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Port Aventura - 25th-28th May 2009

Inverse

Hyper Poster
So, i've finally visted a non-UK park and it was outstanding!

Firstly, May half-term holiday is a fantastic time to visit, Spain is still in working times, the weather is hot but reasonable, we experienced tempretures from 25-31c. Port Aventura was quite empty, most queues below 15 minutes with the exception of Furius Baco at 1h to 1:30, a massive difference!

The park was very easy to get to as it had it's own junction off the newly built A7 motorway. As we didn't wish to park (we were being dropped off) we had to slip off the main route and go into Salou to get out near the hotels. Giving us a quick 5 minute walk upto the main gates...

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(path to the entrance, nice and empty!)

I was determined to ride Dragon Khan first, it would be my 50th coaster! So we headed, on foot, to the far end of the park. We got held up at the entrance to China as it didn't open till 10:30, but as we were waiting it meant we got on the first train of the day!

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(Dragon Khan)

It was amazing! I love this ride! In total we went on it 8 times, the last time we finally got lucky and got a front row seat. I found it to be relentless and exhilarating from start to finish. I had a good view from anywhere in the train but finally getting that front row just topped off a great ride experience. Queues for Khan were never longer than 10 minutes, as a two we were often called forward to fill a train.

As we walked through Mexico i began to become aware of how well themed it all is. The areas are clearly defined and faultlessly themed in my opinion. I believe these pictures below shows the theming is brilliant.

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We went on Stampida next, Blue followed by Red. Although Blue always seemed to win, i believe Red gave a slightly better ride. Obviously they're extremely similar rides, but at the point where the traisn split up, i liked the curved drop in the tunnel that Red does. Not much to say about the rides, they felt very fast and out of control! Just what you want from a woodie!

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(Stampida on the busier 3rd day)

We pottered around the park for 3 days, so i won't continue to talk about each step, so i'll just make points about things in general now.

Furius Baco is a Jekell & Hyde coaster! Inside seats are amazing, it feels so fast as you whizz through the ditch it's built in, especially front row! It was a massive rush. However the outside seats are unbearably rough! It makes sense if you think about the mechanics of having the seats out on poles like that. I sometimes suffer a recuring pull in my back muscles, the outside sets triggered it every time. Definatly ride this coaster, but if you at all suffer from back or neck injuries make sure you get the inside seat.

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(Furius Baco swooping over the lake)

Sea Odyssey is quality, it's a large motion simulator. It goes underground under Polynesia, and the themeing sells it to you really well.

El Diablo is an odd coaster... again excellent theming, but you do feel that the ride itself is mostly chain hills, 3 of them, with little inbetween.

Tutuki Splash is a good ride too. Often i'm left nothing but wet from splash boats, as i get no thrill from the drops. The double drop on this one and the nice environment around it makes it an enjoyable (and wet!) ride.
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(Tutuki Splash)


The log flume is perhaps the least themed ride, once you leave the station... it's alright, gets you pretty drenched.

Grand Canyon River Rapids is a good rapids with total themeing throughout. Lots of water falls to go into and no-one leaves dry. Watch out for the water jets shooting at you at the very end.

Finally just a note on the shows. I only saw 2, the Far West stunt show and Bubblebou. Both excellent. There are loads of shows and you really wanyt to catch a couple if you can to get full use of your entry cost.

One ride was down for what looked like major works, that was VolPaiute, which is something spinny.

Ride Count:
Dragon Khan x 8
Furius Baco x 4
Stampida Red x 2
Stampida Blue x 2
El Diablo x 2
Tomahawk x 2
Tami Tami x 2
Tutuki Splash x 2
Rapids x 2
Sea Odyssey
Kon-Tiki Wave
Log Flume
Crazy Barrels
Buffalo Rodeo
Tea Cups
Los Potrillos
Carrousel
 

Nic

Strata Poster
Inverse said:
the Far West stunt show
Please tell me you managed to bring the lady in the leather back for me?! Please?! Or at least a couple of photos?! I was too entranced to get as far as my camera...
 

Inverse

Hyper Poster
She was pretty snazzy, but i didn't feel like trying to kidnap her whilst she had that whip.

Just to added ride count and reliability to my report.
 

Nic

Strata Poster
you mean you didn't go on the porn ponies? You missed out! Or at least, Mrs Inverse did ;)
 

Inverse

Hyper Poster
You mean those rocking horses on a track? "Los Portrillos"... yes we did ride that, if that's what you mean, Mrs Inverse DID want a reride :?. (I'll update my ride count again)
 

Mr Nash

Hyper Poster
Nice trip report there.

I'm going in two weeks time,and it's certainly wetted my appetite,hopefully it will be just as quiet.
 
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