Tend not to follow coaster news or construction updates, so have been well out of the loop. So, I've just decided to catch up...
Just seen the model of Coaster that AI are getting. It's a Zamperla Speedy Coaster, and is basically a pretty standard looking family coaster with lots of helices. I'm sorry, but AI need that like a hole in the head. It's basically the same as Barn Stormer and the other one, and isn't too dissimilar from Green Scream. I understand that they're on a tight budget, and they want to cater to a family market, but I really can't see the logic. Eugh. I'll be interested to see what this home brewed spinny upside-down dark ride thing is that they're also putting in. I'll probably hate it (don't generally do spinny things), but if the concept and theme is up to the standards of 'Over the (Leigh/Tina/Phil) Hills', then it'll be good.
And yes, I am upset that the rumour of them getting a launched X-car hasn't yet come to fruition :'(
Just seen the stuff about Flamingoland's. I only found out they were getting one about a week ago. Am I right in thinking it's basically the bastard child of a wild mouse and a bat flyer? I actually think this is a good choice. Once again they've gone for something a bit bonkers, and another UK first. I love the fact that they always make slightly left-field choices - it gives the park character. Plus, I think they can afford another family coaster. I imagine that to the GP this will be seen as a bit of a "Kumali for kids" type thing, and I don't have a problem with that. Well done 'mingo!
Mind you, having said that... you can stop faffing about now and put a whacking great big woodie on that bit of grass where the wagon wheel thing is. Kthxbai.
As for Drayton, again, true to form... going for something slightly unusual. Do we actually have any clue what this "Junior Boomerang" thing will be like yet?I'll be interested to see it and ride it... once. Nah, if they manage to get the family balance right then I think it's a good investment for the park. They're drawing in families with young kids by the bucket load since Thomas Land opened. Families with kids that age are likely to also have kids slightly older that would appreciate a decent family coaster. Plus, the theme choice is spot on for the age group it'll attract. I hope it's got a low height limit, or it'll be a bit pointless. Good work, Drayton.
Now, just see if you can spend a bit of time/effort/money on maintenence and stop letting the rest of your park rot, will you?
I'm looking forward to Nick land at Blackpool. Mainly because no one can ever have too much Spongebob in their life. That area desperately needed sorting out. I know part of Blackpool's charm is the classic rides and slightly old fashioned atmosphere, but it'll be good to breathe a bit of modernity in alongside that. I'd be upset if they tried to bring everything in the park bang up to date, but the odd bit here and there will, I hope, do them good.
I'm also quite excited about Peppa Pig Land. Not because it's of interest to me, but I think it's an AMAZING investment for Paulton's. I really want to see Paulton's do well and be able to develop themselves as a park. Many people I know have never heard of it (despite there being a bit billboard just up the road every year etc...). It seems to be that anyone with very young kids is incredibly excited about this. I definitely think it'll draw the crowds into the park. If that's the case, then lets hope they can put that to good use and plough the money into development elsewhere in the park. Plus, from what I've seen of the construction pics, the area's going to look fab - and fab themeing is always good news.
Hmmm.... have I forgotten anything?