WildMouse Posted September 3, 2006 Posted September 3, 2006 At the end of July/beginning of August, several of us took a trip to the mainland to sample some of Europe's finest theme parks/roller coasters. The parks Walibi Belgium, Walibi World, Efteling, Phantasialand, Tripsdrill, Holiday Park, Europa Park and Parc Asterix. Park reviews part 1 Walibi Belgium Walibi Belgium provided me my first taste of mainland European theme parks back in 2004 and it was nice to return once again. All the rides are dotted around a huge lake. We didn’t have much time here so hit all the coasters (and Challenge of Tutankhamon) first before cramming in as many of the other rides as possible and doing the odd repeat ride. Was a shame about Vertigo being delayed until 2007 (it looks amazing), but it just gives me an excuse to return in the future. Walibi World If you are looking for a park with amazingly hospitable staff, then Walibi World is the place to be. They were all smiling, helpful, had fun with guests and genuinely seemed as though they were enjoying their jobs. The landscaping here is also second to none. Efteling Set within fairly tail lands full of magic, Efteling is one of those parks where you really can escape reality. Theming is top of the agenda at thus place. The park has four realms: Fairy Realm, where the attractions are based on story book characters Alternative Realm, where visitors will find things a bit out of the ordinary Adventure Realm, where you'll find most of the coasters and white knuckle rides Travel Realm, attractions based on journeys and travels around the world. Phantasialand Phantasialand is a park that oozes sheer quality. I goes without question that this is my favourite European theme park experience what with its highly themed rides/ride areas, the immersive atmosphere, brilliant staff, fab food etc (I could go on for longer!), it all goes part in parcel for one of the best theme park experiences you could ever have. Black Mamba is just the icing on the parks ultra tasty cake! One thing I wI ill say is be wary of fast pass holders if queuing for Mamba front seat. They get priority, which could mean an ultra long wait for those queueing in the normal front seat line. Tripsdrill The order of the day at this Vineyard themed park was fun over thrills (and for us relaxation after the previous day of intense riding!). A park like this doesn’t need to rely on the latest G machine to keep folk happy. The weird and wonderful rides (including the fantastic spinning tub ride) and side stalls do all that. Tripsdrill is surrounded by rolling countryside covered in Vineyards which provide beautiful views from within the park. We spent about 6 hours here which was more than enough. Photo highlights part 1: There is a rather funky walkthrough section in the queue-line before entering the station area. The ride itself is good fun. And is a perfect example of a ‘family’ coaster. It zips around the track and a good speed with the helix’s pulling some strong G’s The wild mouse and helix sections of the ride are intertwined with the parks bath tube themed flume ride whilst the airtime hills dive through a terrain of vivid flower beds. G’sente Sau was the worlds first Gerstlauer Bobsled. And it’s a ride that I’ve wanted to ride for a number of years. The first thing that gets you attention is the rides setting. Geoff doesn't seem to think so though. So hot! Jungbrunnen aka The Bathtub ride is a cool ride with a disturbing (but highly amusing) dark ride section. I won’t spoil it for those that haven’t been there yet, but the ‘sexy’ lady in the next photo will give you an idea of what to expect. This spinning tub ride was certainly weird and wonderful. On this ride you get the opportunity to spray passers by. Great way to cool down. My oh my, what fun this was. Another ride of the ‘biggest isn’t always best variety’. The seats are hoisted up to the top of the tree house before tilting (takes you by surprise even after witnessing it in action) before going into a drop and shot cycle. Next it was time to take a chill pill at Tripsdrill Goodbye Black Mamba Loop action. First drop. Foot choppers aplenty including this rock work and a waterfall. The station theming is out of this world. The ride provides relentless, fast paced and intense journey through valleys which head straight towards rock faces, under bridges, over mountains (Jr Immelmann), and if you like your strong G’s just you wait until the rides finale. It has enough force to Now, I knew the ride was going to ‘look’ good, but kept an open mind in regards to the ride experience. Obviously I knew it was going to be ‘good’, but what I experienced was a whole lot more than good, it was simply stunning. The Africa/Black Mamba landscaping is simply divine. Detail, detail and more detail. Mud buildings, Moroccan style architecture, tribal artefacts, waterfalls, rock faces, greenery, catchy music score complete with dramatic station music. Oh and the ride i Well, what can I say? Talk about feeling like I was really in Africa (to a certain extent anyway). Talk about an immersive experience. And saving the best till last. Yes, its Black Mamba! n the walk though section I encountered several costumed characters who were doing a great job at scaring and interacting with the crowds. Mystery Castle is a highly themed shot and drop set in the confines of a castle tower. Shame the ride cycle is so short, but it is fun whilst it lasts. River Quest is without a doubt one of the best rapids rides in the world. Like Winja's, this ride is full of suprises, which I won't ruin for those yet to experience it. All I'm going to say is that its fun, thrilling and definitely aint yer typical rapid I have a preference for Winja’s Force. Those that have ridden it will probably know why. But together both Winja’s make for a world class ride. Its surroundings (Wuze town) really add to the immersive atmosphere. Winja’s Fear and Force are duelling Maurer Söhne Spinners. Both rides are fast, furious and full of ‘surprises’. That’s about as much as I’m going to say so as not to spoil it for those who haven’t ridden it yet. This ride is certainly thrilling to say the least. What with its multiple lift hills and extensive layout, you know that you will certainly be going on an epic adventure. This ride has all the ingredients that all good mine trains need and then some. Fast Phantasialand was the next park on the tour. Here you can see Colorado Adventure AKA The Michael Jackson Thrill Ride. Bobbaan is an Intamin bobsled coaster. The trains on this coaster have been upgraded to two across (rather than the traditional singular ones which were I experienced during my last visit), which is no doubt a blessing in terms of capacity. It doesn’t rea Their Flying Island provides some stunning views. Villa Volta (built in 1997) was the first of the next generation haunted swings to be built by Vekoma. This is certainly the most ‘ornate’ one that I’ve ridden. But far from the best I’m afraid. Riding it for the first time a couple of years ago I expect Dreamflight is a superb suspended dark ride (Vekoma transit system) takes travellers through some spectacular, highly themed set pieces which include castles in the sky and fairy/elf/goblin filled forests. ‘Detail’ is the keyword here. For a ride which op Vogel Rok is an indoor Vekoma MK900 coaster based on the travels of Sinbad and the Vogel bird. It lacked the soothing lighting which it had two years ago, but still provided a fantastic ride experience what with its excellent music score and random effect Pegusus is their junior Intamin woodie As you know, their water coaster (Vliegende Hollander) won't be opening until next year. The theming looks stunning though. Will head back in a couple of years. Helix first drop It has had new trains installed since my last visit. I didn’t find them particularly comfortable. Python is a Vekoma double looping corkscrew coaster. The lift hill takes forever. Ride itself is pretty average, and is in between the realms of smooth and rough. Its doing well for its age Onto Efteling Goliath at Dusk. El Condor from above. Robin Hood is another of the 3 Vekoma Woodies in existance. Not as good as Loup Garou in my opinion, but still a barrel of fun. This one has more of an out and back layout unlike its twisted counterpart. It has some fantastic laterals and pleasant pops of Express is a launched looping Vekoma. It’s basically Rock n Rollercoaster but outdoors and without the music! The launch is great but the ride runs out of steam nearer to the end. Airtime central! It's up there! Our first siting of the amazing ride that is Goliath, the parks Intamin Mega Coaster. Overall, I prefer this ride over the much hyped Expedition Ge Force. It just never lets up from start to finish. El Condor is the parks Vekoma SLC. Its darn smooth considering it’s a prototype! I really enjoyed this one. This ride was closed on my last visit. So it was great to finally get to ride it. Next up is Walibi World. A view of Turbine from the big wheel. Loup Garou is the parks fantastic Vekoma (yes, a fantastic Vekoma) woodie. It has a suprising amount of airtime and some nice laterals. Turbine is the Schwarzkopf shuttle loop. I absolutely adore this ride. The launch into the enclosed loop is fantastic! And going backwards is just as much fun. Give me this over Rita anyday. Their 'ok' SLC, Vampire. Entrance to Walibi Belgium
Recommended Posts