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Phantasialand: General Discussion
- Thread starter Sam
- Start date
CSLKenny
TS Member
In F.L.Y. news another launch has been erected at the start of the layout (the upwards curving one in the post above is mid way through the layout) confirming this to be multi launch/double launch coaster.
In other news:
It has been strongly rumoured since July that the park has a large demolition project planned for upcoming main off-season (January - April 2019). It was believed to be Geister Rikscha as been rumoured/speculated for a while - a large influencing factor in that assumption has always been that the park have their successful dinner show Fantissima in the Temple of the Nighthawk and Hollywood Tour building and until it moves elsewhere those rides can't be demolished.
However rather unexpectedly a few weeks back construction work started along the front of the Fantissima theatre.
Since the show began in 2004 guests have entered through a large access gate in between the Wuze Town and Temple buildings. But now the park have built a new prominent street side entrance and a passageway into the theatre separated from the park.
The interior of the passageway is said to be very nicely styled as well. Not seen any pictures of it yet. The passageway goes down a newly constructed ramp.
The exterior of this passageway as seen from inside the park though is a bit odd... The patchwork of two wooden fences infront of the metal wall of passageway interior is interesting. The door seen is for staff access.
This surprise investment in a new prominent entrance, ramp and passageway would seemingly suggest Fantissima will be staying where it is.
The passageway (or in particular the rather temporary looking fencing attached to it) separating show guests from the space in front of the entrances of Hollywood Tour and Temple of the Nighthawk has prompted a lot of speculation. And fear from Nighthawk fans.
Maybe they will just rip out the rides and reuse the existing hall structure?
Or do as they did with Silbermine in 2014 and tear down most of the building but just leave one section standing for use as a workshop or in this case the theatre.
So perhaps we could be getting rid of Temple of the Nighthawk and Hollywood Tour earlier than expected.
Personally I wouldn't bet on it just yet, Geister could very easily still be next for replacement, and this is just an enhancement for show guests and preparing for Temple's removal in 3/4 years time. But it is promising. Just need to wait and see.
In other news:
It has been strongly rumoured since July that the park has a large demolition project planned for upcoming main off-season (January - April 2019). It was believed to be Geister Rikscha as been rumoured/speculated for a while - a large influencing factor in that assumption has always been that the park have their successful dinner show Fantissima in the Temple of the Nighthawk and Hollywood Tour building and until it moves elsewhere those rides can't be demolished.
However rather unexpectedly a few weeks back construction work started along the front of the Fantissima theatre.
Since the show began in 2004 guests have entered through a large access gate in between the Wuze Town and Temple buildings. But now the park have built a new prominent street side entrance and a passageway into the theatre separated from the park.
The interior of the passageway is said to be very nicely styled as well. Not seen any pictures of it yet. The passageway goes down a newly constructed ramp.
The exterior of this passageway as seen from inside the park though is a bit odd... The patchwork of two wooden fences infront of the metal wall of passageway interior is interesting. The door seen is for staff access.
This surprise investment in a new prominent entrance, ramp and passageway would seemingly suggest Fantissima will be staying where it is.
The passageway (or in particular the rather temporary looking fencing attached to it) separating show guests from the space in front of the entrances of Hollywood Tour and Temple of the Nighthawk has prompted a lot of speculation. And fear from Nighthawk fans.
Maybe they will just rip out the rides and reuse the existing hall structure?
Or do as they did with Silbermine in 2014 and tear down most of the building but just leave one section standing for use as a workshop or in this case the theatre.
So perhaps we could be getting rid of Temple of the Nighthawk and Hollywood Tour earlier than expected.
Personally I wouldn't bet on it just yet, Geister could very easily still be next for replacement, and this is just an enhancement for show guests and preparing for Temple's removal in 3/4 years time. But it is promising. Just need to wait and see.
Rob
TS Team
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
It has fans!?
Very interesting though. For me this is by far the weakest area of the park, so I would like to see major investment including the removal and replacement of both rides and their show building.
Benzin
TS Member
If they could get rid of the stuff in that building whilst updating Wuze Town (it does look tired, and the Winja's queue needs re-routing to make up for the changes, as well as air con) then that would be another string to the bow...
Based on what FLY is looking like at the moment they could literally do anything with a building the size of Nighthawk/Hollywood...
Based on what FLY is looking like at the moment they could literally do anything with a building the size of Nighthawk/Hollywood...
DiogoJ42
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- The Metropolitan Line
While it won't be a great loss in my life, I don't seem to have the hatred for Nighthawk and Hollywood that some people do. They may not be the most exciting rides out there, but I've been on far more offensive coasters that I would rather see demolished first.
Having said that, we all know that whatever replaces these rides will be epic. That's a no-brainer with Phannyland.
Will there be a single shred of the "old" park left once these and Geister are gone?
Having said that, we all know that whatever replaces these rides will be epic. That's a no-brainer with Phannyland.
Will there be a single shred of the "old" park left once these and Geister are gone?
Tim
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Air / Blue Fire
Diogo sums up my view on both rides too. I even thought Hollywood tour was quite interesting (having not been on the Great Movie Ride at that time).
However like Piraten at Europa it would be a shame to lose them but they could deffientley do a lot better with a fresh start.
However like Piraten at Europa it would be a shame to lose them but they could deffientley do a lot better with a fresh start.
RicketyCricket
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Taron
Hollywood Tour is amazing.
TOTNH is essentially a monorail in the dark.
Whatever eventually does replace them won't be on the scale of FLY/Taron due to the proximity to Das Röpers. Although I'd trust Phantasialand to build possibly the best indoor coaster in the world tbf
TOTNH is essentially a monorail in the dark.
Whatever eventually does replace them won't be on the scale of FLY/Taron due to the proximity to Das Röpers. Although I'd trust Phantasialand to build possibly the best indoor coaster in the world tbf
Matt Creek
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
Definitely an interesting and unexpected move from the park on this one.
It could definitely just be a minor update/improvement for the Park and show. However, what if it is actually a rerouted/temporary entrance whilst the building is changed/demolished?
I’m no expert in construction, but I have always wondered if it is possible to to not only keep part of the current/original building, but to also add a newer/bigger area adjacent to what remains of the current hall.
What if the park kept Fantassima where it is, and only demolished/ changed part of the building. Apparently the Hollywood Tour is very popular with families and who’s to say the ride system will be kept but be rethemed and updated?
I must be in the minority that will be sad to see Geister Riksha demolished. Sure it isn’t the best dark ride out there and looks dated in places, but I just think it has lots of charm and character.
I would rather see it extensively updated and kept as the park’s heritage attraction (like ET is at Universal). I’m sure however what replaces will probably be impressive. I just hope it’s a dark ride.
It could definitely just be a minor update/improvement for the Park and show. However, what if it is actually a rerouted/temporary entrance whilst the building is changed/demolished?
I’m no expert in construction, but I have always wondered if it is possible to to not only keep part of the current/original building, but to also add a newer/bigger area adjacent to what remains of the current hall.
What if the park kept Fantassima where it is, and only demolished/ changed part of the building. Apparently the Hollywood Tour is very popular with families and who’s to say the ride system will be kept but be rethemed and updated?
I must be in the minority that will be sad to see Geister Riksha demolished. Sure it isn’t the best dark ride out there and looks dated in places, but I just think it has lots of charm and character.
I would rather see it extensively updated and kept as the park’s heritage attraction (like ET is at Universal). I’m sure however what replaces will probably be impressive. I just hope it’s a dark ride.
CSLKenny
TS Member
As time goes on and they still don't seem to be having any luck with the local politicians the regarding their continued attempts to get expansion land there is no chance whatsoever that Geister or Hollywood Tour will be kept in any shape or form. (why retheme when they could build a new modern/more exciting/marketable ride system?)
On CoasterFriends.de someone noticed that Google Earth had updated their pictures of the park - giving us a look at the site from above 5 months ago.
For comparison an image from before the demolition of Race for Atlantis.
A great amount of progress has been made since those pictures, as this drawing of the layout as it currently is over the picture shows. Green - Station load and unload (underground). Blue - lift. Orange - Launches. Blue - Brake Run (underground).
Meanwhile the theming of the new Wuze facade on the sound barrier wall separating Fantasy from Rookburgh is progressing. Picture from PhantaFriends.de
On CoasterFriends.de someone noticed that Google Earth had updated their pictures of the park - giving us a look at the site from above 5 months ago.
For comparison an image from before the demolition of Race for Atlantis.
A great amount of progress has been made since those pictures, as this drawing of the layout as it currently is over the picture shows. Green - Station load and unload (underground). Blue - lift. Orange - Launches. Blue - Brake Run (underground).
Meanwhile the theming of the new Wuze facade on the sound barrier wall separating Fantasy from Rookburgh is progressing. Picture from PhantaFriends.de
John_P
TS Member
Just been at Phantasialand the past two days. What a theme park!
Loved Chiapas and River Quest, great in this autumn weather.
The utter bizarreness of Hollywood Tour.
Mystery Castle was loads of fun!
But Taron, my word, was worried the constant praise I'd heard could lead to me building expectations too much but that wasn't the case at all. In fact it was even better than I could've imagined and if anything footage I'd previously scene didn't do the ride justice at all. That guttural roar during the second launch is just amazing, hook it to my veins! It's undoubtedly my new number 1 coaster. (Sorry Maverick)
Loved Chiapas and River Quest, great in this autumn weather.
The utter bizarreness of Hollywood Tour.
Mystery Castle was loads of fun!
But Taron, my word, was worried the constant praise I'd heard could lead to me building expectations too much but that wasn't the case at all. In fact it was even better than I could've imagined and if anything footage I'd previously scene didn't do the ride justice at all. That guttural roar during the second launch is just amazing, hook it to my veins! It's undoubtedly my new number 1 coaster. (Sorry Maverick)
PhantaDad2017
TS Member
The strange link between Phantasialand and J.R.R. Tolkien:
Officially, Phantasialand uses no IP from Tolkien's works, although some of their creations may be reminiscent. But a strange coincidence still creates a link:
When Tolkien created his character Gandalf, his inspiration was a postcard image from, either 1920s or 1911, Germany, named "Der Berggeist" (The Mountain Spirit).
http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Der_Berggeist
The area where Phantasialand is located today, is a former, open brown coal mine named "Grube Berggeist", "Mountain Spirit Mine". Today, the main access street to Phantasialand is still named "Berggeiststraße".
So, while their Wuze people may resemble Hobbits, and their Klugheim village looks a bit like the lake-town of Esgaroth, the name of a disused, open mining pit is another link to Tolkien's works.
Officially, Phantasialand uses no IP from Tolkien's works, although some of their creations may be reminiscent. But a strange coincidence still creates a link:
When Tolkien created his character Gandalf, his inspiration was a postcard image from, either 1920s or 1911, Germany, named "Der Berggeist" (The Mountain Spirit).
http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Der_Berggeist
The area where Phantasialand is located today, is a former, open brown coal mine named "Grube Berggeist", "Mountain Spirit Mine". Today, the main access street to Phantasialand is still named "Berggeiststraße".
So, while their Wuze people may resemble Hobbits, and their Klugheim village looks a bit like the lake-town of Esgaroth, the name of a disused, open mining pit is another link to Tolkien's works.
venny
TS Member
Out of interest, does anyone know why the park entrance from Hotel Matamba through the loop of Black Mamba is no longer used? It’s a fantastic feature which seems a shame to lose. Plus there’s the added journey times for Matamba guests now.
I can only guess cost savings, but then they don’t strike me as the type of park who would shut such a unique feature for the sake of paying one staff member a few hours wages.
I can only guess cost savings, but then they don’t strike me as the type of park who would shut such a unique feature for the sake of paying one staff member a few hours wages.
CSLKenny
TS Member
Has it ever been used? I can't remember seeing it ever open.
I'm under the impression the infastructure was put in place for when it is needed in the future, or should rather should it ever become needed.
With the Berlin entrance being a very short walk from Hotel Matamba's front door I presume they don't feel it is necessary to spend extra money staffing another small entrance there.
If the park eventually get the expansion they've long been hoping for the Berlin entrance will disappear and then it will be necessary to open up Matamba's direct access.
Hotel Ling Bao has a direct entrance to the park as its needed more there due to the far greater distance for guests to walk to the Berlin entrance. With the China car park being under private ownership access at the China park entrance is not possible, meaning Berlin would be the only other option. The car park owner does not allow any pedestrian access to his land you can only use the entrance if you've parked there. Phantasialand's attempts to purchase the car parks have proven unsuccessful (after all the guy makes money off it so why sell up?)
I'm under the impression the infastructure was put in place for when it is needed in the future, or should rather should it ever become needed.
With the Berlin entrance being a very short walk from Hotel Matamba's front door I presume they don't feel it is necessary to spend extra money staffing another small entrance there.
If the park eventually get the expansion they've long been hoping for the Berlin entrance will disappear and then it will be necessary to open up Matamba's direct access.
Hotel Ling Bao has a direct entrance to the park as its needed more there due to the far greater distance for guests to walk to the Berlin entrance. With the China car park being under private ownership access at the China park entrance is not possible, meaning Berlin would be the only other option. The car park owner does not allow any pedestrian access to his land you can only use the entrance if you've parked there. Phantasialand's attempts to purchase the car parks have proven unsuccessful (after all the guy makes money off it so why sell up?)
Sauron97
TS Member
Ooh sounds like Phantasialand is right up my street then! But you're right, Tolkien is indeed the father of modern fantasy! Pretty much everything fantasy related nowadays borrows significantly from 'Tolkien's legendarium' so it's of no real surpriseThe strange link between Phantasialand and J.R.R. Tolkien:
Officially, Phantasialand uses no IP from Tolkien's works, although some of their creations may be reminiscent. But a strange coincidence still creates a link:
When Tolkien created his character Gandalf, his inspiration was a postcard image from, either 1920s or 1911, Germany, named "Der Berggeist" (The Mountain Spirit).
http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Der_Berggeist
The area where Phantasialand is located today, is a former, open brown coal mine named "Grube Berggeist", "Mountain Spirit Mine". Today, the main access street to Phantasialand is still named "Berggeiststraße".
So, while their Wuze people may resemble Hobbits, and their Klugheim village looks a bit like the lake-town of Esgaroth, the name of a disused, open mining pit is another link to Tolkien's works.
Although as for Tolkien being inspired of something which has an intrinsic relation to Phantsialand's site, I'd say it's probably more down to coincidence that both the park are Tolkien had a central inspiration of the 'mountain spirit mine' Who'd like to see Phantasialand interpret and make their own area inspired off Angband, the hellish residence of Morgoth? Would make for an incredible dark ride wouldn't it....
Matt Creek
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
The Matamba entrance sounds interesting and never even knew it existed. The Ling Bao entrance is perfectly convenient to enter the park from and makes a lovely first impression for people staying there.
However, with the rumoured redevelopment of the China area likely to start next year,could we see all hotel guests using the Matamba entrance, especially if the Ling Bao one is unusable for part (if not all) of the constitution work. Then again, the park might surprise us and flatten Temple (probably with the Hollywood ride too).
As for the China car park? That’s a strange and interesting one, given the park lease it from a third party? Apparently they tried to buy it not so long ago, but the owner refused and built a miniature railway. I do wonder how much the park would have to offer for a done deal? If ones even possible.
However, with the rumoured redevelopment of the China area likely to start next year,could we see all hotel guests using the Matamba entrance, especially if the Ling Bao one is unusable for part (if not all) of the constitution work. Then again, the park might surprise us and flatten Temple (probably with the Hollywood ride too).
As for the China car park? That’s a strange and interesting one, given the park lease it from a third party? Apparently they tried to buy it not so long ago, but the owner refused and built a miniature railway. I do wonder how much the park would have to offer for a done deal? If ones even possible.