Edward's Tour Across Europe with TPR

[Edward]

Hello.

Been a while since I posted something here. And it's been about 3 weeks without internet. I think some of you can guess what I did during one of those weeks.

Anyways, lets start this Trip Report... On the 26th of June. After a week of helping my mother with a bit of moving, I took a train down to Milan. Yes, I InterRailed down. Took me 2 nights, and a day in Paris, with changes at Copenhagen and Cologne.

Well, how about I start in Paris?

 

I had a friend to my cousin draw up a path for me that would take me from Paris Nord, to the Eiffel Tower, to Grand Palais, and then down to Bercy.

So, I took the subway, got to the Tower, but didn't go up in it because the queues were as big as the Tower's base area.

But it sure was nice to see it in person.

 

Then I made my way across the, so called "Zen" street, or cannal, or something.

 

From there, got to Grand Palais, but didn't feel like spending any money on going in and seeing anything. So, I just continued up the street, looked over towards the arch and saw that the street was just too busy for me to get up there and back in time for my next train. However, ended up waiting 3 hours at the station instead. Oh well, better early than late.

 

Anyways, onto what happened after I got to Italy, met TPR members, and was overloaded with information...

Gardaland

 

First thing we did when getting in was buy bottles of water... Then stood in line to get wet!

 

But we didn't get especially wet. What a ripoff..

After a bit of a walk was Lunch, and we ate at Blue Tornado.

But at least I did not ride the ride. I could hear the screams of pain.

 

But I did get my first Vekoma Corcscrew out of the way.

Interestingly enough, it wasn't very rough. It was good. ... Vekoma? Good?

 

Now this is one I did not go on. Just didn't feel like hanging upside-down by my shoulders for 5x3 seconds.

Now, can you guess who's in this picture?

 

If you can't...

 

 

Scroll down..

 

 

 

 

Ok, I seem to have run out of photos of Gardaland. Guess I didn't take that many pictures in the beginning.

 

Oh well, I'll leave you with Mammut Lift Hill in the dark.

 

Next, Mirabilandia.

 

/Edward

[themeparkman25]

You should have ridden Blue Tornado! I didn't find it that rough by any means. And of course, it has the bonus helix!

[Edward]

^Bonus Helix? How could I have missed that? Well, guess that what happens when I hang out with Anth, Steve, and those kinds of people.

 

Anyways, I'm gonna be moving on quickly, because for some reason I seem to be on a bit of a roll tonight.

Mirabilandia

Wait, I said Mirabilandia, not Robbland. Well, I guess every park is Robbland during TPR trips. Or at least for the duration ERT.

 

Anyways, our ERT consisted of:

TAKE THE STARGATE!

I mean... Katun. Of course!

 

I just love the theming. That the TPR members give the place.

 

Our esteemed leader mounting the lipstick camera onto Katun. Now no wise remarks about Robb holding up ERT. This is the reason why we get ERT!

 

A Katun full of TPR members.

 

Frog's perspective of TPR members rolling in. And yes, my head did not get caught or kicked off.

 

Anyways, moving on to the rest of the park.

Wasn't especially wet, but sure was fun.

 

As well as interesting theming.

 

Auto Splash, with iSpeed in the background.

 

But before then, we've just gotta get some credit whoring out of the way.

 

Ok, iSpeed! Now why's it called iSpeed? Is it an Apple Product? Is it compatible with other iProducts?

 

Park's nice though.

 

You know, for the whole time I was in the park, I don't think I've seen this Ferris Wheel move at all. Can anyone else confirm this?

 

This was an odd monorail. Why I never rode it is beyond me.

 

Wild Mouse Pakal and Katun side by side. Anything better than that?

 

Why of course! Just more Katun!

Had enough Katun? Well you are in luck! I ran out of photos.

 

Explorer. A fun little quick thing.

And don't you just love tracks that are so close you could pretty much touch them?

 

Just love them. Can you guess the train?

 

Yes, another credit.

 

Ok, that's about it for Mirabilandia. I'll leave you with this odd picture:

 

/Edward

Edited July 25, 2010 by Edward

[Edward]

Ok, apparently I fell asleep last night before I could continue the Italian portion of the trip. But I'm now awake so lets move on to:

Movieland Studios

Hm. Close enough.

Now, what was our ERT again?

 

Oh yeah, Police Academy and/or Tomb Raider. I did Police Academy and found it rediculously funny how they've redone Police Academy with Italian Actors, and I only caught half of what they said. But fun nonetheless.

Oh, and there was one other ERT somewhere deeper inside...

 

Dukes of Hazard? Nah, that's where we will be having Lunch.

 

Wasn't this place either. (have no idea what was behind those doors)

 

Holy Batman Search Light, Batman!

No, Robin. There is nothing "holy" about it... For one, it is complete.

 

Almost looks like they have every movie in here. But only almost.

 

At first I didn't think this was the car from Knight Rider. There was something about the shape of it that put me off. Also, even if the signature red lights were off, it didn't look like the car had them. But when I saw that the license plate said "KNIGHT", then I just shrugged and said ok.

 

But this car! No way can one make a mistake! The De Lorean!

 

Is this our ERT? Oh god, please say yes! Ryan sure wishes he could be there. And that it was part of the ERT.

 

Is this our ERT? Doesn't look finished.

 

Oh, this is our ERT.

And it was barely finished.

I suppose we could live with that.

 

Oh well, not much more I can say about the place except that it was my first "Hollywood" Experience.

 

TERMINATOR 5D! ... Nothing special. Got "protective goggles" (3D Glasses), stepped onto a catwalk, got a gun, an introduction by some guy, then started shooting Animatronics and the screen, then got Game Over. This "Game Over" was simply flashing lights, tipping the catwalk, and blowing smoke in the face. Like I said, nothing special.

 

Now why does this place remind me of the Flintstones?

 

I've heard this place tries to drown you, but I didn't go. I have this thing about submarines, and them sinking...

 

And there wasn't alot of things I rode. I seem to have gotten seperated from groups, was a little more focused on finding a proper toilet, and I'm not sure what else.

Just did Police Academy, Bront'O'Ring, Hollywood (drop) Tower, and that was pretty much it. I think the place could've used a full day. But at 3pm we had to get to the bus to cross Schwitzerland.

 

But before then...

Hi Ryan.

 

 

And now for some Schwitzerland scenary.

I said scenary, not a café.

 

And that was that. Next, Europa Park.

 

/Edward

Edited July 25, 2010 by Edward

[Edward]

Hello. Thought I'd get this done soon, but apparently other things got in the way. Oh well, suppose I'll get pictures up once a day.

Europa Park

First ERT was in Iceland. ... Thought we were in Germany.

 

Blue Fire

 

I actually preffered Blue Fire over iSpeed. Alot smoother.

 

Euro Mir. A bit of a disorientating ride. Luckily I was facing forwards most of the time.

 

Nice replica of the Space Station.

 

Decided to take a (space) walk in it.

 

The Bobsleigh was fun, but very shaky. And a FIRST!

 

Poseidon wasn't as fun. It was very rough (almost Vekoma like), and anyone in the front row (hi) got soaked.

Maybe this one should've been called Supersplash...

 

Alpenexpress was fun. I went alone, but seemed to have gotten there on a good moment. Usually runs twice, but just then they decided (as the train was slowing down) to give it one more circute! Wasn't I lucky.

 

Now, I'm just wondering. Why is the Satelite closer to Euro Mir than Eurosat?

Ah, who cares. Lets just rave to the music.

 

I just have to say, BEST LIFTHILL EVAH! (The only reason to ride it )

 

Anyone else caught Mr. & Mrs. Euromaus?

 

Eurosat! Our Second ERT. On a different day.

With Lights ON!

Happy TPR! At least I was. Sort of. It had very tight turns (which is expected in a "small" place like this) so I was happy to be able to see the tracks and brace myself for almost every turn. I never returned for the "dark ride".

 

Third and final ERT of the park.

I believe this is my highest drop height ever. Sure was fun with all the airtimes, and just when you were getting used to it, the blocksection comes up and surprises you.

 

Ok, I'm done with the park. Sure was a fun culture confusion. Come to Germany, see Rome, Spain, Holland, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Russia, Italy, France, and Mexicans. Oh well, how about a look at the hotel?

TPR people. Looking like ants.

Sure was pretty at night.

 

Oh well, that's it for now. Olympia Looping next.

Edited July 25, 2010 by Edward

[Edward]

Würzburg Fair

And Olympia Looping

Only thing missing in this picture is Robb standing tall and proud knowing he has conquered this constantly moving coaster.

 

However, I didn't like it. I think mostly because of the overhead restraints. When the verticle gravities pushed down, the restraints pushed down very hard and my shoulders were hurting throughout the rest of the ride (like, as of the first loop).

 

I tried to hold up the restraints, but then I couldn't properly brace myself for each turn. I guess I'm just too skinny for this ride.

 

NERD SHOT!

 

Happy TPR Members.

 

More happy people.

 

Nerd or Porn shot?

 

Ok, this may be considered porn.

 

 

Reach out and grab. Just watch your fingers.

 

 

After our ERT, there were large consumptions of bier.

 

 

 

Oh yeah, there was also pole climbing. Try and climb all the way up this smooth pole and ring a bell.

Doesn't look easy, and I never tried.

 

Large quantities of beer attracts large quantities of people.

 

Oh, and incase people hadn't gotten enough Olympia Looping...

 

Ok. That is it for now. Next up, Phantasialand.

Edited July 25, 2010 by Edward

[Edward]

Phantasialand

Nice African Themed Hotel. A little scary with the masks, but nice.

 

Wait, China already? Thought we were done with the culture confusion.

 

Now, why is it I want to call this place/ride Castlevania? Maybe I've been watching too much AVGN lately.

 

Some of the theming was rather random.

 

But I like it. The place isn't boring then.

 

Ok, how many themed places can I get through before actually riding a ride?

 

Are we there yet?

 

Ah, there we go! Winja's Fear & Force.

 

At first I thought I knew which was force...

 

...but second time, they were both just as mad.

 

I love it! But would probably ride it sparingly.

 

 

Dizzy yet?

 

Ah, Black Mamba. The second reason for being here.

 

Between this and Katun... Apart from the "Stargate" Theming, not sure which was better.

 

Lift Hill!

 

Even though I don't really know what a snake pit smells like, I could identify the dankness of the station as a snake pit.

 

Yep, we rode Micheal Jackson.

 

Tables are turned now, eh?

 

And I must say, it too was fun. Between this and Mammut.... This! Because it had better curves.

... Quit looking at me like that!

 

This one looked scary enough NOT to ride.

 

Well, not alot of pictures here either.

On our way to the Efteling Hotel we saw a mobile beer stand.

 

Efteling next.

Edited July 25, 2010 by Edward

[themeparkman25]

Hans, is that last picture that beer bicycle you were telling me about?

[vuurvogel]

that last picture is indeed a bicycle-bar. You drink and cycle at the same time.

 

Great photo's edward!

[Edward]

^Drink and cycle? Does that fall under the category of "Drink and Drive"? >.>

 

Anyways, now for one of the prettiest parks (imo):

Der Efteling

An interesting shape. Wonder what the "turret" rooms cost?

 

Excitement all around. Why?

 

Because they are about to recieve wood.

 

George and the Dragon!

 

Or in its native toungue: Joris en de Draak!

 

"Lots of excitement!"

 

I guess this was my first GCI Woodie. Never before experienced such curves on a Woodie.

 

Smilies all around!

 

Actually, the Flying Dutchman was our first ERT because George and the Dragon wasn't quite ready yet.

 

But who cares about a little water coaster with a scary story in the beginning.

 

It anyways sank so...

 

This be the reason why we are here!

 

Nothing else matters!

 

Ok, who am I kidding. The rest of the park was pretty too.

 

Some interesting theming.

 

Some interesting rides.

Oh yeah, between this and that other bird ride... Hard to say, but I guess this one because all the lights/lasers were working.

 

Lovely story book dark rides.

 

The pooping donkey! Can you see the gold pixel in this photo? That's your prize!

 

Alot of fairy tale theming. Cute.

 

Oh, and strainge colorful pidgeons.

Purdy Birdies.

 

Oh, and some of us had fun riding an indoor merry-go-round. Weee!

 

"Doe me dans, Doe me dans, Doe me dans de Draakendans..."

 

Anyone know what these say?

 

Anyways, that was that for my very first TPR trip. Great fun, lots of walking (sigh), and I'd like to thank everyone for "tolerating" me. And a huge thanks to Robb and Elissa for their immense hard work on all these trips.

Not until I was on the trip did I see (and maybe also feel) the hard work that they go through with all these trips, and having to plan any last minute alternatives incase something went wrong (like Expedition G-Force). I commend you both!

 

/Edward

Edited July 25, 2010 by Edward

[Edward]

Oh, almost forgetting. A video compilation of the fun that I've been through.

 

 

Also, after all of this, I took the shuttle to the airport, then a train to Amsterdam and spent the whole day walking and exploring.

I believe this is Amsterdam. Cathedrals, Churches, interesting architecture...

 

There's something new. Let the people know when it is time to walk.

 

Ah yes. Very nice architecture. Ooo, Breakfast!

 

And a nice big field of cobble stones.

 

No, did not spend any money on seeing the works of Madame Tussaud. Because I spent it all on water.

 

Wait, where am I again?

 

Right, Amsterdam. If it weren't for those odd leaning houses, sometimes I felt as if I was in Gothenburg.

 

Sure is pretty around here.

 

More crooked houses.

 

I swear, at some streets I would say to myself "Ok, right down here I'll find... Grönsakstorget?"

 

But otherwise, the canals and sinking houses said Amsterdam.

 

 

If I knew I had the time, I'd probably get a paddle boat and just paddle my way around rather than walking around with my pack.

 

Well, that is pretty much it. Oh, and at some restraunts they had cats. Not sure if they were "owned" or stray.

Anyways, went back to the station, grabbed a burger, and was on my way home on another night train. Got into Copenhagen safely, got a train back to home, and then I think I relaxed a little too much because then all the "diseases" hit me. Was bed ridden for a week. Otherwise, this whole 11 day trip was fun!

[piers]

Fun video Edward! I did have to stop it half way through though as the repetative music ending up making me want to kill myself.

[STR8FXXXINEDGE]

Great video, Edward! I really enjoyed it.

[live2tell75]

Good job on the video, it was a great way to re-live the fantastic trip!

[miniviews]

Much mahalo ("thank you") for the video & photos Edward! Nice to see another perspective, and folks pre/post tour plans.

[Edward]

Well well... Finally got some more pictures digitized. You can find them here: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=989900#p989900