Why on earth Chant's spent over a million dollars on a up to date matterhorn. That is like buying a new octopus, they are classics but have had their day on Capitals. Yes it was alot smoother to ride but I'm sure they all are when their new. Alot of people I spoke to at the show had the opinion its just a Matterhorn and to be honest they are right.
I was quiet annoyed to see a few rides at the Ekka this year that have really over staying their welcome on the ground. These should be moved on for better or more sort after rides: Cliffhanger, Gravatron, Claw (was broken down a few times during the show), and that ugly rocket simulator kids ride Voyeger or whatever it is called, they are getting on and look like crap on a Capital. Power Surge, well its just a crap ride with a boring action. I'd also like to see the SlingShot and Insanity off the Ground at Brisbane. If we want to SlingShot we can go to the Gold Coast and Insanity is just to ugly cosmetically to be on a Capital. Also both rides are expensive to ride and giving the show a worse name for not being value for money.
There was no need to have the Hangover and a Kamakazie there but when your paying frontage these are good rides because they are long and narrow. I guess it was better than more sideshow games.
Space Roller did pretty poorly this year after 2 great years. I only ever seen 2 arms full except show day. Disappointing because I think it is a great ride but it does seem that most these rides have a 2year popularity lifespan. March's Skywalker I dont think did real well either.
The Flume was set up facing the wrong way as you couldnt get a good veiw from the ground. It should have been facing up the hill not down. I would have put it where the Crazy Coaster was, it would have looked awesome from the street level.
Speed's lights have been replaced with led's which has changed the look of the colours on the light caps and now looks differnt to their new ride XXXL's lights.
Cetek's new Magic Circus (Funhouse) looks amazing and puts Circus Circus to shame. Magic Circus should have been given Circus Circus's ground in the main area instead of being stuck down St Pauls terrace side. Good to see Emile has put the money he made from selling the Ali Baba to good use althought I do miss it at the Ekka.
On the sideshow games point of veiw how many Race Games, Laughing Clowns, Basketball games do we need. A couple of each but not the saturation we had. Could have made room for some more rides as I know there are a few good rides that would like to be have ground there like Trindalls Cyber Party.
Also it was ashame to see a family favorite in the Sizzler not there. I think that is the first time in my 28yrs of going to the Ekka that there has been no Sizzler/Cha Cha or alike
Anyway enough of a rant from me. We will see what next year will bring with all the changes at the RNA Grounds.
RIP Dirkin's Brisbane Chairlift 1971-2009
