Divv3k Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 So I’m not long back from my weekend in Gothenburg with Jo and we had a GREAT time. First off I should say that Gothenburg is a really nice city, very clean and very pleasant. We had great weather too. The only negative I can think of is the prices over there – it’s pretty expensive even compared to rip-off Britain. On Friday we flew into Gothenburg City airport which until Ryanair started using it was not much of a passenger airport. It was quite amusing as when we got off the plane we were hoarded into what appeared to be a barn where the airport dudes reversed in the trolley with all the cases and everyone just had a free for all to get theirs. I’ve never seen anything like it. It appears that they are building some new things there and the departure bit of the airport is really small but actually looks “airporty”. From the airport we took a 20 minute bus ride to Gothenburg central station. We grabbed a quick McDonalds for lunch before setting off to find our hotel. It didn’t take long – Gothenburg isn’t very big so we found everything we wanted to do within walking distance. We checked into our hotel – the Hotel Liseberg Heden. It was really nice although for some reason despite it being a double bed we were given single quilt covers. After quickly checking out the hotel we headed a few minutes down the road to Liseberg. Since the park didn’t open til three we actually had to wait at the gates for about 15 minutes before the park opened. When the park opened we headed straight to Balder. No wait – we walked straight onto the front row. OMFG! It’s absolutely insane!!! Robb, Elissa and the rest of TPR didn’t exaggerate – this is the best coaster I’ve ever been on. The airtime is crazy. We rode it a fair few times over the weekend and I have to say that I found the back row even better. It’ll take something mighty to even come close to Balder in my eyes. I could go on forever about how amazing Balder is but words and pictures don’t do it justice at all. Just shows you that you don’t have to be the tallest or fastest anything to be the best. We spent a while in the park with pretty much walk on conditions the whole time as matter of fact I think the only queues we waited in were the kiddie rides we did. Kanonen’s good. Not amazing but good. I found it a bit rough in the back but had a really good ride in the front row with some good airtime over the top hat. Of the three Intamin accelerators I’ve ridden I’d rank it below Stealth and Rita but that’s not to say the ride isn’t good because I really enjoyed it. Lisebergbanan was fun. I’m sure I remember someone describing it as a really fast mine train on crack and I’d pretty much agree with that. Lots of banked turns and a little airtime. Good use of the terrain, a solid coaster. The rest of the park was fun too. Amazing rapids ride, the log flume was ok, shot and drop towers were pretty standard faire but gave you really good views. I also loved the observation tower it gives some breathtaking views. Special shout out to the Ice Bar too, despite it being the most expensive drink I’ve ever had it’s a really cool novelty and I’m glad I did it. We went back to the park on the Saturday night to ride Balder in the dark and I have to say it’s probably the best coaster ride I’ve ever had. I love the way the light the ride at night. As a matter of fact I love the way they light the whole park at night. Liseberg is really an awesome place and I expect I shall return really soon. I have to thank Robb, Elissa and the rest of TPR for going to Liseberg in the first place and giving it such rave reviews. If it wasn’t for TPR I probably wouldn’t even have considered a trip to Liseberg for a long time. Some photos now... We had an amzing time at Liseberg. Thanks TPR for convincing me to go! Hope you enjoyed the photos! Hardcore Superstar - that's what I came to Sweden for!!! So's Lisebergbanan! Yeah, Kanonen's lots of fun too. It's Balder... Through Kanonen! I've never felt anything like it! The airtime is just so insane. "The Ice Bar's really cool and all but let's ride Balder some more!" Me and Jo enjoy some expensive, ice cold vodka cocktails. Check me out in the fancy jacket! After the UK add on trip photos we just HAD to check out the Ice Bar! "Ah, Randolf, Robb's long lost metal statue relative!" Exclusive, never before seen shot of Blader and Kanonen! You also get a great look at Gothenburg city. Here's the Ullevi stadium which recently hosted the athletics championships. YHere's the S&S twins. The observation tower gives you a really cool look at the park. You even get a great view of Lisebergbanan from the queue. And here's the drop tower, again its all about the views from up there. Shot Tower, pretty standard stuff, however the views you get from the tall rides in Liseberg are superb. We rode the Flume Ride to complete the water ride collection. Even if they did get my area a little moist. I really enjoyed Liseberg's rapids. What's more scary? Animatronic green bunnies or Divv looking like this? Can't forget the kiddie credit! How is it this is supposed to go? Oh yeah - "Hey Joe I'm about to ride Lisbergbanan!" Here it is through the trees. Kanonen was also lots of fun. Yes Balder does kick this much ass! Empty park + Balder = best theme park experience ever! Yay we're at Liseberg! Since it seems like the done thing around here I had a go at getting my head into the safe. So this is our hotel. Hotel Liseberg Heden. Very nice. It's a total free for all to get the cases. Maybe I'm not as well traveled as some others but I've never seen this before. In the tiny airport there's no baggage carousels, this wee guy just drives the cases in! 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SharkTums Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Great TR!!! Glad you enjoyed the park as much as the rest of us have time after time! We stayed at that hotel in 2005 and it was really nice, especially when Joey broke his bed and came crashing out of it in the middle of the night! How's it going Joe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKI Jizzman Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Very nice TR! Balder still looks OMFG awesome. Liesberg looks like one of the really nice parks in the UK. It is one of my "Parks To Go To" list. Thanks! Also very nice photos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niiicolaaah Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 ^Except it's in Sweden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shockwave Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 LiseJoebanan still looks great as ever! Glad you had a great time out there Divv! Another seal of approval for Balder, it's a fantastic coaster. Hopefully it'll get voted for another year as the best woodie in the world! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Mmmm...Balder. Not so mmmmm...Liseberg hotel (which is actually still a nice hotel minus the fact bed support legs randomly collapse). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKI Jizzman Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 LiseJoebanan still looks great as ever! Glad you had a great time out there Divv! Another seal of approval for Balder, it's a fantastic coaster. Hopefully it'll get voted for another year as the best woodie in the world! Thats going to be hard with Voyage and El Toro on the board.......but it looks like a #1, if not a top 3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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