bert425

with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), you'll find most parks in the USA are very Wheelchair friendly. some have a lot of hills tho (SFOG, Dollywood, HersheyPark for example are pretty hilly). . but you should not really worry about accessibility overall. As most parks meet ADA requirements in some way.

you also have Monorail. and the zoo IS connected, and there are shows at the zoo area.

Jealous of that. . . . closest I've come is seeing Goblin perform live to a screening of "Susperia". .that was cool. I just stumbled across "Suzume" and was blown away. I'm tracking down the other films he/they have done and here's the trailer for those who might be interested... it really is SO good and I highly recommend it

so.. when I heard that TPR was going to doing a UK trip in 2024, and that they were going to a park that I had dreamed about ever setting foot in for almost 40 years? yeah, I quickly inquired and was able to join them on the trip. I decided to be comfortable - my spouse passing really made me into a bit bougie/enjoy while you can kind of person. . so I not only booked flights, but paid for upgrades. United was "kind" enough to upgrade me for the 40 minute flight from Austin to Houston (which ended up being so bumpy there was no drink service anyways), but due to an error on their part? yep, didn't upgrade me for the longer, 9 hour flight, and had me in Economy. the wonderful desk agent in Austin, tried for almost an hour to "fix" the longer flight, but eventually told me there was nothing they could do and that I should check in at the gate in Houston and see if they worked it out. But offered me a bunch of drink vounchers for the longer flight and told me to go relax in the United lounge until my flight in about an hour. don't think it will surprise you to hear that the United lounge wouldn't let me in, as I was only upgraded on the Domestic portion of my flight, but not the International. . therefore I didn't qualify to go in. . . but I could pay $56 for a day pass? Yeah.. no. Instead I gave the name of the agent who had been helping me and they called down to her (turns out she's a supervisor) and she told them let me in. . . .so I did get a nice snack while waiting for my plane to leave. I was determined to stay in a positive mood, and not let glitches like this deter me - after all, at the end of the flights, I'd be in London. But oh yes, I'll deal with United when I get back after. not worth $56 to pay to get in, so glad that I didn't have to. but a nice snack. my "surprised" face at the gate in Houston, upon being told that nope, they didn't have an upgrade for me. I was number 12, and they had filled upgrades 1-11 and had no more seats in Premium Plus. shocking, I know! oh well. .I had figured out I'd not be getting the upgrade they had charged me for. BUT. . I was glad I had stayed positive, as it turned out the center seat was empty (despite it being a full plane), so my neighbor in the window seat and I had lots of room to spread out on the longer flight. So it all worked out. I ended up watching an Anime movie about a otherworldly "keymaster" that turns into a chair. ("Suzume" which I highly recommend. . I quite enjoyed it), and Disney's "Wish" - which I liked so much, I watched it twice. Sunrise from the plane as we were in transit. here's what I had for a meal on the flight. that Milk cookie was so sweet I really didn't care for it and spit most of it out. The Steward seemed surprised and said most like it. but it was edible and decent (I wasn't all that hungry anyways) I did make use of some of my Drink Coupons tho. . . the Bloody Mary hit just right Finally landing in Heathrow, and getting thru Customs was a breeze. I had decided to be a little bougie, and had hired a car - that picked me up at the Customs area with a little sign. LOL. . I felt so important turned out to be an excellent choice, as there were protests all over London - seems to be something that happens pretty much every Saturday - and the drive took over 2 hours to get to my Hotel. but since I had paid a flat rate for the driver, he took the way scenic way, to avoid many closed off streets, and I ended up seeing many sights I might have not even gotten a chance to see. from the car, yes, but still. . very cool to see and now I could say that I saw them. Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliment London Eye, Parliment, Big Ben. .from the other side. I think that's the shard in the back on the right? eventually tho, I finally made it to the hotel, and only wanted a hot shower. but turned out they were having issues with the keys (creating them). . . so they moved some things around and put me in this room (which was fine, I just wanted to sleep there anyways for 2 nights before the TPR trip started). I went back down to the front desk and talked to the Concierge. i was really interested in seeing a show in the West End (I was staying at the Doubletree West End - and huge shout out to Elissa for helping me decide to book a room there) my "wish list" show had been "Spirited Away". . but tickets were quite expensive, and I didn't want to pre-purchase just in case of delayed flights or some other issue. So had been leaving it up to the universe. The Concierge got hold of the box office, and via some miracle, there was ONE open seat available. In row 7, near center stage! They told me they would be happy to put it on hold for me, and I could pick it up at the on call one hour before the performance. i was stoked, and tipped the Concierge well for the help, and then got walking directions to the British Museum (another reason I had chosen this hotel was the proximity to that). and off I went. (I had gotten a free ticket online, tho I was well over an hour past my ticketed time, due to the issues getting to the hotel. . but I wasn't too concerned, as I had been told I could just go around to the backside of the museum and get in over there even without a timed ticket). it was a lovely walk, and the weather was just cool enough that I was having a grand time. I mean. . as a first time visitor to London, one HAS to, right? it's a gorgeous, and HUGE, museum. and was absolutely packed with schoolkids - which I guess is a good thing? (tho I ended up chatting with multiple security guards - chatting or perhaps flirting? I'm not really sure - they kept commenting on my Katya shirt and boots). even tho it was past my ticket time, I was told to get in the line and just go in with the other timed ticket people. So got to go in the front of the museum. I spent just about 4 hours here. . by no means did I even come close to seeing everything. But was able to hit up every area that I was interested in. unfortunately "the Wave" the famous Japanese silkscreen, was not on display at the moment - having been taken down for some restoration work. . but there was plenty of other things to see (and photograph) yeah yeah. . .juvenile humor.. but it was funny to me. a few purchases later (mostly magnets) and I headed back to the hotel to change up a bit - to get a little fancier for the theater some fresh walking directions, and I headed out (exhausted, but determined) to go see "Spirited Away" the theater it's playing in is one of the oldest, and the staff told me is the largest, in the West End: the London Coliseum. ahhhhh. . THIS is why the show was nearly sold out. the actress playing Yubaba/Zeniba? (Mari Natsuki) That's the actress who voiced the part in the original Anime! I was VERY lucky to get a ticket. the show had only been playing in London for a couple of weeks and the gift shop folks were freaking out, as it still had to run thru the end of August - and they were sold out of almost everything. they had a few T-shirts (in smaller sizes), and some keychains. . .but most of the merch had sold right away and they desperately were trying to find a way to restock (I spoke with them before the show started, and they were expressing how surprised everyone was at how well the show was doing). hopefully that's a good sign, and we'll see the show here in the States? It sticks VERY close to the film - tho there's a new song and set piece added in act II to pad it a little bit. The puppet work on the characters is super impressive. . I loved it, particularly when Haku flies out thru and above the audience to end Act I. anyways. . . I bought a couple of shirts that are a little too small for me, but will hang in the closet as souvenirs. . .and enjoyed the specialty Martini the theater truly is GORGEOUS. (pics taken when they opened the doors. NO photography during the performance. . I think they want to keep the puppets "hidden". . which is strange when two full versions of the show are avail. on Max to watch, so you could see the puppets anyways.). they relaxed the rule during curtain call. .so that's how I got that pic. the whole show is in Japanese, with English translations flashed above, and to the sides of the stage. after the show, I had totally forgotten it was Saturday night. (I was exhausted, and was lucky to have kept my eyes open for the whole show. . LOL). . . but seemed like most of the West End shows ended around the same time, and everyone poured out into the streets, and it was like a big, festive, party going on out here. this was my back-up show, if I had been unable to score a ticket to "Spirited Away".. just for Tom Holland. Ian McKellan was also headlining a show. . but he had just fallen off the stage a couple of days before my arrival, so his part was being played by an understudy. So I didn't even look at tickets for that. I was focused on my wish list one I wandered among the crowds, enjoying some pastry and the art installations on some streets. then gave in, exhausted, and hired a pedi-cab to get me back to the hotel, where I went up to my room and promptly crashed. I had to get up fairly early tomorrow for a full day at Tower of London. so a quick shower, and off to bed. but hey, I was in London! (the two Spirited Away shirts I got. . . the XL "might' fit. . . but the other one for sure wont)

cool.. happy to see this thread resurrected!

Jeffery posted pictures of a new central "pole" arriving for the ride. So I guess they are replacing that painted green planet - OR (and more likely) they are raising it higher above the ride, so it looks like you are flying around the planet when the jets go up).

it was thru United! but I bought trip insurance on my upcoming trip again, anyways. . . . I'm dumb that way.

and with the next morning, I got up, checked out of the hotel, and headed to the airport. it had been a fantastic trip, and I had a wonderful time. hate to end on downer, so will TRY to keep this kinda "cliff notes" - but will summarize that the trip home was a horror show (and after fighting for months with United, they finally gave me some "credit" - the only reason I'm using them again for an upcoming trip. so a chance to redeem). headed to the Helsinki airport. . . lovely weather. I had paid for Polaris class (treated myself) for the long flight from Munich to Denver, so I got bumped up to premium class on the flight from Helsinki to Munich. meaning I had access to the lounge here while waiting for my flight. not SUPER bougie, but it was a nice enough area to sit and have a snack while waiting for my flight to board. tho not a super long flight, it was nice I had an open seat next to me! and because I was "premium". .they served us food on this flight. Landing in Munich, and switching planes, I got my 1st look at Polaris (fancy-schmantzy) seating. my own little cubicle! with a seat that reclined fully into a bed position, so I could nap. lots of perks too with this price point seating: and I will fully admit, the food was wonderful. the real issue - and one that really pissed me off - and I let United know about it at well, is they allowed a new mother with a NEW BORN (probably 2 weeks old) to book the pod directly behind me. Not only did the baby cry the entire flight (babies do that, I get it). . but she constantly was walking up and down the aisle back and forth between her pod and the galley / restroom area - that was just in front of my seat. So it was incredibly distracting, and she kept making noise and cooing to the baby which meant I could not sleep or rest at all. I 100% realize that babies need to fly too. . families have to go places. But to not have a designated area for the babies on the plane? to disturb passengers that had paid a premium (as a treat to oneself). . really shameful. but oh . United had WAY worse service for me coming up. at least the view was pretty. and I watched a lot of movies, and was up the whole flight, so they kept me fed. we arrived in Denver at 6:30 pm for what was supposed to be a 2 hour layover until my flight home to Austin. at 8:15, we were told flight was delayed till 10. at 9:45, we were told flight was delayed till 12:04 am. (tons of flights around us were getting cancelled - not due to bad weather in Denver, but at the destination areas - but we were assured that our flight was going to happen. as we watched people rush into the customer service lines (that stretched all the way down the terminal) and people were being set up on cots by empty gates. at 11:30 we were told our flight was delayed once more, to 1:15am, but it was happening, don't worry. at 12:35? it was announced they were still working it, but the flight was delaying further (found out that the crew had worked too many hours, and there was no replacement crew, so they were cancelling our flight). But they never TOLD us that. nothing ever was shown on the boards, nothing came across the app. . most on our full flight looked at each other confused, then a mad rush to get up to the Customer Service stations - lines which still stretched all the way down the terminal. There were only two people on, and we were told they go off shift at 1am (yeah). . . but it was ok, the United staff brought those of us in line, water. it was close to 1:15 when I finally got up towards the front of the line, and got to overhear the conversations of those ahead of me - from my flight (that's how I know the issue was crew hours over).. but the fact they had been assuring us our flight was going to happen really pissed off a LOT of people. There were no hotels, there were no available cots any longer, it was almost 1:30am, everything in the airport had shut down. it was a nightmare, and after traveling all day? I just wanted to be home. one of my fellow passengers from my flight - who was a couple of people behind me, spoke up and said he found a Southwest flight leaving at 5am, and there seemed to be seats avail. on it. the one United lady still at Customer Service said she could help us book it, so a group of us went to her and we all booked it on our phones - with assurances that 1) our luggage would be transferred over to Southwest - "Don't worry, we do it all the time", and 2) those of us with Trip insurance would be reimbursed. I was one of the lucky ones who was able to get a seat on the Southwest flight. . . so around 2am, a group of us made the long journey over to a different terminal to nap (or try to) in front of the Southwest flight - which was now ~3 hours away. a pic of the screen announcing the 12:04 departure - that didn't' happen. as you can see? our plane is THERE at the gate. my proof of my SW purchase to get home, so I wasn't stranded in Denver. I wasn't' concerned, as I had purchased trip insurance.. so figured for sure United would reimburse me (as noted at start? months of fighting with them, and no money back, just credit - after I had to keep pushing back that "points" did not satisfy me. so trip insurance really does seem to be a scam. and my boarding pass from Southwest. no I never did get any rest - was worried I'd snore in the middle of the airport, or would miss the flight. So just paced and sat awake for the 3 hours. the Southwest flight DID leave on time, and those on my flight had gotten the final seats - so all of us ended up in middle seats. I didn't care, I just slept the whole flight between a sour woman and her husband - who clearly were hoping for a row to themselves, and then it was a full flight. I just wanted to get home after traveling all day. we United refugees had been concerned about our bags making it onto the Southwest flight - the United tracker was useless and had not been updated - but the customer service lady had told us that they "do it all the time" and not to worry about our bags being transferred over. but suddenly *as* we were boarding the Southwest flight, the United baggage tracker updated to show the below: yup. . when the flight had been cancelled (tho not officially for quite a while after we were told), they had unloaded our bags, and brought them to baggage claim. where they sat all night on the carousel. we *could* have gone down to baggage claim, got our bags, and then re-checked them in via Southwest - but we were never told that's what they had done. We had been assured United would transfer the bags to Southwest. watching my airpod, I could see my bag was left behind in Denver as we took off. so yeah, add an extra hour in line behind the folks that had been on my United flight - at the Austin Baggage claim area. at least once the 1st two people went thru, they realized, and were able to help multiple of us to fill out forms at once. I called my friend who picked me up - some 15 hours after I was supposed to have arrived, and I came home and immediately crashed. when I woke up the next morning, my luggage was sitting on my front porch. No email, no text, no phone call notification. . . . just bag on my front door. I guess that's "good service" since I live about an hour from the airport. But if you are keeping track? yeah, United lost my luggage on the way TO Denmark to start the trip, and then lost it again on the way home. at least after all the fighting, i guess they realized I wasn't' going to give up - I had paid for that freaking insurance - and settled with enough credit that I was able to do nice seat on my upcoming trip. we shall see how THIS goes. hope you enjoyed reading along on this trip report. again, huge thanks to Robb & Elissa (TPR) and all those that come on the trips and make them such a fantastic experience! ready for the next (yay, I finished 5 days before my next trip).

^ bad memory! (that's why I take so many pictures. . it triggers memories)

Linnanmaki swag - not much (it was end of trip, and my bag was pretty full!). but a pin, and a magnet

Linnanmäki ! Part 2 after the nutso Sirkus dark ride, it was time for the Haunt right next door. I had been correct in my guess that it was a walk thru - but I didn't realize it's in 3D. the glasses really DID enhance in some places, but as you can see from the pics, it works really well regardless. And it was fairly lengthy. this hall of mirrors section was truly spectacular. and with the 3D glasses on, it was so easy to walk into a mirror. but some of them have surprises inside if you do touch them! most of the games over here weren't open today - probably because it was a slow Sunday. But here's a good view of the entrance to the Haunt walkthru, and the Sirkus dark ride next door. I don't think I mentioned, but similar to Groan Lund, they go all out here at Linnanmäki in terms of theming for the Restrooms. no two are alike, and they don't seem to be tied into whatever area they are in. (for example, this one was by the Funhouse, Sirkus, Haunt). But they are heavily themed. wanna go in for a "pit stop" - literally? (and yes, racing sounds were played in the toilets via hidden speakers) looking towards the park's front gate, you can see the parks other drop tower (square vs round) some dark clouds were starting to move in, but it didn't rain until a bit later in the day (and then only for about 20 minutes) Loved the little areas that were just . . . there in the middle of things. such as this small wooden labyrinth just in the middle - that's also a water feature, with some occasional shooting jets of water. (I did do it, but managed to avoid the water ) would get to the Carousel soon, but I had wanted to come over here to ride Vuoristorata - the wooden coaster with a brake person. if you believe Roller Coaster Database, it's the same design as the one at Bakken (which no longer has the brake man), but it's slightly longer and taller. I love that they are so proud of their Brakemasters, that they have their pics up on a board in the queue. and tells you a bit of how they are trained. very cool. from the queue line, you can see the station (next door) for the Monorail. . . . would be doing that shortly! not a very crowded train. . all just TPR folks. sMisty and I went for the back, near our BrakePerson. . who happened to be the lady! twas quite cool. the ride was just OK, tho I did ride a few times. I think after starting the trip at Tivoli Gardens, with their incredibly fun Bakeman driven coaster, anything else would naturally come in 2nd. It was enjoyable, tho think of it as a scenic railway rather than a woodie, since there's no real pops of air (understandable, as there's someone standing on the back of the coaster ) we went down the exit ramp, and right up next door onto the Monorail, which offers some amazing views of the park. in particular the park's coaster collection Taiga on the left Vuoristorata & Ukko Kirnu Salama (the Maurer Spinner) the frying pan ride. . which no, I did NOT want to get on a spin and puke ride. (tho Robb did film this, and I believe he's posted the video on the TPR Youtube channel). earlier in the trip? I might have gone for it, but I was wanting "calmer" rides today. and this one was looking a bit "intense" wait. . . they have a "pony" ride? how had I not seen this on the map. DEFINITELY something to track down sooner rather than later. better view of the funhouse on Astroturf from above. not only some great sculptures around the park, but also some lovely flower work. pausing to buy some souveniers to bring home to my best friend. and then over to the Witch Hotel! sadly, no pictures allowed in the ride, so best I could do was queue line. maybe it would ruin the "storyline" wizard vs witch . . or something? LOL time for a coaster I hadn't been on yet, Tulireki - billed as a one of a kind. this is a Mack "e-Motion" coaster, where the trains "tilt" in certain areas to make you feel as if you're falling off the tracks. honestly? the effect isn't really noticable - the turns felt just as if we were on a wild mouse. So i guess it just doesn't work as a concept. . but it was a fun coaster. and yes, it IS painted the same color as Salama (the Maurer spinner) and Taiga (the Intamin LIM launch) that are right next to it - so it make a massive area of blue track. Speaking of Taiga - you can see how close it is, as it zooms by while you're in the queue for Tulireki Pine Cone creatures sculptures just wandering among the coaster supports. still from the Tulireki queue. Taiga zooming by, and Salama's lift hill as noted, the ride was enjoyable enough, but not anything really special (it certainly didn't live up to the "e-motion" promise. so moved on to another coaster I'd yet to go on: Pikajuna - a custom built Mack powered coaster themed to a mine train (it's a really long train too. . so very high capacity) the rides here all are built next to each other, but the fun part is the queues are all interacting with the rides next door (like the Vuoristorata queue showing off the monorail) and this one here, that wraps around the Rapids ride. a good view of the trains for Tulireki - the bob sled style train is cool. . just wish the "tilt" had been more pronounced long train! (this coaster's track is the grey on the left) I chose to ride in the back. . . not that it makes much difference for a powered coaster. still, a fun ride. exiting Pikajuna, you have a wonderful view of the rapids ride. and this turn around not only has water, but fire features. Kewl! and no, the water does NOT turn off..they want you wet. another we'd yet to go on, Salama, the Maurer Spinner. a look at the train (4 per, back to back). This one was on the transfer track - wasn't busy enough to have all trains running I suppose. the monorail track, and where I wanted to head to next - the giant Ferris Wheel. Andrew, Erik & sMisty had the same idea, and were getting off, as we got in line so many things in this park give you wonderful opportunities for great pics. Overlooking Helsinki a mass of tracks and rides. . .LOL. .tho the only train on any of these tracks in this pic is Salama (one lone spinning car) there we go! a little further left, and got a train from both Tulireki and Taiga in the shot howdy Big Mike, and Jon (who again, is not a fan of Ferris Wheels, but came on this with us) sadly the rainbow Enterprise was not working today. . but thought it was a rather amazing location for it (it's on the roof of a restaurant) a couple more shots of the BrakeMan on the Scenic Railway. I was still iffy on riding Kirnu, but was leaning towards giving it a shot. but first, we were gonna take a ride on Linnunrata eXtra, the indoor Zierer coaster. the little train was circling the building, so snapped a pic as we headed up the stairs. it's a very "Space" coaster type queue, which makes sense, as the name translates to "Milky Way" and like very other "Space" coaster I've ever been on? the queue felt like it was *miles* long. finally go to the loading station. A pic thru the glass at the train loading. I can't really recall anything about this ride. no, really. . I can't even recall if I did the VR or rode it without. but I DO know I rode it - how's that for a sparkling review? I wonder if these lips indicate this is a tunnel of love, or a kissing tunnel. and I wonder if these two guys noticed that? again. . just a lovely park. that concrete slab apparently used to be a Top Spin, and it's going to be the park's new for 2023/24 ride. If recalling, it's a star flyer? another themed bathroom. . this one was apparently "Steampunk Harry Potter" some of the gears in here moved, and there was a "moaning Myrtle" type sound piped in. it was almost time to meet up for the goodbye dinner. . so we hung around the front of the park area - near where the restaurant we were meeting up at was. decided to check out the SeaLife Aquarium, but decided against it, as it wasn't included here (and seemed smaller than the others I'd seen, so decided to save the money). . but for some reason - which I never understood, and no one could explain - out front? is a statue of three naked men eating Ice Cream. I don't understand it, but yeah, it's worth a few pics while we were relaxing and killing time until dinner, Robb shared the below pic of Taiga from the observation tower. (it's a great pic, isn't' it?) I took one look at it, and decided I needed to ride that and get some pics too, so we headed over that way. seated (ahhhhh) in the air conditioned gondola, we started our ascent - and I got a wave from a monorail driver oh! we're right next to the pony ride!! I had forgotten about that, we need to do that next - since we had gained time before dinner by not doing the aquarium. got a pic of all three "blue" coasters this one is from, I believe Robb as well (based on the sharper quality of the pic, and the rounded horizon). tho it could be Andy or Brad. . but I'm thinking Robb. it always is rather neat to see the Brakeman standing on the back of a moving coaster. a better view of that ride pad where the Top Spin was, and where the new ride is going (again, based on the "swing" text on the walls, I believe it's a Star Flyer) getting off the observation tower, immediately tracked down the entrance to the pony ride. Yay! but I waited and let some go ahead of me, as I wanted to ride the Zebra no seatbelt, and it really does go right along the edge of a steep drop. never in America, but I guess the Finnish folks don't do as many stupid things, so they can be trusted with this kind of exposure. whee! it's a fairly long course, crammed into a smallish space. you DID IT, Jon whee! High Five from Big Mike (or is that "Low Five?") look at that face. . . shenanigans! it was just about now that the sky opened up and it started to pour for about 20 minutes. We hung out and played pinball in one of the arcades, and once the rain stopped, we made our way back towards the restaurant at the front of the park. but found these really impressive wire sculptures. the aforementioned arcade and absolutely no idea. reminds me of a Japanese Anime Character (the teacher from "Assassination Classroom") we did manage to stumble across some costumed characters out and about. she was Princess Pink, and Cotton Candy Girl (and no, not sure why Princess Pink was all in Orange. . . . unless she's "Cotton Candy Girl". .but that didn't make any sense either) back to the Witch Hotel. this time managed to get a pic of the ride vehicles. Thought they were rather neat. there were wire sculptures, so why not some Wicker sculptures? it was really well done. as you can see, once the rain passed? everything immediately opened back up. I believe I took another spin on the Monorail (this seems to be from that queue. . this time looking over at the coaster, instead of the other way around) and I had been convinced to give Kirnu a try - I believe the deciding chat was with Chuck (CFC) who told me he liked it. so I did end up riding it, after getting off the monorail. pics got out of order, but here's Jon and I riding it. They put two tiny little girls (employees) on the opposite side of us, which had us off balance the whole ride and we got a number of flips. but we were all laughing the whole time. i do believe these are courtesy of Brad. back on the monorail pics - got the whole train for Pikajuna as we passed by. but no trains on the tracks for Salama or Tulireki (tho there MIGHT be a Salama car on there behind the tree. . I see some pink) and got the angle correct this time to see both the round drop tower (in back) and Observation tower. shudder. . . . ride a painted pony, let the monorail turn. . . .. . or something like that. Ukko doing it's thing from the Monorail. post monorail ride, time for Carousel, and then bathroom break. we ended up back at the one themed to Pit Stop. . and I noticed that they do have a little sign up top giving away the themes. looks like the Women's restroom had the Princess Character I had seen walking around. but since no ladies with us at the moment (Erik and sMisty had gone to the Aquarium I think), I just have to imagine what it looked like in the ladies room. empty ride pad where the Top Spin used to be. heading to the restaurant for the farewell dinner, I noticed just now that the Kirnu sign moves back and forth, so snapped a pic of it) the farewell dinner was an all you can eat Indian feast. . and it was really good! not just as far as "theme park food" is concerned. . it was actually quite tasty! it was the last night together for most of us, so I made sure to thank Robb & Elissa for inviting me along on their trip and got some pics. Robb and I being excited, with a bonus Shane photobomb Elissa and I being happy, and bonus Barry butt. after dinner, we still had an hour or so in the park, and I had ridden pretty much everything I wanted to (and had firmly decided I was not going to ride "Ukko" - I just don't like Skyloops). . . so headed back to the observation tower for another cycle. and, of COURSE back to the Witch Hotel (think I also did Sirkus again) ha! hadn't noticed these guys earlier. They were animatronic and were just chatting away (in Finnish, so no idea what they were saying) but were interacting with each other, and - i assume - talking about the people beneath them in the queue. and then it was time to go. . it had been a really great day. these pics of Ukko are from the front entrance, as we were walking down to the bus to take us back to the hotel. and with that, we climbed back on the bus, and headed back to our final hotel in the heart of Helsinki. it had been a fantastic trip - and tho I didn't want it to be over? it was almost time to go home.

Delayed due to so much going on in real life, but I've finally gotten up to the last park of the trip - in Helsinki, Finland, Linnanmäki ! Part 1 This was an absolutely charming park, and it won me over almost immediately. Even tho there are a lot of "smaller" rides mixed in, for the most part, adults were allowed to ride anything they could fit on. I took well over 400 pics, so this will be more than one part (but don't worry, wont' share ALL of em) we arrived early in the morning - before the park opened. walking up the hill, to the main gates, the charm of the park is evident. Looming over the main gate is Ukko, a Maurer Skyloop (I did NOT ride this at all today, but many in the group did. and I'll admit it's very picturesque. just not really for me). speaking of the main gate. . . as I noted, just charming! cute little statues and scenes everywhere. So much theming, even if a lot of it was very oddball. these are the front gates - apparently there is at least 2 other gates, but those were not open this early, and they seemed to be there just to allow folks to enter from the back and side, as the park IS on top of a hill. I'll have a park map pic coming up shortly. the main entry way was adorable (and yes, charming) and at the very end before you curve left into the park, is a SeaLife Aquarium here in this park as well. Group shot, courtesy of Robb. and some pics of the (still closed as it was before park open) storefronts on the main street I honestly cannot recall if we did rides on Vuoristorata, the park's scenic railway, wooden coaster - that also includes a Breakman (or should I say Brakeperson, as there were two women filling that role along with the men). But our way into the park this morning was the back way, and thru the coaster, which made for some very cool picture opportunities. I loved they had this "history of Vuoristorata" billboard up. . tho oddly it was in the center of the coaster. when I rode again later in the day, you can see the billboard from the queue, but you don't really get close enough to read it. Still, it was cool they have it. Group shots in the bowels of Vuoristorata, courtesy of Robb! Good Morning. (Mr Muscle on the left there was our guide this am - can you tell we were in Finland? ) one more, with FEELING! as noted, I don't think we rode it this am, but it was a cool behind the scenes tour of the coaster, and soon we were in the park, and headed towards the coaster we were going to have some ERT on this am. but it's not like I'll pass a Carousel and NOT take a picture of it. for a park that seems very small on paper, it's got a lot of sections. and TONS of awesome details and adorable things theming everywhere. this is Kirnu, the park's Intamin Zac Spin. I did not intend to ride it - having memories of Insane at Grona Lund - but so many folks told me this was a much smoother ride, that I did end up riding it, and liked it. I can't recall if this is the park's drop tower, or Observation tower. . I think it's the drop tower tho. here's what we were headed to tho. Taiga - the park's newest coaster, an Intamin LIM Launch coaster. I heard it described by many on the trip as being similar-ish to Velocicoaster, but having no ridden that one, I can't make the comparison myself. I can say tho, it's quite intense. even the height checking bars here are adorable. I did like this coaster a lot, but being honest? it was a little bit too intense for me. I think I rode 3 times (and once again later in the day), but after my few rides, I stepped out via the gift shop, and snapped pics of it. It's really awesome looking. This pic is thru the window in the gift shop! next door to Taiga is one of the park's multiple Dark Rides. as near as I can figure? this is a Witch Hotel, that an evil wizard decides to stay in, and they do battle. or something. It didn't make a lot of sense, but I loved the scenes in it, and the animatronics and scares were fun. I ended up riding this a lot today once the park opened. That's a witch in the window upstairs that peeks out at you from behind the curtain ok, back to pics of Taiga: the shorter blue track here, actually isn't Taiga - it's Salama - a Maurer spinning coaster. yup, similar to Power Park, Linnanmäki painted coasters next to each other the same color, resulting in a mass of track. Looks kinda cool, I admit. the trains are wonderfully quirky as is the theming in the station. (this pic is from when I went back to ride once more later in the day, hence general public in the station) turned loose after our ERT, the group spread out among the park. We still had a little time before the park actually opened to the public as we made our way towards the back section of the park (start there - and there was another dark ride back over there - and then work our way forwards), I snapped pics of sculptures as we passed by there's a mini-circus train that goes around the outside of this round building - hence the theming. The building is an old water tower, that the park has hollowed out, and put a coaster inside. So yeah, this is actually a picture of Linnunrata eXtra (the Milky Way) a Zierer "Force" model coaster. "eXtra" because you could put on Virtual reality goggles if so chose. so many rides, mainly carnival type, scattered all over this park. And again, adults able to ride almost all of them. Nice placement for a SeaLife Aquarium ad - on the turnaround for the park's rapids ride as noted, the park is on a hill. . so there were all these "never in the USA" play areas to allow ways to traverse the levels of the park. sure, there are stairs, but why do that when you can break your leg in this?? Nightmare fuel ! Ok, so THIS is the observation tower, and hiding behind it (I angled the picture badly) is the drop tower. this park *does* have a very weird fixation with clowns. . . creepy clowns! here's that mini train I mentioned, that goes around the outside of the Linnunrata eXtra building. it was adorable, but no way would my fat ass fit in there. So instead I rode the Monorail to get some overall pics later in the day. still headed towards the back of the park, but the park had now officially opened, and the Drop Tower was running as we passed it. and it's themed to Medieval Royal . . . Lions ? I guess ? all I know, is that it had a throne out front, and I love me a throne picture more cute areas. . and I really loved how they incorporated the cut down tree into the restaurant seating area. this seemed to be a haunted walk thru, but we'd hit it on the way back by. GAHHHH. . more clowns - in "Sirkus" - a suspended Dark Ride. again, we'd hit it on the way back by, as we had to come back thru this section after starting at the back. there was also a walk thru Fun House - tho strangely, it seemed to be a traveling carnival type. Perhaps not so strange, since many of the flat rides, seemed to be of the traveling carnival variety. It was just weird that it was plopped down in the middle on Astroturf with not a lot of theming, when the park has so much theming. ok, heading down ito the back section, I believe this might be one of the other gates, but it was not open at this time. here's that park map. you can see from the "you are here" that we are now at the back of the park headed into the section that's kind of off by itself at the lower left. A SeaLife Aquarium photo op? dont' mind if I do.. tho it looks like a whale hugging an octopus. adorable creatures in the fountains over here. and completely dead still, as it was so early. this was a weird one - it was like a mini trabant, themed to a space chipmonk? I dont' remember if I rode it. . but I think maybe I tried, and there was no way that lap bar was gonna close on my gut. but Andrew and sMisty fit on it. the steam punk octopus ride was very deceiving. it looked so peaceful, but that thing just HAULED. Once I saw it cycle, I decided to ride too. this one really caught my eye, and I LOVED the look of it. is it a coaster? it's got a lift hill, and it's powered. So I'd call it a coaster, but it looked like a Kiddie ride. So I asked the operator, and she said "sure! you folks can ride". . so we all lined up to ride the planes "Pilotti" I mean. . . just LOOK how stupidly thrilled I am, that I got to ride this. whee! even Erik was having fun! all the rides in the back section knocked out. . we headed back to Sirkus - not knowing what to expect. OMG. .it's a side-moving suspended dark ride about CLOWNS! YAYYYYYYY! Sleepy lion. . . (and a blurry Giraffe - sorry) and clowns. oh my. . SO. MANY. CLOWNS. moving, and spinning, and laughing. as you hover in your little "cage" among them. BOOM! why yes, that IS a clown sweeping up all the Elephant poop. so bizarre. . . loved it. I didn't ride it as much as I did the Witch Hotel, but really loved this one too. to be continued. . . .

^ yup. . it goes up fast, once they start. I didnt' realize it's an exact clone of SFFT's - right down to the LED colors and the funhouse, AND the name. . . . but it's a great ride, so y'all will love it.

Palindrome lift hill complete!! Pics from Matt (VP of park operations at COTAland) (also in these pics, the black tracks for Circuit Breaker - the park's Tilt Coaster - also on site already.

^ they're supposedly adding a lot of extra stuff (from the Oz books)

it truly looks amazing. . those pundits that are claiming it's going to bomb? SERIOUSLY underestimate theater kids, and those who love the show. it's gonna do blockbuster sales.

Checking into the hotel, and some sightseeing around Helsinki after we arrived. . as we got closer to Helsinki - the last city on the trip (that had the last park on the trip, Linnanmäki), some "industrial" architecture started to appear. and stopping at a light, up on top of a hill, was Linnanmäki. . . pics taken from the bus. we were staying at a hotel near the center of the city, if I'm not mistaken. . that was close to the landmark Helsinki Cathedral, the College, and the waterfront. as it was a Saturday evening, there weren't a lot of folks around this part of town right now. but the city is lovely, as most of the places we'd been were. the hotel was modern. . I think maybe it was a Marriott? with a view of the Courtyard / garden from our room. Jon reached out - or maybe I reached out to him? - and we decided to go roam the city, as we had the evening free. So we met in the lobby, and headed out towards the Helsinki Cathedral, passing thru the College Campus area coming up on the backside of the Cathedral - it truly is lovely from all angles. Tho from the Front is the best. here's from the side we ALL float down here . . . . bwaaa-haaaa-haaaaa. . . (creepy, right next to the Cathedral too) This cracked me up. . . so I was taking a picture of the Helsinki City Pride Museum (which sadly was closed as it was later in the day now. .maybe 8pm?) and as I finished snapping the picture, I said to Jon - "hey. . that guy over there is pissing!" I mean there are public toilets, but he just went right across the street from the Cathedral (it's literally to our right in this pic) and whipped it out to piss on a building. when I uploaded the pics? yup. . I got him in my pic. LOL !!! (I made sure nothing naughty is showing tho. . .blur feature!!!). Turning to the Cathedral, they have this lovely sign out in front for pics. . . so of course! consulting google maps, it looked like we were close by the waterfront. .and the Helsinki Skywheel (and flying theater) was there. so we decided to head over that way. WAY more people over here, as there were multiple pop up restaurants, and a few bars over here. that was my goal tho - to ride the Ferris Wheel (and get Jon on another one). Turtles! I think maybe these are supposed to have giant umbrellas on them? some of the pop up restaurants, behind the seagull I decided I wanted a picture of. really loved the archetecture down here in the area oooo. . a couple of special cabins were avail. This one on the right is the VIP cabin (that gives you alcohol as you go around), and on the upper left is the Sauna cabin. (I had sauna-d the day before for the first time, and wasn't ready to steam myself during our ride). so we went for "regular" tickets. for some reason, the cabins are all tinted very blue. some great views, but all blue-y at the open air bar next door, there was a concert going on. .and the crowd got much bigger (almost double the size) while we were riding. the operator told me they were a Finnish band that were very popular. tho the music wasn't quite to my taste, so we didn't hang around after our ride. oooo. . nice view of Linnanmäki from the Skywheel! will see ya tomorrow! after our ride, we hung around for a little bit just so I could get a better picture of the Sauna cabin. and then we headed back towards the hotel, but taking an alternate route that would bring us along the college bar/restaurant area in the bay. very pretty. . almost Tokyo DisneySea level pretty the restaurants weren't very full, which was surprising to me for a Saturday night. But maybe they just fill up really late, since the sun is up so late. we were starting to get a little bit hungry, and spotted the McDonald's across the way. i had managed to avoid most fast food the whole trip, and wasn't thrilled. . but was willing. So we crossed over. and found an open supermarket - that was JUST about to close - next door. so Jon and I went in there and bought stuff to bring back to the hotel to snack on, instead of McDonalds. some interesting art in the Supermarket lobby. and Coi. and with that, we said our goodbyes in the lobby and headed to our rooms. tomorrow was the last day of the trip, and our final park, Linnanmäki I was really looking forwards to it, as I had heard this park was kinda F-ed up, and I expected I'd love it (I did).

don't let jealous, judgy, assholes stop you from doing a trip report. I'd love to see your first impression of a park that's been on your bucket-list.

Haven't really seen any chatter about it. . but Matt Hughey (VP of Park Operations at CotALand) has posted some pics on Facebook about an upcoming job posting for the park. and included some pics that show Palindrome has gone vertical! Pics courtesy of Matt's Facebook.

don't want to spread rumors - because we just don't know what it is until they actually share. But sounds it *might* be something serious, and might involve some redesign of the trains. guess we'll see how serious when they announce a reopening date (ie: short or long)

I love that new Nessie at the bottom of the loop. I heard rumor it "roars" at the train as it passes by?

Särkänniemi swag: 3 magnets - the park's main mascot (I assume, since he's on a magnet wearing park overalls) the park in the evening . just lovely and way discounted, in the back corner of the tower gift shop - a Moomin "ghost" magnet, (that looks like haunted condoms). so yeah, that farm area used to be Moomin Valley.

Day 22: Saturday, June 24th - busy morning at Särkänniemi (before a drive to Helsinki). Part 2 of 2 from the Lake Carousel, I had spotted that giant tire, which seemed to lead to another "themed" area going thru there, and we found a section themed to Motocross (complete with people just sitting on the photo op, as always happens). . over here is the park's final "big" coaster (no, I didn't ride the kiddie coaster, despite it's nice location just off the lake). MotoGee - a fun Zamperla moto-coaster complete with the kinda awkward seating. . .LOL. . but with some nice theming (including starting lights and sound effects) it was a fun coaster, and being so compact, it felt much faster than it was. I liked it. whee!!! not sure who took this. . possibly Andy? we were getting hungry and after looking at options, several of us decided that Smisty and Erik had a good idea to try out the restaurant at the top of the tower. so we headed in that general direction, me stopping to snap pics as we made our way up towards the front of the park / tower entrance. Tornado and the flume, really do almost interact with each other. Not on the level of Grona Lund interaction, but close enough it's impressive. I can't remember if I rode the flume here? I THINK I did (tho I know I didn't ride the rapids ride). ah. . here's the main entrance to Tornado, that we skipped earlier by going in thru the exit. Down the steps into the underground launch. not quite sure what this open space was by Tornado's entrance. was it overflow queue? was it an abandoned Ride Pad? It did kinda look like a small flat ride was here at one point. maybe it's a performance space? there IS seating over there. Great view of Tornado's big loop, from the Flume turn around area taking a peek at the menu, it was a bit. . . fancy. but I like trying fru-fru food, and they had several set menu choices - and were not busy at ALL.. so a bunch of us decided to join and have a fancy dinner. To get there tho? you have to ride in the disco elevator! with kinky 70's mirrored ceiling. . . oooo. .the view from up here is lovely! looking down, this was a whole section of the park I had not been to yet (and wouldn't get much time in, as the meal -as most FANCY places are - was slow and took a while, so it ate up more than an hour of our park time. I'm not complaining, it was SO worth it. and I'd do it again, choose sit down fancy restaurant over area of park. tho this area appeared to be themed to "farm" society (tho I DO believe it's based on a children's show, going by the characters that were around in there). The only "big" ride over here is the rapids ride, you can see just below. ohhh. . the observation level is still one level below the restaurant - which now that I think about it? did rotate. so up the stairs. felt a bit under-dressed, but the hostess (once she got over the surprise of a group showing up on what I suspect is a typically slow-ish day for them, as this seemed to be more of an evening/dinner place) was pleasant and led us to a table. before ordering anything tho, I took a quick walk around (needed restroom) and snapped pics of the views the hostess came up behind me while taking this and explained the area below used to be Christmas Town, and before that ? it was themed to Moomin. she also pointed out the wedge shaped building below and said that used to be the Dolphin theatre, but that the park had filled it in with concrete and were planning some kind of new show/attraction there, but she wasnt' sure what. I took the "long way" around back to our table, so I could snap pics from all angles. they really DO cram quite a bit onto this peninsula. back at our table, the waitress snapped a pic of all of us who were about to enjoy the meal. I think a couple of us went with the set "Finlandia" menu.. hey, when in Rome, right? it was unique, and all of it was very good. the deer was SO good. I think it was the apricot sauce that cinched it for me. you can see, they weren't very busy. I think just one other couple was up there with us. I VERY much enjoyed the experience tho. ' Celery Gelato. . .with hazlenut and I believe this was a moist strawberry vanilla cake. after our meal (which I think took almost 2 hours? maybe slightly less), we had only an hour or so until it was time to meet the bus and head out. since the elevator is in the tower, and the base holds the Aquarium/reptile house, I went to check that out: after a quick stop in the gift shop to pick up a few things, I headed over to the "farm" area for the last 20 minutes I had, to check it out. the rapids ride is very pretty, and it certainly is a showstopper to come across the name of the ride in the middle of a waterfall. but as i was worried about time - and REALLY didn't want to get on the bus for a drive while wet, I skipped it and checked out the area instead. lots and lots of characters, and folks IN character here. I think this *might* be an upcharge area? not 100% sure, but I do remember these two checking to make sure I had an armband on. yeah. . GOTTA be based on a kids show. there were some people over here, who appeared to be waiting for whatever show this was gonna be. and live Pony rides!! haven't seen that in a park in a long time (Six Flags Over Texas used to have pony rides). they were small ponies, so I watched, and didn't even ask. I mean, if adults can't ride the carousel? no point in even asking about the live ponies some live pigs, and sheep over here too. and then some "not so live" cows. making weird faces. ummm. . . ok ? hey, Elissa! at least I didn't Hump it! (and it looks pretty happy. . LOL) there's one you can "milk" too. .and a very nice Finnish Gentleman asked me if I'd like him to take a picture. so in two days, I'd "milked" two cows in Finland! there's a little mini-obstacle course over here too, that was pretty popular with families. (it had a line) and before heading back to the bus, I checked out the gift shop over here, that was full of plushies, and kiddie toys. i honestly *almost* bought this guy. . but as I had some Särkänniemi swag already? I didn't want to overdo it. and then it was time to head back to the bus. . we had a drive to Helsinki ahead of us still today. hope you've enjoyed following along! one evening, and one full day left in the trip!

Day 22: Saturday, June 24th - busy morning at Särkänniemi (before a drive to Helsinki). Part 1 of 2 Starting off bright and early (well. . overcast a little and early, but it never rained). a peek at the outskirts of the park, and the bus we'd been riding in since landing in Finland on that flight. they really did cram quite a bit of stuff in here . . tho honestly, the vast majority of it I didn't care for. but what I loved? I REALLY loved. the main gates: and the park's landmark tower - it houses a fancy restaurant at the top (can't recall if it spun or not), and in the base, a small, but decent, aquarium/reptile house, as well as gift shop, and I THINK a planetarium? even in Finland, those *freaking* scooters are just left everywhere. headed into the main park - via a back walkway. . . Similar to the exhibited motor I had seen yesterday, inside the park - albeit in a "backyard" area - was a preserved train. I didn't want to leave the group to go take a look at it, so not sure why they have it preserved here. VERY cool. . our path in, walks along side and under the park's flume ride, and the Intamin coaster. here's a good look at Tornado - the Intamin suspended coaster, that I believe is the last of it's kind in the world. \ weirdly, Tornado's station is underground, in a very "industrial" setting. we went in thru the exit, I think, so didn't see the main queue that goes down steps from the top of the hill. but got a pic of the ride sign, as we went into the exit queue. as noted yesterday, bright neon Orange & Yellow trains. why? I dunno. . but they sure are noticeable. we greatly enjoyed our morning ERT on this ride. rode it at least 8 times. . and since they were running both trains? got some pretty zen rides. Steve and I (I believe courtesy of Elissa) Matthew looks like he's enjoying it! quick peek into the operators booth, while taking a break between rides. Wheeeee! very Zen in the front row. (pic courtesy of Elissa) I'm flying, Jack!!! after a bunch of rides, I needed to take a break and stepped into the main park (still before open to public) to snap some pics in the area: the setting of this coaster, really is just perfect for pictures. not sure why it's the last of it's kind, the ride is great! more parks should have them. perusing the park ahead of us. .it really is quite lovely. tho has a bit of an identity crisis. . . like it's not sure what exactly it wants to be. lovely, but small, carousel. that adults were not allowed to ride. But I got a pic, so I'm happy. and an interesting game. . where one sits on a toilet. and "pees" into the bathtubs. I guess? to win Minecraft inspired stuffies. told ya..this park is weird. I did really like how so many kiddie rides are scattered about among the big rides. for example, that Convoy ride, right next to Tornado. "Boom" (what a name, LOL) is actually the drop tower! the Skyrocket II behind it is called "Hype" yeah. I dunno, as I said, "Identity Crisis" the park also has this piece of crap pure torture machine: Trombi - a flying Zamperla Volare. which, by the way, is Finnish for . . . "Tornado" so yeah, they have two coasters named Tornado - one brilliant, and one shitty. oh. . wait. . I should say HAD - RCDB notes it was removed as of late 2023! wasn't quite ready for us tho, so looked around the area while they got it ready to open for us. going for the Gen X crowd? this area has lots of carnival flats - all running pretty decent programs, and all with unique names. other than this Troika. . which was just called "Troika" Turning our attention back to Trombi. .they were getting it ready for us. Even tho it LOOKED like it had been abandoned and was rotting away. but it still wasn't open just yet, so we headed over to the Skyrocket II (Hype) I mean. . I don't MIND the theming, but I don't really "get" it either. I guess as noted, they are going for Gen X? I reminded me very much of Plopsaland and their "youtube" section of the park. apparently the restaurant (that wasn't open yet as we were still before park open) is called "Play" perhaps it blasts music during the day? I rode this, I think, exactly once. i'm just not really a fan of this type of coaster (and didn't ride the one the next day at the final park). but others really love them. death glare from Hans and Jon without glasses. . I wonder if they made everyone take off glasses, even with straps? when it was my turn to ride? I actually let out a guffaw when I sat down in the seat and saw this. And then quickly pulled out my camera to snap a pic (with permission). I don't think this warning label looks like what they THINK it looks like. Rode my one time (maybe I rode twice, but I think only once) and then stepped out front to snap pics Proof I rode it. I even look like I'm having fun? (yeah, no glasses. .they must have made folks take them off) Pics courtesy of Elissa I gathered my wits about me, while others in the group rode Hype a few more times. is this a kids area? there seemed to be more than one. . .but it was nicely detailed over here. . . . if a bit "freaky" and the pavement a bit psychedelic. . or "Q-bert-y" if you prefer (and are of a certain age to understand that) we got the note that Trombi was ready for us, if anyone wanted to ride. I felt we were basically DARED to ride, as I'd heard so many horrible things about Volares (pst. . all were TRUE!!!!) Pic courtesy of Elissa. OMG. . just look at these faces!!! HATED it. hell, I think my back spasm-ed just looking at this pic. I *did* it. . but I don't think I'd do one ever again. . .LOL watching some of the carnival flats cycling. . the park had just opened to the public, and so it were starting to see the first batches of school kids. I don't think I rode the first batch of folks on Take Off (hence getting this pic), but it did end up with it being almost a full TPR cycle. then over to High Voltage..which was no where near as insane as it looked - tho it DOES do some weird things to one's body. see? that's me on the upper left I found the park's mascot!! (well, one of them. .they seemed to have several). and chocolate! yay. and then discovered (thanks to Erik, I believe) my favorite thing in the park: the lake Carousel. it lifts up, tilts, and gives a gentle spinning ride. and is made by Schwarzkopf no.. really! and it's right on the lake, offering some lovely views (hence being called the "Lake Carousel") see??? Schwarzkopf ! Jon and I Smisty, Goldballs, and Erik Me and Big Mike i think we ALL loved this thing. and it offered nice views of the park's theming/landscaping as it turns as well. to be continued . with lunch up in the tower and a quick pop into the Aquarium!

I might be the only one who tends to comment sometimes. . but trust me, many read your reports. and I LOVE them. y'all are freaking hilarious, and I loved spending some time with you both. great pics.