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Part 14 The Park with a Monster in a Subway: Grona Lund It’s been awhile since I updated this trip report, but before I get started about TPR’s latest visit to Grona Lund, I’d like to express my condolences to the families of the victims and to the park over the tragic accident on Jetline, which happened just a few days after our group had departed Stockholm. To the best of my knowledge, there hasn’t been a final report about what happened, and the ride remains closed. Like Kolmarden, I’ve written a lot about Grona Lund over the years. I’ve visited this park a few times with TPR, and I like the place quite a bit. Even so, there has been a big change at the park since my last visit: Monster, the park’s B&M inverted coaster. When I was there with TPR a few years ago, they gave us a construction tour when the ride station was just a concrete-lined, partly flooded hole in the ground. I’m happy to say that Monster is even better than I’d expected. I love how it swoops over the park, just barely missing the roofs of buildings. There’s even a surprising pop of airtime at one point (not something you expect in a B&M invert) and this cool little “carousel” bit it does at the park boundary. The concrete-lined hole from a few years ago now resembles an old-time subway platform. Monster was definitely worth a solo “Zen ride.” I took one during an ERT session. It was quite a nice experience with just the B&M “roar” for company and some great views of the Stockholm waterfront. Let’s move on to the photos of TPR’s day at Grona Lund. You may see guys in wet t shirts--you have been warned. Morning ERT is serious business, as you can tell from Steve and Big Mike’s expressions. In case you hadn’t heard, this park kind of likes towers. So, you have to walk upstairs to get into the subway to ride Monster? Makes perfect sense. This station needs a barbershop quartet, if they have such things in Sweden. Everyone can now claim that they have truly ridden a Monster. I can’t vouch for how much “stump thumping” occurred or who the “stump thumpers” were. All I know is that "stumps" were, indeed, "thumped." "Why don’t we call it ‘Soarin’ Over Grona Lund’”? “What the hell? A letter from Disney’s lawyers?” “Let’s stick with ‘Monster.’” This drop into the brakes before entering the station is pretty cool. Best final brake run anywhere. Intense, yes, but old geezers like me like it too. (Photo by Elissa, I think.) I don’t want any of you to be too nervous about Insane, but notice I’m not riding it. I think they kind of like it. “My god, what is happening?” Last known photo before they were spun into a different dimension. It appears we have a dissenting vote in the “Do you like Insane?” poll. “Really? We vote both vote ‘yes.’” How’s the Vilde Maus water challenge going, guys? Watch out for that hill! Yeah, that’s pretty much what happened to me, too. What? No water cups? Get the buckets ready. Welcome to one Insane workshop. Intamin in all its naked glory. “YOU THINK I AM INSANE? NO, IT IS YOU WHO ARE INSANE!” “OK, before you Insane guys start carving yourselves up with chainsaws, get your tickets and wristbands.” Er, lady? I don’t think you’re properly dressed for this particular fun-house obstacle. Good luck, men! I see you’re wearing appropriate attire. Eric nearly blends in. Soon he will be one with the FUN DIMENSION! This crazy slide/conveyor belt practically throws you over the side. Eric enters the Multiverse of Madness. When the Swedes build a “Tunnel of Love,” they build a real “Tunnel of Love.” I’ve always been impressed with how well they use space at Grona Lund. The harbor is pretty busy today. I’m glad the giraffe crane is still here . . . . . . as are the Swedish tacos. This Angry Bird went a bit off course. Twister is down for retracking, but I love the old-school sign and entrance. Look--it’s Sarah’s favorite attraction! Just knock on the door, Sarah. Your host will be with you shortly. The “troll tree” is still here, but I guess it doesn’t shoot out flames anymore. I love how Monster just flies over its entrance. Joey has two balls. He is very proud. Elissa was not victorious in this challenge. Another beautiful, old-school ride entrance. Watch the ground rise up to meet you on Ikaros. The sun sets on another beautiful day in Stockholm. We'll be heading to Finland soon.

My wife can claim she's ridden 2. Because of that one at Walygator, you see. I mean, I rode both of them also. This isn't working.

great update! and brings back some wonderful memories (and some scary ones. . I have pics of myself on front row of Jetstream. . . I absolutely add my thoughts to yours in terms of the Park and those affected by the accident). I have to look and see if I have pics of Jere in his soaking wet shirt, as he ended up sitting behind me and my unstable water on one Maus cycle)