Author Archives: Sally

Should Cameras Be Allowed on Thrill Rides?

Theme park enthusiasts like to get footage of their favourite rides not just from a distance but whilst on board. Many like to take point of view (POV) films whilst riding, often using devices like GoPro or Contour helmet cameras which are small, lightweight and can be secured to the person. Some riders even just hold their cameras for the duration of the circuit. Whilst this footage is of interest to other enthusiasts, most parks forbid the use of cameras on the rides leaving guests trying to sneak them on. Is this policy fair or should people be allowed to film their experience? Continue reading →

Blue Fire

Blue Fire is a launch coaster by Mack Rides situated at Europa Park in Germany. The Park is owned and run by Mack and is a showcase for their rides. This being the case it is surprising that there has not been a mad scramble on the part of other theme parks to buy one of these constructions because it is a very special ride! Continue reading →

The Smiler

The newest coaster at Alton Towers finally opened at the end of May following a string of delays and technical problems. After two weeks of operation the coaster is still suffering from late openings and many shut downs but the paying guests are certainly anxious to experience the Smiler as the queues have been very long indeed. So is the Smiler worth the lengthy wait? Continue reading →

Gardaland

Gardaland has one of the most picturesque settings of any theme park in the world. Close to the shores of Lake Garda in Northern Italy, it is just a short drive from historic Verona and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and gorgeous lakeside towns. The park is worth visiting for its own sake but can also form part of an extended trip to the region. Continue reading →

Thorpe Park Fright Nights

On special evenings in October as the sun sets Thorpe Park turns into a fear fest with crazy creatures and fearsome freaks lurking ready to scare the living daylights out of the guests who visit the park to join the Halloween party. The park is open well into the hours of darkness and offers several specially themed attractions in addition to the opportunity to take on the coasters in the dark. Continue reading →

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

The Pleasure Beach offers a pleasing mix of historic rides and modern thrill machines and sits on the seashore at the southern end of the Golden Mile. This an extremely compact amusement park which has little in the way of landscaping and theming but is a triumph of hope over expectation in the sheer number of attractions that have been packed into such a tiny space. The entrance fees are very reasonable and there is certainly plenty to keep you occupied for a whole day and more. Continue reading →

Top Thrill Dragster

Since this mighty beast was opened at Cedar Point in 2003 I dreamed of riding it. At the time it was both the tallest and fastest coaster in the world which put it firmly at the top of my wish list! Although it was surpassed in speed and height by Kingda Ka in 2005, Dragster always remained the ride I most wanted to experience but it took me rather a long time to fulfil my ambition! Continue reading →

Trees and Roller Coasters don’t Mix

Many people love the fun and excitement of roller coasters and thrill rides. As they hurtle around the track or spin through the air they are probably oblivious to all of the day to day problems and technical issues that must be overcome to keep the rides running. I worked at a major theme park for several years and my job for the most part was to run the rides. I spent my days in charge of some of Europe’s best known thrill rides and had to deal with all sort of issues on a daily basis and one of them, surprisingly, was trees! Continue reading →

Hotel Colosseo – Europa Park

It is well worth enhancing your visit to Europa Park by staying in one of the fine themed hotels on site. If you love the ambiance and fine food of Italy then your natural choice will be the excellent Hotel Colosseo, a four star+ establishment with all the facilities you need for a luxurious stay after your hours of fun in the park. Continue reading →

Europa Park

Every year millions Tourists head for the European theme parks for a few days of fun and to escape the real world. Whilst everyone knows about the delights of Disneyland Paris, Europa Park in Germany remains largely undiscovered by British tourists and is not a big destination for visitors outside of France and Germany. This is a real shame because Europa Park is quite possible the best Theme Park in Europe. Continue reading →

Theme Park Monkey

Theme Parks, Rollercoasters and More!