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PortAventura: General Discussion

I went to PA in August 2023 and am returning in August this year. Some observations-

Park wasn't too busy despite it being August. I did the waterpark on Tuesday and PA on Wednesday with my daughter then went back on the Thursday on my own to do the big rides.

I mainly used fast track and single rider queues but the couple of times I did the regular queue I saw loads of queue jumping.

Furius Baco was nowhere near as awful as I was expecting it to be! I was front row right hand side outer and loved it.
Dragon Khan on the other hand was very rough. The first time I was sat front row left side and the restraint was very loose so I got really shook around and banged my head. I tried to pull the restraint down more but it wouldn't click into the last notch. I didn't really want to go back on but I had front row fast track so thought I'd give it a second chance and hope it was just an issue with the restraint, this time it was tighter which made it somewhat more comfortable but still pretty rough.

Stampida was painful and not enjoyable at all. Going to wait to see what people say about the new track before deciding whether to do that again.

Shambhala was a dream ❤️ managed 4 rides but none at the back. Is there a way you can wait to ride the back seats or is it just luck of the draw?

Red Force was great, got to see a rollback too. So glad they're changing the SRQ, in 2023 it was barely moving, fortunately the lovely French family I was stood next to in the regular queue took pity on me and let me hop over the barrier and back into the normal queue as they were moving way faster than us, rendering the SRQ totally pointless.

Doesn't seem to be an option for front row on fast tracks anymore, not sure if that changed last year but it's a shame

Overall great park though, good theming, lots of characters and entertainers walking around. My daughter who was 11 but scared of heights found loads of rides to go on. Her favourite was Angkor which opened in the afternoon and we pretty much walked onto 3 times in a row, good for cooling off in the sun! So is the front seat on the log flume, was like getting thrown in a swimming pool 😂
 
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I feel like I was totally blind to single rider queues when I went. I didn't see a single one, but I guess I wasn't really looking for them.
 
PA have announced that Fiestaventura has received an overhaul for the 30th this season. The primary change seems to be the addition of drones.

I’m intrigued to see this, but I can’t help but feel that the original Fiestaventura has lost its way somewhat over the years. The addition of random bits of tech over the years hasn’t always helped the integrity of the show. Let’s hope this refresh doesn’t just add “more stuff” and actually re-evaluates the show as a whole to tighten it up. If that happens, with the drones acting as an integral addition, it could once again be an impressive spectacle.
 
venny said:
PA have announced that Fiestaventura has received an overhaul for the 30th this season. The primary change seems to be the addition of drones.

I’m intrigued to see this, but I can’t help but feel that the original Fiestaventura has lost its way somewhat over the years. The addition of random bits of tech over the years hasn’t always helped the integrity of the show. Let’s hope this refresh doesn’t just add “more stuff” and actually re-evaluates the show as a whole to tighten it up. If that happens, with the drones acting as an integral addition, it could once again be an impressive spectacle.
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The whole show got refurbished last year with the return of the original score, modernised projections and a few new floats.
 
Bowser said:
The park have introduced what they are calling “mixed reality “ (ie AR) on El Diablo:


From: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ny6lpXSq9S4&t=4s&pp=2AEEkAIB
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Are there any further details? Is this an upcharge? It'll certainly make the ride more enjoyable, considering it's essentially mostly three lift hills and not much else.

Edit: Never mind, I've found the press release.
PortAventura World presents 'El Diablo Neo', the world's first mixed reality roller coaster

May 27, 2025
This launch marks the inauguration of 'PortAventura Neo', an innovative concept that combines narrative, adrenaline, and technology.
In addition, 'Hysteria in Boothill' is renewed with a more immersive and technological version

. PortAventura World reaffirms its leadership in innovation with the official launch of 'El Diablo Neo', the world's first roller coaster to incorporate mixed reality technology. This pioneering proposal marks a before and after in the entertainment industry, combining the adrenaline of the roller coaster with a digital universe that integrates with the visitor's environment.

'El Diablo Neo' is the first experience of 'PortAventura Neo', a new product category that transforms the way you experience the theme park. This renewed version of the legendary attraction 'El Diablo: Tren de la Mina' maintains its adventurous essence and reinvents it with a story inspired by the mythology of ancient Mexico and a totally transformative sensory experience.

"At the Adventure Labs team, we want to reinvent the future of entertainment. It's not just about adding a virtual layer to one of our most iconic attractions, but about establishing a new line of technological innovation that will transform the way visitors enjoy their adventure with us," says Andreu Tobella Brunet, Digital Director of PortAventura World.

Mixed reality offers a complementary experience to existing attractions. Unlike virtual reality, it doesn't cause motion sickness and is designed to be enjoyed in company. During the tour, visitors wear special glasses that transform the mine into a fantastical world inspired by Mexican mythology, synchronized with every movement of the attraction.

This commitment to innovation is also reflected in the evolution of 'Hysteria in Boothill,' which presents its newest edition this year. This mixed reality experience located in the Far West has been redesigned with a clearer narrative, a progressive story arc, and a visually enhanced ending. It incorporates new types of scares, as well as enhanced physical effects: vibrations, hot air, real vegetation, aromas, and sensory contact that elevate visitor immersion to another level.

For its development, PortAventura World collaborated with Spatial Voyagers, integrating generative artificial intelligence into all phases. Tools such as Midjourney, Move AI, Runway, and ChatGPT have made it possible to create characters, voices, and visual content with a level of detail unprecedented in a theme park.

Both projects, 'El Diablo Neo' and 'Hysteria in Boothill 2.0', consolidate PortAventura World as an international benchmark in the application of technology to entertainment. Coinciding with its 30th anniversary, the resort opens a new creative era where storytelling, sensoriality, and innovation combine to offer unforgettable experiences.
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AR certainly seems more interesting than VR; I think seeing stuff around you could be quite cool!

I do wonder whether it’ll kill the throughput like the VR coaster upgrades of the mid to late 2010s did on their respective rides, though. They’ll surely have to clean the glasses between each use, no?
 
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