere is superb and the intensity of the mazes is exponentially higher when there’s so many actors in each one too.

[First Time At Chessington Review]

I could see it on my side. After so many rides I'm pretty good at spotting ride cameras.