I've not been to Oakwood for years. It's too far and a pain in the arse to get to. When Darren B posted about a trip in the Trip Planning forum offering a journey with no fuel costs, I jumped at the chance. Besides, I wanted to get 3D videos of the coasters and some HD footage of Waterfall and Bobsleigh for the CF YT channel.
We arrived at the park 15min before opening and were the only car in the car park. 5mins before opening, another car turned up with three people in it. I didn't get a photo of them but I recognise them; I swear I've seen them at a park before.
Not wanting to be at the back of the enormous queue for tickets, we went to the entrance.
As soon as we entered the park and walked under the welcome sign, it started to rain. And I mean it pissed it down. Wales in November, what did I expect?!
First stop was Megafobia.
We had the park to ourselves so we sat in the front row.
A few kids sat in the back seats and we were off! Despite the rain making it feel like somebody was shooting a stapler in my face at close range, my fond memories of Megafobia came flooding back. Megafobia may not be as fierce as some modern day woodies (such as Troy <3 at Toverland) but it's immense fun. Lovely amount of airtime, superbly paced and not rough at all. It's a cheerful ride that leaves me feeling warm inside afterwards. Love it!
We rode it several times in a row, changing seats when we could until we decided to move on to Speed.
The lift hill was certainly an experience in the rain. The rest of the of the ride was painful thanks to the usual Gertalauer roughness coupled with rain. The rides saving grace is the heart line roll. I love the way it perfectly positioned so riders can see it it on approach. I even like the trim before it because it takes out some of the pain and gives feeling to the inversion.
Bounce, the shot and drop tower, was next.
The seat was wet. The "shot" part of the ride was good fun but the drop was quite tame and controlled imo. The day before Darren and I rode Sky Diver at Brean which was several times better. The polite ride op offered us a second go without getting off, we accepted and went through the motions again.
On the way out, I noticed a phallic "totem" carving of Bounce. I thought it was pretty cool!
Out of Bounce's exit and straight into Treetop Coaster's entrance!
Darren took front seat, I took the back. At this point, the people from the other car (who I think I recognised) jumped on near the front. It's been years since I rode Treetops. The trees have grown a little more so it feels enclosed, which adds to the excitement of it. The first drop is quite intense (I shifted across the seat) but the rest of the ride is quite average. Unusually for a Tivoli coaster there was a lack of vibrating bottomness. After THREE circuits, we finally got off.
It was still chucking down with rain so we stopped for a longish coffee break.
Feeling a bit disheartened by the continuous rain, we decided to head to the car for a spare change of clothes, do the water rides and then go home early.
On the way back to the car, Darren did the Bobsleigh. After the Boblseigh...
...and we took a quick detour through Oakwood's only properly themed area, Wild West.
The only dry area in the park!
The Brer Rabbit Ride is in this area and it's inside. I needed photos for the guide so we went on it.
The ride op was brilliant. He was chatty without being burdenous and incredibly polite - it's not often I get called "Sir"! He even slowed down the train so I could take photos of the different scenes. It's a kids ride with enough humour to keep adults entertained. It was also dry!!
When we exited the ride, THE RAIN HAD STOPPED!
Like a man on a mission, this was my opportunity to film the coasters and take photos for the guide. We made a beeline for Megafobia.
We had to wait two trains for the front seat (there were plenty of free seats we could have gone on). In front of us waiting for the front seat were the people from the other car. It was at this point that I started to talk to them. I am totally convinced that they are enthusiasts. I've seen them at theme parks before, particularly on opening days of new rollercoasters. They were very distinctive in appearance (if I describe them, I might come across as being rude) but if I see them again, I will approach them. Nice people and definitely enthusiasts. Eventually we got on front seat
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbgd6Ggk7hw[/youtube]
The ride op asked us if we were "the guys from CoasterForce". Yes. Yes we were. The ride op complimented the site and I felt embarrassed to be recognised and humbled at the same time.
We marched over to Speed, where there were several people sitting on the back row. Darren and I took front row centre and captured a 3D POV of the ride. Our second ride of the day and it's still too jolty to really love as the wobbly POV demonstrates.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBrGGy27W-I[/youtube]
Having to the main two POVs in the bag, as it was still dry albeit overcast, we headed to the Bobleigh, Oakwood's oldest ride, where I captured a bonus POV with a near fail at 0:33. This ride was running very fast with a wet track!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1d4imwYgp0[/youtube]
We headed to the kids area called Play Town. Thankfully we didn't feel too Savilish because the only person in this area was a ride op who was operating all rides on a "what do you want to ride" basis. Darren rode the scary Clown Coaster for the cred, I abstained.
We opted to skip the RCCGB endorsed and suggested ride, Plane Crazy, although the X-Ray board was a nice touch.
Ignoring the pirate ship, Snake River Falls and boating lake, we headed to Waterfall, the most terrifying world in the ride.
We rode Waterfall on our own so the other could look after our wallets and phone. As it was a cold, damp day in November, the water at the bottom was nearly freezing. Although we had spare clothes, we didn't want to fall in. The feeling of anxiety at the top of the slide is beautifully (perversely?) intense. My teeth were gritted as I slid down the ramp and bounced over the water. Thankfully I didn't do a Bazpa and got off dry.
Darren rode it twice. The first time he rode it successfully. On the second ride he deliberately fell in so the video would have two POV/offride shots - one successful one and one falling in. Yes, I know it's cheating but you can't deny that the footage is great! It's also the first ever POV footage of waterfall I've seen!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfg_V519pLU[/youtube]
It was now 1:30pm and there was only one ride left to do - Hydro...or "Drenched" if you'd prefer.
I sat out but Darren wanted to do it. With the camera strapped on, he headed to the entrance for the 2pm opening. The ride only opens in the afternoon.
Whilst I was waiting for Darren, I took a few photos for the guide and noticed a white bench amongst the brown ones.
On closer inspection, the plaque made me feel quite sombre.
Rain started to lash down once gain. Really lash down. The drops physically hurt.
Darren returned after 20mins - due to lack of people, the ride wouldn't run until 3pm. They need half of the 24 seats filled before they'll set it off. We used this time to enjoy another cuppa in the cafe, as did the rest of the park's clientèle. The group from the other car (the "recognised enthusiasts") were in the gift shop
At 3pm, we headed back to the ride and I waited by the exit. Darren sulked back after 10mins - the restraint wouldn't close down on him so he couldn't ride. In the meantime, the one and only - the very last Drenched boat of the 2012 season - went ahead.
I wanted a POV of Drenched, so I bit the bullet and decided to ride it myself. I waited and waited. Despite the best efforts from the ride staff to encourage the 20 or so guests left in the park, they could not half fill another boat, therefore Drench did not run again.
Whilst I was waiting in Drenched's station, the rain became heavier; it was deafening in on the roof. I eventually left the station and met up with Darren - who had changed into dry, warm clothes - and we headed back to the car for the long, arduous drive home.
Oakwood is a fascinating park. You won't find this ride line up anywhere else in the world. I'm glad it's not close enough to me to justify repetitive visits, but I wish it was so I could ride Megafobia, Bobsleigh, Speed's heartline roll and Waterfall more often than I do. Then again, with Oakwood being out on a limb, every trip is special and rewarding. Thanks for reading.
We arrived at the park 15min before opening and were the only car in the car park. 5mins before opening, another car turned up with three people in it. I didn't get a photo of them but I recognise them; I swear I've seen them at a park before.
Not wanting to be at the back of the enormous queue for tickets, we went to the entrance.
As soon as we entered the park and walked under the welcome sign, it started to rain. And I mean it pissed it down. Wales in November, what did I expect?!
First stop was Megafobia.
We had the park to ourselves so we sat in the front row.
A few kids sat in the back seats and we were off! Despite the rain making it feel like somebody was shooting a stapler in my face at close range, my fond memories of Megafobia came flooding back. Megafobia may not be as fierce as some modern day woodies (such as Troy <3 at Toverland) but it's immense fun. Lovely amount of airtime, superbly paced and not rough at all. It's a cheerful ride that leaves me feeling warm inside afterwards. Love it!
We rode it several times in a row, changing seats when we could until we decided to move on to Speed.
The lift hill was certainly an experience in the rain. The rest of the of the ride was painful thanks to the usual Gertalauer roughness coupled with rain. The rides saving grace is the heart line roll. I love the way it perfectly positioned so riders can see it it on approach. I even like the trim before it because it takes out some of the pain and gives feeling to the inversion.
Bounce, the shot and drop tower, was next.
The seat was wet. The "shot" part of the ride was good fun but the drop was quite tame and controlled imo. The day before Darren and I rode Sky Diver at Brean which was several times better. The polite ride op offered us a second go without getting off, we accepted and went through the motions again.
On the way out, I noticed a phallic "totem" carving of Bounce. I thought it was pretty cool!
Out of Bounce's exit and straight into Treetop Coaster's entrance!
Darren took front seat, I took the back. At this point, the people from the other car (who I think I recognised) jumped on near the front. It's been years since I rode Treetops. The trees have grown a little more so it feels enclosed, which adds to the excitement of it. The first drop is quite intense (I shifted across the seat) but the rest of the ride is quite average. Unusually for a Tivoli coaster there was a lack of vibrating bottomness. After THREE circuits, we finally got off.
It was still chucking down with rain so we stopped for a longish coffee break.
Feeling a bit disheartened by the continuous rain, we decided to head to the car for a spare change of clothes, do the water rides and then go home early.
On the way back to the car, Darren did the Bobsleigh. After the Boblseigh...
...and we took a quick detour through Oakwood's only properly themed area, Wild West.
The only dry area in the park!
The Brer Rabbit Ride is in this area and it's inside. I needed photos for the guide so we went on it.
The ride op was brilliant. He was chatty without being burdenous and incredibly polite - it's not often I get called "Sir"! He even slowed down the train so I could take photos of the different scenes. It's a kids ride with enough humour to keep adults entertained. It was also dry!!
When we exited the ride, THE RAIN HAD STOPPED!
Like a man on a mission, this was my opportunity to film the coasters and take photos for the guide. We made a beeline for Megafobia.
We had to wait two trains for the front seat (there were plenty of free seats we could have gone on). In front of us waiting for the front seat were the people from the other car. It was at this point that I started to talk to them. I am totally convinced that they are enthusiasts. I've seen them at theme parks before, particularly on opening days of new rollercoasters. They were very distinctive in appearance (if I describe them, I might come across as being rude) but if I see them again, I will approach them. Nice people and definitely enthusiasts. Eventually we got on front seat
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbgd6Ggk7hw[/youtube]
The ride op asked us if we were "the guys from CoasterForce". Yes. Yes we were. The ride op complimented the site and I felt embarrassed to be recognised and humbled at the same time.
We marched over to Speed, where there were several people sitting on the back row. Darren and I took front row centre and captured a 3D POV of the ride. Our second ride of the day and it's still too jolty to really love as the wobbly POV demonstrates.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBrGGy27W-I[/youtube]
Having to the main two POVs in the bag, as it was still dry albeit overcast, we headed to the Bobleigh, Oakwood's oldest ride, where I captured a bonus POV with a near fail at 0:33. This ride was running very fast with a wet track!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1d4imwYgp0[/youtube]
We headed to the kids area called Play Town. Thankfully we didn't feel too Savilish because the only person in this area was a ride op who was operating all rides on a "what do you want to ride" basis. Darren rode the scary Clown Coaster for the cred, I abstained.
We opted to skip the RCCGB endorsed and suggested ride, Plane Crazy, although the X-Ray board was a nice touch.
Ignoring the pirate ship, Snake River Falls and boating lake, we headed to Waterfall, the most terrifying world in the ride.
We rode Waterfall on our own so the other could look after our wallets and phone. As it was a cold, damp day in November, the water at the bottom was nearly freezing. Although we had spare clothes, we didn't want to fall in. The feeling of anxiety at the top of the slide is beautifully (perversely?) intense. My teeth were gritted as I slid down the ramp and bounced over the water. Thankfully I didn't do a Bazpa and got off dry.
Darren rode it twice. The first time he rode it successfully. On the second ride he deliberately fell in so the video would have two POV/offride shots - one successful one and one falling in. Yes, I know it's cheating but you can't deny that the footage is great! It's also the first ever POV footage of waterfall I've seen!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfg_V519pLU[/youtube]
It was now 1:30pm and there was only one ride left to do - Hydro...or "Drenched" if you'd prefer.
I sat out but Darren wanted to do it. With the camera strapped on, he headed to the entrance for the 2pm opening. The ride only opens in the afternoon.
Whilst I was waiting for Darren, I took a few photos for the guide and noticed a white bench amongst the brown ones.
On closer inspection, the plaque made me feel quite sombre.
Rain started to lash down once gain. Really lash down. The drops physically hurt.
Darren returned after 20mins - due to lack of people, the ride wouldn't run until 3pm. They need half of the 24 seats filled before they'll set it off. We used this time to enjoy another cuppa in the cafe, as did the rest of the park's clientèle. The group from the other car (the "recognised enthusiasts") were in the gift shop
At 3pm, we headed back to the ride and I waited by the exit. Darren sulked back after 10mins - the restraint wouldn't close down on him so he couldn't ride. In the meantime, the one and only - the very last Drenched boat of the 2012 season - went ahead.
I wanted a POV of Drenched, so I bit the bullet and decided to ride it myself. I waited and waited. Despite the best efforts from the ride staff to encourage the 20 or so guests left in the park, they could not half fill another boat, therefore Drench did not run again.
Whilst I was waiting in Drenched's station, the rain became heavier; it was deafening in on the roof. I eventually left the station and met up with Darren - who had changed into dry, warm clothes - and we headed back to the car for the long, arduous drive home.
Oakwood is a fascinating park. You won't find this ride line up anywhere else in the world. I'm glad it's not close enough to me to justify repetitive visits, but I wish it was so I could ride Megafobia, Bobsleigh, Speed's heartline roll and Waterfall more often than I do. Then again, with Oakwood being out on a limb, every trip is special and rewarding. Thanks for reading.
