Europa Park

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DiogoJ42

Air excepted, I've never found a B&M I haven't loved... The two GCIs I have been on have left me very much underwhelmed. Fun? Sure, but hardly thrilling. Give me a proper oldschool woody any day. (Or better yet, a decent steel)
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Orici
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Here a vido I made during season opening:



It's the original soundtrack of Wodan, which you can hear all over the queue, and it restarts every time a train leaves the station.
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Rocket
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I want to see that queueline!
Does wodan run 2 or 3 trains?
DiogoJ42

Three trains. I'm told they are reprograming the computers to makes dispatch times more efficient tonight. I shall let you know if I notice any difference tomorrow.

It's grown on me over the last few days, but I still think it's meh. I prefer Joris En De Draak at Efteling.
Rowe

I'll be covering Wodan in a more comprehensive review of Europa Park later but I just thought I'd put my two pennies in here.

Personally I loved Wodan; I put it behind Blue Fire as my second favourite rollercoaster on park but I totally disagree with Diogo's sentiments that it isn't thrilling. I found it to be incredibly powerful, fast (It's quicker than it looks once you're on it) and rough to an extent that it doesn't hurt unlike Grand National at Blackpool for example. It has an awful lot going on as well with the twists, near misses and dives and despite riding it at least 5 times I was surprised every single time. The theming itself is, quite frankly, amazing and I would argue that Mack have really done their research into the Norse mythology and portrayed that really well with the use of projection mapping and carvings although there are certain sections that could do with tweaking. The music is also utterly gorgeous and I can't wait for it to be released.
Big Dave

Its action packed, fast paced and just truly epic in every way. Yes its not the best wooden coaster in the world, but my god it is up there with the best. A fantastic addition to an already outstanding park.
AstroDan

In summary, I would conclude that, track and train, Wodan is average in terms of "new generation wooden coasters" - i.e. if I compare it with the other new Woodies I have been on (Joris, Troy, Colossos etc.). That said, it's an outstanding package and, quite clearly, was going down very well with guests.

The throughput for a wooden coaster is exceptional. It was reprogrammed on Wednesday night, and dispatches were resulting in a lot of sub-5 second stacks. The lack of seatbelts creates much less faff, although it's annoying that the bars fall automatically as this means the operator has to wait to close the bars until everyone is seated - meaning faff and delayed dispatches.

Overall though, Wodan is the best "experience" of any coaster at Europa-Park. It is also, the 2nd best queue line (behind Harry Potter) that I have ever experienced. And, to say I have queued for Die Vliegende Hollander and Fluch von Novgorod, this is quite an achievement. The detail, special effects, music and visuals are sensational. In the station, the turning statues add even more to the whole thing - and the dispatch/lift audio is cracking!

The physical ride is good, although not outstanding (presumably caused by the speed loss from rubber wheels). The first drop though is amazing in itself, and the curve/drop by Blue Fire followed by the station flythrough is brilliant. I really like the station flythrough, but after the camelback which follows, the ride loses too much speed. Still, great fun though!

Overall, it's my 3rd favourite coaster at Europa-Park, but they have done a fantastic job - and I can't wait to see more developments which are bound to enhance Wodan more in the coming months.

Simply put, it gives the guest yet more still at Europa-Park. With 11 coasters, there's such a range on offer to suit every possible taste.

I would also make no apology in stating that it puts the sword to anything Merlin could do, in terms of theme/experience. But then, that's the way it is.

:D
Last edited by AstroDan on Fri Apr 06, 2012 1:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Joelio

NOTE: This was meant to be a two or three sentence review, but it has been expanded somewhat.

I'll interject with my (uninformed) opinion of Wodan and woodies (beng that Wodan was my first woodie). I adored the ride!

The outdoor queueline had inconsistenent surfaces and some drainage issues (all of which I imagine will be dealt with at somepoint during Wodans life). However being outdoors allowed for some amazing views of Wodan itself and what a stunning coaster it is, both in looks and sounds. Not quite Nemmy's roar but probably my 2nd favourite ride sound /nerd.

The queueline when indoors was stunning, the Animatronic statue was very imposing and looked/sounded amazing. My only critiscism regarding the indoor queueline scenes were the lack of multi-language plaques explaining what they mean, and inconsistent levels of quality between each 'scene'. Some scenes contained animations/animatronics some were completely static. It says somthing about the quality of a ride when you have to be picky with the queueline :P I wouldn't say its the best queueline i've been through (as like always i have memories of SM at DLP, but even thats not my favourite). In terms of atmosphere I rate PotC, PM and ToT at DLP higher, and judging by walkthroughs HP at IOA thats also above it, not taking into account budget differences ofcourse, as I reckon the Wodan queue cost alot less and looks amazing regardless :)

The station looks and sounds amazing! I love they're testing out banners in the staircase leading upto the ride. I adore the statues that follow the trains exiting and entering. The theme tune is nice and loud too, and what an awesome piece of music it is :D :D While you wait what else is there to look at other than the amazing station flythrough! As Dan has pointed out, there is a bit of station faff with the automated restraints, but its not too bad. Was very glad to see that everyone in our group was able to ride aswell :)

I found the ride very fun, the first drop is amazing and packs a punch, followed by a nice airtime hill that i've had airtime on a few times. Sadly the quality of ride does depend alot on how much it has 'warmed up'.. that being said, when its warm, its amazing throughout, when it isn't it dies during the ASS section. Still, its not worth complaining about.

On the whole a great new addition to EP! :D and judging by the rate they're polishing the attraction I can't wait to see what its like in August :)

[not a TR, more summarised Woday opinions]
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Sam
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Dan, is it possible for you to post the EP-Board "changelog" for this year that you read us out at Europa? :)

I can't find it!
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DanB
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You can find it here
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Sam
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Interesting. What's the one major coaster that has seemingly had no work done to it at all? Euro-Mir. All the rest have had minor changes, improvements or refurbishments.

This hints to me the possibility of a major Mir refurb for 2013. :D
AstroDan

I think Mir and Sat will receive work in the coming years. Mir's queueline is just hideous. I would love a more themed affair.

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DiogoJ42

I love Mir. Queue aside, if they are going to change anything it should be the lift drum. Keep the epic music, of course! But rather than have a boring first 2/3 with the tip of a rocket at the top, build a new rocket that fills the whole tower. Then add more strobes and lazers. Then add some serious bass bins and crank that tune UP!  :headphones: \:D/ :rock:
infact, I wonder if it would be possible to add onboard speakers? I'd love to have the music follow you round the whole ride. :-k
AstroDan

I should think they could add onboard sound, and agree that on Mir it would definitely enhance the experience.

:D

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AstroDan

Wodan: Review

So, Wodan opened and off we went to Europa-Park to ride it.

I was reasonably grounded with my expectation from the physical ride hardware, mainly as the layout had never massively appealed to me (aside from a massive first drop) and the realisaion that "rubber wheels" were going to hinder the pace of the ride. As a big fan of Troy, I was fairly sure that this would not beat it. And, I was right. At least, I was right in terms of track and train. However - it's not one big competition and when taken as an attraction at Europa-Park, Wodan is well and truly spot on.

It simply isn't the sort of ride you discuss on the basis of track and train. It is much, much more than that. Europa-Park have got a solid wooden coaster, with the best throughputs of any built by GCI, and dressed it up so incredibly, that it seems to dwarf most others in Europe, at least in terms of experience.

Where Die Vliegende Hollander has a sensational queue/station and then a dour rollercoaster, Wodan ensures that the sensational queue is then followed by a genuinely fun and exciting experience. At least as high quality (and better in parts) as the queue for DVH at Efteling, you are treated to stunning views of the ride as you wait. With animatronics, mist, fire and projection mapping used in multiple places, it’s a feast for the eye. It’s definitely Europa-Park’s best themed project since Poseidon opened in 2000.

Every inch of detail seems to be dealt with. Whether it’s waterfalls flowing down the grand entrance, mist enveloping guests, fire burning on a lake or hammers causing mini earthquakes under the ground - EP have got it. The statues in the station, whose heads turn to face arriving and departing trains add yet more mystery to it all.

Music is also a key component of the experience which has been created by Mack Solutions. The Belarus Philharmonic Orchestra were used to record the rides soundtrack, and the triumphant yet eerie score which greets every train departing the station and eager guests in the queue ensures the atmosphere is red hot.

Upon departing the station, a surprisingly high speed out banked corner comes before the lift hill. Passing the fire wolves at the top of the lift (who will breath fire in due course), the train picks up breathtaking pace before the first, massive, dive into the tunnel. What follows is a camelback, although airtime is limited, and then a fantastically fun increasingly banked corner which then dips under the entrance arch and into the banked station flythrough. The pace at this point is brilliant. Following the flythrough, the ride loses a lot of pace on the camelback, which sadly offers no airtime or any major thrill. However, the restbite is followed by a quick left hand dive down, and some fun dips and kinks before the Atlantica turnaround. The bunny hop over Atlantica again doesn’t deliver much by way of airtime, but there is then a very fun left hand dive into yet another tunnel, which causes a lot of screaming as the ride picks up some more pace. Some fun dips and dives follow, before the ride makes its way into the brakes. Overall - track and train - it’s a solid, good rollercoaster without being one of the worlds best. With just a little more pace on the camelbacks and in the final fifth of the ride, I feel Wodan would get masses more praise. However, I fear that the coaster junkies who will ride it expecting the next Troy or Prowler, may be left disappointed.

What is for certain, though, is that the experience adds yet more value to an already packed theme park and one of the best themed ride experiences in Europe. It’s a sensational piece of artistry and one that Europa-Park should be very, very proud of.

I think the following video sums it up very well indeed:



:D
AstroDan

New Europa-Park Promo Song 2012

Zwei Millionen Sterne (2 million stars) is the name of the new EP promo track, recorded by Jan-Markus Wulff who also recorded the various versions of Deine Momente.

Click for a sample

Download available for 79p on iTunes and also available via Amazon

:)
Last edited by AstroDan on Fri Apr 13, 2012 5:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Must revisit Europa Park soon, a few new additions since my 2006 visit, wow was that really 6 years ago, i thought the whole place was amazing and the hotel was lovely too.
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GeorgeT
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Dan...as you and some other guys will be coming back to Europa again...is it GOOD or ist BAD news if I tell you, that you came here too early to check Wodan ???

This ist what I just posted on Thme Park Review :

"So...guess it`s time to resume my experiences on Wodan over the last two weeks...

And I have to admit at first I wasn`t impressed at all with Wodan. Having seen Wodans testruns I thought that Europa build it`s first HIGHLY intense coaster...and I was so much looking forward to riding it in the end of March.

Well...Europa Park changed Wodan`s wheels from steel to polyurethane...and suddenly Wodan wasn`t looking nor feeling that intense anymore !!!

There were so many enthusiasts at Europa for Wodan pre-opening...and most of the reactions were just "meh"...it wasn`t bad at all...but far away from being very exciting...in fact most of Germany`s coaster experts were dissapointed AFAIK...including me.

Well...I was talking to one of Europas park directors...and i was told that Wodan would be getting faster over the next few weeks (break-in process) and that higher temperatures would also make it run faster. I was STILL dissapointed...I thought it would stay too tame, I just wasn`t able to imagine the coaster going significanly faster.

The problem was, that after a great first drop and very good pacing until the station flythrough...the train was a littlebit "crawling" through the second half...and I have to admit that after a brilliant and eventful first half the second half was a letdown...speed and layoutwise...

Anyway...on the fourth day I rode Wodan front row in the late afternoon...and I thought "Okay...this is definitively getting better"...still not amazing, but intense enough for me to giggle throughout the ride...now, at least, it was REAL fun !

But honestly I was still not in the mood for raving about it....nor writing a review here for you guys.

BUT THEN...I visited Europa again yesterday...and because the park was packed, the opening hours were prolonged to 19:30 instead of 18:00...and I was able to get on one of Wodans last rides that day...(so Wodan was already running for 10,5 hours) and because of the line for the front row being closed already...I found myself in the second row...well, NOT the best place to ride a woodie, so I wasn`t expecting much of it.

But oh boy...what a difference ! For the first time I had the impression that Wodan was flying over the course...like it did on the steel wheels. Much faster than it was just two weeks ago. It was quite warm (NOT hot), and it was permanently running for many hours that day...but what I don`t get is : Why wasn`t it fast in the afternoon ?

In fact it was okay in the afternoon...but it was WOW ! in the evening !

That last ride on Wodan was VERY good...very "wild"...and a good out-of-control experience...it was what I was hoping for from the beginning on.

To be honest...I have no idea if there will be a time when Wodan will be that fast during the daytime...or if it will be getting even faster over the time.

I don`t know...all I know is that the early reviews don`t say a lot about Wodan`s potential. Since yesterday I really see a chance that Wodan will be getting a REALLY good coaster...not only an "okay" experience !!!"

Hey...if there will be any significant changes about Wodans pacing over the next weeks...I`m gonna report them here, too !

Have fun guys...see you  :D

GeorgeT"
Last edited by GeorgeT on Sun Apr 15, 2012 3:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
If your face is full of wrinkles...you`re riding the wrong coasters !
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Benzin
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Always different though riding something first thing and the end of the day... Same with Nemesis, Air, Thirteen, Swarm, Zeus, EVERYTHING...

He was expecting something intense though, which isn't what ANY wooden coaster is about... Pre-expectations of rides really do affect the final outcome of opinion... And this is as he said, a fun ride, but to expect it to be intense? Nah...
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GeorgeT
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Sorry...but in my opinion the first half of the ride is definitively intense...from the first day on !!!

If you think one shouldn`t expect intensity from a woodie...then go ride "Voyage" for example...but there are MANY intense woodies out there...

At the moment I`m shure after breaking in...and running on warm/hot summer days Wodan will be more intense than Blue Fire or Silver Star for example...

Greeds...GeorgeT
Last edited by GeorgeT on Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
If your face is full of wrinkles...you`re riding the wrong coasters !
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