Flights:
London Stansted - Baden Baden with direct bus service to the park (takes approx. 1 hour 30) see www.badenairpark.de where you have timetables (timetable page is http://www.badenairpark.de/pdfs/eberhardt_eng.pdf) and Flights with Rynair.
Liverpool - Basel with train / taxi / buses to the park (apparantly EP will get transport sorted for you from Basel if you ask them). Flights with Easyjet.
Trains:
Nearest train station: Ringsheim (trains from Offenburg which is linked to Strasbourg and major German cities)
Bus:
If you stay in Strasbourg (France), there is a bus service every Saturday and Sunday which departs from Les Halles bus station at 7:50am arrives EP at 8:45am and departs at 6:00pm returning to Strasbourg at 6:55pm costing approx. 30euro including entry and return transport!
Car:
Approx. 30 minutes drive from Strasbourg, 45 minutes from Colmar, 45 minutes from Freiburg and 75 minutes from Basel.
Contact EP direct to ask, as they are very helpful and speak English too.
Europa Park
-
AstroDan
Hot on the heels of my Euro Mir review, here goes some more EP trumpet blowing but this time on the Water rollercoaster: Poseidon!
Poseidon facts and figures:
Location: Europa Park, SW Germany
Type: Steel Watercoaster
Opened: July 2000
Make: Mack Water Coaster
Capacity: 1700 riders per hour
Length: 2800'
Height: 76'
Speed: 44 mph
Duration: 6 minutes
G-Force: 3
Elements: 2 x Lift Hills (76' and 66' tall)
Theming: Located in the Greek themed zone next to Pegasus, the Trojan Horse and Cassandra's Temple.
Trains: 22 cars, 8 people per car.
Poseidon is without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best rides I have ever had the pleasure of engaging with. It offers an experience that I have found nowhere else. It seems to have an advantage over the Journey to Atlantis coasters since Poseidon makes more use of coaster track - rather than being simply a log flume with a tiny bit of coaster track. The ride lasts a long time - but you don't get bored. As you enter the Greek themed zone, you see Poseidon before you. The incredible re-creation of the Acropolis of Athens is an imposing sight and is made of real stone. People have even begun having marriage photograph's by it. As you follow the path away from the Mykonos Village and the shelter it provides, you walk past the impressive final drop of Poseidon and you see smiling guests enjoying something special. You continue to walk round (passing the location of the new Pegasus coaster)and arrive at the incredible queue entrance. A gigantic Trojan Horse greets you, which you have to walk under. If you don't go at just the right time, you may find yourself being urinated on by the Horse (yes, it's only water but still). A nice touch I thought!
So, onto the queueline and you are in a ruined Greek village. You climb the steps and notice the wonderful detail on the masonry. As you wind your way around the queueline, you notice how fast it moves and you can spectate on the boats splashing down one of the two drops before you.
You enter the giant temple and find yourself faced with a dark cave, with video projections of Greek myths on the wall. It is very dark, and you continue to move forwards into rooms with the most exquisite mosaics on the walls and fabulous stone columns. You then leavethe shelter of the building and find yourself outside again, walking along the outer edge of the building, past more columns. Then it is time to enter the station. The huge interior is where the boats enter and exit and the staff, dressed in traditional Greek costume aid you to the boats. You notice the wonderful detail on the walls and the ceiling before you begin your journey.
As you sit down you begin to move forward passing under the engraved head of Medusa, whose hair is made of Snakes. The orchestral music plays a calming yet proud song over the waiting riders chat and excitement. You drop around 3' through some heavy mist and its out into the ruined Greek village you had been queuing above earlier. There are mirrors, smashed vases and statues all around and you are surrounded by high walls and cannot see anything apart from the theming and approaching lift hill. The music continues to play - and for a moment you could be on a cruise.
The relaxed feeling soon dissipates as you climb up a 76' lift hill at an alarming angle and with alarming haste. Soon you find yourself high up - but you are re-assured when you see Silver Star infront of you at almost 3 x the height at which you find yourself. Suddenly, the boat dips down around 10' to the left and then up again. Some block brakes don't do anything except speed you up! You are forced down into a 60' banked drop to the left with great speed and gallons of fun! You head up again and then into another set of brakes which, once again, do very little. Then, there's a sharp wrench to the left and it's a steep drop down, under the Trojan horse and queue entrance before slamming up to the right and splash, down into the water! You could be forgiven for thinking that it was over, as you head towards the temple once more. But no, you are only 1/2 way through the epic voyage.
After a gentle sail through the sea, you approach the 2nd lift hill. You climb up some 66', before making your way round to the right, knowing the 'big' drop is coming! The track seems to curve away gently infront of you, but you find yourself unable to see where you are going. As the boat teeters over the edge, the track suddenly steepens as you pick up great speed with some out-of-your seat thrills! You dive under a tunnel full of mist, get flashed for the on-ride photo and then climb up, over a water-sprayed bunny hop before the great splash! You smile, laugh, hug the person next to you in delight. The boat makes its way slowly back towards the temple, as you enter with torches to guide your way. You stop, and leave your boat having made an epic voyage. The theming doesn't stop as you get to the photo booth, marvel at how scared everyone looks (1st timers beware!). You depart, possibly passing some newly-weds being photographed and make your way into the Mykonos village, past the Mad House 'Kassandra' and back to where you started.
Poseidon is the ultimate water ride. It is long, fulfilling, themed to perfection and most of all: fun. The queue, ride and post-ride are all excellent and Europa Park have pulled another winner. 10/10.
PICTURES OF POSEIDON!
Queue: http://eprust.free.fr/posedi.html
Theming: http://eprust.free.fr/poseidon2.htm
Final drop: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=2
Station Interior: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=10
Queue entrance: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=5
Down, Down: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=27
Ride end: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=17
VIDEO OF POSEIDON: http://www.ukrides.info/col/movies/euro ... seidon.wmv
I hope to add more reviews on some of the other Europa Park rides in the coming weeks to add to the two already completed.
Poseidon facts and figures:
Location: Europa Park, SW Germany
Type: Steel Watercoaster
Opened: July 2000
Make: Mack Water Coaster
Capacity: 1700 riders per hour
Length: 2800'
Height: 76'
Speed: 44 mph
Duration: 6 minutes
G-Force: 3
Elements: 2 x Lift Hills (76' and 66' tall)
Theming: Located in the Greek themed zone next to Pegasus, the Trojan Horse and Cassandra's Temple.
Trains: 22 cars, 8 people per car.
Poseidon is without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best rides I have ever had the pleasure of engaging with. It offers an experience that I have found nowhere else. It seems to have an advantage over the Journey to Atlantis coasters since Poseidon makes more use of coaster track - rather than being simply a log flume with a tiny bit of coaster track. The ride lasts a long time - but you don't get bored. As you enter the Greek themed zone, you see Poseidon before you. The incredible re-creation of the Acropolis of Athens is an imposing sight and is made of real stone. People have even begun having marriage photograph's by it. As you follow the path away from the Mykonos Village and the shelter it provides, you walk past the impressive final drop of Poseidon and you see smiling guests enjoying something special. You continue to walk round (passing the location of the new Pegasus coaster)and arrive at the incredible queue entrance. A gigantic Trojan Horse greets you, which you have to walk under. If you don't go at just the right time, you may find yourself being urinated on by the Horse (yes, it's only water but still). A nice touch I thought!
So, onto the queueline and you are in a ruined Greek village. You climb the steps and notice the wonderful detail on the masonry. As you wind your way around the queueline, you notice how fast it moves and you can spectate on the boats splashing down one of the two drops before you.
You enter the giant temple and find yourself faced with a dark cave, with video projections of Greek myths on the wall. It is very dark, and you continue to move forwards into rooms with the most exquisite mosaics on the walls and fabulous stone columns. You then leavethe shelter of the building and find yourself outside again, walking along the outer edge of the building, past more columns. Then it is time to enter the station. The huge interior is where the boats enter and exit and the staff, dressed in traditional Greek costume aid you to the boats. You notice the wonderful detail on the walls and the ceiling before you begin your journey.
As you sit down you begin to move forward passing under the engraved head of Medusa, whose hair is made of Snakes. The orchestral music plays a calming yet proud song over the waiting riders chat and excitement. You drop around 3' through some heavy mist and its out into the ruined Greek village you had been queuing above earlier. There are mirrors, smashed vases and statues all around and you are surrounded by high walls and cannot see anything apart from the theming and approaching lift hill. The music continues to play - and for a moment you could be on a cruise.
The relaxed feeling soon dissipates as you climb up a 76' lift hill at an alarming angle and with alarming haste. Soon you find yourself high up - but you are re-assured when you see Silver Star infront of you at almost 3 x the height at which you find yourself. Suddenly, the boat dips down around 10' to the left and then up again. Some block brakes don't do anything except speed you up! You are forced down into a 60' banked drop to the left with great speed and gallons of fun! You head up again and then into another set of brakes which, once again, do very little. Then, there's a sharp wrench to the left and it's a steep drop down, under the Trojan horse and queue entrance before slamming up to the right and splash, down into the water! You could be forgiven for thinking that it was over, as you head towards the temple once more. But no, you are only 1/2 way through the epic voyage.
After a gentle sail through the sea, you approach the 2nd lift hill. You climb up some 66', before making your way round to the right, knowing the 'big' drop is coming! The track seems to curve away gently infront of you, but you find yourself unable to see where you are going. As the boat teeters over the edge, the track suddenly steepens as you pick up great speed with some out-of-your seat thrills! You dive under a tunnel full of mist, get flashed for the on-ride photo and then climb up, over a water-sprayed bunny hop before the great splash! You smile, laugh, hug the person next to you in delight. The boat makes its way slowly back towards the temple, as you enter with torches to guide your way. You stop, and leave your boat having made an epic voyage. The theming doesn't stop as you get to the photo booth, marvel at how scared everyone looks (1st timers beware!). You depart, possibly passing some newly-weds being photographed and make your way into the Mykonos village, past the Mad House 'Kassandra' and back to where you started.
Poseidon is the ultimate water ride. It is long, fulfilling, themed to perfection and most of all: fun. The queue, ride and post-ride are all excellent and Europa Park have pulled another winner. 10/10.
PICTURES OF POSEIDON!
Queue: http://eprust.free.fr/posedi.html
Theming: http://eprust.free.fr/poseidon2.htm
Final drop: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=2
Station Interior: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=10
Queue entrance: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=5
Down, Down: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=27
Ride end: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1891.htm?picture=17
VIDEO OF POSEIDON: http://www.ukrides.info/col/movies/euro ... seidon.wmv
I hope to add more reviews on some of the other Europa Park rides in the coming weeks to add to the two already completed.
Last edited by AstroDan on Wed May 10, 2006 12:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Anonymous
It looks absolutely amazing! Get a load of that theming! AT would do great to have something like that, but I can't see it happening! I mean, as far as water rides go (not necessarily water coasters), how much does that blow rides like Tidal Wave and Hydro out of the water (literally :P).
Do you get very wet on it?
Keep the EP ride reviews coming, Dan, I'm loving them and getting very excited about my Europa trip in August! :W
Do you get very wet on it?
Keep the EP ride reviews coming, Dan, I'm loving them and getting very excited about my Europa trip in August! :W
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AstroDan
You get pleasantly wet- they don't overdo it like Tidal Wave - if you are at the front you will be wetter than in the middle or at the back. Having said that, I did get very wet once, but i think it was raining at the same time :P
Incidentally, another thing that's cool with this ride (and AT should take note) is that EP added new theming to the queue's this year - the murals and mosaics have been put in over the closed season. It is good that EP come back to rides like this. Poseidon is 6 years old, but it doesn't look a day over 2.
I have also added a video link for Poseidon to the main review, above.
Incidentally, another thing that's cool with this ride (and AT should take note) is that EP added new theming to the queue's this year - the murals and mosaics have been put in over the closed season. It is good that EP come back to rides like this. Poseidon is 6 years old, but it doesn't look a day over 2.
I have also added a video link for Poseidon to the main review, above.
-
AstroDan
Following my reviews on 'Euro Mir' and 'Poseidon', here comes the third review of a rollercoaster at Europa Park.
'Silver Star' facts and figures
Park: Europa Park (SW Germany)
Type: Steel Sit Down
Make: B&M Mega Coaster
Opened: March 2002
Capacity: 1750 per hour
Length: 5400'
Height: 240'
Drop: 220'
Speed: 79mph
Duration: 4 minutes
Max Vertical Angle: 70 degrees
G-Force: 4
'Silver Star' is Europe's highest rollercoaster, beating the 'Pepsi Max' by 27ft and 'Stealth' by 35ft. It is no longer the fastest in Europe, it is beaten by Stealth which reaches 1/2mph more (in essence, they are the same speed). The ride with the closest speed to 'Silver Star' at Alton Towers is 'Oblivion' which reaches 68mph. 'Silver Star' was in many ways overshadowed in these parts by the opening of 'Air', the revolutionary flying coaster which opened at roughly the same time.
Europa Park craved a coaster that would put them on the map. Even though they already had such masterpieces as 'Poseidon', 'Euro Mir' and 'Eurosat', they wanted something that would make the industry stand up and listen to a park craving recognition. As a result 'Silver Star' was born - a B&M coaster in a MACK world.
Silver Star was opened to a wave of press attention in Europe, but in the UK the response was largely muted due to the opening of 'Air' and 'Colossus' and the fact that many people assumed, and still do to this day, that the 'Pepsi Max' is in fact the highest rollercoaster in Europe. Indeed, there are those who even seem to regard Stealth in this light! So, we will now move onto the ride.
'Silver Star' is a B&M coaster in every sense of the word. It is beautiful and the trains move majestically around the immense out and back circuit. If you leave 'Silver Star' till the last coaster of the day (a sensible option) you will notice that the theming is vastly different to the ornate works of art that are found on the other coasters. Located in the French section of the park, the entrance can be found to the right of the 'Eurosat' sphere. Upon entering, you notice that the entire complex is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, but it is classy nevertheless. F1 cars litter the hall and F1 races play above the queueline which you join with hesitance thinking about the ride that lies ahead. As you make your way round the box-like queuing area, possibly going outside if it is a busy day, you decide whether to queue for the front (adding up to 60 minutes onto your queue time) or just go for the other rows. You gradually make your way into the station, which is light and airy. As you choose a row (back for force, 2 or 3 for the view unless you chose row 1), you notice that the baggage store is very secure. You place your baggage in the racks, and take a seat in one of the comfortable B&M seats. The first thing you notice is: No over the shoulder restraints or seatbelts. You pull down the lap pad and hold on, checking it for security. The race lights, similar to those found on 'Rita' turn to green as the train rolls forward, bearing right before you arrive at the base of the lift hill.
You notice that the lift hill is truly immense. It appears that it just goes up and up into the sky. At this point, nerves begin to show as you clutch your lap pad. The train begins the ascent and 'Poseidon' quickly vanishes to your left as you realise you still have over 120' climbing to go. Still you climb, up and up - evetually deciding to admire the incredible view over the Rhine's floodplain. You gradually get to the top and you know, that in a few seconds you will be doing nearly 80mph and plummeting back towards earth.
As you go over the edge, you are amazed! This is truly the highest ride on the continent and boy does it feel like something. You speed down at nearly 70 degrees with alarming haste! Your heart pounds, perhaps missing a beat or two, as you even out before you climb up sharply to the left, making your way over two or three airtime hills which are great fun - you'll be coming out of your seat so long as it isn't too tight as you shriek with joy! This is when you may decide to leave go and put those hands in the air. The fun is just beginning. The fantastic horseshoe turn curves you back round with haste towards the park again ('Silver Star' is a car park coaster - there was nowhere else for it to go) before you climb again and reach the mid-corse brake run which slows the train slightly in preparation for the 2nd half. You are somewhat violently are thrown down another drop, before a sharp helix to the left weaves you do another, smaller drop. You enjoy a few more hills, packed with laughter before a couple of tight helixes and the brake run with the rather late photo. You may breath again!
As the car rolls back into France and the station, you know you have achieved something. This is the highest B&M coaster in the world and the highest coaster in Europe. You are delighted! You leave the train to the left, collecting your bags and looking at the photo - which features two rows. You walk down, back into the hall where the F1 cars are, and your adventure is over. You have completed 'Silver Star'!
Overall then, 'Silver Star' is an amazing ride. Words cannot describe the feeling of being that high on a B&M masterpiece. Yes there isn't much in the way of G force or Airtime (EP wanted it to be as family as possible even if it's 240foot high) - but if you take the sheer speed and height of the ride you will not be left downhearted. It just feels better than being on the Pepsi Max. The theming is done very differently to the other rides on park which makes it stand out as something different. However, the sheer nature of the ride experience alone does enough to convince you that Europa Park have pulled off another work of wonder. The sponsorship is done with quality, rather than in-your-face nor tacky sell-sell. Some say the ride can be hindered by trim brakes, but these are only noticeable if you are a true coaster techno-freak, and make little difference to me. It's a great ride - and something that will make you feel like you've achieved something - a bit like how you felt after your first ride on 'Oblivion'. For me, 'Silver Star' is second only to 'Nemesis' - the only reason it's so high is the height and speed. It WILL take your breath away, for 1 minute solid - none of this short, sharp shot malake we have seen of late :P (nah, I love rockets really).
You HAVE to ride this rollercoaster!
PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF SILVER STAR
The 'Silver Star' hall: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=30
Climbing the hill: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=23
Over the edge: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=35
Incredible height: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=50
Horseshoe: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=48
This could be you!: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=52
Final bend: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=43
Train: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=25
On-ride video: http://www.europapark.de/files/upload/d ... -fahrt.mpg
'Silver Star' facts and figures
Park: Europa Park (SW Germany)
Type: Steel Sit Down
Make: B&M Mega Coaster
Opened: March 2002
Capacity: 1750 per hour
Length: 5400'
Height: 240'
Drop: 220'
Speed: 79mph
Duration: 4 minutes
Max Vertical Angle: 70 degrees
G-Force: 4
'Silver Star' is Europe's highest rollercoaster, beating the 'Pepsi Max' by 27ft and 'Stealth' by 35ft. It is no longer the fastest in Europe, it is beaten by Stealth which reaches 1/2mph more (in essence, they are the same speed). The ride with the closest speed to 'Silver Star' at Alton Towers is 'Oblivion' which reaches 68mph. 'Silver Star' was in many ways overshadowed in these parts by the opening of 'Air', the revolutionary flying coaster which opened at roughly the same time.
Europa Park craved a coaster that would put them on the map. Even though they already had such masterpieces as 'Poseidon', 'Euro Mir' and 'Eurosat', they wanted something that would make the industry stand up and listen to a park craving recognition. As a result 'Silver Star' was born - a B&M coaster in a MACK world.
Silver Star was opened to a wave of press attention in Europe, but in the UK the response was largely muted due to the opening of 'Air' and 'Colossus' and the fact that many people assumed, and still do to this day, that the 'Pepsi Max' is in fact the highest rollercoaster in Europe. Indeed, there are those who even seem to regard Stealth in this light! So, we will now move onto the ride.
'Silver Star' is a B&M coaster in every sense of the word. It is beautiful and the trains move majestically around the immense out and back circuit. If you leave 'Silver Star' till the last coaster of the day (a sensible option) you will notice that the theming is vastly different to the ornate works of art that are found on the other coasters. Located in the French section of the park, the entrance can be found to the right of the 'Eurosat' sphere. Upon entering, you notice that the entire complex is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, but it is classy nevertheless. F1 cars litter the hall and F1 races play above the queueline which you join with hesitance thinking about the ride that lies ahead. As you make your way round the box-like queuing area, possibly going outside if it is a busy day, you decide whether to queue for the front (adding up to 60 minutes onto your queue time) or just go for the other rows. You gradually make your way into the station, which is light and airy. As you choose a row (back for force, 2 or 3 for the view unless you chose row 1), you notice that the baggage store is very secure. You place your baggage in the racks, and take a seat in one of the comfortable B&M seats. The first thing you notice is: No over the shoulder restraints or seatbelts. You pull down the lap pad and hold on, checking it for security. The race lights, similar to those found on 'Rita' turn to green as the train rolls forward, bearing right before you arrive at the base of the lift hill.
You notice that the lift hill is truly immense. It appears that it just goes up and up into the sky. At this point, nerves begin to show as you clutch your lap pad. The train begins the ascent and 'Poseidon' quickly vanishes to your left as you realise you still have over 120' climbing to go. Still you climb, up and up - evetually deciding to admire the incredible view over the Rhine's floodplain. You gradually get to the top and you know, that in a few seconds you will be doing nearly 80mph and plummeting back towards earth.
As you go over the edge, you are amazed! This is truly the highest ride on the continent and boy does it feel like something. You speed down at nearly 70 degrees with alarming haste! Your heart pounds, perhaps missing a beat or two, as you even out before you climb up sharply to the left, making your way over two or three airtime hills which are great fun - you'll be coming out of your seat so long as it isn't too tight as you shriek with joy! This is when you may decide to leave go and put those hands in the air. The fun is just beginning. The fantastic horseshoe turn curves you back round with haste towards the park again ('Silver Star' is a car park coaster - there was nowhere else for it to go) before you climb again and reach the mid-corse brake run which slows the train slightly in preparation for the 2nd half. You are somewhat violently are thrown down another drop, before a sharp helix to the left weaves you do another, smaller drop. You enjoy a few more hills, packed with laughter before a couple of tight helixes and the brake run with the rather late photo. You may breath again!
As the car rolls back into France and the station, you know you have achieved something. This is the highest B&M coaster in the world and the highest coaster in Europe. You are delighted! You leave the train to the left, collecting your bags and looking at the photo - which features two rows. You walk down, back into the hall where the F1 cars are, and your adventure is over. You have completed 'Silver Star'!
Overall then, 'Silver Star' is an amazing ride. Words cannot describe the feeling of being that high on a B&M masterpiece. Yes there isn't much in the way of G force or Airtime (EP wanted it to be as family as possible even if it's 240foot high) - but if you take the sheer speed and height of the ride you will not be left downhearted. It just feels better than being on the Pepsi Max. The theming is done very differently to the other rides on park which makes it stand out as something different. However, the sheer nature of the ride experience alone does enough to convince you that Europa Park have pulled off another work of wonder. The sponsorship is done with quality, rather than in-your-face nor tacky sell-sell. Some say the ride can be hindered by trim brakes, but these are only noticeable if you are a true coaster techno-freak, and make little difference to me. It's a great ride - and something that will make you feel like you've achieved something - a bit like how you felt after your first ride on 'Oblivion'. For me, 'Silver Star' is second only to 'Nemesis' - the only reason it's so high is the height and speed. It WILL take your breath away, for 1 minute solid - none of this short, sharp shot malake we have seen of late :P (nah, I love rockets really).
You HAVE to ride this rollercoaster!
PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF SILVER STAR
The 'Silver Star' hall: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=30
Climbing the hill: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=23
Over the edge: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=35
Incredible height: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=50
Horseshoe: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=48
This could be you!: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=52
Final bend: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=43
Train: http://www.rcdb.com/ig1414.htm?picture=25
On-ride video: http://www.europapark.de/files/upload/d ... -fahrt.mpg
Last edited by AstroDan on Sat Jun 03, 2006 8:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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caffeine_demon
- Member
- Posts: 940
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 10:16 pm
[quote=""AstroDancer""]Following my reviews on 'Euro Mir' and 'Poseidon', here comes the third review of a rollercoaster at Europa Park.
On-ride video: http://www.europapark.de/files/upload/d ... -fahrt.mpg[/quote]
tee hee - he said "Fart".
On-ride video: http://www.europapark.de/files/upload/d ... -fahrt.mpg[/quote]
tee hee - he said "Fart".
-
AstroDan
Pegasus new update
The two trains have now been completed and delivered to Europa Park! Testing is to begin today or tomorrow. I can confirm that the ride is scheduled to open on Tuesday, 23rd May however this is highly changeable. It is being reported by rcdb that it will open on this date. Europa Park's website is less specific - merely commenting that it will open at 'Pentecost' and if you read the French version of the site, it states it will open in June. So anything could happen really.
The ride's queueline and initial theming has not yet been completed - and 11 days does not seem long to undergo testing and complete the landscaping.
I will update with pictures and more specific information as soon as I can get hold of them!
The two trains have now been completed and delivered to Europa Park! Testing is to begin today or tomorrow. I can confirm that the ride is scheduled to open on Tuesday, 23rd May however this is highly changeable. It is being reported by rcdb that it will open on this date. Europa Park's website is less specific - merely commenting that it will open at 'Pentecost' and if you read the French version of the site, it states it will open in June. So anything could happen really.
The ride's queueline and initial theming has not yet been completed - and 11 days does not seem long to undergo testing and complete the landscaping.
I will update with pictures and more specific information as soon as I can get hold of them!
Last edited by AstroDan on Fri May 12, 2006 10:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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AstroDan
The time has come.
Pegasus testing video and photographs are now available!
GO HERE FOR PHOTO'S:
http://www.epinside.de/html/12_mai_2006.html
GO HERE FOR VIDEO:
http://www.epinside.de/pegasus.wmv
Please note: Theming has not even been 1/2 finished yet, so don't judge the ride on what you see in the pics/videos.
Enjoy, people!
(more pics and videos will be linked as they become available!)
Pegasus testing video and photographs are now available!
GO HERE FOR PHOTO'S:
http://www.epinside.de/html/12_mai_2006.html
GO HERE FOR VIDEO:
http://www.epinside.de/pegasus.wmv
Please note: Theming has not even been 1/2 finished yet, so don't judge the ride on what you see in the pics/videos.
Enjoy, people!
(more pics and videos will be linked as they become available!)
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AstroDan
I am also going during the Football, but it's a fair way from the nearest stadium city so i wouldn't think that will create too many problems.
You will be there during the start of the French school holidays but again, i think you'll be OK. Even with long queue's, Europa's rides tend to eat people since their dispatching methods are some of the quickest i've ever seen.
Pegasus Update:
Theming for Pegasus is going to be completed gradually over the course of the next 12 months. As a result. if you are at EP during the current season, don't expect all the theming to be complete. It may seem a little bare compared with some of the other coasters. Also, on a downer, it appears Pegasus lasts only a little over 30 seconds (from the lift hill summit) which will make it Europa Park's shortest coaster.
You will be there during the start of the French school holidays but again, i think you'll be OK. Even with long queue's, Europa's rides tend to eat people since their dispatching methods are some of the quickest i've ever seen.
Pegasus Update:
Theming for Pegasus is going to be completed gradually over the course of the next 12 months. As a result. if you are at EP during the current season, don't expect all the theming to be complete. It may seem a little bare compared with some of the other coasters. Also, on a downer, it appears Pegasus lasts only a little over 30 seconds (from the lift hill summit) which will make it Europa Park's shortest coaster.
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AstroDan
So we reach the 4th in my series of reviews on rollercoasters at Europa Park. This review follows my pieces on 'Euro Mir', 'Poseidon' and 'Silver Star'. I hope people are enjoying reading them - if you have any questions or feedback please just send me a message over TTF or you can obviously just add to this thread.
MATTERHORN BLITZ STATISTICS
Opened: March 1999
Make: Mack Wild Mouse
Lift System: Elevator Lift
Capacity: 1,000pph
Length: 1300'
Height: 53'
Speed: 35 mph
Duration: 3 minutes
The Matterhorn Blitz is located in the Swiss section of Europa Park and was opened in 1999. You will notice that the rides theming is impeccable and there is a happy atmosphere around the ride. Upon arriving at the queue entrance, you can see some opening/closing doors at the base of a tower, and some ride cars inside. Suddenly, you see the cars start moving rapidly upwards, in an elevator lift. The doors close and you look up the tower, and see the cars emerge at the top to begin the descent! It all looks very exciting and unusual for what appears to be an otherwise standard Mack Wild Mouse.
You enter the queueline for Matterhorn Blitz, and take note of the queue time which is often 30 minutes plus due to the fact that this rides capacity is amongst the lowest in the park. You may wish to do the Blitz as your first ride of the day as it remains very popular.
As you make your way through the queue you pass farm materials and wooden structures, with the Blitz hurtling overhead. As you make your way around the back of the ride, you notice how compact it all is. You will then get to a split point, where, on a busy day you will veer to the right and queue in a shed or head straight forward down a fairly long convered walkway which goes along next to the Blitz's major drop. It's all very Swiss looking!
You may find that you have to wait for 2 or 3 minutes without moving, before you move 25 metres in one go and then stop again - but that is because the Blitz control the number of people entering the Swiss Farmhouse section of the queue at any one time by a barrier which has a red or green light.
When you pass through the barrier, you enter the Swiss farmhouse. It's wonderful - probably the best themed queue in the park. There are huge scenes and different rooms. Big fat farmers snoring and moving around in bed, Cows and horses moving, Cooks stirring a pot of broth and lots of brilliant Matterhorn Blitz music, which I have available in .mp3 if anyone is interested.
As you make your way through the farmhouse you arrive in the small station. Each car has two rows of two, and two cars will load at once. You get into the car, take a look ahead and the track appears to vanish! The comfort of the swiss cottage soon seems forgotten as you remember that it is in fact a rollercoaster! The car slowly moves forward (both cars that have loaded will move forward onto the lift platform at the same time) and comes to a stop. Suddenly, infront of you the wall slides open and you can see out onto the paths outside! People are looking at you! You realise that you are now looking out over the place that you were looking towards earlier. You are in the lift and you know it! After a short pause then, you begin the rapid ascent! The lift tips from side to side, so you being swayed - not just going up straight! Loud noises of various farm animals are being played over the lift's smooth noise. There are also little chickens at the side which you can see.
As the lift comes to a halt, the first car will suddenly move forward and veer to the right beginning the course while the rear car moves out of the lift and waits for approx. 15 seconds on a holding break before also veering to the right to begin the course.
As you gather pace, you quickly bear right again and enter the largest drop of any Mack Wild Mouse in the world - a whole 50' of it! You pass under a small building before rising up again and sharply turning to the right. You then enter a series of sharp wild mouse turns (with trim brakes keeping you in check) before you slide through some pleasant drops and a few light curves. You then sharply bear round to the left and pass under another farm building where the on-ride photograph flashes you. All the time, you are laughing! It is such fun. A couple more wild mouse curves and you enter the brake run, which is lined with lots of Ski's. As you slowly make your way back into the farmhouse station you alight and get to view the on-ride photograph. That was the most fun on a farm you ever had!
Overall then, Matterhorn Blitz is in essence, a Mack Wild Mouse. But there are some major things that Europa Park have that you won't get on other wild mice. The vertical 'swaying' lift is a joy and the big drop is also unusual on this kind of ride. The theming is also very impressive - and the queue is just as much part of the ride as the course itself! The music is also brilliant. Matterhorn Blitz: Go into the queue and enjoy everything - if you base it solely on the fast sections, you will probably leave feeling mundane - but as an immersive coaster experience, Matterhorn Blitz is one of the very best around.
PICTURES AND VIDEOS
On Ride POV: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... horn+blitz
(listen out for the music at the start during the vertical lift!)
Park Official Promo Video: http://www.europapark.de/files/upload/d ... nblitz.mpg
Farmhouse Queue: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=8
Bottom of the lift: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=12
Top of the lift: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=2
Theming: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=6
Station: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=14
Down Down: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=4
Under and over: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=9
MATTERHORN BLITZ STATISTICS
Opened: March 1999
Make: Mack Wild Mouse
Lift System: Elevator Lift
Capacity: 1,000pph
Length: 1300'
Height: 53'
Speed: 35 mph
Duration: 3 minutes
The Matterhorn Blitz is located in the Swiss section of Europa Park and was opened in 1999. You will notice that the rides theming is impeccable and there is a happy atmosphere around the ride. Upon arriving at the queue entrance, you can see some opening/closing doors at the base of a tower, and some ride cars inside. Suddenly, you see the cars start moving rapidly upwards, in an elevator lift. The doors close and you look up the tower, and see the cars emerge at the top to begin the descent! It all looks very exciting and unusual for what appears to be an otherwise standard Mack Wild Mouse.
You enter the queueline for Matterhorn Blitz, and take note of the queue time which is often 30 minutes plus due to the fact that this rides capacity is amongst the lowest in the park. You may wish to do the Blitz as your first ride of the day as it remains very popular.
As you make your way through the queue you pass farm materials and wooden structures, with the Blitz hurtling overhead. As you make your way around the back of the ride, you notice how compact it all is. You will then get to a split point, where, on a busy day you will veer to the right and queue in a shed or head straight forward down a fairly long convered walkway which goes along next to the Blitz's major drop. It's all very Swiss looking!
You may find that you have to wait for 2 or 3 minutes without moving, before you move 25 metres in one go and then stop again - but that is because the Blitz control the number of people entering the Swiss Farmhouse section of the queue at any one time by a barrier which has a red or green light.
When you pass through the barrier, you enter the Swiss farmhouse. It's wonderful - probably the best themed queue in the park. There are huge scenes and different rooms. Big fat farmers snoring and moving around in bed, Cows and horses moving, Cooks stirring a pot of broth and lots of brilliant Matterhorn Blitz music, which I have available in .mp3 if anyone is interested.
As you make your way through the farmhouse you arrive in the small station. Each car has two rows of two, and two cars will load at once. You get into the car, take a look ahead and the track appears to vanish! The comfort of the swiss cottage soon seems forgotten as you remember that it is in fact a rollercoaster! The car slowly moves forward (both cars that have loaded will move forward onto the lift platform at the same time) and comes to a stop. Suddenly, infront of you the wall slides open and you can see out onto the paths outside! People are looking at you! You realise that you are now looking out over the place that you were looking towards earlier. You are in the lift and you know it! After a short pause then, you begin the rapid ascent! The lift tips from side to side, so you being swayed - not just going up straight! Loud noises of various farm animals are being played over the lift's smooth noise. There are also little chickens at the side which you can see.
As the lift comes to a halt, the first car will suddenly move forward and veer to the right beginning the course while the rear car moves out of the lift and waits for approx. 15 seconds on a holding break before also veering to the right to begin the course.
As you gather pace, you quickly bear right again and enter the largest drop of any Mack Wild Mouse in the world - a whole 50' of it! You pass under a small building before rising up again and sharply turning to the right. You then enter a series of sharp wild mouse turns (with trim brakes keeping you in check) before you slide through some pleasant drops and a few light curves. You then sharply bear round to the left and pass under another farm building where the on-ride photograph flashes you. All the time, you are laughing! It is such fun. A couple more wild mouse curves and you enter the brake run, which is lined with lots of Ski's. As you slowly make your way back into the farmhouse station you alight and get to view the on-ride photograph. That was the most fun on a farm you ever had!
Overall then, Matterhorn Blitz is in essence, a Mack Wild Mouse. But there are some major things that Europa Park have that you won't get on other wild mice. The vertical 'swaying' lift is a joy and the big drop is also unusual on this kind of ride. The theming is also very impressive - and the queue is just as much part of the ride as the course itself! The music is also brilliant. Matterhorn Blitz: Go into the queue and enjoy everything - if you base it solely on the fast sections, you will probably leave feeling mundane - but as an immersive coaster experience, Matterhorn Blitz is one of the very best around.
PICTURES AND VIDEOS
On Ride POV: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... horn+blitz
(listen out for the music at the start during the vertical lift!)
Park Official Promo Video: http://www.europapark.de/files/upload/d ... nblitz.mpg
Farmhouse Queue: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=8
Bottom of the lift: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=12
Top of the lift: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=2
Theming: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=6
Station: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=14
Down Down: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=4
Under and over: http://www.rcdb.com/ig971.htm?picture=9
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AstroDan
The park is about 2km from the French/German border. It's a totally international park anyway - about 1/3 of the staff aren't German. A lot of staff speak English and park maps are available in French, German and English. It's about 30 to 40 minutes drive from Strasbourg (France) which is the nearest major city. You will have no language problems - even if you don't speak French or German it's all fine.
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AstroDan
http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Pic-Tour/Map-Germany.jpg
Look at that map and you can see where the two parks are. Europa Park is just south of Offenburg (SW Germany) wheras Phantasialand is near Koln (Cologne). Not sure on the exact distance but it's a long way. If you wated to do both parks, i'd say that you would have to take a train from Ringsheim to Koln (or the other way around!) . That will take 3 to 4 hours by train.
German train times are available here:
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
Europa Park's nearest train station is Ringsheim Bahnhof from there you can take a bus to the park:
http://www.europapark.de/files/pdf/Ring ... ark_06.pdf
Phantasialand's website suggests you take a train from Koln to Bruhl station, and then there is a bus from there to the park - similar to what EP offer. If you want to go on the train times page, type Bruehl for Bruhl otherwise you get some place in Berlin!
http://www.phantasialand.de/7222/phanta ... train.html
http://www.phantasialand.de/7221/phanta ... d-bus.html
Look at that map and you can see where the two parks are. Europa Park is just south of Offenburg (SW Germany) wheras Phantasialand is near Koln (Cologne). Not sure on the exact distance but it's a long way. If you wated to do both parks, i'd say that you would have to take a train from Ringsheim to Koln (or the other way around!) . That will take 3 to 4 hours by train.
German train times are available here:
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
Europa Park's nearest train station is Ringsheim Bahnhof from there you can take a bus to the park:
http://www.europapark.de/files/pdf/Ring ... ark_06.pdf
Phantasialand's website suggests you take a train from Koln to Bruhl station, and then there is a bus from there to the park - similar to what EP offer. If you want to go on the train times page, type Bruehl for Bruhl otherwise you get some place in Berlin!
http://www.phantasialand.de/7222/phanta ... train.html
http://www.phantasialand.de/7221/phanta ... d-bus.html
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AstroDan
I just created a promo vid for EP on Movie Maker which features footage of Silver Star, Poseidon, Euro Mir, Atlantica Super Splash, Matterhorn Blitz, Feria Swing, Balloon Ride, Vindjammer and Alpenexpress. I couldn't get much of EuroSat since it is all indoor and pitch dark! I totally forgot about the Bobsleigh and the Flume and Rapids, so maybe i'll edit and re-upload later or tomorrow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fttjp1XdS_M if you are interested!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fttjp1XdS_M if you are interested!
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Wez
- Member
- Posts: 227
- Joined: Sat Jun 12, 2004 2:21 am
- Location: East Anglia, UK
- Contact:
Pegasus looks average. Tussauds standard I think.
As with most of Europas attractions though, the themeing matures over time. So i'll give it a chance.
As with most of Europas attractions though, the themeing matures over time. So i'll give it a chance.
The best, most informed enthusiast EVER!!111
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AstroDan
Pegasus is probably (this is coming from me, biggest EP fan in the world lol) going to be the most average, or possibly 2nd most average ride at the park. It is going to be very short, roughly 30 seconds, which will make it the shortest rollercoaster in the park (lift hill to brakes). The 30 seconds that it will run for will probably be pretty decent, as it has some pretty decent speeds and a cool horseshoe turn, which for a family coaster are quite cool. The theming will mature over time, but EP certainly haven't put the effort into Pegasus as they have with any of their other coasters. This is of course a shame, although I have been assure theming will continue to be implemented over the next 12 months.
I've a feeling the queue's are going to be similar to Matterhorn Blitz. i.e. pretty long for most of the day due to less capacity.
EDIT: Pegasus Update18/05/2006
http://eprust.free.fr/pegase.htm
Theming underway! It appears to be taking the form of an archeological dig!
I've a feeling the queue's are going to be similar to Matterhorn Blitz. i.e. pretty long for most of the day due to less capacity.
EDIT: Pegasus Update18/05/2006
http://eprust.free.fr/pegase.htm
Theming underway! It appears to be taking the form of an archeological dig!