Photo TR - European theme park tour. Summer 06

[WildMouseThis B&M donkey is so smooth!]

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:

[ConleyKEWhat would donkeys be like on the moon?]

WOW ! Amazing trip report! All of those parks really seem to have incredible themeing. Just goes to show how I need to get out of this country sometime.

[WildMouseThis B&M donkey is so smooth!]

Park reviews/summaries part 2

Holiday Park
I'd been wanting to visit this park since the birth of Expedition Ge Force. Tis medium sized park has a good selection of rides and shows spread about its wooded confines. I expected to get everything done within hours, but found out that this a certainly a day park. Especially for folk like myself who have never been before. Oh if you ever go, you have out check out their amazing log flume.

Europa Park
Walking through the gates of this park was yet another dream come true. I’d wanted to visit this theme park for many years, even more so after the introduction of Sliver Star (which can be seen for miles outside the park). The first thing you notice when walking through the gates is the attention to detail. Like Phantasia, themeing is high on the agenda (some of it is quite simply stunning). For those that don’t know, the park has a European theme with each area representing a different European country. We spent two days here and I’m glad we did. It meant that we could experience all the attractions (dont miss out their Mad House) and shows at a leisurely pace. For those that don’t know, the park is owned my ride manufacturers Mack, and acts as a showcase for their rides. Oh, and the word 'downtime' isnt in their vocubulary it seems

Parc Asterix
First visited the place last year and have been one of its biggest fans ever since. Its well themed and has a fantastic selection of rides and attractions including one of the best woodies on the planet!

Photo highlights part 2:

[viking86Beware of the freeze-dried donkey!]

Whats up with the random blue car on the red train on TDZ???

Great pictures!

[disneyfan1313I love donkeys more than me.]

Awesome trip report! I really enjoyed seeing parts of the parks that we don't normally get to see (dark rides, water rides, etc.) Thanks for putting it all together!

[ECZenithGood to the last drop]

Nice photos! Especially that one shot of Loop Garou.

Goiath and GeForce are the two coasters I want to try the most, I must try that Stengel dive.

[WildMouseThis B&M donkey is so smooth!]

Thanks for the kind words folks. More pics of the tour can be found on my Fotopic site.

Whats up with the random blue car on the red train on TDZ???

Maybe the only spare car they have is a blue one. Doesn't explain why there is a random light blue car on the blue train!

[MollyGI know quite a lot about Donkeys!]

Fantastic trip report and great photos! Thanks for sharing.

MollyG

[RCfanaticI'm a know-it-all about donkeys!]

Nice Trip Report! I also noticed the blue & lightblue cars on the trains on TDZ, its kind of funny but it looks a bit ugly to. Apparently you have a strong tolerance for rough Vekoma's, i can believe Super Wirbel being smooth becouse it doesnt go as fast, but Goudurix kicked me in the head several times starting from the first drop till the corkscrews, beautiful coaster though.

[verticalzeroDon't make me kick you in the donkey!]

nice report with great pic's

With the "Stengel Dive" on Goliath, you seem to be upside down for ages.

It's the best Junior Hyper I have been on, shame it's 5 hours drive away from the UK.

Destroy "PMBO" Blackpool and have this ride instead, your get more people coming to the park if you do.

Goliath was running perfectly last Wed (it felt quicker, the Woodie Robin Hood gained 5 sec's per lap after the rain) when I visited Walibi World.

Thorpe Park should of cloned this ride with 2 x "Stengel Dive" instead of building the "always down" Stealth.