Isla Mágica

On an expedition in Bellewaerde

itemprop="discussionURL"0

Bellewaerde Park

The Bellewaerde Park is located in the Belgian province of West-Vlaanderen, which can certainly be declared by the city of Bruges as the most beautiful part of Belgium. Also, the roads are not as modest as in the rest of the country and the proximity to the French region Nord-Pas-de-Calais gives the park a more pleasant audience than for example at Walibi.

Tour of the park

Bengal Rapid River

If you enter Bellewaerde Park through the entrance A and go immediately to the left you will find the entrance to the Vekoma rafting ride Bengal Rapid River, which is located in the Indian themed area. The ride in the rafting boats, which most of you already have tested in the sister park Walibi Holland, is quite nice to look at. Unfortunately, due to the warm weather, it was very well visited. In the morning the queue just barely moved. Later the day, I had to get the ferry in the nearby Dunkirk…

Bengal Express

The second attraction in this area is the Bengal Express, a train ride in closed wagons in which you drive through the spacious tiger and lion enclosures. At the second turnaround the water treatment plant of the park is a highlight to admire – after all, this is even advertised via speakers. Overall a great ride, which should not be missed. Due to the nature of the ride, I would only recommend a ride if the train is still waiting in the station, as the ride duration is quite long. The generously-sized waiting area highlights the popularity of the ride.

Screaming Eagle

Located on the shores of a large lake is the theme area of Canada, which is home of the only visible attraction from outside of Bellewaerde Park: the Shot ‘n’ Drop Screaming Eagle, one of HUSS’ rare park versions. In contrast to the Space Shot towers of the manufacturer S&S Worldwide, which can be found quite frequently around the world, the system can shoot you upwards from a standstill position. In contrast to the rides, which could be found ages ago on the German fair circuit, the acceleration was very surprising as there was no hint whatsoever by the ride operator. Located in the Belgian wilds – without any houses surrounding – the ride’s noise level is quite low. Even through you can be of a different opinion as one of the riders. Overall the ride is rather tame compared with the S&S Towers, as there are basically no negative forces. The only big plus of the ride is its high capacity and the better launch.

Niagara

Next door, the Shoot the Chutes Niagara by the manufacturer Interlink shines in all its glory. This type of flume is characterised mainly by its large boats and the resulting wave at the end of the shoot. This one however has only a limited effect on the riders, as it does not get you as wet as Cataratas Salvajes from the Spanish theme park Parque Warner or as Tidal Wave from the English Thorpe Park. At least, it did not disappoint as Isla Magicas Iguazu. On the bridge, which strangely does not lead from the exit of the ride to the other side of the lake, many school kids had their fun by letting the boats soak them on a regular basis.

The other attractions in this area are a Mack rides cog ride, a wet-looking dinghy slide, and the somewhat strange pirate boat from Huss. From 1 pm to 4 pm, you could visit the squirrel monkeys located on a small island, as a path runs right through their enclosures.

On the right side of the park entrance A is the Kidspark theme area, which consists of a medieval designed area, some traditional rides and a mysterious mansion, as well as a large climbing and slide complex.

Maison Magique d’Houdini

I don’t know why this mansion belongs to the children’s area, as as the preshow is not necessarily made for anxious persons even through the actual topic is not scary. After entering the Maison Magique d’Houdini you can find some exhibits. A film about his youth is shown, which burns away after a short while accompanied by a nasty laugh. After some effects and some tricks were shown, you will be invited to attend the biggest tricks of them all.

Where the preshow room is designed in great detail, the main room is surprisingly empty. Compared to other mad houses of the same manufacturer, there is actually nothing located in the middle of the room. This of course makes it easier for the ride operators, but it is not as beautiful to look at. On the sides of the room there are some fixed mirrors, which later reveal another function.

The actual ride takes a while until the fake rollover happens. The music does not remain in your memory for a long time after the trip. However, Houdini is well remembered, as his trick was not yet finished even after begging for a liberation. Despite the statement that we are in our worst nightmare, Houdini recalls himself and after the words “Ce que vous pensez que vous voyez n’est pas ce qu’il semblait. “C’est ce qu’on appelle l’ illusion” you finally get freed. The mirrors show an animated key.

Jungle Mission

Passing by some very generous animal enclosures, which mainly showed African species, we are entering the jungle section of the park. The main attraction of this area and one of the main attractions of Bellewaerde Park is the Towboat Safari Cruise Jungle Mission, where you cruise past some animal enclosures (quite similar to boat ride at the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover). Not long ago, the ride system was completely renewed, which is why the Jungle Missions looks quite new for such an old ride. While driving, some water effects are activated, only a few of them refresh visitors directly. The African theme features some vintage animatronics, which alone does makes this attractions quite exotic and as nice as La Jungla of the Spanish amusement park Parque de Atracciones de Madrid.

Coccinelle

The coaster with the longest queue on this day was the classic Zierer tivoli coaster Coccinelle, or Keverbaan in Dutch. Interestingly, the ride did not sounded like a starting jet, nor was it as slow that it needed additional friction wheels on the track as some other rides of this kind do. In fact, you could neither hear this ride, nor the air launched free fall tower tower from far. The design of the ride as the wildest ride of the wilderness is a rather strange choice for such a roller coaster, but it somehow works out perfectly. The surrounding walls and the roof over the lifthill are a nice feature.

River Splash, El Toro and El Volador

Next to the log flume River Splash and a bison enclosure there is the entrance to the Mexican section of the Bellewaerde Park. Here you can watch the movie Sammy’s great adventure in Dutch or French in the park’s 4D cinema or do a spin on the El Toro Break Dance. You can also find the only working HUSS Topple Tower outside of Scandinavia, named El Volador.

A Topple Tower of the manufacturer HUSS is a strange device, as it seems to be spectacular from the outside and the technology seems elaborate but the ride itself is rather boring. At least, the ride is not such a flop as the King Kong ride of Bobbejaanland, where neither the ride nor the appearance are particularly interesting.  The ride with El Volador resembles somehow a wave swinger when you drive it sideways, just way slower and with less degrees of freedom. You are secured by over the shoulder restraints as you tilt forwards. The best part of the ride are the synchronised water fountains, which unfortunately do not even wet your shoes.

Boomerang

A few meters from the ride, you can pay tribute to the first Boomerang ever opened. It’s actually a really good one and a worthy representative of this funny shuttle roller coaster build by the Dutch company Vekoma. Everything at this ride is build more suitable, as the ride station is not just a tent, it’s a Mexican temple. The ride in the 2nd generation Vekoma trains was surprisingly good, even through the sister ride in Walibi Belgium even runs a little bit smoother.

Huracan

This year’s novelty is the indoor coaster Huracan, which has replaced the old pirate themed dark ride within the same building. From the outside you can see a small part of the coaster and you wonder why they did not added some more track to actually come down to the ground. After all, the ride is quite high above the ground. If you enter the waiting area, it does not take long until you arrive in the beautifully designed station.

The journey begins with a small dark ride section, guided by the elements of fire, water and wind. Afterwards, the lift helps to reach the maximum height of the course and after a short straight, the curvy first drop follows. After a small climb the curve leads you back into the building. Now follows a surprisingly wild and at the same time very smooth ride. One turn is followed by the next one. After a handful of curvy goodness, you slam into the brakes where a laser show is being held.

Huracan is a great indoor roller coaster. The pace as well as the forces during the ride a just awesome. The dark ride part at the beginning of the ride is well done and features some great music and light effects.

Pictures Bellewaerde Park

Conclusion Bellewaerde Park

The Bellewaerde Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. Since I could only stay for 3.5 hours, I could not admire the whole package, but I’m sure I’ll come back someday.

 

What is your opinion about Theme Park Bellewaerde?  Just write it in the comment field below the report or visit our social media channels:

 

          

Bellewaerde

The sun is shining in Hansa Park

itemprop="discussionURL"1

Hansa Park

Superrollercoaster Nessie

If you enter Hansa Park through the, once again grown, themed area Hanse in Europe, the first attraction you will come across, apart from a small carousel, is the Superrollercoaster Nessie, in the following simply called Nessie. Opened in 1980, the Schwarzkopf roller coaster is not only the first stationary roller coaster with a loop in Germany, but also one of the two entry level coasters par excellence in Northern Germany.

But Nessie is not as harmless as it seems from the outside, because the power Nessie shows during the ride is so much more impressive than some South German Megacoasters. Here not only the looping is done as it should be, you also feel one of the most distinct airtime moments of a roller coaster in Germany, at least in the back part of the train.

Dünenexpress Rasender Roland

In the direct vicinity or below and above Nessie the dune express Rasender Roland does its rounds. This children’s roller coaster made by Vekoma is an ideal, even if somewhat borderline, beginner’s roller coaster. Unfortunately the slightly longer roller skater doesn’t have any single bars, which have a positive effect on the ride comfort and don’t have such a huge play as the standard bars.

Space Race

Somewhat more hidden at the edge of the park is the indoor bumper car Space Race, a very unusual, even special ride of this type. During the ride you have to drive to single planets and collect them by buzzer in the car. During the game the time is measured and the fastest player wins the race.

Wellenreiter

Next to the space race building is the HUSS Troika Wellenreiter. The ride is fast, although slightly monotonous and is enhanced by the clearance gauge which is used to the limit. The ride, which was repainted last year, raises the hope that other rides like the log flume or Nessie can shine in new splendor some day.

Baracuda Slide

Placed in the middle of nowhere is the wave slide Baracuda Slide from Dutch production. If you don’t want to duel, a ride for two is recommended, as you can take off quite well with the rubber dinghy. It would be nice to see if this ride is not the only one far and wide anymore and if necessary crosses with a wooden roller coaster, because if you want to follow a trend then please follow it.

Crazy Mine

The Wild Mouse Crazy Mine from Maurer Söhne, which has dedicated itself here to the leading theme of a wild mine ride, is a remarkable ride, but it has suffered some losses over time. The ride was not lost, only the increased safety devices, be it the stairs or the sign warning of the first nasty brake, make the ride look overloaded and by no means as harmonious as before.

Schlange von Midgard

Where last year there was a construction site, the Schlange von Midgard now presents itself in a harmonious overall picture. The ride built by Gerstlauer is absolutely convincing and will be upgraded again thanks to the waterfall. The story itself in its completed version is by far not so annoying anymore, but still capacity reducing. The snake animatronic, or whatever it is supposed to be, in the outdoor area should be removed, after all it doesn’t fit into the overall picture, neither in terms of quality nor for story reasons.

Torre del Mar

The Torre del Mar, which unfortunately trumps the neighboring elevator from Maurer Söhne, is a ride that for years I could describe as boring at best, unless you reverse it. But now the taste seems to have developed in a way that I consider the ride as good, although nothing has changed at all. The fading away of the Star Flyer concept from Funtime in Europe may have a positive effect on it.

Power Tower Montezuma

The Power Tower Montezuma has been given a new ride program this year, but the soundtrack is also different now. The forces during the ride are now much more pronounced, which was really good for the prototype. Although the ride before was also much better than the ride of the Power Tower El Desafio from Isla Magica, Spain, the gap now became even larger.

Rio Dorado

Rio Dorado is the largest version of a White Water West spinning raft ride in the park, and luckily it’s a beautiful design. The ride itself offers besides a foot massage, at the beginning and at the end of the ride, a nice long slide part, where you can also achieve a distinct turn if you have a good load, and a rafting part towards the end of the ride, where now one of the cannons is regularly fired and with a little luck moistens some passengers.

Fluch von Novgorod

The reason for many amusement park fans to come to Hansa-Park lies in the Russian section of Hansa Park and is called Fluch von Novgorod. On the day of the visit there were only three cars in operation, so the queue was quite long. Because of the really bad rearrangement of the rows, the cars didn’t move at all for some minutes.

The ride on Fluch von Novgorod begins with a little serenade by the ghost Rurik, which is quickly memorized as a catchy tune during several rides. Then follows another room where you get acquainted with the seal of the wolf, after which you are let loose on the following roller coaster part of Fluch von Novgorod. After a 90° drop follows the launch, which is astonishingly powerful for LSM, whereupon you leave the building in a curve and experience well dosed airtime on the hill, which is more intense in the first row. The bay knot is the most uncomfortable part of the ride on Fluch von Novgorod, as you often get to know the shoulder restraints. This element leads into a perfect heartlineroll. After a brake, you climb the 90° steep lifthill, where you are stopped only to find out that Volkov is still alive and then fall 97°. After a steep bend, the braking follows bit by bit, only to climb back up to station level and be laughed at by a scarecrow, one of the few effects that still work.

The Fluch von Novgorod is a good roller coaster, but nothing more. The story the ride tries to tell is well done, but leaves an open end, which isn’t really satisfying. The way to the exit of the Fluch von Novgorod shows a slide and a labyrinth, where most passers-by get scared by somebody simply standing around.

El Paso Express

Back in daylight, you have to get used to the theme, as you are now in Mexico. Here you will find the BHS Metroliner El Paso Express in the direct vicinity of the shop. The ride in a double bavarian curve takes a lot of getting used to when the cars are folded up, but otherwise it is a lot of fun. The little Mexican jokes were unfortunately not available on the day of the visit.

This year, the Arena Plaza del Mar is the venue for the Variety Show City Dreams 2012, which, in contrast to Phantasialand or Europa-Park, did not try to make me fall asleep or managed to do so. The show basically consists of only four acts, two of which are so similar that it’s better to do without one. Especially worth mentioning are the Chinese artists, who performed on two pillars in their first number and jumped through rings in the second number.

Wildwasserbahn

The park’s log flume Wildwasserbahn has been given an optical innovation, but not during the actual ride. At the exit of the ride in need of renovation there is now an inviting lounge instead of a single photo sale. It is still there, but in a much smaller and more attractive version. At the same time the photo quality in the whole park was raised.

Super Splash

A bit off the beaten track, the Super Splash water ride awaits its passengers. This ride is to be redesigned in the near future and so you can already discover first hints for the later design. The ride itself is simply outstanding and can be very wet if the boats are loaded correctly. This is something you unfortunately rarely find in Europe.

Fliegender Hai

The Fliegender Hai is one of the unfortunately rare HUSS Rangers. This year, the ride has been slightly modified and so the first change of direction will be initiated a bit earlier. The following part of the ride is full of somersaults and the softer stirrups are very convincing.

Navajo Trail

One of the reasons to visit Hansa Park is the Navajo Trail. As a high ropes course, it rounds off Hansa Park’s offerings and is quite convincing due to its length, but not necessarily due to its degree of difficulty.

Spanische Glocke

Very rarely and once again defective, the Schwarzkopf Dschunke Stumvogel shows up to the public. In a similar way the Spanische Glocke presented itself as functional later in the day, because the podium, which is used for getting in and out, did not allow a safe step. The Spanische Glocke itself is a really good swing, as both the rotation and swing were perfectly coordinated. Although the ride feeling doesn’t come close to a Zamperla Giant Discovery and is more comparable to a Mondial Revolution, it is better than the counterpart from HUSS which is not particularly difficult.

Pictures Hansa Park 2008 – 2012

Conclusion Hansa Park

Hansa Park has managed to please again this year, even though the entrance fee has increased once again. It would be nicer and also more appropriate if the prices were on a similar level as at Nigloland in France, which has a similar offer, but for that you would have to travel two years into the past. Should the park in the distant future have completed all its projects and maintain the rides as well as its green areas, Hansa Park can certainly become one of the best parks in Europe.

 

What is your opinion about the Hansa Park theme park? Just write it in the comment field below the report or in our social media channels:

 

          

Hansa Park

The Home of Woody Woodpecker

itemprop="discussionURL"1

Port Aventura

At the edge of the 4* high-rise Salou, not far from the city of Tarragona and about 100 km from the Catalan capital Barcelona, is the Port Aventura theme park, founded by the English Tussauds Group, which has since been taken over by the parent company Blackstone and therefore operated under the Universal brand. Today the park is 100% owned by the Spanish bank La Caixa.

Furius Baco

When you enter Port Aventura through the official park entrance you will find yourself in the Mediterranean themed area, which is beautifully situated by a lake. Over the lake, the newest roller coaster of the park, Furius Baco, makes its last turn and is looking pretty good. Also the winery, which serves as a station, fits very well into this area. But don’t look at the ride from the position of a passenger.

After you have overcome the queue full of litter, you are divided into a row, whereupon you ask yourself the quite justified question of the seating position, because whether right or left, inside or outside, all seats have their own “driving pleasure” to offer. Shortly afterwards the train starts moving and a pre-show is shown. At the right moment the wonderfully intense launch follows, which is all the more beautiful thanks to the slightly different seating position. After the ascending launch track follows a valley and therefore a lot of airtime on the top of the hill over which you are currently riding. What comes now is absolutely brilliant on the left inner seat in the first row, but on all other seats it is an ordeal of varying proportions. The curves up to the roller are e.g. on the right outer seat with enormous blows, which has nothing in common with the word vibration anymore. The roll is great on all seats and the final curve fortunately follows a large radius and is bearable for the outer seats.

After leaving the station, you arrive at a shop where you can buy wines in style. The ride itself is either absolute rubbish or really ingenious, in between there are basically no other possibilities. The inner left seat is highly recommended, preferably in the first row.

Sea Odyssea

Apart from one station of the park railway and the Intamin Guided Boat Tour, there is not much else to find in this area. Similarly equipped is the highly praised Polynesia area, where you can ride the HUSS Kon-Tiki Wave swing boat and the Sea Odyssea simulator and the Intamin Spillwater Tutuki Splash. The area itself is reminiscent of a large part of the Isla Magica theme park in Seville, beautiful to the eye, but nothing more.

Tutuki Splash

Tutuki Splash, a ride that is often described as very wet, unfortunately turned out to be dry and so the only place to get wet was the area where the water guns at the side of the path were located. Particularly worth mentioning in a negative sense is the chewing gum tunnel before the first drop, which not only looks disgusting but also perfectly reflects the visitors’ level, despite an entrance fee of more than 40€. Considering all points one of the weakest spillwater installations in Europe.

Tami Tami

Formerly part of Polynesia, the Vekoma roller skater Tami Tami now belongs to the children’s area Sesamo Aventura. This area is basically well done and has a good number of suitable rides, which are accordingly well received. The roller coaster itself only makes one lap, which is due to its capacity.

Dragon Khan

Since Sesamo Aventura is a dead end, we will go through Polynesia and take the circular route to the most beautiful themed area of Port Aventura. Passing a Zierer mountain and valley railway in the proven dragon look, beautifully designed tea cups from Mack Rides and a, albeit somewhat hidden, Zamperla Baloon Race, the route continues up the slope to visit the dragon enthroned on the mountain. Dragon Khan is a colossus that cannot be overlooked and has a wonderful layout.

Maybe it was because of the high expectations I had since Parque Warner’s Superman, the really well thought out layout or the general opinion of the ride, but I didn’t think that such a roller coaster could be beaten by the Intamin Wing Rider of the same park.

The ride with its eight inversions could be so good, if the ride would not jerk uncomfortably without interruption. Here the ride comfort equals the driving pleasure. Next door, by the way, a Zierer wave swinger is doing his rounds and luckily it offered a good ride.

El Diablo

Walking down the mountain along the circular route, you will run directly towards the El Diablo Arrow Mine Train. The riding characteristics of this hybrid 0surpass those of the two big steel roller coasters by far and especially the first and the last part of the course is a lot of fun. The nickname “Lifthill the ride” is apt but not disturbing at all. Compared to other European mine trains El Diablo is surprisingly different.

Hurakan Condor

The Giant Drop Hurakan Condor is often mentioned as another highlight of Port Aventura. The drop height of nearly 86m is quite impressive and the view from up there is quite nice, but the actual drop is disappointing. Where the smaller Giant Drops are still intense and Gyro Drop Towers automatically fall more intense due to their larger mass, the fall on Hurakan Condor was rather lax. Also at this ride the behaviour of the guests was again very negative, because they simply spat on the floor of the station.

Templo del Fuego

Not far from the Musik Express Yucatan is the entrance to the Templo del Fuego, a special effects show with a clumsy archaeologist who triggers one curse after another, making the show visitors feel warm and comfortable. The effects are all good and some are quite surprising. In the main room the effects follow one after the other, so it is worth to see the show more often.

Serpiente Emplumada

Shortly before leaving the area, a Schwarzkopf fan should watch out, because otherwise he will miss one of the last built rides of the manufacturer. The ride on a Schwarzkopf sombrero is like a mixture of HUSS Take Off and a polyp, unfortunately the ride is quickly monotonous. Nevertheless, the Serpiente Emplumada is the best ride in Port Aventura and should definitely be honoured with a ride.

Tomahawk

In the western area opposite the HUSS Flipper VolPaiute, which obviously had an absolutely lame ride programme, is the wooden coaster Tomahawk. Unfortunately, the queue moves very slowly on this ride, which is partly due to the fact that only one adult per row fits into the PTC cars. So while you can listen to the wonderful sounds of Vultrix, the coolest animatronic figure ever built, you are defencelessly exposed to the sun. The ride itself is quite funny, offers enough speed and power. It is very well suited for the intended target group and a wonderful entry roller coaster for the amusement park fan of tomorrow.

Stampida

Around Tomahawk, in places also above and below the ride, both tracks of the roller coaster Stampida are running. To get to the station you have to walk through a few metres of queueline, which luckily is very shady here before choosing a side. The waiting area of the blue side is better visible, so that the red side is emptier in the morning. After you have been directed to your seat you can start your journey in the quite comfortable KumbaK trains.

What follows is a wooden roller coaster as it should be and that twice next to each other. The track is long, the speed is high and the racing aspect is very successful. The red side is crawling around a bit before the helix with the encounter of the other train, which happens on the blue side only afterwards, but there with a much higher speed. The numerous gradients are a dream made of wood and the Out of Contol feeling is high. The one or other curve might be a little less brute, but this aspect doesn’t make the track worse than it is. Despite the often and completely trivial criticism of the KumbaK trains, it is damn good.

Silver River Flume

In addition to a carousel, a bumper car and a Break Dance, there are two water attractions in this area. The first ride you will come across is the Silver River Flume log flume offering a very strange course whose highlight is the last drop. The level of wetness is not more than mediocre and the handling is a bit slow, even though there were quite a lot of boats on the way and they tried to fill all the boats properly. Unfortunately also here some things are glued with chewing gum…

Grand Canyon Rapids

The second water attraction in this area is the Grand Canyon Rapids, an Intamin rapids ride with an artificial rock look. Unfortunately, the degree of wetness is only the European standard, i.e. it simply does not exist, which is why the ride was simply not convincing despite all the optics.

Pictures Port Aventura

Conclusion Port Aventura

Port Aventura unfortunately only leaves a picture that can neither make the park look bad nor outstandingly good. The rides themselves are not bad. The biggest point of criticism is that the park was the only dirty one in Spain. Nearly everything is scribbled here, something that shouldn’t be on roller coasters trains. Everything is covered with chewing gum in the most inappropriate places and the litter on the paths and in the queues just shouldn’t be there. Port Aventura also has a big problem with its visitors who often don’t know how to behave or couldn’t follow even the simplest instructions of the staff. Furthermore, Port Aventura is the only park that does not pay attention to the fact that the upper part of the body is covered at all rides and in the park itself, which leads to very unpleasant insights.

 

What is your opinion about the Spanish theme park Port Aventura? Just write it here below the report in the comment field or visit or our social media channels:

 

          

Port Aventura