BOOK V REVIEWS
(Part 3)
HOUSE HEIMLICHEN - Kolmården
Making
@PerGron the Project Manager for this park felt like a bit of a cheat code, and it was funny how Tintirrino picked that up and almost took this park just to avoid that advantage. But it so happened that Heimlichen was granted this park and dare I say knocked it out of the park.
While there were some challenges especially toward the end of the round perhaps with fatigue or just general busy schedules, I think this team really did turn this park into a spectacle that would put it among some of the best parks in Europe.
The challenge of this park is that it is first and foremost a zoo, so how much in terms of attractions vs zoo elements would you add onto to. And I like the blend of multiple new coaster additions plus the zoo enhancements as I think that was the best way to handle this project.
I also appreciate an outline of the expansion plan in the beginning of the project as well as a map. While I could see the map better in the group chat, I think it was a bit too small on the google doc for anyone to be able to make out what is said on it.
Starting with the Resort Offerings - Naturens Torn is a wonderful hotel design and does a great job setting the stage for this park to truly be a resort destination for tourists. I also like the Minecraft designs (are these custom?) as they are a nice way of adding some images to otherwise well-described texts of the lobby/rooms, and so on.
Direct access to the new water park transitioning to... Havets Trädgård having this be partially indoor due to the climate was a great choice. While I could have probably used a bit more detail here considering it's a new addition to the resort, I do appreciate the effort of its inclusion.
The new entrance of Europatown to the park is fantastic - with Call of Skogsrå as well which was a nice dark ride as guests enter the park. Now this park as mentioned emphasizes wildlife, and the exhibits did that justice. Starting with Ibex Mountain, this feels like it would be such a beautiful area to walk into. The goat-antelopes sound awesome. Next to Ibex Mountain is Macaque Island and that houses many other wildlife. All the descriptions here and throughout the project with regard to the wildlife area all well-researched and clearly have a labor of love behind them. This extends into the Europa Forest and Water's Edge, both sections have more eclectic wildlife. The only thing here I think would have enhanced it is as a novice to many of these animals, having a visual guide or some pictures throughout the descriptions would have gone a long way. Nonetheless, great job all around.
Next in Bamses World - this is a children's play area themed to the popular Swedish character Bamses - similar to Akuades I really like how you researched and took the culture of this prompt and put it on display. Using things from these areas that locals would appreciate goes a long way in the realism department. Having a petting zoo in the children's area makes a lot of sense. Entering into Greater Asia and Pagoda Valley, I think this was one of my favorite areas in all the park - because of all the rich biodiversity on display. The Serow Enclosure would be quite the experience! I also really like the boats as the anchor attraction of this area as you sail around the eclectic wildlife exhibits. A nice touch.
Now going into the coaster - Fheng Zheng - 250 feet tall hyper flying coaster! Setting records right off the bat. I like how this also takes a bit of that extra budget and props up the queue and surrounding area a bit. Having the tea house and the authentic museum as well as the kite theme as well adds to the lore of this attraction. Making the transition to the flying position on the lift hill would be such a dramatic moment. I like the description of the coaster as well. Feels like a more enhanced Manta at SeaWorld and on the level of The Flying Dinosaur in Universal Studios Japan in terms of intensity.
Transitioning to the Arctic Circle and the surf coaster of Balto: The Sled Dog, I think this was another example of including the coaster in the land's theme very well. This would add 3 world class coasters to what is first and foremost a wildlife park, making this one of the most unique experiences in the world.
Overall I really like the feel of this area as being in the north, this would be an area that would make thematic sense in the colder times of the year. I also like the map of the sled coaster too!
Marine World was a quick stop, not much to say there. But we are now getting into the Tropical Forest...
I love that this is in a greenhouse dome. I think naturally given the climate, that indoor areas are essential and this one allows for a warm climate with thematic sense. That said I do wish that there was more to this section as it was labeled the flagship land but then says details are fuzzy.
Finally with Africa and the re-theme of Wildfire, I think this transition completed the transition of this park to be the European Animal Kingdom (in a good way!) I like how the themes are added around Wildfire making the experience even more immersive. Lastly the seasonal elements were a nice touch that I don't believe any other team tackled so great job there.
Overall, this team again had the most amount of brainstorming pages and is very active bouncing ideas off of one another. Another great entry by Heimlichen!
