Phantasialand: General Discussion

[Marcus]

I have now booked our family holiday as we didn't want to wait too long and lose out on cheaper flights so regardless of if taron has or hasn't opened.

We will be out there from 24/05 - 27/04 visiting Toverland on day 1 (we wern't going to but I am a big fan of Wodan so would like to ride Troy hopefully by all reports the track is smoother than what some of you had said it had become, and it was recommended if we were travelling to this part of Europe it would be criminal not to go there as we would be practically driving past it), Efteling on day 2, Phantasialand on day 3 and on day 4 explore Cologne in a similar fashion to our 3 day trip to strasbourg which consisted of 2 days of Europa Park and 1 exploring Strasbourg.

All three parks are new to us so it wouldn't be as greater blow if Taron and Raik wern't open when we go as it would maybe to someone who has already been, but still who wouldn't want 2 new coasters open when visiting a park, so fingers crossed.

 

[Danza91]

I have now booked our family holiday as we didn't want to wait too long and lose out on cheaper flights so regardless of if taron has or hasn't opened.

We will be out there from 24/05 - 27/04 visiting Toverland on day 1 (we wern't going to but I am a big fan of Wodan so would like to ride Troy hopefully by all reports the track is smoother than what some of you had said it had become, and it was recommended if we were travelling to this part of Europe it would be criminal not to go there as we would be practically driving past it), Efteling on day 2, Phantasialand on day 3 and on day 4 explore Cologne in a similar fashion to our 3 day trip to strasbourg which consisted of 2 days of Europa Park and 1 exploring Strasbourg.

All three parks are new to us so it wouldn't be as greater blow if Taron and Raik wern't open when we go as it would maybe to someone who has already been, but still who wouldn't want 2 new coasters open when visiting a park, so fingers crossed.

Must say I wouldn't be massively hopeful. Sometime in May seems to be the most rumoured date, however who knows, you might get very lucky.

 

[EuroSatch]

Looks like a boring coaster, as I predicted from the outset. Looks on par with Cheetah Hunt, track & train.

It doesn't look great from the video, but there's always been a real risk that this thing won't actually be all that amazing. If it's a bit too slow it'll be another Cheetah Hunt, albeit a prettier one.

Both posts are pretty much identical in content, tone, opinion and intellect.

So come on, why are you not challenging John's view?

It doesn't look like a mind blowing ride, having seen it in the 'steel' over Christmas, and will likely be similar to Cheetah Hunt I feel. The scenery could be the deal breaker though

 

[AstroDan]

I don't know why people seem to have an issue with people posting that the layout doesn't look as exciting as individuals perhaps been hoped.

If people have been on Cheetah Hunt, then they are perfectly entitled to an opinion, given that this looks similar.

Of course, the POV could be entirely wrong, it could be taken at double the speed and have way more airtime hills - and if that's the case, then great. If it's not the case, then this coaster will be a little bit of a disappointment because when it was announced: Phantasialand + Intamin + multi launch coaster, then immediately the mouth drools, the possibilities of the world's best coaster - Maverick, iSpeed - but themed - it's a mouthwatering prospect. And yes, of course it's only enthusiasts that have raised the expectation on this - not the park. But when we're talking about Phantasialand here, I think we have every right to have high expectations.

I look forward to seeing the finished product. The theming certainly will be exceptional.

 

[CSLKenny]

Phantasialand have released more pictures of the refurbishment/retheming of River Quest.

 

[CSLKenny]

Before images for comparison.

 

[Dar]

I could've sworn that they just finished repainting River Quest last closed season!

 

[CSLKenny]

I could've sworn that they just finished repainting River Quest last closed season!

Yes they did do some work last closed season. I assume that was the first phase before the major overhaul this closed season.

 

[TheMan]

Wow makes a big difference! (not sarcasm).

This park is ridiculous.

 

[DiogoJ42]

Here's hoping they fixed the leaky trough that was causing down time last year.

 

[CSLKenny]

More updates from Tobi's model on Phantafriends.

The building enclosing Raik's lifthills is almost complete. The wood has been darkened.

Next to the new bridge connecting Klugheim to the China area, another new narrower bridge has been built. Don't know what its purpose is yet.

Both bridges lead on to the roof of Raik's station. Also steps going from the roof down into the station have been built. I assume this might be the exit? There are also two large concrete blocks on the roof - no knows their purpose yet.

The roof of the lifthills building is almost done.

 

[TheMan]

Immersion: You're doing it right.

 

[CSLKenny]

The latest from Klugheim.

A new large bit of theming as been erected. This appears to be a medieval crane overlooking the town square/open space of Klugheim.

Another view of the crane. With River Quest's tower in the background.

The confusing bridges area has been even more confusing. With two sets of steps right next to each other.

The bridges are almost finished with railings.
You can also see that on part of the back wall there is no theming suggesting another sets of stairs which would lead to a small bridge over the Raik ditch into the station - most likely the entrance. So why the other two staircases. Is three all next to another needed. Will be interesting to see what is going on here.

 

[Rob]

Tobi's model is quite incredible, how he is doing it to such detail is almost beyond me. Does anyone know if he has any links with the park to be to carry out his work?

Hopefully once the park re-opens in a few weeks time lots of photo updates will resume!

 

[CSLKenny]

Tobi's model is quite incredible, how he is doing it to such detail is almost beyond me. Does anyone know if he has any links with the park to be to carry out his work?

Hopefully once the park re-opens in a few weeks time lots of photo updates will resume!

The model is based on building site reports from 'Purefun' on Phantafriends. He appears to be in the park daily during the closed season (must work there).

 

[TheMan]

Not having many photos DOES build anticipation I have to admit and the impact of seeing it basically finished will be bigger.

 

[CSLKenny]

Not having many photos DOES build anticipation I have to admit and the impact of seeing it basically finished will be bigger.

Someone on the German forum who claimed to be on site said the models while good are no where near as amazing as the real thing. This does make me really look forward to March 19th when the park reopens to see the photographs of the real thing.

However I thought I'd share another update from Tobi on Phantafriends. Phantasialand are really picking up the pace with construction.

Around Taron itself a lot of extra detail has been added.

A large stone archway/gate has been built as seen in the middle of the image. Right next to it a tall footer has received a small wooden roof as decoration.

Directly next to this tall footer a smaller wider footer has received full theming.

This new large theming element is two pulleys with ropes attached which dangle wooden beams over half of the track before the first launch and half over the launch pit.

This bridge over the launch tracks has been given a roof.

The walls around the exit of this tunnel have been covered in wood. The foots have also been themed.

This building's roof has been completely covered with slates.

The wide bridge onto the roof of Raik's station has been finished. Also it appears there are two staircases in the roof going down into the station.

The final brake run has got a platform alongside.

The paths in the basalt canyon were paved.

Another crane has been mounted.

The sound proof walls are also being extended in the direction of River Quest. The wall hadn't been completed to allow cranes and heavy construction machinery into the area to build Raik.

 

[TheMan]

DEAR LORD!

Surely it's not OTT at this point to say this is Disney/Universal standards?! (based on obviously what we're seeing here).

 

[Dar]

I think this stands well enough on its own that it doesn't need to be compared to Disney or Universal.

 

[TheMan]

I think this stands well enough on its own that it doesn't need to be compared to Disney or Universal.

Come on, you know I meant standards. They are the benchmarks seldom achieved by other parks, particularly independent parks of this nature.

I think it's a compliment to say this appears comparable in standards to those in the industry whom set the truly exemplary standard.

And in actual fact, under far more challenging conditions.

They're doing what Towers used to do.