cfc

Schlossbeck is a similar park near Movie Park Germany: http://www.themeparkreview.com/parks/park.php?pageid=327&box=7. It's filled with crazy stuff, including some deadly playground equipment and a bizarre castle full of creepy "storybook" dioramas.

Beech Bend

Z

Not to the same extent as Bon Bon Land, but pretty bizarre, indeed.

Hurler--Carowinds

^My attorney will be contacting you shortly.

^KD allows you to choose your own row when you use Fast Lane. For the most part, the Fast Lane Queues merge with the regular queues at the station. The FL entrance for I-305 puts you right in the station.

I'll take it under advisement.

Yes, it looks like a perfectly normal day at a crazy German kids' park, doesn't it? But things are about to take decidedly surreal turn. All seemed “normal" enough as we rode the park’s bona fide coaster credit. The infamous Red Baron sets out to destroy Snoopy and his Hundehaus. “He vill see zee Great Pumpkin . . . in Hell!” Robb, I think that’s a good way to get kicked in the head. Fortunately, he ducked out of the way just in time. Dan preferred to observe from afar. All was serene. Then the cosmic axis shifted a bit. I was a bit confused about the pig hierarchy at Potts Park. Apparently, some pigs were only fit for riding . . . . . . while others were fit for, well, fulfilling any sick need that Potzi had. I guess Potzi liked his sizzling bacon to be as curvy as possible. “Why does that there badger get all our wimmen?” There was this interactive exhibit, where kids and adults could learn about scientific concepts, . . . . . . such as how to properly play with one’s balls. I should've realized that something odd was going on at that point. This was all just a front. Potzi's world of scientific wonders had a far more insidious agenda: mind control! The 1,000 Eyes of Potzi commanded us all to obey his will. Here we see more new minions being fitted with prosthetic legs to become part of Potzi’s Army of Giant Zombies! High in his tower, Potzi called upon his new slaves to consecrate the bonds of obedience . . . . . . by riding giant bunnies and slaying all who dared to get in their way! Potzi even practiced draconian punishments and odd rituals in the bathrooms. I’m sure that a few southern states have already sued me over this photo. “Bathroom humor” was taken to its logical extreme. What did it all mean? “Oh, the posh, posh traveling life! The traveling life for me!” (Yes, it's a “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” reference. I have no shame. I blame the aftereffects of Potzi's mind control.) Yet another arcane rite required by Potzi. Those who survived were worthy to be his servants. Potzi’s powers were growing exponentially! No, Kristen! It’s a trap! “Haw, haw, haw! I was a human being once! Fly, you fools!” Sometimes, you just have to fight madness by being a little mad yourself. We all managed to escape Potts Park with at least some of our sanity intact. Next stop: Heide Park!

Speaking of Potts Park . . . Chapter 2 Meanwhile, on the Way to the Heide Park Abenteuer Hotel . . . Potts Park It was a six-hour haul from Amsterdam to our next major park: Heide in Germany. This would necessitate a lunch stop of some kind along the way. But why stop at McDonald’s or a standard Autobahn rest area--especially when you can have lunch at one of those wacky German “do-it-yourself” parks and playgrounds? Why not combine a meal with at least a slight chance at bodily injury? It’s the TPR way! Elissa did some research and discovered that one such place was on the way to Heide: Potts Park. At first, the staff there seemed a bit skeptical. Why do a bunch of “adults” want to stop at a kid’s park? But they warmed to the idea and treated us very well--and fed us a nice lunch of currywurst and fries. Potts Park didn’t disappoint. There were the usual assortment of do-yourself-rides there, such as Nautic Jet jump boats (for both big and little kids) along with a “slides-of-death” tower and one bona-fide coaster credit: Potts Blitz, a Zierer family coaster themed to planes. There was even a powered suspended coaster, which was also themed to aircraft: Turbo-Drachen. These coasters, and some of the other attractions (such as the log flume), did have ride ops, but often had to “share” them. The park mascot was a badger (at least I think it was badger) named Potzi. I don’t recall seeing him wandering around the park that day, but his likeness was all over the place. And from what I found online, he does greet guests from time to time. He also seemed to have a thing for pigs--particularly shapely sows. Yes, crazy, self-operated attractions, nicely maintained grounds, and suggestions of interspecies bestiality. What more could you want? “OK, kids. Go wild in the park . . . . . . while me and your Mom have a couple of brews next door.” “If you hurt yourself, just rent one of those ‘Potzi-Buggies’ and ask a ride op to drag you to the infirmary. We’ll pick you up after Happy Hour.” A glance at some of the craziness to come. I’ve always liked these “Jet-Ski” type rides; unfortunately, it broke down. But Turbo-Drachen, the powered suspended (not a credit) coaster was up and running. Everybody get that? Important instructions, people! Aaron was a bit confused by the big sign out front, but there’s really only two things he needed to know. “Up” = “slow.” “Down” = “fast." The latter was especially important. And it does move at a pretty nice clip once you clear the lift hill. How many small parks would include as actual airplane as part of their theming? I was surprised at how far the planes swung out on the curves. The course is nice and curvy--much like the pig women favored by Potzi (a little more on this later). All in all, this is a very good ride for families . . . . . . if it weren’t for the damn paparazzi! Sarah, you can trust Derek. I’m sure this will end well. You see? What did I tell you? Two grown men in a swing ride for kids? What could possibly go wrong? My god, even Potzi was terrified! It’s probably a good thing that Derek, John, and Sarah had currywurst after all that gut-churning craziness. “Oh, how hard could this be?” “Look--even John can do it!” “I’ll be just fine!” “Agh! Save me Jeebus!” More to come from Potts Park.

I've heard of this place, but never had a chance to visit it. The "cheese mine" dark ride is, indeed, unique, and the whole park looks very nice.

I like how this guy thinks! I'm not a big fan of the flying coasters, myself. I enjoy Verbolten--something a bit different from the norm.

Italy is definitely on my "bucket list." Rainbow Magicland and Cinecitta World both look like fun.

Young Star Coaster--Chimelong Paradise

Alewerks Superb IPA While I don't think I'd call it "superb," it is a very good IPA.

I created it this morning I'll contribute some also, after Chuck gets it started. I have some ride signs too. Cool. Between the two of us, we should have the park pretty well covered.

Those old Schwarzkopf loopers were often intense (like Scorpion at Busch Gardens Tampa).

Thank god! Those damn windows would cook you to death in the Florida sun.

This is good to hear, as Quick Queue in Williamsburg was such a waste of money that I wasn't even going to contemplate it at BG Africa this August. What are the main differences? Hmm--not on busy nights during Howl-o-Scream. It's worth the money then.

The whole Klugheim area looks very impressive. Thanks for the excellent photos.

^We could use a new Park Index page for this place (Potts Park). I did get some photos of the park's coaster and some other rides.

^Lost Gravity really is a great ride, although you couldn't tell from what some of the local coaster enthusiasts were saying about it. The ride offers some crazy fun, with some pretty interesting theming and surprises in the queue. Then again, any park would have trouble coming up with an encore for Goliath.