BDG

Eric Daman of course. You might want to read this interview: part 1: http://www.rides.nl/nieuws/3289/ontwerper-eric-daman-elke-streep-is-doordacht.html part 2: http://www.rides.nl/nieuws/3306/eric-daman-begint-steeds-opnieuw-met-kneden.html

The view from the top: source: baidu

Apparently it's for a cable car over the bay. The tower near the park (your photo) will actually be a whopping 188.8 m tall when it's finished. Yeah, that's right, it's not finished yet. As huge as it already looks in your photo, they're only up to 123 m. There's another 50% to go. There will also be a tower on the other side of the bay, that one will be 133 m. Some maps: A photo of the location, with both towers visible: The ferris wheel could look like this: (two slightly different artworks, not sure which one is the final design) sources: Facebook-page of the cable car & Skyscrapercity

It's not a "100% clone". The general layout is the same, but it's not a perfect clone. It was slightly modified. If you look at the layout as an L-shape, the two halves that form the L are the same, but the angle of the L-corner is different.

Oh wow, that looks incredible. I was not expecting the station to be that close to the log flume.

Feel-good story of the day: Full story: http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/irish-tourist-takes-dubai-cabbie-for-ferrari-world-joyride-2015-08-20-1.600798

No.

Looks like the new kids' area will be themed to Ireland. "We're making Europa-Park greener!"

"The view from my Cedar Point hotel room this morning..." (kbups53 @ Reddit)

Speaking of videos, I found this cool 4K drone video... Unfortunately the ride was not operating at the time, but it's nice footage nonetheless. Really shows you how compact and twisted the ride is. (Olympia Looping segment starts at 0:50) Some screenshots:

FerrariLand progress: Coaster footers: source: Freizeitpark-Welt.de & pa-community.com

That coaster sure was unexpected. Looks like a pretty big one too. It might even have a launch, going through those orange rings.

Some new info... source: PlanetCoasterHub And some new screens / images... Giovanola inverted (super detailed) Zierer Star Shape peeps Huss Jump peeps peeps & burger stall random stuff You can get them in high-res here: http://www.pcgames.de/Planet-Coaster-Spiel-55772/News/gamescom-Vorschau-Video-Update-1167285/galerie/2416773/ .

I suggest you also visit Tripsdrill with that extra $40. One of the world's most beautiful theme parks, with quite a few fantastic rides, only an hour away. must-rides at Holiday Park: - GeForce (GeForce!) - SkyScream (Premier SkyRocket) - Burg Falkenstein (medieval-themed dark ride) - Freefall Tower (if you like drop towers) - SkyFly (Gerstlauer SkyFly) must-rides at Tripsdrill: - Mammut (a great woodie) - Karacho (massive Gerstlauer launched looper) - Gsengte Sau (Gerstlauer family coaster, super smooth) - Badewannen-Fahrt (log flume themed to baths and spas) - the wine museum (it's free AND you get a free Tripsdrill-themed glass)

Interview with Jacqueline Lejeune, the park's manager: (in French) https://www.coastersworld.fr/index.php?page=interview_walygator15 The most interesting bits: (partially Google-translated) The park's future... Regarding takeover rumors... About Anaconda (the wooden coaster, currently SBNO): A new coaster?

Anyone interested in a "racing suspended kiddie coaster" ? After months of rumors, the park finally confirmed it will be removing the Caripro Batflyer. According to the park, the reason for its removal is the ride's low capacity. http://www.intermarkridegroup.com/roller-coasters/caripro-coaster-rc1359 source: Looopings

The park also shared this behind-the-scenes look at Black Mamba. This one is in German, but there's very little talking. Quick translation... In the beginning, the voice-over says "It's still early. Phantasialand awakes. And every morning, every ride is inspected and tested before they are opened. We follow technician Werner Kuhl through the jungle of Black Mamba." Later (1:20) the technician in the video explains how the brakes require air to be opened, not to be closed. So even in case of a power outage, the brakes are closed. Towards the end (2:25), he says they also check the restraints. Finally (2:45) he gives the OK to the ride operator. .

Official making-of! Helder Lopez of Universal Rocks explains how they create the rockwork. In English! Some more information (in German) and photos here: http://magazin.phantasialand.de/felsen-klugheim/ .

Can't wait to see this thing completed.

Sansei.

A newer shot of that particular footer... photo: Phantagraphy

More photos: photos: Phantasialand-Fans & Freizeitpark News NRW

Loving all these amazing out-of-nowhere announcements.

Some really nice "from sketch to reality" pictures of the park's new-for-2015 jungle cruise makeover, designed by Julien Bertevas, who also designed the Egyptian area at Parc Astérix. Instead of the hippos and tigers, it now features cartoony creatures who are recreating famous movies. Anaconda: Anaconda Anaconda Tarzan: Tarzan Tarzan Pirates of the Caribbean: Pirates of the Caribbean Pirates of the Caribbean Pirates of the Caribbean Avatar: Avatar Avatar King Kong: King Kong King Kong King Kong Jurassic Park: Jurassic Park Jurassic Park Jurassic Park Indiana Jones: Indiana Jones Indiana Jones Also found a couple POV videos showing the scenes in action: part 1: Anaconda, Tarzan, Pirates, Avatar, King Kong, Jurassic Park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usTt4XcbaGc part 2: Indiana Jones https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNvzH8dJTmM Really nicely done. I hope this update is being considered for the tow-boat ride at the Belgian park. That one used to have a Tin-Tin theme, but that license was dropped ages ago. Now there's nothing but shrubs and trees to look at. photos: Julien Bertevas

SFC arrives... photos: Paultons Park