Nrthwnd Posted September 10, 2017 Author Share Posted September 10, 2017 The PNE website just posted a ton of photos taken at this year's PNE. But what I liked, was this overhead shot of Playland, which shows what it all looks like. Extra rides are placed all around it, during the fair. Very few are inside Playland, itself. But it sure gives you the best look at how not-so-big this amusement park is. http://www.pne.ca Corkscrew, Revelation and Drop Zone are all missing, but they're up in the upper right hand corner of the shot. The printed maps seem to represent it pretty good. (o: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 12, 2017 Author Share Posted September 12, 2017 The PNE also posted an overhead shot of some of the 2017 PNE grounds, including Playland. But it also shows where the planned Future Phase of Playland is to be built. Playland.02 And the gorgeous backdrop of the BC Mountains there, too. It's the parking lot, above the green playing field, and to the right of the race track and stables. The whole park will be like an hourglass. Sort of. Now, how long till they get the danged thing built? (o; What they hope to do with all of it, eventually. This is all Blue Sky planning, btw. (o; Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 15, 2017 Author Share Posted September 15, 2017 Oh Nooooooooo! Final Weekend for Playland Open 10am - 5pm September 16 & 17 Just a reminder. And coming up in October. (o; Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 17, 2017 Author Share Posted September 17, 2017 Since October is approaching....here. #whatsinthisshed? www.pne.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 17, 2017 Author Share Posted September 17, 2017 (edited) 2017 Season Closing Weekend On Saturday, I couldn't believe, that Coaster was CLOSED! I mean, it's the last weekend of the season, come on! And it was more full of people, than I can remember in the PNE days! Didn't help my sadness over no Coaster rides. Thankfully, today on Sunday, it was open and I got myself three rides on it, before everybody else jammed the q. Rain was also starting to drop this afternoon, so I made sure I got my rides in on AtmosFEAR and Hellevator, before I got bombarded with bullets of rain, lol. It's pouring outside right now. But I'm nice and warm, and got my final weekend's worth of rides at Playland. And of course, now I'll be getting ready for the park's annual Fright Nights in October. Here's Saturday's visit... Yes indeed, getting ready for Fright Nights at Playland! What's this? WHAT'S THIS? omgomgomg... Bwa - a - a -ahhhhhhh! Yes. It's true. Now, do I come back tomorrow and find out again? Hmmmm. Trying to figure out where the beginning of it is, LOL. The guy's being real casual about it. Drop'em all on the floor, and pick'em up, slowly and steadily. FRight Nights' stuff. Peek-a-Boo, I see you. This all looks muuuch better at night, of course. The new haunt - #theBloodshed - what's in it? Find out in October. HuMONGOUS LINE, just to get burgers and fries! I was shocked. This was longer than any PNE line, I remember. The whole park was pretty packed. And sunny. But packed. Just sittin' there. Whee. Nom, nom,. nom. I leave, and go make a grilled cheese sandwich at home. And maybe I will come back tomorrow. For Coaster at least. I hope. Edited September 17, 2017 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 17, 2017 Author Share Posted September 17, 2017 Sunday was much better. Coaster was running, I did several of the rides. But was still a bit sad that West Coast Wheel was down for the season. No overhead shots of the park, this time. Here's the Sunday pix... and see you in 2018, Playland! * http://www.pne.ca for Fright Nights information. omg... is it open? Yes! Open with the red train, woo hoo! Climbing wall...still being.....climbed? Good set of Quarter Games' prizes still available for this last day. But I didn't play any Ice Ball. Done and done. Work still goes on for Fright Nights. FNs all start up on October 6th. Keepers Doll Factory has moved it's entrance from west to south of the building. It should be awesome when it's all lit up in the evening. Got my last Bug Whirled ride in. But I just found out, it'll be open for Fright Nights! Bye Bye to Bizarro Playland! Bye bye red train and Coaster! My "Last-of-This-Season" $1 refill popcorn! I hope it continues next year. (o: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 26, 2017 Author Share Posted September 26, 2017 Tickets are now available for Fright Nights at Playland! http://www.pne.ca Note: I am hoping for good weather, to go on Wednesday the 18th, for those who are interested in joining me. BUT - I am checking weather first, then buying their FrightPass-RapidPASS ticket, on Sunday the 15th. It'll cost $79 Cdn. Photos from 2015 visit. Front entry gate into FRIGHT NIGHTS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 11, 2017 Author Share Posted October 11, 2017 Darnit. It looks like I won't be going to Fright Nights, next week. The weather reports are predicting up to 80% rain those days I was considering. And I would rather go when the percentage is much, MUCH lower than that. So I am hoping for getting there the week before Halloween night. Tentacles crossed. KC Says, "See ya at Fright Nights, kids! And I've got an axe behind my back, too!" (o; Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 24, 2017 Author Share Posted October 24, 2017 Well, the weather for this week, holds a non-rainy week night ~ being tonight! Wednesday is iffy, and the ticket prices go up for Thursday and the weekend (yes, I am cheap). So I got my RapidPass for tonight (FastPasses into each haunt house {8} once, then FastPasses on five major rides once, including Coaster, and The Beast). Planning to enter the park some time after opening, 7pm. And will wing it from there. Stay tuned in the next few days, for my tour of it all... We're also seeing KURIOS from Cirque, on Thursday...Win-Win this week! (o: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djcoastermark Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Looking forward to the pics. However, not so sure of seeing your tour of that stuff at the bottom of the pic, called "Cat Butt"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 25, 2017 Author Share Posted October 25, 2017 Photos to be posted in a day or so. It was a great night. But for you ^ here ya go!.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djcoastermark Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Okay, that's actually pretty cute. I couldn't imagine from the original pic what that might be. I was thinking along the lines of a gross out candy or something. Kind of like "Dingle Bearies" Yeah a real thing. (googling that brings up a candy store that carries all sorts of oddly named candies) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 25, 2017 Author Share Posted October 25, 2017 (edited) ~ My FRIGHT NIGHT at Playland ~ The Head: Yesterday, the weather was clear and sunny, with no sign of rain (until well into the night), so my trip to Fright Nights was perfect. And as this was the really first "good night" in well over a week (with nothing but rain every day), I figured there might be a huge crowd showing up. But, there was no need to worry. I had my Rapid Pass for the evening, which got me into all 8 Haunt Houses and five major rides (one time for each), ahead of the main crowds. And when I finally left the place, the crowds were definitely one hour+ waiting. So I figured I'd saved at least 6 hours or so, waiting in line, etc. Awesome! I left an hour ahead of opening, to get there when everybody else was just arriving, and to check the whole place out, before riding any rides or hitting the Haunts. And it turned out to be a MOB at the front gate. But these people were all buying tickets at the booths, and hadn't pre-bought their ticket online, like I did. And, at the left of the booths, if you had a Rapid Pass, you could bypass all the crowds and just head on in to the park! Great first perk! After going through the usual check point (bags and bodies), I was in, but it wasn't 7pm yet. So I got my Rapid Pass card, and then headed over to Coaster for a first ride when it opened, w/o the PASS, and to save it, and use it when the crowds were bigger. And - they were, eventually. Once I had a great turn on Coaster, I wandered all around the park, checking out where everything was, and eventually ending up for my first "break." That being a nice beer at the Sanitarium Bar. Watching the crowds come in, w/o worrying about rushing to the Haunt queues was a nice feeling. So the night began... Walking to the bus stop. Fall looks great around the neighborhood. Just after 7, and we're almost at a sunset. Moon's up. Guess I'm heading the right direction. This is a sign, to direct you to parking. Um..yeah. MOBBED at the ticket booths. But my easy early entry was there over on the left. Great! Noted. After getting my Rapid Pass, I headed towards Coaster. I love the lights on rides at night. But The Beast's sign there at the top, wasn't quite... complete. "Our Happy Staff is Here to Help You Enjoy Your Evening" Unfortunately, not a real food stand. Still, would have been fun actually get something ghoulish-ous. (o; Gotta love smoke machines. Testing Testing The only part of Coaster that was lit. Totally dark on the ride, which was wonderful! A ghoul/demon/not-sure engages with suck-..... er "patrons". Jack's starting to wake up for the evening. View from Coaster's station. After the ride, more looking around. Carn-Evil which is your basic black light 3D glasses Haunt. Always enjoyable. Dead White Carousel. Blood Red Family Picnic. (to be continued...) Edited October 30, 2017 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 25, 2017 Author Share Posted October 25, 2017 (edited) The Torso: After I had my beer, I headed back to the front of park, and started doing a few Haunts. First up was Carn-Evil. It's the only Haunt here, that uses black light and 3D throughout it. Only one scare actor in it I remember, but damn it was a surprise! Next up was the parks mainstay, Haunted Mansion. It's here all year round, so I really didn't need to go through it. But with so many people in queue...well, I couldn't pass it up. Different rooms in a mansion, with demons and ghouls popping out of the walls, out of the furniture, everywhere. This was scare actor "heavy" and really kept everybody (but myself of course - ha!) screaming all through it. The last Haunt I went through, before a break, was Asylum. Lots of bed pans (full - yuk) chained up everything, and loud bangs when you least expected them. This was the Haunt, where I had a group ahead of me, somehow thinking I was part of the Haunt, LOL! So I just kept slowly moving towards them and that was enough to really freek one guy out! Once we all exited, they realized what I wasn't, and we all had a good laugh about it. And with that, I had my next beer break. The Sanitarium Bar - My Little Oasis from the crowds. First beer of the evening. With a view to match it. I never found out what this was for. Didn't stick around long enough to find out. Fire is good. Too fast? Didn't ride it. Never do, any more. Haunted Mansion, with FIRE in front. And I got to bypass all these people, yay Rapid PASS! Entry gate (one of two) for CARN-EVIL. Children's rides make great Fright Night scenes. Sadly, Glass House was all "full up" at this time. So not open. Boo. I still can't figure out what that "thing" is on the right, there. The new Haunt - The Bloodshed. Was good, and excellent outside western theming. Darkness. Being not so dark. Hollywood Horrors. Looked more like Hugh Hefner's (RIP) Playboy Mansion. Keepers Doll Factory. The best part of it, is the first part of it. The other CARN-EVIL sign. FEAR. This year, coffin-free! (will explain later) I like this shot. Masters of Shlock doing their show. Nails in noses, hooks in arms, fun stuff. I will, I will! Wait! Where did the Schlock Masters go? (To be continued...) Edited October 26, 2017 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 26, 2017 Author Share Posted October 26, 2017 (edited) Arms & Legs: (Counted as One Part. Boo.) After this beer break, I decided to head out and finish off all the Haunts. Five of them left. The first was FEAR, and I was hesitant to go through it. Because, when I was there two years ago, they had these "coffins" you had to lie down in, then it was pushed forward....and you got out! That was it. I dreaded the thought of having to get back into one of these things, so I asked the op at the entry if I could "get around the coffins" to do the rest of the Haunt. "No worries, they don't have the coffins any more" he told me. I guess I wasn't the only one concerned. But when you walked in, it was just one big dark space with nothing it, and it took a bit of getting used to the dark to figure out where that exit was. The rest of it was fine, no big surprises. Next up was Keepers Doll Factory, another Haunt that is open regularly during our annual fair, The PNE. Lots of dolls and mannequins around, with a few scare actors thrown in here and there. But the Best Part of it all, to myself, was actually the very first part of it. You get into an "elevator" that takes you to the "basement" of the Factory. It actually runs like a mini-Tower of Terror, lol. And the floor of it kept popping up and bouncing me around, which I loved. Next up was Hollywood Horrors which I actually don't remember that much. Same went with Darkness. Both had a lot of gross stuff (cool!) and scare actors here and there, but I honestly couldn't tell you the difference between the two. Nothing wrong with that, as I came out of both pretty amped up and smiling. Last up was the new Haunt, The Bloodshed, which was western themed outside and inside. They really worked on this one making the walls look more "homey" and western-like, without all being just black walls in a few of the other Haunts. And pushing through human body parts hanging up for "future consumption" was cool to do. I think the people ahead of me thought that anything touching them in there was A-LIVE! It was an excellent addition to the Haunt Houses, already there. Another break, another beer. And then I hit some rides. I actually got on a good number of them, including The Beast, which still killed my rib cage, being stapled into the seat so much. But I was able to ride it. After riding the flats, I went back for one more beer at the Sanitarium, then headed back to the front of the park, and to the White Spot eatery for some fries. And after that, one more ride on Coaster (using my Rapid Pass this time), and then...it was done! All in all, I spent a good four hours there, and with the blessed Rapid Pass probably gave myself more "casual time" than I ever could, w/o getting the pass. No standing for an hour (or more) for a Haunt House. It usually took me five minutes (or less) with the pass. So I will definitely buy that again. West Coast Wheel shot, while in line. Two years ago, this wasn't open, so I had to ride it for some (I hoped) great night shots of the park. What's this? What's this? On the wheel. I noticed that lights were on, on the playing fields behind Coaster. A few Ghost-Coaster shots. I really liked how Coaster was lit from behind. It was my good luck, that they happened to be playing games out on the field, that night. Hence the lights. FEAR - Now coffin free! Blurry Gladiator. Enterprise had a great light package running. As did the West Coast Wheel. I didn't think you were allowed to bring your own food into the park. Only the Quarters Games area was open for the evening. I didn't play anything. Another Blood Red Family Gathering. More photos, taken from the Bar. After the rides, after my last beer...fries! Pleading for escape! Looking back, The Beast's sign still needed some work on it. Out of the park! Thanks Playland for a great Fright Night! Edited October 30, 2017 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djcoastermark Posted October 26, 2017 Share Posted October 26, 2017 So cool. A place i am so sorry I missed a few years ago in the early spring when they were not open. Coaster looks so awesome . Right up my alley ride. Bucket list for sure. Night rides on a mostly unlit woodie ? Oh heck yes. Marathon time ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 26, 2017 Author Share Posted October 26, 2017 ^ Yeah, I wish the park was open longer than it usually is. But once the PNE and Fright Nights have come and gone, that's it for The Season As for marathoning Coaster... I have a little plan in mind for next year. I turn 65 next March, so I get to go into Playland FREE every time, woo hoo! But I am also "thinking about" planning....maybe....riding Coaster 65 times that day! Of course, I'll have to get off and get back into the queue, so that'll be my "rest periods," LOL. But if I can keep doing it long enough, the ride ops may catch on, and just let me stay in my third row seat (my fave place). Or not. Unfortunately, they don't run the train, until there are at least 12 people in the cars. So I may just spend the entire day there, riding Coaster. In the 8 hours it's open that day, I have to ride Coaster at least 8 times per hour to reach that number '65' (plus one). Who knows? I still have several months to convince myself to do it. Or talk myself out of it. Stay tuned. The Map and my used Rapid PASS. The Fright Nights Map. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted October 29, 2017 Author Share Posted October 29, 2017 Note to self: Do NOT ride The Beast again, until at least 10 pounds have been.......shed. I still think I was nuts to ride it again. VERY INTENSE! But I rode it, facing inside! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted November 4, 2017 Author Share Posted November 4, 2017 Tickets available now, online: Experience Vancouver in a whole new light... Chinese Lantern Festival December 15, 2017 - January 21, 2018 http://www.pne.ca Unlike Fright Nights tickets, your Lantern Festival ticket is good for ANY evening it's on. Till Jan.21st. We got our tickets, so now we just have to plan for the right night. Without rain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted December 10, 2017 Author Share Posted December 10, 2017 2018 Playland Season Passes are now available, with a $20 off deal, if you buy now, before Christmas Day. (Although in several years past, they have extended the offer, practically to the end of January! But - no promises here) http://www.pne.ca Santa has a special treat for those on his ‘nice’ list! For the cost of less than three visits, get unlimited rides over the 80 operating days with a 2018 Playland Season Pass. From now through December 24, 2017, save up to $20 on a Playland Season PlayPass. 2018 Playland Dates: May 5 – June 10, 2018: Saturday, Sunday, Holidays Jun 15-27, 2018: Daily Jun 29-Aug 17, 2018: Daily Sep 8-16, 2018: Saturday and Sunday NOTE*** Playland PlayPass NOT usable during annual fair, The PNE. I was amused that somebody had actually counted the number of DAYS that Playland was open, in 2018. I think the Dads are having more fun on Bug Whirld, than their kids are! (o: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted December 20, 2017 Author Share Posted December 20, 2017 Since we got a teensy bit of snow today, and then it went away late this afternoon... Take note, if anybody thought it'd be cool to see these lights in actual snow, tonight! It's called the PANDA WALL!... With InflaTAbLE PANDAS!...Truth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted December 21, 2017 Author Share Posted December 21, 2017 (edited) Our Visit to the Chinese Lantern Festival at the PNE! (Part 1) Well! That was a really unexpected treat, visiting the Chinese Lantern Festival on the PNE grounds. We had a ton of snow dumped on us the day before, and even though most of it was melting away by late afternoon, they decided NOT to open for that day. Which made our visiting today, a bit of a stress 'thing' for me. Since the tickets were open dated (people could any day they wanted to) I was afraid the place would get swamped from two days of people visiting. But it didn't happen. At least for the time we were there, and we went literally a few minutes after it opened (at 5pm). When we finally left the place (6:30ish, and we didn't stay for shows OR food), crowds of people were starting to flow onto all of the paths. And with the herds of cameras and cute children, to be posed in front of some of these creations, coming towards us.... we had it so easy, with hardly anyone in our way, camera wise. And we left at the right time, too. The first part is really cool, as they 'lead' you along a pathway that encircles the Japanese Garden there. Then it opens up towards the centre of the grounds and then you come upon..... Here's the first part of our trip through the Lanterns of Lights. At the main gate of the PNE, they've put up this awesome archway entryway. David and myself,, in front of the arched pathway we go through to get to everything else. One of the base panels up close. Some fun stuff along the way. Really fun stuff! Heya! Whassup? Just me, couple of flowers, and a Light-up Bug. They do a few setups for Christmas too. This was #1. The others were farther along... ...But then - out of nowhere ~ Easter Display! Big Fish. And opposite this... ...The Panda Wall! Panda, up close and personal. Another archway. Ooooo, what's all this? Statue up close, opposite... Penguins! The Pagoda of Many Colours. But we especially liked the purples. Swans. Penguins! Again! "Go towards the light, my sons and daughters." (To be continued...) Edited December 22, 2017 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted December 21, 2017 Author Share Posted December 21, 2017 Chinese Lantern Festival ~ The Map Here's the map that was given out to us at the Festival's Entry Gate. It's amazing how they wrapped a route all around the main PNE buildings that weren't being used. And when we got into areas like where Celebration Plaza (Beer garden, BBQ Fest) was, or the PNE Nightly Concert "Bowl" area... it felt surreal, like these places never existed at all. Which meant tons of room to put more of the lighted sculptures in! The side of the map with show times (we didn't stay for any), and the list of the Hot Bar & Refreshments. And there were several beverages there, one could have with added liquor in it! The whole thing. Where we started, at the Hastings Entrance. And worked our way North. (o: Then over to the East, was the performance stage, the"Souvenirs" Tent, and many many more lanterns! Ad for the Ferris Wheel. We didn't do it, as it was getting much colder, and we figured it would be a lot colder "up there" and of course the wind flying at us as we went round and round and round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert425 Posted December 21, 2017 Share Posted December 21, 2017 those lanterns are beautiful. thanks for sharing what looks like a great evening out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted December 21, 2017 Author Share Posted December 21, 2017 Translation: Part 2 of our Chinese Lantern Festival visit ... and ^ THANKS, Bert! It was! And there's more of them, too! After getting up close to the massive Pagoda they had set up, we continued through scenes depicting school children, and the classes they took. Then we headed back through the Flying Fairies Gallery, on through the Chinese Lantern Gallery, and eventually came upon the Food Area of the Festival... Or, "this is where the food trucks are parked." One had fried everything, including mini donuts. The second had foot long hot dogs (an ancient Asian delicacy, ha ha). And the third one there did have Dim Sum available! There was also the Hot Bar & Refreshments after that, in a sort-of log cabin building. But at the time, only one person working there, which already resulted in a rather long queue (10+ gp) just to get a drink. With or without booze in it. And this was only after the Festival had been open for an hour! So I passed, even though I did want to try something. But not to wait as long as it was probably going to take. We continued up the path to the West Coast Wheel, and found the 3 elephants that had been on display at this year's PNE to promote the event. Took some photos, then went back down into the much larger area to our right, where the performance stage was.... It almost looked like an Ice Pagoda. Swans, from the other side. School scenes. West Coast Wheel in the distance. Happy school kids. More school stuff. Coming back, to go through the.... Flying Fairies Gallery. A flying fairy, close up. This setup is called "Kylin In Delight." I have no idea what that means. It was quite "glittery" in it's lighting. But this was hard to photograph, because there was at least one bright light shining towards the camera, no matter which spot I picked. Oh well. Such is the life of light and lanterns! "Glitter and be gay?" We're being MOONED! With stars! A Single Slip of A Moon. A Butterfly. Chinese Lantern Gallery. Continuing through to the... ... Butterfly Gallery. And through that as well. Christmas Scene #2. "Exotic Asian Cuisine" = A few food trucks. Only one had actual Dim Sum in it. Lit pathway up to the West Coast Wheel, if a ride was wanted. On this sign, we noticed the price to ride had been dropped, from $5 to $3 per person. But we still passed on it. One of the elephants they had on display at this past PNE, to promote the Festival. The other three.... I mean, two elephants also displayed back in August. And David. (o; Back down the pathway towards the darkness and lights. And then we made a right, at those two columns! (To be continued...) Just beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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