Coaster Stories - My 2022 NordTrip

Why do we ride coasters? Is it for the thrills? For the escapism? For forgetting our worries? This is a question which I often ask myself. Time and again, I tell myself that this hobby is too expensive, too unorthodox, too lonely. Yet, time after time, I find myself making a booking for yet another coaster trip. With an injured knee, skyrocketing everything prices and a war going on nearby, I somehow got myself to visit the Theme Parks of Germany, Denmark and Sweden in September 2022.

Top 10 Roller Coasters of my Germany-Netherlands Coaster Trip

In Oct-Nov 2021, I took the first European coaster trip. In this trip, I experienced a total of 46 new roller coasters over 6 theme parks over a period of 12 days (not every day was riding coasters, duh!). Of course, due to a certain global event that shall not be named, I only travelled to Netherlands and Germany. Additionally, some parks were already closed for autumn when I was there. Nonetheless, this trip marks several key milestones for my coaster journey:

• Riding my 100th roller coaster (Silver Star)
• 20 rides on roller coasters in 1 day (previous record: 11)
• First time riding a major roller coaster 2 times in a row without leaving the platform (Silver Star)
• First time staying in a Hotel within a Theme Park (Hotel Charles Lindberg)
• First time being the last rider of the day (F.L.Y.)
• First time finishing a major theme park within 4 hours (with 8 coasters, btw)

Hirakata Park - The Oldest Theme Park in Japan

Japanese theme parks can be divided into 2 types: the large, big brand parks like Disney or Fuji Q, and the small, classic parks. These classic parks usually play host to old rides that cannot be found at the big chains. As the oldest amusement park in Japan (opened in 1910), Hirakata Park falls in the latter category. It plays host to a decent collection of family rides, festive events and a respectable 5 roller coasters. Hirakata Park is also located at the side of a small hill, so this park will be a treat to your eyes and a pain for your legs.

Nagashima Spa Land - Have I found roller coaster heaven?

Most theme parks have less than 5 roller coasters. In fact, before this day, there was only 1 other theme park I visited which has more than 5 roller coasters. What if we had not 5, not 10, but 12 roller coasters. This is Nagashima Spa Land in Kuwana, Japan - the park with the largest number of roller coasters in Asia. So the question is: Have I found roller coaster heaven?

Jinjiang Action Park: the RCT3 theme park!

Jinjiang Action Park 锦江乐园 is a AAAA attraction located in Shanghai, China. It features a world class roller coaster, a huge observation wheel and several other attractions. But for me, this theme park has the distinction of being very similar to a theme park designed in Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, from the rides and ticketing system to the stalls and decorations.

Happy Valley Shanghai: Best roller coaster collection in China!

Happy Valley Shanghai has an impressive lineup of roller coasters. Although  7 does not sound too impressive, at least 3 of the roller coasters are the best in the industry. Of course, Happy Valley Shanghai also has some decent family and flat rides,but I think most visitors are drawn to the roller coasters.

Shanghai Disneyland on a nearly SOLD OUT day!

Shanghai Disneyland is Disney's newest theme park, located in the most populous country in the world - China. As such, expect the theme park to be crowded on most days. However, what happens at Shanghai Disneyland on the first week of China's school holidays? I had the "privilege" of experiencing it for myself.

Lihpao Land - Home to the Craziest Coaster on Earth

When people think of Lihpao Land, one think comes into mind: the insane looking roller coaster called Gravity Max (地心探救). However, Lihpao Land is so much more than that. In fact, I dare say it is one of the best kids oriented theme parks I have visited. Of course, let us not forget the Taiwanese hospitality, clean park and...a rarity in theme parks..."normal" priced food!

Ocean Park Hong Kong Trip Report

The last time I visited Ocean Park Hong Kong was in 2010. At that time, a lot of things were under construction and I found the park somewhat lacking. When I came back in December 2015, the park was totally transformed! The landscaping had improved, there were more rides and even toilets could finally come close to USS standards. Honestly, I was not expecting such a dramatic transformation, and I was impressed by what the team at Ocean Park Hong Kong has done.

Hong Kong Disneyland Trip Report

Hong Kong Disneyland may be smaller than all other Disneyland parks, but it still one of the top 10 most popular theme parks in Asia. In fact, having visited multiple theme parks, some focusing on big roller coasters, others on marine life, I personally still think that Hong Kong Disneyland offers the best theme park experience. In this blog post, I will give you a little glimpse of this beautiful park and explain to you why I think Disney continues to dominate the theme park industry.

Happy Valley Shenzhen: China's own Fuji-Q?

Among China's big theme park brands, Happy Valley is most synonymous with big roller coasters. In fact, some of the leading Happy Valley parks have 7 or more roller coasters, and the variety is also quite impressive. As a mid-sized Happy Valley theme park, Happy Valley Shenzhen (深圳欢乐谷) nonetheless delivers a commendable roller coaster lineup and a variety of other attractions.

Happy Valley Shenzhen's entrance is marked by a small shopping and dining street that is home to popular brands like KFC, Pizza Hut and Starbucks.

Knights Valley Shenzhen: Best View at any Theme Park

When most people think of theme parks, they think roller coasters, 3D shows and maybe the food. However, Knights Valley (大峡谷) at OCT East Resort (东部华侨城) in Shenzhen, China is much more than that. It has, by far, the most impressive views I have ever experienced at any theme park; the designers of Knights Valley really did an excellent job in showcasing the majesty of the natural landscape.

This is the view of the Hotels from Knights Valley Shenzhen!

Chimelong Paradise: The Complete Experience

I will talk about my experience at Chimelong Paradise, a theme park in Guangzhou, China. I know many people think that roller coasters in China are rough, dangerous contraptions that are on the verge of collapse. The reality is much different. Chimelong Paradise, for instance, is a well rounded theme park with a good selection of world class Roller Coasters, an excellent kids area and some interesting flat and movie-based rides.

Chimelong Paradise is part of my 2015 Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong trip. I will continue to upload the other theme parks and attractions over the next few days.

Riding Battlestar Galactica: CYLON for the very first time!

Brothers and sisters, let me begin by saying that I have never taken any upside down ride before. So, this post can be quite useful for those of you taking upside down roller coasters for the first time. For the rest of you, I will cover in detail the experience of Battlestar Galactica: Cylon, possibly the most intense ride at USS (some people, including at least one RWS staff tell me Human is scarier).

6 Funny and Strange Moments Witnessed on Roller Coasters

Roller Coasters are a form of entertainment, alongside movies, music... However, the behavior of some people on roller coasters can be just as amusing as the rides themselves. In this blog post, I shall cover some of the strangest, wackiest and funniest moments I personally witnessed on Roller Coasters. Yes! All the incidents mentioned here are real!

Priceless facial expressions are just one of many funny things people do on Roller Coasters!

Battlestar Galactica is BACK with a Vengeance!

After completing 1 year and 10 months of National Service (ahem ahem), Battlestar Galactica is finally back on May 27 2015. The new version features 2 abreast seats which offers a greater sense of freedom and operates 2 trains per side. In the meantime, we can only hope that the other roller coasters in USS  (as well as our MRT lines) are exempted from National Breakdown Service.

Top 10 Not-So-Scary Roller Coasters in the World 2015!

When it comes to top Roller Coasters, most people think of huge, towering rides like Fujiyama and Fury 325. However, nearly 2000 out of 3000 roller coasters worldwide, including some of the best, are actually the less scary junior/family coasters. These rides come in all shapes and sizes, from wild mouse through motorbikes and even spinning coasters. These family roller coasters can entertain almost any age group, and are the true backbone of the roller coaster world!

All video POVs shown in this article belong to the respective parks, Theme Park Review or Coaster Force. This list is compiled in May 2015 so newer coasters will not be included!

Sunway Lagoon Malaysia Trip Report

Sunway Lagoon is not a big name park like Disney or Universal, but it is among the top 10 most visited water parks in Asia. It is currently home to one of the world's largest wave pools and the world's largest funnel type water slide. Although this park also has substantial theme park and wildlife park facilities, most people will associate Sunway Lagoon as a water park.

Update: Experience Nickelodeon's Lost Lagoon, Sunway Lagoon's new themed land in 2016

I visited Sunway Lagoon with my father (who took this photo), sister and 2 of her friends

My experience at South Korea's Everland

Hello, readers of 'Second Drop'. As someone who has recently been to South Korea's Everland, I have been asked to share my experience (as a guest publisher) with the readers of this blog. 

To briefly introduce the Everland Resort, to those who may not have heard of it, Everland is South Korea's largest theme park that was opened in 1976, and it is located in Yongin, a city in Gyeonggi-do province. In addition to its main attractions and rides, there is also a zoo and water park named Caribbean Bay; it is definitely a 3-in-1 experience should you ever visit it.