12th April 2024, Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight
So this was my first visit back to the chine since October and to say I was excited is understatement! Having followed the developments at the park over the winter break it was fun to see the changes.
From seeing Gore Cliff in the distance i was smiling the whole time on the bus. I got off the bus a stop early to explore the old Adventureland area of the park and to see the latest landslips in the Nurseryland area of the park. You cant not be amazed at the sight but also sad how much of the land has been lost.
I walked to the park from this area and the whole entrance area has been painted and looks really fresh. I'm not going to lie but seeing the giant for the first time this year made me literally almost cry with happiness! The 20mins waiting for the park to open was the longest 20mins i have ever had to wait, i was getting so excited and must have took over 20 pictures of the giant with various different filters and different angles.
10am arrived and the park was open and i was one of the first in! Having my Frequent Visitor Pass meant it was a quick entrance and i was greeted with the view over the chine and the calm sea below!
Now one of my tips is always go to the left when you enter, as most people head to the rides first and this trip was no exception. I had the Dodo Valley to myself. The Dodos have been looked after the winter period with all the interactive buttons working and the birthday cake been updated with 181!
This also gave me a close up look at the area for the new attraction, The Jolly Robin. It was strange seeing Jonah's Whale in a different area and still in pieces, after being moved from the former Cliffhanger area.
I then visited Underwater Kingdom. This is normally one of my main highlights as i love Giuseppe the Crab, but unfortunately the sound wasn't working or his movements. Hopefully in July he will be fixed. The Giant Whale at the exit of the area is still a breath-taking sight and been well looked after over the winter period.
After i stopped at Chocabloc, and treated myself to some mini doughnuts with chocolate sauce. They was absolutely delicious, and had to return for a second helping!
Next was a trip to Rumpus Mansion. This has always been one of my favourite parts of the park, and it seems every year they add and improve different parts of the attraction. Even after 30 years visiting, the jet of air near the miners, still makes me jump!
Next up was one of Blackgang's most famous attractions, Cowboy Town. The whole area looks immaculate and fresh. Everything has been repainted and fixed over the winter period. The sight of Gore Cliff dominating the area still makes me go wow every time i see it! Its still a shame you cant see the famous Indian encampment as its behind the stage area. I still remember when i was younger climbing on the all the horses, running around the hotel and looking my brother in the cells! Now its just brilliant to wonder around taking it all in!
I visited Nurseryland in the afternoon and took a picture with the famous toadstool! I then went to the viewpoint and took in the amazing view of the Back of the Wight all the way to the Needles! It was great to see Humpty Dumpty again and all of the rest of the NurseryLand. I only have to look at a picture of the tree and the music is stuck in my head!
It was a shame Extinction was closed on the day i visited, but i still had several drops on Evolution and got absolutely soaked on Water Force!
Another important part to any visit to Blackgang is Restricted Area 5. I love the dinosaurs and every single one was working properly! For the first time in a few years the stegosaurus was making moving and making noises again! The T-Rex was still a sight that can bring terror to everyone! The theming in this part of the park is amazing and is something the park should be really proud of!
Blackgang is still one of the best days out i have in the entire year and never fails to make me happy, and this trip was no exception. The park was heaving but still had a great time and saw everything. I can't wait to ride the Jolly Robin in July and see the park in the summer sun!
PS: My only negative, NO PAPER MAPS for my collection that started in 1994!
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