Photo: Jo Pools collection. View full-sized image.
Saturday, May 2, was once again time for the annual Springfest meetup, this year at Walibi Holland (Biddinghuizen, Flevoland, Netherlands). The group was smaller than usual, which meant that the planned ERT sessions couldn’t happen, but, as is often the case with ACE outings, that didn’t dampen the fun one bit. In fact, it turned into a surprisingly relaxed day, in which the sun, atmosphere and friendships made for a good time.
There was a short rain shower in the morning before the gates opened, but the group just stood under a roof. Despite the rain, the day already felt good at the entrance. Because of the scheduled Walibi Play event, during which games like Minecraft and Roblox could be played in the park and various Dutch YouTubers were present, a small crowd had gathered in front of the gates. Fortunately, right before the gates opened, the last few raindrops disappeared.
The gathered ACEers split up into two groups to explore the park — one group with Fastpasses and one without. Buying fast lane passes was absolutely worth it and completely changed the rhythm of the day. Although the park wasn’t that crowded, the “no waiting” everywhere came in handy — no “should we or shouldn’t we,” no time pressure. At times, it felt as if the Fastpass group had its own ERT, just spread throughout the day. At Goliath, the park’s Intamin megacoaster, this process turned into a ritual: take a ride, get off, a “one more?” nod and back to the station. At some point the operator didn’t even look surprised to see the group again.
Speed of Sound.
Photo: Patrick Kaak. View full-sized image.
The day began with a logical loop around the park. First the Vekoma launch coaster, Xpress: Platform 13, and right after that the Vekoma boomerang, Speed of Sound. That meant a good chunk of the “Vekoma vintage” was checked off early on. And to be honest, it’s no secret that these coasters have been around for a while. Xpress rattles in places, and Speed of Sound had some janky transitions, especially on its return trip.
Condor.
Photo: Birgit Schuette. View full-sized image.
Some brave souls who tackled the Vekoma suspended looping coaster, Condor, came back with faces that expressed a combination of regret, headache and a quiet conviction that this activity wouldn’t be repeated anytime soon.
As attendees continued their journey through the park, what stood out was the positive atmosphere in the park. Despite the staffing challenges Walibi Holland has faced, the employees were clearly doing their best. Dispatches were quick, operators were friendly and the overall vibe was just pleasant.
The only real downside was when trying to grab a bite. Many food outlets were closed, which made the ones that were open extra crowded. The choice for lunch was the Cock-a-Doodle-Doo for fries and chicken nuggets, accompanied by some good conversations and a surprise late visit from even more ACEers.
Attendees managed to ride all the major rides in the morning, and with the sun out, at least one water ride was a must to take a short break from all the coastering. However, after a fairly dry ride on the El Rio Grande rapid river, it was back to coasters again. With so many rides and re-rides the day almost became a blur.
Among other popular rides was the Space Shot freefall tower. It was different because it didn't go up slowly but went up very quickly! Also enjoyable was the view from La Grande Roue, the giant Ferris wheel.
Untamed.
Photo: Birgit Schuette. View full-sized image.
One ride in the afternoon became the absolute highlight of the day for one of the authors (Kaak). It happened on his favorite coaster in the park: Untamed (Rocky Mountain Construction). Because the group split resulted in an odd number of people, the empty seat was almost always filled up by someone standing in the single rider line. During one of the rides, a young boy sat down in the seat next to Kaak, clearly nervous. His father was already waiting at the exit gate of the station and gave him a thumbs up with a face that clearly said, “Definitely not for me, but you go buddy!” As the restraints locked and the lift hill climb began, the boy whispered, “I’m a little nervous.”
After an awesome ride and return back, Kaak asked, “So, what did you think of it?” The reply: “Oooh, that was awesome, but I do have a bit of a tickle in my stomach.” Kaak asked, “Because it was awesome, want to go again?” A resounding “Yes!” followed.
It was a reminder for many of their first coaster experiences, when they climbed into a coaster excited but full of nerves. Perhaps on Untamed a future coaster enthusiast had made his first steps.
With the park now closing, attendees spontaneously decided not to head home right away but to grab dinner together at Hans & Grietje in Zeewolde. It was a perfect spot to wind down, enjoy some excellent pancakes and look back at an awesome day — a day that was exactly the kind of outing that reinforces the well-known motto: “Come for the coasters, stay for the friendships.” Yes, everyone came for the rides, for Goliath, for Lost Gravity and for Untamed, but in the end, it was the conversations, the jokes, the spontaneous choices, the small moments and the people that made the day what it was. Another fantastic Springfest edition.
— Patrick Kaak and Birgit Schuette
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