Palace Playland Photo TR

[mrceagle]

Since I was going to be in the area for the Funtown Fest event I figured I’d Stop By Palace Playland at Old Orchard Beach Maine. I didn’t need to be at Funtown Splashtown till at least 5:00 so I had plenty of time to check out this small beach side park. Since I arrived at the park at 1:00 I have plenty of time to enjoy the park.

 

I bought an all rides bracelet for $26.95 POP. Since it had been a while since I have been to the park I had 5 new rides in store for me. Which was my main reason for coming today. A new building had been built with apartments and businesses. The face of the area has changed quite a bit.

 

Drop Zone was first on my ride list. It’s a moderate sized drop tower. It had am interesting wrap around 12 seat car. The ride however wasn’t all that good. The movement wasn’t anything special and the drops only OK. No better then the frog hopers. The only thing that saved it in any way was its extra height.

 

Adrenalin was next up. New for 2007 the ride is a Technical Parks Street Fighter. I got 2 rides in throughout the day. I tried to get a 3rd but the new operator said I was too big and wouldn’t even let e try after informing her I had been on twice before. The ride was reasonably good. Powerful spinning and a good height on the swing but the cycle was really short.

 

 

 

Making a circle I hoped in line for the Galaxy roller coaster. I was on after a very short wait. It’s an enjoyable coaster. I hadn’t been on once since Canobie’s. The coaster was reasonably smooth and fit well into the compact park. I took 4 rides before leaving.

 

 

Moby Dick was next. While this have been at the park for some time not it was another new ride for me. It has a solid RPM speed. It’s gives good Lats as it spins without being too bad. It’s an enjoyable ride and one of the few more adult rides in the park.

 

Orient Express was next up. This is the parks second Coaster, a Wisdom standard model. The coaster is absolutely terrible. Though it is operating better then the last time I rode it. The helix of the hill is too small and the ride rough. The train is bounced by the wheels on the lift hill. If you need the credit take a ride but otherwise skip it.

 

 

I hoped on the Tilt-a-whirl and took some pics of the park. The Tilt-a-whirl runs well and they operate a long cycle. But it’s hidden in the back corner behind a few kiddie rides. But make sure to seek it out on your visit.

 

Power surge was next. This is the best one I have been on. The ride operates well I get a few flips and the ride tends to stop you in the right direction. It’s an enjoyable ride and a Great addition to the park. It’s my personal favorite thrill ride in the park.

 

 

While on the power surge I saw Ashley who posts on one of the sites I’m on so I stopped by and talked to her. I lucked out and caught her on her brake. We talked about Palace and Canobie. Talked allot about the new rides at palace. I talked to her again after I had Dinner on her way out. Keep up the good work Ashley!

 

Since it was closed on my last trip I hit the Funhouse next. It was enjoyable but not fantastic. Some of the gags weren’t working right. I thing they could use up less space and have a better attraction recycling this into a home made funhouse with a new buildings.

 

Hoped on the SunWheel next and got a few shots of the park and the board walk from the sky. Nice ride but the wind that day was cold so it was hard to really enjoy it.

 

 

 

The Carousel was next. This attraction really aggravates me. They have a chance Fiberglass carousel. It’s ok nothing special but they used to have a wood carousel. They have a band organ not operating by the entrance yet they play music from a CD. A big disappointment and something they should have never done. This is one of the places they could have done better.

 

I went for the walk on the board walk and checked out the few shops. Nothing special! The shops are Gimmicky and it was a bit crowded. The board walk is really not wide enough with al the shops and food stalls added. This staple of the area for more then a hundred years is mostly a home for a large bar at the end of the pier.

 

 

I was getting Hungry and after scoping out prices I thought I should look for something else. I hit the Tri Star ride which is one of my favorite in the park. I hit YoYo, and Matterhorn before eating. All three rides were operating well. The YoYo and Matterhorn were looking great. They both looked to be recently painted. 2 of the best looking example of there rides I have ever seen.

 

 

 

I donated some money to Special Olympics and asked the guy collecting money if he could recommend a good restaurant within walking distance. After a little thought he recommended Strike Zone, a small bar and grill just a block up on the right. The food was fantastic one of the best calzones I have ever had. It came with sauce which I normally need to ask for. The got a soda to go with my meal. In all my meal cost me only $10.61 and I gave a $3 dollar tip to my waitress who was very friendly. The place in itself was very nice with friendly staff and though new already some loyal customers. I would definitely recommend it if your stopping by the park or staying in the area.

 

 

 

When I got back to the park I hit a few of the milder attraction first. Hit the funhouse again. I hoped on the Dodgems, bumper cars, which were fun but not great. The bumper cars are one the only germinant attractions at the park.

 

 

I rode the Cascade Falls, flume ride, next. It was worm out and another slower ride wouldn’t hurt. The ride is much better with one rides then 2-4. You tend to be thrown a bit when you hit the water. I enjoyed my ride and did get a little wet. Just enough to cool down!

 

 

I rode the Euro Slide next which Ashley was operating. I took a run. It wasn’t waxed right. I was told it rained the night before and they hadn’t been able to rewax it. None the less a very good looking slide but there not really my thing. I talked to Ashley a bit longer before she had to leave. It’s always nice to put a face to the username.

 

I took a ride on Bear Affair which is a tea cup like ride. I had heard reports it wasn’t easy to spin I experienced the complete opposite. The bear spun easily and kept its rotation reasonably well. A nice ride but it could look better

 

Since I had to be to Funtown before Seven I went around the park and hit a few last minute rides. Power Surge and Galaxy a couple times. Walked around and figured I should get a couple more rides on the Tri Star before leaving.

 

 

While waiting for a last minute photo I saw the Pirate Ship suddenly burst into motion. I got the shot I wanted and headed over. This was another previously none ridden ride for me. I though I was going to miss it. Boy did I luck out! It was one of the best Pirate ships I have been on. It looks fantastic and the movement is very good. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to ride.

 

 

Well I was out of time and needed to get to Funtown. So I bid ado to palace Playland with a few good memories to take home.