I worked at a theme park for several seasons and dealt with many terrified quests. Whilst these people find the prospect of taking on the roller coaster terrifying my experience has taught me that the most dangerous place to be in a theme park is underneath the rides not on them. A person falling out of a ride is such a rare occurrence that it isn’t worth worrying about but flying debris is another matter! Continue reading
Author Archives: Sally
The Lunatics in the Asylum
Please excuse me but I need to rant! I have just read a news story that has completely infuriated me and I need to let loose. I have long been aware that there are some people who will complain about anything and it is a major irritation. Whatever you do there always seems to be some idiot who will find fault and I have now found the zenith of ridiculous complaints. Someone has actually started a campaign to close a Fright Night attraction at Thorpe Park because it stigmatises mental illness. Continue reading
Nemesis
By any standards this ride is a masterpiece. It is not often that any attraction in the UK is beyond criticism but it is hard to find fault here. The only sadness is that Nemesis has been in situ since 1994 and is still the best ride on offer at Alton Towers and arguably in the entire nation.
Should Theme Parks Have Fast Track Systems
Accelerated access to rides is a thorny issue. Some people are great fans of paying extra to jump the queues others think that it is an abomination. In truth, there is no system which would allow people fast track entry without any detrimental effect on the rest of the guests so what is the fairest solution for everyone? Continue reading
Silver Star
This was the coaster that inspired my first visit to Europa Park and I am very glad that it did because I loved the ride and enjoyed the park so much that I have returned many times since. I recall the first day I arrived when I was so keen to get to the main attraction that I sprinted past everything else including the lovely band playing Spanish Guitars at the entrance. I made the first train of the day and I think I was probably on the last one too! New rides have been installed since my first visit but somehow I can never get enough of Silver Star! Continue reading
Desperado
I will never forget my one and only ride on Desperado if only because I had to work so hard to get it. This steel hypercoaster is constructed around Buffalo Bill’s hotel in Primm, Nevada which is not somewhere I ever happen to be passing! The coaster is, however, just a short drive south of Las Vegas and so shortly after it was opened I made a pilgrimage to experience what was the world’s tallest roller coaster at the time. Unfortunately Desperado was closed and I had a wasted journey. Continue reading
Speed
If you have experienced Saw the Ride at Thorpe Park then you will know pretty much what to expect with this one. Speed is another Gerstlauer Euro-fighter but without the elaborate theming and special effects that you get with Saw. Despite the lack of embellishment I actually prefer this one as the layout is better and the ride somehow seems more fun. Continue reading
Roller Coasters Inspire Travel
You might think that it is only serious coaster geeks that would travel long distances to experience a ride but that is not always the case. The journey can lead people to visiting destinations that they otherwise would not have considered and that is often a very good thing. Travelling to theme parks does not have to be about the park alone and can inspire a love for the entire region in which the park is located. Continue reading
Theme Parks and Obesity
As well as the huge health implications the obesity epidemic is also an issue for theme parks and their guests. The populations of the western world are getting bigger and so there are more and more people who are going to have problems when they visit the parks. I think awareness of the problems should be raised because guests are spending large amounts of money to visit parks in which many of the attractions will be off limits for them due to their size. Continue reading
The Big One
It took me a surprisingly long time to test out this ride. Much as I was keen to experience what was the world’s tallest coaster when it was built, it was its location that delayed my plans. I had never been particularly attracted to Blackpool as a place to visit and it seemed an awfully long way to go for one ride. My attitude, however, proved to be a foolish error as when I finally made the trip I had a great time and have returned several times since. Continue reading