chokeslamcena

Howdy folks. Can I ask you guys - you know the way Shambhala has no time for you if you're carrying some extra weight in your legs (and you get kicked off), but every other coaster seems fine? What category does the new Ferrari coaster fall into? Is it like Shambhala in that you'll have to do the embarrassing walk off if you're a bit big? Or is it like Baco, Khan, etc. where it doesn't really matter?

Can anyone tell me what the story is with the park these days? I was there 2 or 3 years ago. Ferrari land was just being announced at the time. Looks like i'll be back there this october for a short while so may pop in for a day. Is there anything new or interesting to ride/try out in the park at all? From a quick google, ferrari is being worked on, but not actually open to the public?

I know it's probably a bit late in the day, but just incase anyone else is googling and finds this. I'd be heavy enough. I alter my weight a bit, usually hovering around 16st and 20st. I find i can fit on everything at about 17.5st weight, however, I carry a lot of my weight in my legs/ass. Fitting onto Furious Baco, Khan, (and pretty much every other ride) I am fine, regardless of size. However, Shambhala is the pain in the ass (literally). The test seat is a bit of a waste as it can close properly on you, and you can still find the actual seats too tight. The amount that they need to close/lock the seat is much tighter than you'd expect. When I was on Shmabhala, i would have two guys trying to push the harness closed (and in fairness, they're subtle about it, they don't draw loads of attention to themlseves or try to embarrass you or anything). Thing is, it's very dependent on where you carry your weight. Having it on my legs/ass made it a tight fit for me, but I seen guys twice my size getting on without any problems at all. They were huge people, but their weight was in the belly, and not the legs.. so.. make of that what you will.

I've just come back from Salou, where I spent three days in PortAventura. I'm not anywhere nearly as clued into the ins and outs of rollercoasters as ye guys obviously are, but as a Joe Soap with minimal knowledge, I can say that, having rode both sides (red and blue) of Stampida several times (and multiple times without getting off, as there were no queues), it is a rollercoaster that genuinely gave me the need to take some headache tablets. There's an enormous amount of shaking, pushing and shoving and it pretty much just kicks the crap out of you (much like Tomahawk). It left bruises. However... I wouldn't change it. It's that feeling of un-safety that makes it so enjoyable and such a thrill to ride on (in my experience). Even though you know its safe, there are times when you think the train is actually going to leave the track altogether, and it speeds up to silly levels, while clattering the life out of you (the blue train being much more aggressive than the red one). I think one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much was because of it beating the crap out of me. Makes it so much more fun, and gives you something to talk about when you get off it, too. El Diablo is a bit of a laugh, too, although obviously not as severe as the other two, but it is good fun. Unrelatedly, quick question about Hurakan Condor (the drop ride). It has two types of seat (a normal seat, and a 'standing' seat, where your legs dangle out from under you). On the one where you're 'standing', when it reaches the top, the seat tilts forward (so you're slightly facing more forward, down to the ground). Has it always done this? This was my third time in PA and I'd been on that ride every time.. This tilt-forward took me completely by surprise. Is it a new thing or have I just never noticed it before?

Actually, when was that taken (the photo)? Looks like a fairly hefty queue, considering it's mid-october?!

What causes a roll back, out of curiousity? Not enough weight in the train, I presume? (although I suppose if that was the case, it'd never make it round the track on an empty testing..?). Cheers KarlaKoaster for the info on the non-coaster rides. Much appreciated. Interesting that they've never really bothered to update any of them or add any more interesting variations to their non-coaster rides. Could do them a bit of good. I like roller coasters, but I am also very fond of decent non-coaster rides.. but you can only get spun around in circles so many times before it kind of loses it's appeal..

How do folks.. probably don't know me as I'm more a lurker than anything else really (though i was on here before moaning about the Shambhala seats). I've been to PA twice in the past and will be going a third (and final, most likely) time in the next week or so. I was wondering if I could ask ye guys a question, or for your opinion on something... (this is a little discussion that was had between myself and a friend, that never really crossed my mind in the past). PA have a fair few rollercoasters. They also have a 'drop' ride (Condor). Is it just me, though, or does it appear that, outside of those, everything else is effectively a variation of the 'tea cups'? (ie; you sit and get spun around in a circle repeatedly. More extreme versions would have multiple spinning pieces). For example: Standard tea cups: Spin in a circle (childs ride, in fairness) Tea cups with slight ariel feel. There doesn't seem to be too much in the way of non-rollercoaster "thrill rides" (as rollercoaster tycoon would call them). This ride (under a different guise) is featured in a local funfair that travels around Ireland: This is something we used to have in an irish permanent theme park about 15 years ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcjjTcZQ7Yg (etc. etc. you get the idea) I'm surprised the park doesn't even have a fairly bog standard ferris wheel/big wheel (or even a more extreme one, with the 'spinning cages' instead of normal seats). Is there a reason for this? Or is it just down to a lack of imagination and playing it safe in general? I kind of thought that with the new Ferrari attachment, they'd have done the fairly obvious 'catapult' ride, but it would appear that's not on the plans at all (odd, considering the Ferrari theme would surely be based around taking off at speed?) It's just something I was pondering...

Just back from my stay in Salou (and Port Aventura visit). I'm happy to be able to say that I did manage to get into the seats/restraints on Shambhala. I fit into the test seat, and when I got onto the actual ride itself, I pulled the restraint towards me and it jammed/locked. However, despite this, one of the ride operators gave me an extra push to lock the restraint down further on me. He did it quickly and with enough pressure/effort that it only took a second or two, so there was no real sense of embarrassment or anything (which I'm sure there could've been with a less competent ride op). So hat's off to them for that (and that particular guy who was working the seats at the time). Also seen one of the other ride operators swing into action when a guy fainted in line for Furius Baco. Fairly swift on his feet and had the guy beside the train, sitting on the ground drinking water within about 20 seconds of being alerted to it, so good on them for that, too. Port Aventura seems a pretty well run park, but I have noticed that there's no security presence at all? I don't recall seeing any security or police in/around the park area at all. Seems a bit odd (to me, personally).

This is gonna be way off topic, but seen as PA is based in Salou, i figure a few of the people on here who read this thread may also be based/live in the area? I was just wondering if anyone knows how the Policia Local/Guarda Civil treat the public with cameras? I'm a professional photographer, but I've a big interest in Policing/Emergency services, so I'd like to see if i can get a few photos of the cars/vehicles used by the diferent services? I was in Salou in 2010 and visited a building near PA, that I am lead to believe that some kind of headquarters of the Guardia Civil (they had a few vans and such parked up, behind a fenced gate). I was told I couldn't take any photographs in the area at all, unless I had prior permission. I sent off two different emails (to policia@salou.cat and sugerencias@guardiacivil.org) asking about visiting the station and photographing whatever fleet of vehicles are around at the time, but whilst I'd hope they'll respond favourably, I'm doubtful they'll even respond at all. Would anyone on here have any advice? Also, more related to the theme park, does anyone know how you get a camera on a rollercoaster? Do you just ask them and they make sure it's properly secured and you can't drop it? Cheers.

Roughness of it doesn't bother me (adds to the experience in my opinion!) but fantastic news that it's back up and running again

Anyone know if Baco is back up and running yet, or not?

I'm not the biggest coaster-goer in the world, with very limited experience (pales in comparison to those on here who have such a strong interest in it, surely) but I must admit that Baco is far and away the single best coaster experience of my life. I didn't know about the launch at the start (I hadn't read up on it or such), so it took me completely by surprise. I'm a fully grown man, and I know the chances of any injury or death on a coaster is practically non-existant, but Baco had me literally dreading going upside down. The whole thing is just a severely intense experience and two years later I still look at it as one of the most thrilling, yet stomache churning, experiences of my life. Of course, when I rode it a second time and it wasn't quite the same, as I knew what was coming, and the same with when I go back again this year, but for sheer heartstopping fun, it's among the best experiences of my life. I'm praying it'll be fully functional again before I get there (less than 3 weeks).

Argh! Will be in PA in 3 weeks. Ye guys would know more about this kinda thing than I - Should I expect the coaster to be back up and running by then? (It seems a fairly minor issue) or will my favourite ride there be closed for maintenance

Oh, also, has anyone any more word on the Shambhala seating? Are 'bigger thigh people' getting on it now, or still being refused? (reading here, it seems someone mentioned that the ride has become more forgiving, but I'm not sure if anyone ever gave an actual "i was there" answer? All stories are very vague). Cheers

Can I ask ye guys; what's the story with bringing a camera on a rollercoaster in PA? It'd obviously have to be secure (so it can't fall out of your hands, etc.) which mine would be (I'm a professional photographer, so wouldn't be taking any risks). Do the ride operators care? I'd imagine they don't, but better to ask than not to. Do you just mention it to them when you're taking your seat so they know it's there?

"Down about two stone in weight since late June. I better fit in that f*cking rollercoaster!" - The words of my friend who somehow heard about Shambhala's hatred for all those overweight Has anyone been there recently? I'm quite looking forward to it, myself. Friend seems to be on a bit of a fitness craze at the moment (for those unaware, a friend of mine is a fairly big guy and I'm in charge of having booked a holiday for about a dozen of us to Salou/Port Aventura; then heard about the tight seats and became worried I'd inadvertently embarrass my friend). How is the park in general? Does PA have security? I can't remember seeing a single Guard/Security/Police uniform in the park at all..?

Fabien, you don't look very heavy at all (and 103kg isn't overly big, either, so I'd have been surprised if you'd gotten issues). I love that you really seem to be enjoying yourself in the video though. Xavi, it's great that you're here. I was actually going to send you a message on Facebook (but thought I'd better not, incase I just ended up annoying you). I don't particularly mind queuing up for a long period of time, but we'll be there in late September, so I'm hoping that the park won't be too busy during that time (though I don't mind. Last time we went was in October, and the first day we went, coincided with a Spanish holiday, and we queued 3 hours for Furius Baco. The second day we went, we were on it in less than 10 minutes, and the same for the rest of the park. It was very quiet). It's a great relief to hear that the park made adjustments to the ride to allow it to cater for more people (and larger people). I do realise it's a security measure they have to take, in the interest of people's safety, but when I looked through your Facebook photographs, and I seen the size of you (you seem very average weight, I wouldn't consider you big at all) I was horrified to think someone of your size could be removed from the ride. 16% is a massive number for a roller coaster (in my opinion). To be honest, all I'd like to be assured of is that if someone can fit in (but not exceed) the seats of Furius Baco or Dragon Khan, that they will also fit into Shambhala (this would resolve my issue as I know my friend can ride those). You've obviously ridden on Baco and Khan, when you (eventually) got to ride Shambhala, did you find there was much of a difference in seating (was it a significantly tighter fit, for example?). I will keep my eyes peeled on Bloggercoaster for some Shambhala related news. From what I've seen of your site (I won't pretend that I've read it all, but I have taken a good look at it) you seem to provide pretty decent coverage and go in-depth (which is always a bonus). Cheers for posting on this thread, Xavi!

Hey fdelhomez, Great to hear you had a good time and enjoyed the park (though 10 times in 2 days seems like overkill... Surely it can't be THAT good!?). Is the POV video from your first ride? Also, seen as you have current-day experience with the coaster, would you care to give an opinion on the current discussion regarding seating? Did you see m/any people getting removed from the ride, or hear anything in relation to this (apparent) thigh/restraint issue?

Well CoasterFreak, you seem to fairly know your way around a roller coaster (it seems you've ridden a fair few), would I not be right in saying that this issue could be easily resolved (for all users) if the restraint was just fitted with a seatbelt? One that was attached to the actual bar of the restraint itself, and that clipped into the chair at the sides (thus, once tightened, the user would be completely locked in?). Doesn't Furius Baco have a similar thing where the restraint comes over your head and locks in place, but the restraint, despite it already being locked mechanically, also has a seatbelt at the front of it that locks into the seat (therefore running from the harness to the seat, through the middle of your legs). I've emailed Port Aventura asking them if they have any information on the issue or if they even have a measurements guide or such that could be used to figure out if you'll be allowed on or kicked off. (I know I'm probably banging on about this a little more than is necessary, but it's me that's pretty much in charge of booking the holiday for the 10-12 of us that will be going. I used to be fairly heavy myself and if it was me that was the heaviest of the group and I got kicked off whilst everyone else went on about what a great time they had, I'd feel humiliated and embarrassed. I imagine the other guy would feel the same, so I just want to be as sure as I can of all that I can before we head over, so, even if I know it's highly possible he'll be kicked off, I can somewhat downplay the importance or interest in Shambhala beforehand).

That's a fair point, but as I say, if you go back a page to the Facebook link I posted and take a look at the guy (Xavi, I think his name was) who got kicked off, and take a quick flick through his photos, he looks about as average a weight as you can get. He doesn't look to have very big thighs at all (to me) so I find it very strange. I really must email Port Aventura. Wonder would they bother to reply though. I'll take a wander off to their site and look for an email address.

Whilst I do agree with you in theory, Coasterfreak, that people should just lose the weight, I don't think it's as simple for a lot of people. I'm not one to go on saying that it's a medical condition or such, I do believe that most people are overweight through inactivity or over-eating (not all, of course, but most). As someone who has been fairly large before, myself, I can safely say that weight loss is a much more demanding task mentally rather than physically. I think a theme park is a place were most people go to have a break and enjoy themselves. I understand, again, that if someone is coming in at a size that is just dangerous, then it should be necessary to remove them, for everyone's safety, but Shambhala's seats just seem to randomly picking people to have a problem with. It seems to be that the average weight person can be kicked off because they carry weight in their thighs. This is just madness, to me, personally, and surely something that could/should be easily fixed (a seatbelt on the user or restraint seems like a quick fix that would work wonders?). I just find it strange, and armed with this information before hand, I feel dreadful thinking of 10 of us getting onto a roller coaster, and only 8 or 9 of us experiencing it, while one of the group gets embarrassed in front of all their friends (and a bunch of strangers) and gets told to get off. If my friend was 30 stone, then I'd expect it (and I'm sure he would too) but 16-17 stone and after having successfully rode every other coaster in the park.. It just seems odd.

Cheers for the replies. I do find it a strange occurrence though. From the looks of the seat, it's just a thin narrow bar that goes down between the legs, and then the console sits above the waist (thus holding your stomache/upper thighs in place)? Surely that seat design should theoretically work with anyone, regardless of how big or small they are? Surely if the seats didn't need to lock to a certain point, but instead just as far as they can on an individual, then the person is stuck in the seat anyway, regardless (that is, once it's locked on a particular person, that person has the console jammed on top of them anyway?) (excluding people who may be dangerously large, or spilling out of the seat or such, but to be fair, people of such size would generally have issue riding any coaster). Obviously there must be a reason why this isn't feasible, or they'd have done it that way in the first place, but I (again, theoretically) can't see any reason why that wouldn't work. I'd be very curious to hear how you get on Ruby. Rollercoasters4life; that's a strange one, alright. Seems like a pretty poor issue, to me (I don't think it'll affect me, personally, though who knows, but I just think that it's a strange thing to have to deal with. If they knew it was going to be an issue (and even if they didn't, surely they do now) you'd think they'd make a little press release with suggested guidelines on people's sizes or such to fit the coaster (or switch out the seats as, apparently, they said they were gonna consider). (that said, I'd be against changing the seats altogether, as the current setup obviously contributes to the 'free falling' aspect of the ride. Wouldn't be fair to ruin the coaster because of the minority, but surely going a little easier on the restraints would be possible, no? If it's actually affecting 2 people per ride, as has been said by that guy on facebook, then surely it's a fairly serious problem, or an issue that was overlooked by B&M and needs to be taken into account now).

Hi RubySparkles, Well it's mentioned on Facebook here; (and after reading that guy Xavi's comments, I took a flick through his photos on his FB page, and he doesn't seem like any kind of a big guy at all, to me). And a little closer to home, there's this thread on this forum of the opening day: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=62622 In which he says (under a photo of the seat): "Apparently, those noodles are very restrictive. In fact I saw lots of riders being turned away because of the size of their thighs. Is this also usual in other B&M hyper models?" (a few people reply, no in depth discussion takes place) Then, lastly, a forum called CoasterForce as a thread on it, too; http://www.coasterforce.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=29863&start=1540&reset-settings Where a user called oriolat starts a discussion on it; "Seems that Shambhala is not "fat-friendly"... I have seen a lot of people get kicked out of the ride because the restraint was not as far down as required to dispatch the train. It seems weird because other B&M hypers operate just fine (even the American ones, with more overweight population!). How come? Does anybody know if B&M have changed their standards in terms of restraints? Silver Star is also from B&M and doesn't have this problem and even people that has a "normal" weight and fitted in the test seat have been kicked of Shambhala because of the size of their thighs..." So there definitely seems to be an issue, but I'm not sure if the Facebook guy was correct in stating that the park actually looked at it. I'd send them along an email only I assume it'd be completely ignored or I'd get generic spam in return? Are Port Aventura good with emailing people back? As I say now though, this guy, and myself aswell (I'm not the smallest in the world, either) had no problem with Furius Baco, Dragon Khan or any other roller coaster/ride in Port Aventura, so it'd be very disappointing/embarrassing for any one to be kicked off (not just in our group, but in general, could kill someone's confidence being kicked off a rollercoaster in front of that many people, and potentially ruin a day/holiday. Especially seen as the test seat doesn't seem to be accurate.

Cheers, JediMaster. Not sure how I hadn't stumbled across this thread already, to be honest. Tutuki splash thing looks like great fun. Wonder if everyone involved got a free "I survived tutuki splash and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" T-shirt.

Howdy folks, Long-time lurker, first-time poster. Have mooched about these forums a tad bit when Google often redirects me here. I won't lie and pretend I'm the biggest roller coaster fanatic in the world (I do like them, of course, who doesn't, but I wouldn't be the type who'd travel the world for them.. though I'm in Ireland, if I were in the US I'd probably be a fair bit more determined). Anyway, skip to the end, I'm going on a holiday with a group of friends in September, to Salou. Will be a typical lazy holiday, but we all plan to visit Port Aventura, as some of us were there in 2010 and enjoyed it. I was just reading about Shambhala on here (there's a thread about it I know, but I didn't want to bump a month old thread) and it seems that a lot of users have had trouble with it, due to them having 'big thighs'? I Googled further, and came across a rollercoaster themed facebook page where someone was reviewing the ride and said that Port Aventura had said they'd look into changing the seats (apparently it was affecting 2-3 people per ride, but I've no legitimate source for that, so take it with a grain of salt, as they say). One of the guys that'll be coming with is us is a big guy. Now, he's not massive, but he'd be about 15-16 stone if I had to guess, but he does have a lot of weight in his thighs. He was with us last time (2010) and had no problem going on anything at all (he actually commented how comfortable most of the rides were) so I'm just wondering if anyone has any update regarding Shambhala at all, as I've googled a fair bit and have come across nothing at all really. I'd just be a bit worried that we're all gonna be banging on about how Shambala's gonna be great, it's gonna be this, that, etc. and then he sits down and gets told to get off the ride (though judging from the stories I've read, it could be the smallest person in the group that gets kicked off for having awkward thighs). Does anyone know if they've altered or changed the seats, or if the overweigth crowd are still doomed to be laughed off the ride? Cheers