My son's school is on strike today, so it seemed like a good excuse for a trip to Pleasurewood Hills!
The park was fairly busy with a few school trips in attendance.
On the whole, we really enjoyed our day, with just a couple of minor issues.
The Ride Status page on the Pleasurewood Hills website listed all rides as being open all day, apart from Hyperdrive, which is still in the same condition as the last photograph we saw (i.e. framework still in place, roof and cars removed).
However, we were disappointed to find that the Miniature Railway was closed all day.
Other than that, everything seemed to be operating well; all seats on the chairlift were being filled, Woody's Cub House was open (although still damp smelling) and the Pirate Ship was still swinging well!
HB Leisure have opened up their operations at the park. One large hook a duck stand has opened next to the Carousel and a Basketball game has been set up in the main entrance area. It would be an exaggeration to say that they have transformed those areas, but the combination of stalls and music has livened things up a bit.
The former high dive area has fallen further into disrepair. They urgently need to dismantle and remove it all, as it is a real eyesore.
I decided to reserve judgement on the new look Woody Bear until my 5 year old met him. I am pleased to say that he was really excited to run up and meet Woody and enjoyed posing for pictures. He's usually quite wary of large mascot characters, so it's a definite thumbs up from our family!
Giddy Up and Safari are looking really good now. Part of the theming for Giddy Up has been built around a tree, which seemed like a slightly odd thing to do, but it all looks bright, colorful and fun.
The Parrot Show building and Gift Shop exteriors look really smart.
The Sealion Show was a real hit. Entertaining, informative and fun in equal measure. It was such a hot day today though, so a canopy over part of the seating might be an idea for the future.
90% of the staff we met were enthusiastic and friendly. The drink and ice cream stands were suitably staffed and customers were processed quickly. Admissions were also quick and efficient. We took a picnic today, so can't comment on hot food.
The Circus tent was in the process of being set up. Nothing much to photograph yet, but it will probably be fully built this weekend.
Although the lake is no longer home to pedalos etc, I did think that it looked more picturesque this season, than in recent years.
Fingers crossed a few of the gaps around the park can be filled in the coming years!
The Safari ride looks like a really good retheme. I used to love Canal Boat Ride, more so than Aladdin's Cave, because sometimes you just can't beat an outdoor ride with model animals.