WildMouse

Not seen any Thorpe Park Fright Night trip reports on here. So I thought I'd post one on my visit last Tuesday. I spent a full 12 hours (exausted by the end of it!) on park where I met up with some fellow Thorpe fans from the SouthParks forum. As well as going for the night riding opportunities (Rush, Colossus and Nemesis Inferno are amazing in the dark), we also took in their two 'new for 2005' horror mazes, The Asylum and Hellgate. Hellgate was my favourite of the two walkthroughs. Mainly due to its excellent Victorian/gothic style set pieces, and touchy feely actors who don’t hold back on the scares. The actors in here seemed to have a lot more passion than those found inside the Asylum. The hooded mannequins, ‘clicking freak’ (the noise it made was pretty disturbing ), ‘dead’ bodies in the cells and the hanging girl were personal highlights. Nice to see they kept the cool ‘scream face’ wall panel (after the revolving tunnel) that was used in Freak Show 3D. I went in not expecting too much, but came out thinking 'wow'! Just a shame the storyline was drowned out by people waiting in the queue line. The Asylum was fun, but also disappointing. Just felt like a re-hash of the Freezer (which existed up until last year), but in reverse. Place didn’t really resemble an asylum unfortunately. I would like to have seen a straight jacked freak or two added into the mix, plus maybe some scenes where we see doctors trying to ‘control’ the patients in a bloodthirsty manner. Good points were the excellent use of mirrors. Bumped into them many at time, and was also met with a fair few dead ends! Like last year (in the Freezer), the strobe lighting gave the effect that the room was spinning. I felt that the actors didn’t really do much to scare. Most of the time just stood and rocked from side to side, though a couple of them did make an effort and run at us/follow us. There was no finale. You just walk along a dark section, then out through the double doors. I’d like it if chainsaw guy actually chased peeps out of the maze, rather than just sit on a table. It would have provided perfect photo opportunities for the ‘official’ photographers who were wandering round the park, trying to take peoples money. I’m sure some of the expressions would have been priceless, and they’d have made a roaring trade from it. But I digress. There was also a show called Carnival of the Bizarre, which is a scaled down version of The Circus of Horrors (http://www.circusofhorrors.co.uk/). I saw exactly the same show as last year (almost word for word), so it bored me to death. Even the people in our group who'd never seen it before weren’t impressed! The show was housed inside a 4D cinema, so would have been a lot better if they'd mix some of the effects in with the show i.e. water for the scenes which involve blood and vibrating seats for when a member of the cast is 'electrocuted'. Simple ideas, yet effective. This didn’t stop Fright Nights being the best visit to the park this year. Always is. But what Thorpe really needs is another horror walkthrough to cope with the high demand, and also open the mazes earlier than 4pm the closer to Halloween it gets, as the queues get stupidly long over the last weekend. Would also be nice if Thorpe made more effort with the Halloween theming around the park. That all important 'Halloween atmosphere' was severely lacking. Hopefully we'll see a scare zone or two added next year. You can find a video I made here: http://www.zippyvideos.com/4873706651975576/frightnights05lq/wildmouse a few piccies below. rest are in www link. Asylum area Asylum entrance Stealth tophat Brother of Lichtenstein Professor Lichtenstein Yes that is a Blackpool Pleasure Beach logo at Thorpe Park!

For me its a toss up between The Grand National (brutal!) and Balder (glorious!).

So far 127. Not really in any rush for those 'coaster credits' to be honest. I just ride them as and when.

'Most' of the reports I've read on this ride have been pretty negative (with the odd positive one thrown in for good measure ). I'm riding it on Sunday so will be able to judge for myself. I'm keeping an open mind for now. My last coaster ride was Dragons Fury at Chessington.

2005 was a very quiet season for me as far as coaster riding went. 2006 will be alot more action packed thankfully. I'll be visiting the following parks: UK Alton Towers Thorpe Park Chessington Paultons Park Fantasy Island Great Yarmouth Pleasue Beach Pleasurewood Hills Blackpool Pleasure Beach Pleasue Island & Cleethorpes Oakwood Flamingoland Europe Six Flags Holland Heide Park Hansa Park Tripsdrill Holiday Park Europa Park Phantasialand Park Asterix Port Aventura Park d’attractions WBMWM USA Disney World MGM Studios Epcot Animal Kingdom Cyprus Gardens Wild Adventures Islands of Adventure Universal Studios Florida Busch Gardens Tampa Sea World Orlando Boomers Old Town Kissimmee

Plus the fact that it will be Europe's tallest launched coaster.

Only just seen your cool Gröna Lund video Phil. I'd go to that park just for their sexy looking Schwarzkopf! Looks as though its just as much 'fun' as the amazing Lisebergbanan (one of my top steelies!). Oh, and their Bobsled coaster looks rather funky too I love how all the rides are so close in proxemity (especially the two coasters!) due to space/planning restrictions. Looks great at night time too. Gröna Lund certainly looks like my kind of park...High doses of 'fun' as well as thrills!

You lucky Americans. Getting all this new wood year on year. We havent had one since 1996 (unless you count the kiddie one up north ). Hopefully our 'year of the wooden coaster' will come one day though. And the debate over whether Balder is a 'real' woodie or not is silly in my eyes (though you are all entitled to your own opinions). Who cares if it uses the same wheels that steel coasters do, and that it runs on laminated track. Its still a 'real' woodie (an amazing one at that!) in my eyes, just not made in the same 'classic' style as others. Ever heard of evolution

Would be a dream come true if there was only a 10 minute wait between each ride cycle Maybe on future off peak days, and by using single rider (when its not too busy). I think its a safe bet to say that we'll be seeing OTSR's on Stealth sadly (though this hasnt been confirmed yet), especially as Rita at sister park Alton Towers has them. I think parks are paranoid about the safety of the T-Bar, which is a shame (for us enthusiasts mainly, the public wont care either way) but from the parks point of view understandable. I didn't think Rita's OTSR's were actually that bad (very roomy, allowing for plenty of airtime), but obviously I'd prefer it if Stealth had T-Bars (higher sense of exposure etc).

Hi UKParkGeek. Would be interesting to hear what this event is like from a Brits perspective, especially in comparison to UK events like Thorpe Park's Fright Nights etc. So if you do go, a review would be very welcome This years event looks amazing, and if all goes to plan, I'll be attending next years HHN.

I doubt it. I think the UK public (and the odd enthusiast or two ) are really going to lap this ride up which will mean 'huge' queue's. The sheer height will bring people flocking. Remember, big coasters dont come along very often in the UK and this is the first one over the 200ft mark down south. I love the way 'some' people are dismissing this ride already (I'm not going to point any fingers) due to it being alot smaller than its American cousins You have to remember that most of us over here wont have experienced a coaster (well, its more a thrill ride) like this before. I for one am really looking forward to it. And anyway, biggest isnt always best!

Parks visted so far this year: Thorpe Park Alton Towers Chessington Oakwood Brean Leisure Park Blackpool Pleasure Beach South Pier (Blackpool) Parc Asterix (and Foire du Trone) Jardin d' Acclimatation Will be visiting Drayton Manor and Flamingoland next month. A quiet coaster riding year for me compared to the 2004 season.

Oh how I love coasters that utilize the terrain. My anticipation levels for Black Mamba have risen even higher after seeing the latest construction photos! Oh and Shockwave, there is more than enough at Phantasialand to justify spending a day at the park. Even without Black Mamba. I couldnt get enough of the place last year!

Great TR. Thanks for sharing your photos. Gives me an idea of what to expect when I head off to Spain next year.

The coaster which is putting my anticipation levels in overdrive at the moment is Black Mamba. It's 'one' of the main reasons I'm taking a coaster tour around Germany next year. All I can think when I look at the construction photos is 'wow' (and this is before the ride is actually complete). The fact that it's a potential Nemesis (currently my number 1 steelie) beater (going by the stunning concept art) should be enough to get any enthusiast hot under the collar. I'm glad its not just another bog standard inverter plonked down on grass on concrete. Afterall, this is Phantasialand we are talking about here, and the word 'standard' isnt really in their vocabulary! I'm expecting something extremely special with Black Mamba, including plenty of terrain interaction with footchoppers galore. I'm also looking forward to the UK's very own 'Stealth' at Thorpe, even if it is a mini Kingda Ka....Which I havent even ridden anyway, so this will be my first experience of a Rocket coaster that launches you toward's the sky. And its not as though many of the UK general public will have heard of any of the bigger rockets out there. I've got a 'feeling' it's compact layout will mean that it will feel alot more intense in comparison to its larger siblings.

"Japanese Park Installs Blinders In Effort To Protect Patrons From Sight of Enthusiasts" Had me in stitches Carl "ARN&R is one of the funniest sites around" May

Two places that I'd love to visit in America are Cedar Point and Holiday World. In terms of European Parks, Prater Park and Holiday Park are at the top of my wish list.

Grand National in the rain is amazing. Makes something that is a wild ride already even wilder. Coaster bliss indeed!

Some Wild Mouse ride pics just for you kenshinmac They really do NOT do the ride experience any justice though! Rides wilder than it looks! taken in April taken in April Wild Mouse Aug trip Wild Mouse Aug trip

Yes Toby, shame you couldn't make it. Team Nike felt lost without you Make sure you come along next summer! And as far as having a laugh and madness both days...Its Blackpool...What do you expect

Excellent intinery. Should be one hell of a trip. Even for those that have been to the UK before. I wont be able to tag along for the whole trip (especially as I'll be touring Germany the folowing month), but hopefully I'll be able to meet up with you guys at a few of the parks on your journey, in particular Great Yarmouth and Fantasy Island, two parks that I havent been to yet. All depends on uni/work though. Thorpe and Chessie should be dead certs as they are my local parks.

Magic Mountain is probably one of the most politically incorrect dark rides out there. Being black, I just had to laugh at the depictions of my fellow menfolk (yes guys, I found it more funny than offensive!). I think its an important ride as it's a sign of the times. I didnt know of the rides location until this year, as Pete has already said, its located in Beaver Creek to the left of Zipper Dipper. Oh and Pete, sadly I didnt take any pictures that show off your fantastic beardage in action

more pics last pic The classic Noah's Ark Ash, Shaun the 'friendly' ride op and Steve outside Gold Mine Blackpools only inversion! Steeplechase Naughty toys! Steeplechase station Steve, Ash and Dave all having a good time Wood and steel side by side! Dan taking on the extremely 'wild' Wild Mouse Big One turn around Steve and Ash on the Nash Nash lift hill in distance Drinks all round back at the B&B Ghost train at Coral Island Lost children! Pasaje del Terror horror walkthrough Steve getting fried!

Blackpool Pleasure Beach 24-25th August In attendance - Myself and a few other good friends (RCCGB members) Weather - mainly dry with a few lashings of rain, sometimes hot, sometimes windy. 24th August My friend Dave and I travelled up to Blackpool on the Wednesday morning and got there for early afternoon where we met up with our friend Steve at our B&B. After dumping our stuff, it was off to the Pleasure beach for an afternoon/evening of riding. As usual, even though the place was bustling with people, queues were limited, with a lot of rides being walk on. Maybe that’s because there is so much to see and do. The Grand National (1935 Charles Paige racing wooden coaster) was flying due to the torrential rain earlier in the day. The Pepsi Max Big One (1994 Arrow Hyper Coaster) was up against the wind, but still fairly fast (still boring in my opinion!). Avalanche (1988 Mack Bobsled coaster) zipped around the track like a wild thing. For dinner, we ate at the excellent Fielding’s fish bar along Simpson Street (If you are ever in Blackpool and like fish and chips, I'd recommend stopping here). The Coral Island entertainment complex (near central pier) was our last main stop of the day. As well as the usual arcade machines, the place has a monorail ride and a ghost train, which was well worth the pound that it costs to ride it. The rest of the evening was spent supping on beers back at our Bed & Breakfast accomodation. 25th August – This was the main day at the Pleasure Beach Today we were joined by four more of our friends. We decided that rather than rush round riding everything as many times as possible, we'd take our time getting around the attractions, especially as we’ve all been to Blackpool (some of us many times) before. First ride (and fittingly last) of the day was of course the Grand National (my #2 woodie), which was flying around the track. There was ejector airtime in every seat, especially at the front. All of us came back into the station laughing. Other rides ridden included: The Wild Mouse (1958 wooden structured wild mouse coaster) – This ride is as wild, crazy and fun as ever. I absolutely love it. Long may it stay at the Pleasure Beach! Bling (Zierer Star Shape) – I’ve waited just over a year to ride this thing (has been closed on previous occasions). So, what did I think of it? Utterly dreadful in my opinion. There were no real forces whatsoever and hardly any flipping (inverting) action. I’ve learnt (from a ride op) it could be run a lot wilder and faster than it is presently, but they’ve ‘lost the key’ (hmmm). Like Spin Doctor (Huss boosters) I won’t be bothering with this ride ever again unless the setting is changed. Big Dipper (1923 John Miller wooden coaster) – A surprising amount of airtime could be found on this ride. Probably due to the moist track. Grand Prix (cars which run along a single track with speed being controlled by the riders) – I’d never ridden this until the previous day. It was a good laugh, especially seeing Steve overshooting the stop line by a fair bit! Space Invader 2 – Tis a fun ride for what it is (which is essentially a Zierer 4 man bob in the dark). Not worth doing if the queues stretch as far back as the entrance though. Avalanche – Was once again running breathtakingly fast. Didn’t really rate this coaster much on previous visits, but my opinion has now drastically changed! Yes its short, but its also very sweet. River Caves – The themeing on this attraction is stunning. Really shows what theme/amusement parks can do if they really put their mind to it and go all out. Definitely one of the best dark rides out there. Pepsi Max Big One – Already mentioned this ride from our previous day of riding, was still pretty slow when cresting the hills. Almost fell asleep! Alice Ride – Fitting five of us into a car suitable for only four people was a laugh and a half. We even had to use the extension seat belt. Wish I’d caught the ride ops name. One cool dude. The ride itself still smells of sherbert and is as weird and wonderful as I remember it being. A classic dark ride. Irn Bru Revolution (Arrow launched loop coaster) – There is airtime going into the loop, exiting the loop, and going back down into the loop in reverse. Some people say that this ride is a waste of space, but I personally think that it is a whole lot of fun, and is still thrilling after all the years it’s been in operation. Roller Coaster (1933 Charles Paige wooden roller coaster) – A joy to ride as ever. I had to laugh when Steve told me it should be torn down because it isn’t thrilling enough. That because it’s not supposed to be. There was some nice floaty airtime on the hill, especially when going through the tunnel. Classic ride. Steeplechase (1977 Arrow single rail roller coaster with three tracks) – Suffered some major problems through the day including an evacuation. Eventually got on it after about 20 minutes of queuing. Ghost Train – A classic ride if there was one. I am a huge fan of ghost trains, and Blackpool’s is my favourite. It just reeks of nostalgia and is genuinely fun though hardly scary. Gold Mine – lengthly gold mine themed (now there’s a surprise!) dark ride with a ‘very’ friendly ride op called Shaun. Noah’s Ark – I can think of many words to describe this attraction, weird, wonderful, charming, and surreal being some of them. It’s basically a funhouse in a boat! If you’ve never tried it out, it’s well worth a look in. In the evening some of our party left for home while the rest of us headed to the South Pier fun fair. a couple of us took a spin on Storm Chaser, a Huss break dance. It was on an excellent setting, long and forceful. The bumper cars were the most brutal I have ridden. I’m surprised I didn’t get whip lash! A good laugh was had taking on the ride ops! Then it was back to the B&B for more drinks. Next day we returned to South Pier, then went to the Louis Tussaud’s (cousin of Madame) waxworks (better than I thought they would be!), then drove home. Dave and I shared the driving as we did on the way up also. Made the journey that much more pleasant. Kipped at Dave’s overnight before the driving home the following morning. Now for the pictures! Grand National tower Looking rather spooky The Whip SNBO Revolution sign all lit up PMBO at dusk Nash lift hill Flying Machines River Cave frontage Pleasure Beach jail Bling! Dave outside Steeplechase Avalanche overview Thunderbird 3 Trauma Towers Ghost Train Roller Coaster station Roller Coaster lift hill quirky dark ride, Magic Mountain Dave gives Zipper the thumbs up! Zipper Dipper lift hill Zipper Dipper Avalanche themeing Check out all those rides! Pepsi Max Big One lift hill Avalanche turn Grand Prix station Irn-Bru Revolution Geoffrey Thompson tribute Me and Steve on the Big Dipper Dave on the Grand National (Nash)

I was one of those who joined Toby aka Inferno Insane in France last weekend. Like him, I had a great time out there! Here's a copy of my trip report. Kind of covers the same ground as Tobys. We arrived at Parc Asterix at around 9:15 on the Saturday. First ride of the day had to be on Tonnerre de Zeus, a 1997 CCI woodie which is located right near the back of the park. A steady queue had already started to form by the time we arrived there. But later 15 minutes I found myself sitting second from back for my first ever ride on the thing. Going up the lift hill I knew it was going to be something special, and it certainly was! The whole ride blew me away with its exhilarating first drop into a tunnel, plentiful airtime, crazy helixes and extensive layout. This is now my second favourite woodie after Balder. Whilst I love Megafobia, I felt that Tonnerre De Zeus beats it by miles. Opinion was mixed though, with some agreeing with me and some not. There was no doubt that each and every one of us loved it though. Next up was Goudurix. After all the negative press I’d read and heard about this ride, I was expecting something truly dreadful! The first thing we were welcomed to was an empty queue line. The ride was virtually walk-on. There was a slight technical hitch, but this was sorted out within minutes, and before long I was ready for my maiden voyage (I was in the middle seats)! Once at the top of the lift hill, I was prepared for the worst. But what followed was a great coaster experience! Yes, you hear it right, the words ‘Goudurix’ and ‘great’ both in one sentence! I was surprised at how quickly the train navigated the inversions, one of them new to me (butterfly), and was also surprised how smoothly it travelled through them. No head banging whatsoever. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case on a re-ride later in the day where I ‘did’ get my ears boxed a few times!!! Still not enough to ruin the overall experience though. Other rides ridden included: Trace Du Hourra, a Mack Bobsled coaster, and a very good one at that. After being told it had trim breaks at several sections, I expected the ride to slow done considerably, but in actual fact it had a good pace throughout. The layout is extensive and very scenic. A 5 train operation meant minimum queues. Vol D'Icare (Flight of Icarus) a Zierer Hornet was a good laugh. Flambards has a version which is almost identical. There was an insane Magic Carpet ride nearby which was the craziest one I’d ever been on. It was too brutal not to hold on, but was good fun all the same. Makes Quantum seem like a kiddie ride! Oxygenarium is a cross between a raft ride and a water chute. Up to six of you sit in a rubber ring/raft type boat and are taken up a lift hill before descending an oversized water chute before hitting the bottom. If the weight is distributed well enough, your raft spins like crazy. It was such good ‘fun’ that we rode it twice in a row! Transdemonium was a strange ride. It was a mix of fantasy ride and ghost train. I’m afraid I wasn’t impressed. None of us were really. I’m just glad that there wasn’t a queue! Last ride of the day was front seat on Tonnerre de Zeus, and what a great way to end a great day. I will definitely head back to Parc Asterix at some stage in the near future. In the evening we headed down to the Foire du Trone, which like most foreign fun fairs puts UK ones to shame. Highlights were: King, a Soquet coaster which features several ‘out of your seat’ twisting drops and a grand final through a tunnel made up of the containers that the ride is transported in. All I can say is what a rush! Forget putting your hands in the air. You’ll be holding on for dear life most of the way round. You really do feel as though you are going to be flung out of your seat at certain moments! Shame the seats were so uncomfortable though. Jamming is a Barbisol spinning coaster. It was slightly rough here and there but great fun, especially when spinning up the lift hill. We got four circuits which made up for the short track length. Other rides worthy of a mention were the Top Buzz 1 which made Samurai seem even morel like a kiddie ride. Top Buzz 1 had a longer setting for a start and was actually ‘intense’!!!! The pods were spinning like crazy and my body was thrown all over the place! This is how all thrill rides should be. There was also a KMG Afterburner which blows Vortex at Thorpe out of the water. For a start there was enough spin to mean that you got a decent ride in every seat no matter where you sat. Then there was the ride setting. It went on for about 8 minutes or so which meant we really got our moneys worth. The final ride worthy of a mention was a Mondial Inferno (check out the picture update to see what it looks like) which was a great ride. It was disorientating and thrilling, yet not so much so that it was nauseating. Just have to say that there was so much to choose from ride wise, but it would have cost a fortune to do each and every one of them. So if you are looking for a meaty fair which is closer than Germany, check out the Foire Du Trone! We left for our hotel extremely knackered, but feeling very happy. Jardin d’ Acclimatation – Sunday 8th May After a much needed lay in, we headed off to our final stop before home, Le Jardin d’ Acclimatation, a small pleasant Parisian family amusement park. The whole place is very picturesque with greenery everywhere, even hanging off the rides! The three coasters were: Dragon – a Soquet family coaster Papillons d'Alice – a Reverchon Junior spinning coaster Tacot Express – a powered Soquet coaster which features two pops of airtime! This ride proves that coasters don’t have to be big to be fun! We also got to try the Chair - o - planes (wave swinger) in reverse, which was interesting to say the least. We didn’t get our French quite right the first time when we asked the ride op for a reverse ride. Luckily he understood our request the second time around! Then it was time to get back on the Euro Star back to London via a double decker train on the Paris Underground! We got back into London at about 16:30. Heres a few of my favourite photos from the weekend. Papillons d'Alice Dragon layout Dragon Tacot Express at Jardin d Acclimatation a Modial Inferno King Jamming (Foire du Trone) Trace du Hourra Tonnerre de Zeus Goudurix Mr Zeus guarding his woodie! View from inside park entrance