cfc

Looks like a good addition--a welcome change from all the "Tempesto" like coasters they've been building (I like those rides, but I think they've been cloned enough for now).

Wow. It only took 16 minutes for someone to write some stupid pointless bitchy useless obnoxious dumb comment. Honestly, I'm surprised it took that long... We need fewer idiots on our forum... For the record, I'm glad they kept Gwazi in the name. The ride is going to seriously kick ass. If you have anything to complain about with this ride, you're dumb. Exactly--they paid tribute to the old ride and still rebranded it as a new one.

This is what I did while Larry was in NeuroGen.

I enjoyed visiting Duinrell for its pleasant setting, even if the park was pretty crowded. Started going through my Energylandia photos last night--boy, was it gloomy that day.

Me. I don't love Steel Vengeance and much prefer rides on MF. While I prefer Steel Vengeance, I can understand why others might prefer Millennium Force. I prefer Maverick to both of them.

How to Kill Time Before Going to Poland: Drievliet & Duinrell It was time to check out of the Efteling Hotel, but we had plenty of time to kill before our flight to Poland. So, why not visit two nice Dutch “family parks”? This will be the last time you hear “I last visited [PARK NAME HERE] in 2008,” but that was the last time I was at Drievliet with TPR. Oddly enough, aside from a new section of flat rides themed (or perhaps re-themed) to being “under the sea,” and a big highway construction zone out front, this little park hadn’t changed much. Its big attraction was still Formule X, a lunched Maurer Shone X Car coaster. This ride had become a bit rougher than I remembered from last time, but it was still pretty good. The launch is intense, and you get some good air time on the hills. It was a good filming session on this coaster. I was pleased to see that the wonderfully bizarre "singing barn" animatronic show was still there. It's both hilarious and disturbing. Duinrell was all new to me. It’s sort of the “Dutch Knoebels,” because it’s surrounded by a heavy stand of woods, and many people camp there. You can even pitch a tent in the amusement area (lots of people did). The big ride here was an old Eurofigher named Falcon, and it was OK. The park had two other family coasters (a Gerstlauer and a Zirer Tivoli), which were pretty good for what they were, along with a good-sized assortment of flats and those crazy Nautic Jet jumping boats (with the obligatory pond filled with green slime). Duinrell was a pretty park, and it was very busy that day. I liked it, and it was a good way to kill time before heading back to Amsterdam to catch our flight. Is Drievilet an amusement park or a construction zone? Why not both? We had to park in a lot across the highway and walk a bridge over a construction zone to get to the park. This is weirdest “Cirque” act ever. Where’s the entrance to Formule X? If only there were a sign to tell us! This is an interesting ride to find in a little family park. The launch is pretty crazy. You’re tigers! Show me your claws! Now let’s see some jazz hands. It does this, too. Yes, such an interesting choice for a “kiddie” park. The giant owl landed, spread its wings, and said, “Arise, Twistrix! I invoke thee!” Hmm--I think the giant owl may have also invoked demons in the form of barnyard animals. Behold the Goat of Mendes--the Devil himself! Is it a cat or a rat? This question has baffled scientists and theologians alike for centuries. Er, get a room . . . . . . or perhaps a teacup. I do believe these young fellows enjoyed the break-dance ride. At least I think it’s a break-dance ride. Flats aren’t my thing. Spookmuseum is more my speed. I cannot share the exquisite terror of this attraction, as I’m not sure your minds could take it! (Plus, my photos of the inside didn’t turn out.) “I got it! I got it! I got it!” “I don’t got it.” Welcome to Duinrell! Nothing political here. Sometimes a frog is just a frog. What sorcery is this? Burn the witch! “Hello! I’m an apolitical frog reminding you to put your trash in proper receptacles. Thank you!” Duinrell is right purty. Hmm--interesting way to theme a jump-boat ride. They should get "Game of Thrones" to sponsor this attraction. “Almost there . . . dammit! Still failed to cross the pond!” Andy has found a more practical way to get across the water. I think the ducks could walk across this stuff if they wanted to. Let’s explore the rest of . . . hey, watch out, you little bastard! Like many European parks, Duinrell offers plenty of opportunities for you to injure yourself. Last chance for poffertjes before Poland. I don’t think even Knoebels allows guests to put up tents in the amusement area. They even theme their rides a bit here. Falcon was OK for an old Eurofighter. It bangs you around a little bit, as you might expect. But they seemed to like it. Dragon Fly is pretty educational . . . . . . for a family coaster. Onward to Poland!

Speaking of Haunt . . . Kings Dominion Unleashing New Terrors at Halloween Haunt Fall events begin at the park Saturday, September 21 Doswell, VA — Virginia’s largest Halloween Themed Amusement event, Halloween Haunt returns for its 19th frightful season on Saturday, September 21, 2019 with the debut of four new gruesome experiences. Guests who dare can brave seven mazes, six scare zones plus a variety of frightful shows. The Great Pumpkin Fest also returns on September 21 with family-friendly daytime Halloween fun in Planet Snoopy. Adding to an already macabre lineup of mazes, monsters and live entertainment, Halloween Haunt highlights two new terrifying scare zones, an all-new nightly opening SCAREremony, and a shocking new show. NEW SCARE ZONE: Masquerade Her Royal Highness, the evil Queen Majesty, has decided to throw a ball like none other as she lays claim to the lands of the living and the dead. In what is bound to be the most prestigious ball ever thrown, Majesty is out to prove once and for all that every person and demon will eagerly follow her plan for domination. Part party, part scare zone, guests are invited to mix and mingle with the height of the undead high society and those 21 and older can dare to try the specialty cocktails. Be sure to grab a selfie with the Duke and Duchess, but beware; sometimes the mask is there for a reason. NEW SCARE ZONE: Pumpkin Eater In the last years of the Revolution, Peter Armstrong was a pumpkin farmer living off a winding road in the quaint woods of Virginia. Some say the spirit of a dead soldier possessed him and in an act of rage he murdered his wife with a bayonet. He hid her body inside one of his largest pumpkins, leaving her there to rot. Soon after he started seeing apparitions of his wife with the face of a jack-o-lantern. His rage not subsided, Peter went on to murder other victims, burying them all in the patch. The evil spirit in his body began to morph him into a pumpkin like creature. His victims too, began to rise and now haunt these once tranquil woods with their jack-o-lantern faces. NEW SHOW: Blood Reign A new reign of terror is here, and the overthrow of the dark beings has begun – Queen Majesty has grown tired of the antics of her minion, Overlord, and has vowed to bring hellfire down upon his followers. This opening SCAREremony will take place every night of Halloween Haunt at 7p.m. NEW SHOW: Heads Will Roll Join Queen Majesty and her Royal Court as they behead, one by one, the most loyal of Overlord’s subjects. Sometimes the executions do not go quite as planned, but they always end in a raucous musical celebration as her court of singers and dancers Put a Spell on You in this grand Ballroom Blitz. When the clock strikes midnight, the Overlord will finally meet his fate as Majesty makes one final cut in what is sure to be The Greatest Show. In total, those who dare can brave seven mazes, six scare zones and a variety of live shows during Halloween Haunt, which features the largest scare force in the region with more than 400 monsters roaming the midways. During the nighttime event, guests can also get their adrenaline fix on more than 20 rides, including Twisted Timbers, Intimidator™ 305 and Dominator, as fog and darkness blanket the park. Monsters descend upon the park at 7 p.m. during Blood Reign at the International Street Bandstand. Fright Lane, which gives guests front-of-the-line access to mazes can be purchased online. Haunt is held select nights September 21 through November 2. For daytime Halloween fun with no fear, the park holds The Great Pumpkin Fest in Planet Snoopy. There are delightful surprises hiding around every corner, from hay mazes to a pumpkin painting patch. Kids can take part in educational and interactive puppet shows in addition to the festive activities and their favorite rides in Planet Snoopy. The Great Pumpkin Fest is held Saturdays and Sundays from September 21 through November 2 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Planet Snoopy will close at 6 p.m. as the park transforms for Halloween Haunt.

I'd add Walibi: Untamed + Goliath

Well, that's very nice to hear. But I for one am glad it's over. It took me a month! At least I can console myself that Chuck, Larry, and AJ are still on Holland parks. I applaud your speed and ruthless efficiency. The Vasa Museum is great, as is this entire report.

Yep--and Walibi got Goliath out of that deal. The park has an interesting history, and it's good to see it growing and thriving.

I liked what they did with the Bobkarts--a good way to "plus" an old attraction.

Exactly. I think all this park really needs is a first-class shooting dark ride like the ones at Walibi Belgium. It's been fun visiting every few years and seeing how Walibi Holland keeps improving.

Thank you. One has to give Walibi points for original thinking with how they themed Untamed, Lost Gravity, Speed of Sound (the Boomerang), and XPress.

I accept this hypothesis. It would certainly explain the whole "fever dream" atmosphere of Untamed.

One more look at a great day at Walibi. My thanks to Robb, Elissa, and the park for making it so. Er, Merlin? You OK? The HOA has some concerns about how you decorated your magic castle. I didn’t know Merlin was a Kubrick fan. Or maybe he’s spun around in his Mad House for too long. “I WILL SWALLOW YOUR SOULS . . . . . . unless you clean my garage.” Time for a backstage look at “Rock ‘n’ Roll Coaster: Buck Nekkid.” Ever wondered what listening to Aerosmith was doing to you? Now you know. Yes, this is your brain on Aerosmith--kind of clunky, but you still kind of enjoy it. Yes, it’s rough around the edges, but I still like this ride, whether it's in the Netherlands or Florida. We moved on to a little ride named Goliath. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. Intamin strikes! The Dutch seem to like it. It looks like they’re doing calisthenics. The new Intamin Workout Plan: Just ride your favorite Intamin hyper- or mega-coaster and feel the burn! One last look at this crazy air-and-hair-time machine. Who’s ready for some more Untamed? RMC likes weird runs to the lift hill. Untamed’s just leans way over, and it’s my favorite--nicely done. Untamed is, indeed, “frekking fresh” and “ice ice creamy.” Remember: All you need is love, . . . . . .a wide-open mouth, . . . . . . and the hope that you won't swallow a bug on Untamed. I think the little girl liked it. Just a hunch. Not so sure about the little boy behind her. This doesn’t look natural, but it’s still amazing. I think RMC rides are built by contortionists. I took a lot of rides on Untamed, but this double-down caught me off guard each time. The poor dude in front was forced to comfort himself. And just when you think it can’t get any crazier, . . . . . . this is the finish! Untamed is very intense, yet very re-rideable. Yes, sometimes I appear on Robb’s rider cam. That’s all for now.

Robin Hood Goes Untamed: Walibi Holland Walibi Holland is a park that’s gone through a lot of changes over the years. It started out as an educational/agricultural park (Flevohof), which went bankrupt. The Walibi Group took over in the early 1990s, and developed it into Walibi Fievo and built the first-ever Satan’s Looping Coaster, El Condor. Then Premier took over and transformed the place into Six Flags Holland, which explains why it has a big Intamin coaster named . . . The park was sold once again and reverted back to Walibi. It’s been improving pretty steadily since then, too, and now boasts three of the best coasters in Europe (El Condor aside). And what ride is now the park’s biggest star? The Coaster Formerly Known as Robin Hood: Untamed! Yes, RMC has worked its magic again, taking an old Vekoma woodie that was, well, OK on its best day and building a crazy air-time machine on the same footprint. It has all the RMC touchstones, such as the weird ride to the lift hill, the crazy inversions, and an insane double-down. It throws you around like a rag doll, and you’ll love every minute of it. Even the theming is cool--sort of a hippy music festival/post-apocalypse look. The park’s other two top coasters, Goliath and Lost Gravity, are still great, and I’m rather fond of Xpress (or “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Unboxed”). They even did a nice job theming a Boomerang (if you like that sort of thing). Robb set up some great filming/ERT sessions on the top-three coasters, and the park treated us really well. Thanks for the best day at Walibi yet! Wait? How did Steve get here first? What’s he up to? Oh, he’s scouting ahead and marking the trail to Untamed for us. It’s both a car and a driving range--the ultimate in luxury! It took us three days, hiking through the Wilderness to reach . . . . . . the abandoned music festival site that was once Sherwood Forest. Do not mistake the Untamed test seat for an outhouse. The trains do look kind of trippy. They took Verbolten’s “nature out of control” theme and ran with it. I like how the trains look like giant bugs . . . oh, wait, that’s just the TPR members. Yes, the train actually makes it up this thing. Hmm--I guess the empty seat was mine. Untamed is perfectly named. Oh, man! I hate it when you really need to take a dump, but the last person forgot to mow the toilet. I know, right? (Untamed had some of the most unusual theming ever.) The answer to so many questions; particularly, “What do you want for lunch?” Next up was Lost Gravity--the ride that looks like it has no right to be as great as it is. One of Mack’s best creations. I’d love to see other parks build rides like Lost Gravity. I think we have enough Dive Machines and Wing Coasters, thank you. Are you breathless after mowing the toilet because someone neglected to do it? Try Toilets XPress--the Self-Mowing Commode! OK, there are bathrooms in this building along with the entrance to the XPress launched coaster. This sign has nothing to do with self-mowing toilets. XPress gets points for including a classic horror movie poster in the queue. The queue does give you a “weird feeling,” like “Dracula’s Daughter.” This is where you wait for the train. Lights flash through the windows on the doors, and there are creepy subway noises. Well, if you’re gonna operate a Vekoma Boomerang, at least jazz it up a bit and use the good trains and restraints, right? Heck, even I was OK with riding this one. But there was no way I was riding El Condor, again. I think the guy in the green shirt behind Larry is dead. I salute this gentleman for his testicular fortitude and devotion to his charity. More to come!

It's good to see this unique park doing so well. I think a fairy-tale-themed hotel and campground would be great additions.

Spaceship Earth has been changed a number of times over the years. Which "original" version are you referring to?

Yes, it didn't help that Sweden felt more like Virginia that day (I had ice cream for lunch).

There were several occasions when I thought that I had seriously "camera of doom"ed the log flume! Thankfully it started back up each time... Hmm--or it could be that this man . . . . . . the infamous John had pointed his Original Camera of Doom in the general direction of Toverland on that day.

We still have some time left at Toverland. Let's make the most of it. “Join us on the Pyramid of Death, kiddies! Face your mortality with a smile!” Toverland once had just plain ol’ Bobkarts. Then some guy in lederhosen discovered that high-powered schnapps made great fuel. Thus, Blitzbahn was born! Meanwhile, back in Avalon, . . . . . .Fenix is being very photogenic. Merlin called. He has some frickin’ quest for us. Hmm--I think our quest involves that rickety looking old tower. We have found the lost encyclopedias of Merlin! Now we can look up all that Harry Potter crap! “Hroom! Hroom! I am an ent! No one is entirely on my side. Perhaps I'll just get drunk.” Nobody messes with Merlin’s mer-chick. The “dark-ride” section was much longer than we thought it would be and very well done. Merlin conjures up some great views of Fenix from his ride. Check out this path on the right. This is for guests, not just park staff, and it runs along the water with no fence and very close to Fenix. Never in the U.S. A boat and a coaster train in one shot! I rule! How often can you get this close to a big coaster without being on a backstage tour? One of these water jets grazed my head. “We have reports of a back up on the reversing flume ride.” “If you do not have to be on the flume, stay where you are until this situation is cleared.” Sounded like good advice. Toverland’s biergarten comes complete with a maypole. Well, the flume’s still backed up, May as well have a smoke. Larry entered the hedge maze. We never saw him again. (OK, that’s a lie.) I hope Larry wasn’t stung by this enormous bee. Hmm--the last time I saw a ropes course like this, . . . . . . it was in a monkey enclosure. Time to head out, lest we get caught in this storm. Have fun being conquered, people of Troy! I hope having this big GCI was worth having your city sacked and burned. That’s all for now. Stand by for Walibi Holland.

From the Walls of Troy to the Fields of Avalon: Toverland Back in 2008, Toverland was like a particularly good, eccentric FEC on steroids themed to elves and magic, with a touch of science fiction and ancient Greek history. The park was a large indoor/outdoor “playground” with some rides, including two big coasters, Troy and Booster Bike. I remember much mayhem as TPR members played on a bunch of “never in the U.S.” playground equipment. I think there were some minor injuries, but no deaths. It was good then. It’s better now, with the addition of a water-play area named Port Laguna and Avalon, a realm dedicated to the days of King Arthur. Avalon boasts a B&M Wing Coaster named Fenix and Merlin’s Quest, a boat ride (along with shopping, dining, and some pretty gardens, of course). I’m not a big fan of B&M Wing Coasters, but I enjoyed Fenix--from the beautiful theming in the queue and station to the ride itself. My big problem with most Wing Coasters is that they “meander” between their various elements, while the vest restraints squeeze the breath out of you like a python squashing its prey. But Fenix doesn’t waste a lot of time “meandering”; it shoots through its various inversions and other tricks quickly and provides some nice air time along the way. This is my favorite of the B&M Wing Coasters I’ve ridden. Merlin’s Quest is not only a nice boat tour of Avalon, but also a very good dark ride through Merlin’s “treasure chamber.” He certainly had a lot of books, in addition to a mermaid, stashed in a very colorful cavern. Merlin’s underground river winds under the twisted tower of Fenix, which reminded me a bit of the tower the old wizard used in Disney’s “The Sword and the Stone.” How about the rest of Toverland? Troy is still a fun, large GCI wooden coaster, and the Vekoma Booster Bike is still good. I liked how they rethemed the old Bobkarts, too. Looking good, Toverland. Well, better get a move on. Robb has a filming session set up for Fenix, and we might be in for some rain later. Good morning, everyone. Hello, Troy. What is the name of this park? How do we get in? It is all a mystery! I’m going to say . . . here? Are we sure we’re at Toverland? I have no memory of this “Port Laguna.” I feel like Gandalf in the Mines of Moria! Where the heck is Fenix? You think there’d be a sign or something. Toverland went crazy making the queue look like a tunnel to a witch’s cave or something. I presume the witch is Morgana, being as this is Avalon and there’s also a ride about Merlin nearby. Or maybe it’s themed to a political talk show? Who is that mysterious spectre at the end of the hall . . . oh, it’s just Elissa. Never mind. Nice station. Nice station to get cursed in! My hat's off to B&M and Toverland--nice job! I guess Brad and Steve liked it. Riders on this train seem to like it. Not so sure about Larry and Andrew. “We’re following the leader! The leader! The leader!” (This is for all you fans of Disney's "Peter Pan.") Oh, yeah--this spinning coaster was new to me, too. This was, well, no Fenix, but it wasn't bad, either. If you like Sierra Sidewinder, you’ll probably like Dwervelwind. Is a troll is fishing from Jack Skellington’s head, or am I seeing things? Did Dwervelwind spin me a bit more than I thought? We embarked on a journey, . . . . . . which involved many perils, . . . . . . to join the Greek armies at the gates of Troy! Sheesh! You make one joke about Greeks bearing gifts . . . Agamemnon has no sense of humor. Hmm . . . it was quite clever of mighty Agamemnon and crafty Odysseus . . . . . . to build both a wooden horse and coaster . . . . . . to distract and entertain the people of Troy while the Greeks looted and burned their city. It’s not exactly “Tron,” but it is a Booster Bike. This is Toos Express. It is an indoor Vekoma Junior Coaster themed to a train that was once named “Boomerang.” It should in no way be confused with a Vekoma Boomerang, despite once being named “Boomerang.” I hope this matter is now clear. Before Universal had Diagon Alley, Toverland had Toverhuis. Test your wizarding skills, if your wand works. Amphibious expectoratum! More to come.

^I consider Gringott's a dark ride, not a coaster.

^Yep--that's the only bummer about it. Welcome to the "Experiment Prototype Construction Walls of Tomorrow."