After a year away, Winter Wonderland is back and we took a trip down on its first day for the first time ever! While there was plenty of sight seeing involved, the main reason was the rides and perhaps some beers. As a northener in the deep south, I went in not expecting such a large scale and well put together event so lets look back at our experience.
The Roller Coasters
Don't boo me, but we only did the roller coasters when at the event, primarily because riding 9 coasters there is hella expensive already! As much as other rides such as Hangover and Airborne look incredible and so much fun, they were cut to the way side for shameless cred hunting. So while we did the less intense coasters and will hopefully never do them again, there is what I would consider a main 5 coasters. Lets start at the worst:
5. Euro Coaster
It just wasn't our thing I guess, it is not intense or forceful and there is nothing to it really. At least it wasn't rough I suppose!
4. Heidi Coaster
Well this is probably the funniest spinning coaster I've ever done, that on board audio had us in stitches. We were definitely crazy riders 🙌.
3. Ice Mountain
Well out of 2 indoor coasters, this is by far the best one of them (Sorry but Walking Dead was awful!). We had some quite intense moments and it definitely took me by surprise plus the staff were great on the station too.
2. Wilde Maus XXL
Ever heard of trims? This ride certainly hasn't! Probably the best wild mouse I have been on and was so intense. Getting bashed around with high amounts of lateral g-force as well some great pops of air times. Plus the queue line was great with a fun house (I always love a fun house).
1. Munich Looping
Well, this was incredible. Night ride, front row, largest travelling ride in the world. Not a half bad experience and a good way to end our 2021 season. This ride was smooth as butter and packed a solid punch. Also I did not realise it was known as Olympia Looping due to the Olympic rings as the loops.
Bavarian Village
We had the time of our lives back in the Oktoberfest part of the season so we would not miss the opportunity to take in some more of that atmosphere. A bratwurst and a stein is always the go to for us and not a disappointing showing at all. We unfortunately missed the entertainment but having seen the footage it looks like an absolute hoot. The village was lovely and the Christmassy vibes were so fun to be around- bear in mind this was my first time hearing Christmas songs this year and that was something I did not prepare for.
Admittedly, this German set up isn't just an Oktoberfest vibe but the comparison is obvious to make, the music, the food and the designs of the buildings all invoke that fond memory to me. The food was quite nice and the beer was ok, trying different beers means you unfortunately try some stinkers!
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Money, Money and More Money $$$
I feel like it wouldn't be right to talk about the event without discussing the prices involved, now this is not a whole complaint as we knew what we were going to and that it was not a cheap day out so with that in mind we had a great time!
Now the food was not ridiculously priced but paying over £6 for pints is steep in my Northern mindset at least- I'm still used to paying under £4 for one. But the rides were the real pricy point as it cost over 50 quid to just ride the coasters and while some were reasonably priced, the majority were not. I don't see why there isn't a wristband for unlimited rides for £35-45 as this would save people money who want to get on a load of rides and will make doing so more affordable. Don't get me wrong I understand that its not cheap to set up these rides and they are just trying to make a profit.
When all is said and done, we had a fantastic time rounding off our season in London. This event is a whole lot of fun and along with sight seeing on either side, it was an incredible day in general. No idea when we will next be back but hopefully not too many years later! With this we are now in the closed season and hopefully this blog will keep you busy and drive conversation until we finally can get back into parks.
Obligatory Munich Looping photo |
As always, thanks for reading and let me know your thoughts on Winter Wonderland!
See you in the next post and take care!
Tom ✌
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