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Part 8 Where Even the Apocalypse Is Awesome: LEGOLAND Billund Following its stay at Hansa Park, LEGOLAND set up shop near the LEGO factory in Denmark. This is the oldest of the LEGOLAND parks, and it set the template and standard for all that followed. I’m not the intended audience for these places, but I still like visiting them and noting their differences. Billund has many of the same attractions as the other parks in the chain, such as the Dragon coaster (this version is a powered ride), an observation tower, and, of course, Miniland (with a Scandinavian theme). But it has unique attractions, as well--for example, the Polar X-plorer coaster and Ghost--The Haunted House (a walk-through with a surprise at the end). Emmet’s Flying Adventure is a “Soarin’” type of ride inspired by The LEGO Movie. (I think the California park has this one, too). One funny thing: During the preshow for Emmet’s Flying Adventure (which is in Danish) whenever you expect the word “awesome,” they use “super duper.” According to Google translate, the nearest Danish equivalent to “awesome” is “fantastik.” I guess that didn’t sound quite right, so they went with “super duper”? However, signs in the park say “awesome” in English. So, let’s go where everything is SUPER DUPER--that is, AWESOME or FANTASTIK. If they weren’t stopped by this fence, these drummers would attack and kill you! This is how I imagine all LEGO parks are built. And Erik’s shirt is, indeed, FANTASTIK or SUPER DUPER or AWESOME--as is his trip report. Check it out. This dragon with the block-and-tackle on its head was also crucial to the construction of the park--SUPER DUPER, indeed. Ligeia has found me yet again--and she has a witch with her! They’re proud to be Americans in Denmark? I think this coaster is unique to this park, at least in how it's themed. I did not cover myself in glory with my photos of this ride. But I’m sure Robb got a much better video. Aw, thanks, Emmet! You’re a pal. Emmet invited me over to hang out on his double-decker couch. “I find my lack of an invitation to hang out on Emmet’s couch disturbing.” Polar X-plorer was fun, even though it doesn’t have real penguins anymore. (Photo by . . . Elissa? I think.) Ice Pilots is unique to this park, but it’s not really my thing. But if you like being tortured by an industrial robot, be my guest. Welcome to the cutest Mad Max-style hellscape ever . . . . . . unless you’re a stinkin’ DUPLO! “Yeah, I’m really cute when I run you down with my motorcycle and chop your head off with my flaming ax.” The Apocalypseburg Sky Battle has begun! Kristin and Sarah in a dance of death--in the sky! “You win this round, Crouse. But you task me! You task me, and I shall have you!” We all escaped the colorful hellscape. This show was such a huge hit, it spawned a spin-off series and a Euro western movie. First was the pirate-themed reality show “Wench! Whar Be Me Pantaloons?” This was followed by that classic Italian-Spanish western “When You Meet Sartana, Hold on to Your Pants!” “I . . . SEE . . .YOU!” This part of LEGOLAND aggravates Frodo Baggins’s PTSD. “Look, Sarah! A haunt! You love those!” “See? Just some skeletons, rats foraging for rotten food, flickering lights . . . everything is AWESOME!” I think Sarah would prefer this nice, relaxing boat ride. A Danish model of a French statue that stands in an American harbor! Yay! USA! USA! “Er, I thought we were in Denmark.” Yes, it’s a very relaxing ride--as long as you keep the little boat balanced. (Photo by Elissa.) There’s also a somewhat less relaxing boat ride with pirates and sharks. This guy was taking a shower back in 2009, too. Why doesn’t he give someone else a chance? “No we won’t be playin’ that ‘Yo Ho’ song! We be sick ‘o’ that tune! No requests, sez I.” The clientele be too classy and too rich for my blood, mate. Let’s find us another tavern. OK, what’s this Ninjago stuff all about? It appears to have something to do with spinning a redheaded woman at a high rate of speed. I couldn’t get the hang of this ride. Just not very good at waving my hands around in the right place. I’ll never be a ninja or ninjago or whatever it is. Time for a stroll through Miniland. I’m always impressed with the attention to detail in these displays at the LEGOLAND parks. It’s amazing what they can do with LEGO bricks. Hey, I’ve been there. This is a working canal-and-lock system. You can see Miniland via monorail, too. (Photo by Jere.) Time to go, I guess. Well, maybe after some chocolate LEGO bricks. Thanks, LEGOLAND. You were FANTASTIK or AWESOME or SUPER DUPER!

Ya know with as many classic attractions that have been removed or renovated over the past couple of years it's pretty cool to see a park just completely upgrade and re-build an older classic ride. As far as the ride itself it sound like it's..... just going to be a newer better version of the old ride? I know RMC is involved but it seems like it'll be a pretty similar experience to the original ride just with better/newer/upgraded/refreshed show scenes etc. etc. I think I saw a $30 million dollar investment listed somewhere which is a lot of money, but also considering it's an entirely new coaster and a new dark ride inside of a new building $30 million maybe isn't that much money? Should interesting to see the finished product with this one but pretty cool to see a park invest in keeping a classic historical attraction alive.

I like that, though. I feel like it contributes to the line never being more than a couple train wait every time I go.

Hi - yes for some reason the one BBQ team is missing this year, but Prairie BBQ is there again, with Henry’s chicken beside them instead of the other BBQ people. We also got Mac and Cheese, Jalapeño Corn Dogs, Pineapple Whip, Mini Donuts (drizzle in cream cheese icing), Rock Point Ice cream, and lots of beverages! (Yes we went a bit crazy with the food and treats haha). There’s a wine Happy Hour in the Rollerland building from 4:30-6:30 - $8 for select 5oz pours.

I don't know how I feel about it from the computer generated pov. I feel like I guess I'll just have to go ride it next summer with a bunch of TPR Friends to figure it out!

SUUPA DOOPA!

Also, I know that theme park food prices are always high but I stopped by the pizza place in Boardwalk the other day and found out that garlic knots were THREE DOLLARS EACH. I asked for two small pieces of bread and the employee said "six dollars" and I almost choked.

Day 6, June 8th, post park evening. . so back on the bus, and we headed off to Aarhus, Denmark. . which would be our basecamp hotel for the next4 parks. I don't recall how long the drive was, but I don't have many pics out the window, so I have a feeling I napped. . LOL but eventually we did a "food stop" for dinner in a town who's name I can't recall. . . but they had this interesting sculpture in the middle of the roundabout. there were multiple food options here, and the group scattered for dinner, but many of us ended up here: Sunset Boulevard - which I guess is best compared to Burger King or McDonald's in Denmark? a peek at the menu: (lots and lots of options. . too many, really, LOL. .I had a hard time choosing what to eat) and tho it was not really memorable as great.. I do remember it didn't thrill me with how MESSY everything was. (seriously, I *hate* being sticky - hence my fixation with always having napkins - and this was a multiple napkin meal) yeah. . I recall it did taste better than it looked. . but. . . ewwwww. the fries were pretty good tho. and I did like the Chili Cheese bites (at least I think that's what these were advertised as), in a chipotle mayo dip. back on the bus and onwards to Aarhus where we checked into the Zleep Hotel - another kinda funky hotel that I really liked. this one looked like it was intended to be an office building, but it never got completed, and they just turned it into a Hotel. very "industrial" with exposed concrete walls, and sleek/bare furnishings, but I liked it. we had a nice view of the town too. . pic of Nick (and saline for contacts) on the side table - and a quick recon of the area (and found out a Starbucks in a 24 hour gas station just up the street. . . self serve, but the Starbucks machine. . so was happy - and then turned in for the night. another GREAT day in the books, and so much more to come on this trip.

Mmmmmmm, I do love getting park soundtracks, etc. And I listen to them all, too! Good set of swag, Bert!

Day 6, June 8th part 2: rest of the day at the incredible Hansa Park making our way towards the front area with the big restaurant (which seemed the best bet as they had lots of options), we stumbled across a section in the middle of the park that seemed to be themed to Africa. and, of course, they had a Jungle Safari ride. it looked rather silly - basically an antique taxi kind of ride, but there was no line, and the ride op said we could each take our own "jeep'. . so we hopped on. turned out to be a great decision, as this was not only stupid long and relaxing, but full of some amazing (and amazingly bad) animatronic animals. absolutely loved this, and posted about it to the group thread the moment we got off, so folks knew it was there. come along with me and enjoy "Africa" ! the snake hissed, made an attempt to strike at you, and spit water. . LOL just like the Lion King. . .'zactly! look on the left over there. . it's the backside of Hippo and then they apparently decided: Enough with the realistic animals. . let's stick in one that looks like a pinata. Big Mike loved it. as did Doug Hawk just gave up. . . and out front.. a Giraffe apparently named "Akira". . . I mean. . . gotta climb up and hump (I mean Hug) it. . after our safari, it was time to eat, and the restaurant up front was like a cafeteria with a lot of options. and this neat little kids play area in the corner, so the adults could eat in peace while the kids are distracted. (we weren't there exactly at a meal time, so wasn't busy at all, but did see many other TPR folks in there too). can't remember what I got.. but I do recall the desert was very sweet, and what looks like Schnitzel there (probably was) was pretty good, but too much gravy on it. oddly, the restaurants here don't have the restrooms attached.. so had to go outside and down the way to wash my hands before eating. while outside tho, get a wonderful view of Nessie, so stopped to snap a pic or three again, not patient enough to sit and wait for the shot (hey, I was hungry), but Royal Scotsman *did* come thru Nessie's loop about 2 seconds later food eaten, and some shopping done (magnet and T-shirt purchased. .but sadly no Nessie merch as mentioned in part 1), we headed towards the train. Planning to take a calm, relaxing ride after a meal. the park also has an observation tower, but unfortunately was down today as it was being painted. the train takes you all the way around the park, and it's a really nice ride, with lots to enjoy. here's some nature, part of Flucht von Novgorod's track (in the background behind it is track from Schwur des Kärnan). and on the left is I THINK a Starflyer (tho it could be Highlander?). yup. .it's Highlander the train weaves in and out, and under, some rides. allowing for some really cool pictures. another of the little play areas. . this one with self operating teeter-totters (kinda) called "Buffalo Rodeo" LOL Schwur des Kärnan & Crazy Mine from the train. THEMING! our lil group enjoying the train. . and yes, those are the same two girls from way earlier. . who spotted Jonathan and really wanted to share a seat with him on the train totally forgot the park has a Troika. . . it's kinda tucked off by itself behind that building on the left - which is indoor, disco, bumper cars. (no, really) this space here is where a Carousel is supposed to be. They had a temporary (cheapie) one set up across the way I didn't bother with. .but the sign says they are refurbishing a classic carousel and will put it in that spot, across from the observation tower on the right. after the train ride, we were settled enough it was time to hit the water rides (and it had gotten warm enough). over by the flume, they have some animatronic bears (I think they are bears?) that play in the clock-tower. got more than a little moist on the flume, but it felt good! and just outside? a photo op. i can ride a bear? yes please and over here in this section they do have a classic merry-go-round (similar to several I saw on last year's Europe Trip). so made a point to ride this one. . and Big Mike rode with me. look how happy! and yeah, of course I chose a bear to ride again. (think I have Hawk to thank for this pic) another photo op, going towards the park's Supersplash, you can lower the helmet to pose. prolly was stupid to do, but at least didn't get sick from anyone else's germs while posing. the park has a few big water rides, spread out at the edges. tho we didn't get SOAKED on the flume, some in the group were wary about getting on something called a Super Splash. so I ended up riding it alone. because it wasn't busy over here on this side of the park, the ride ops had no problem letting me go in my own car. it helped keep me a bit drier than it would have. (think these pics are courtesy of Big Mike) then we all headed back over towards Flucht von Novgorod. . and although we got in the Single Rider line (and there was a pretty big line). . it just happened to work out that Hawk, Doug, and I all ended up on the same train. so Big Mike was able to get this great picture! what's this section. . had we been thru here yet? I see Western theme, and American flags? and scales for some reason. but a great photo op! I feel so skinny! and the store was selling "Horse Bubbles". . . it's EXACTLY as gay as you'd imagine it would be from the sign oh. . oh. . .I LOVE these, and they have one. and not only is it just a pony ride. . it's a SHOOTING pony ride, and the ride keeps score! I got to ride "Fury" the targets were a bit hard to hit, but when you did? they reacted like the old Disney Shooting Gallery.. ended up being a lot of fun. and of course, had to take this pic. across the way was the kiddie canoe ride (the operator for the ponies was also running this one).. but the canoes were clearly not for adults, so didn't even try those. a statue of someone. . for something. Zooming in on the sign, perhaps he was the King of Denmark? but they had those ice creams I loved in Paris here. the ones Kristen got me hooked on. not exactly the same, but close enough. oo. . sexy. . . we had made our way to the other side of the park, and the other "big" water ride. .the rafting. nobody getting off looked wet, so we all rode, and even tho it was fun? yeah. . didn't even get spritzed with water.. . so a dry water ride. But again, it was fun, and we got a lot of spinning during the ride. like the canoes, they also have a kiddie log flume. also like the canoes, this one clearly looked like there was no way an adult would fit in these barrels .. so I just took a picture of it. David was over at the "Planes on a Trebuchet" getting his flip on (and I think he did end up on the scoreboard). . so went over to watch that for a bit. and across the way from it (in the shadow of Schwur des Kärnan) is the Hupfberge - the giant bouncy playground. it was getting close to time that we had to meet the bus, so Big Mike and I made our way around the far end of the park. (while some others ran back to get more rides on some of the coasters) and we stumbled across yet ANOTHER flume. this one had ride vehicles shaped like viking boats. and upon observation, it appeared to be a family version - with one adult seat and two kids seats in each boat. there were adults and older teens riding, so we joined the line. it's not Dumbo, nor Shamu. . . Shumbo ? from the mini-flume ride. and yeah. .while not all that tall, or steep? this thing gave off a big splash. very refreshing and for some reason, themed with Penguins, and Vikings buried up to their necks in the ground watching you on the ride. kinda creepy, kinda cool. I don't ride bumper cars - can mess up my back. . but as we made our way to the front gate for the bus, we just had to pop into the Disco Bumper Cars so I could take a look at them. you enter thru a spinning walkway - apparently going to outer space. and the ride looked like a lot of fun - and was blasting music. but no. .didn't ride. Just took a couple of pics. and then we headed to the gate to meet up with the group and the bus. We had a drive tonight, as we were headed back to Denmark - specifically to Aarhus, as tomorrow was a park that has a one of a kind in the world (now remaining) thrill. but yeah, Hansa was a really fantastic park with a lot to do for anyone who is any "thrill level" loved my time here.

Track is complete on Rookie Racer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwHuYYXsrUG/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

I’m not sure where they would put it unless WaterWorld is finally done. My assumption is that the Mel’s/Parisian themed area is eventually swallowed up by something illuminations to complete the transformation of the back of park. On the lower lot, I assume any future expansion space would go towards Nintendo (the current soundstage 29 used for events butts up right next to it…) Mummy would be the wildcard, but going from a roller coaster to Bourne seems like a big downgrade. Simpsons if you believe the license will end would make another possibility. I suppose they could completely rework the front entrance to use the space that was formerly saddle ranch and the VIP/handicapped parking lot to stretch the park out too if they wanted to.