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Gardaland

First ever trip to Gardaland for me yesterday. It’s not a bad place! My headline opinion is that Blue Tornado is one of the worst roller coasters I’ve ever been on. My ears took such a battering, I couldn’t enjoy anything about the ride. I liked Raptor (single rider queue here was extremely profitable) and Oblivion (hilarious to see elements of AT Oblivion theming being used, but I was shocked at how it’s not that old of a ride yet it already looks a bit tired). Shaman was a bit sore on my spine but for an older ride was decent enough.

Jumanji was OK, I think I was taking in slightly Florida-esque expectations which this doesn’t quite reach, but its perfectly fun and a nice ride system with some good moments (generally the large animatromics). The pre-show hologram didn’t look great to me, would’ve been better ironically as a screen. Also, what’s with the weird lookalike video clips of characters from the movie? If they didn’t have legal permission or the cash for the Hollywood actors that’s fine, but then use a cartoon or something, felt very ripped-off even though it’s an expensive ride. Agree with previous comments about blank walls and bare sections which could just do with some fake foliage or better lighting or something.

Didn’t bother with the new drop ride since it had a long queue and looked pretty boring but the theming looked really good. I thought Mammut needed a new coat of white paint, the snow effects are not greatly convincing currently. I love how unexpectedly lengthy that ride was though.

As with all Merlin parks, I wish they’d do more single rider queues, and I felt the food offering whilst better than the UK was still a bit below other European parks. I’m glad that I hit the park up though, definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
 
At Gardaland next week when the Euros final is on. Is anyone aware of anywhere on park that will be showing the game ? Either a permanent set up like Europa’s arena of football or temporary like Thorpe’s euro lawn

Is not then it’ll be back to the hotel room!
 
D4n said:
At Gardaland next week when the Euros final is on. Is anyone aware of anywhere on park that will be showing the game ? Either a permanent set up like Europa’s arena of football or temporary like Thorpe’s euro lawn

Is not then it’ll be back to the hotel room!
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Your priorities are flawed, sir.
 


Animal Treasure Island has now opened at Gardaland, from a POV perspective it looks like most of the sets have been retained and they’ve made it a budget family-friendly Shanghai Pirates.

Supposedly this is the IP that’s being rolled out in other Resort Theme Parks. Considering Towers and Heide already have existing themed pirate areas, I wouldn’t be surprised if the characters pop up there. Haven’t seen Mr Ghost of the Sea in a while.
 
Hadn't realised this was getting rethemed.

Overall I think this looks like an improvement. Certainly makes the ride more distinct compared to other Pirate rides due to the animal cast. Alas though we have lost one of the creepiest animatronics on any ride:

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RIP whatever you were meant to be!
 
I actually think they've done a really good job on this, especially for Merlin standards. Although I think if the actual quality theming wasn't there in the first place it'd have been horrific. A well done re-theme which I'm sure will prove a hit with families.
 
I’ve just got the woody and buzz together from Toy Story meme stuck in my head with “projectors, projectors everywhere” underneath…

Seems they learnt a new trick with TCAAM and now this. It’s good seeing the progression from Wickerman, GG, TCAAM and now this.
 
I had a few quick questions about Oblivion: The Black Hole built in 2015 (apologies if these have been answered before):-

1) Does anybody know why the drop angle was 87 degrees rather than 90 degrees? Was it simply to stay ‘true’ to the original Oblivion ride at Alton Towers, or was there another reason?

2) People were outraged when “Nemesis Inferno” recycled the “Nemesis” name from Alton Towers, so why did Merlin recycle not only one but two names for “Oblivion: The Black Hole”? Was it simply to annoy enthusiasts? Was it because there was less sentimental attachment to Oblivion and The Black Hole than there was to Nemesis? Was it because the ride is similar enough to the original Oblivion that the name fit? Was it because only a handful of people actually objected to the “Nemesis Inferno” name? Did Merlin not think it was a big issue as the ride was overseas anyway and many Italians may never have heard of the original rides anyway?

(Incidentally: I find it somewhat funny that enthusiasts were outraged at Thorpe Park copying the “Nemesis” and “Valley” names, given that “Corkscrew” was an unoriginal name that had also been copied from elsewhere)

3) This question isn’t specific to Oblivion: The Black Hole, but why did so many of the rides at Gardaland use English names rather than Italian names?
 
Secret Weapon said:
People were outraged when “Nemesis Inferno” recycled the “Nemesis” name from Alton Towers, so why did Merlin recycle not only one but two names for “Oblivion: The Black Hole”? Was it simply to annoy enthusiasts? Was it because there was less sentimental attachment to Oblivion and The Black Hole than there was to Nemesis? Was it because the ride is similar enough to the original Oblivion that the name fit? Was it because only a handful of people actually objected to the “Nemesis Inferno” name? Did Merlin not think it was a big issue as the ride was overseas anyway and many Italians may never have heard of the original rides anyway?
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It's likely few people had heard of those rides in Italy, and therefore it was just Merlin Magic Making having fun with the name. It works well and fits the theme perfectly, while being able to play homage to rides at there other parks, if you like it's a less hidden easter egg. At least that's always been my understanding. I think people were less outraged for this reason, in addition to the fact that its actually using similar theming elements, and not trying to just leach off a well known name in a lazy way.
 
JAperson said:
in addition to the fact that its actually using similar theming elements, and not trying to just leach off a well known name in a lazy way.
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My guess is that Thorpe Park may have tried to use the same 'alien' theming as Alton Towers if possible - but it wouldn't have made sense in this instance, as the Nemesis creature came from underground (not the sky), but the high water table of Thorpe Park would have made digging underground impossible!

Maybe I am giving them too much credit, though, and they simply didn't think that deeply about any of this, and just wanted to use the name.

(Fearless Valley also makes no sense, as it isn't a valley)
 
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