So on Wednesday my fiance and her friend decided that we would go to PWH on Saturday and take the kids (20 months and 22 months).  The weather report suggested that it would be a scorching day and my goodness was it!

We arrived at the park at around 10:30am after an elongated stop at Tesco buying stuff for a picnic, who would have thought buying some sausage roles and cherry bakewells would be so time consuming!  Anyway after that we drove up the drive to the car park.  I must agree with whoever it was who said the drive needs to be more welcoming, or themed.  It was neat and tidy but I think it could be really nice.  As we rolled up to the car park there was plenty of room but at the same time there was a fair few cars - I expected it to be busy.  There were no queues at the kiosks and armed with our £5 off vouchers we paid for admission and were given a nice pink wristband to wear.

First thing I noticed was the nice big Woody holding up a welcome sign from the Veteran Cars; nice touch, looks good.  We saw Woody from a distance and headed towards him for a bonus 20 points! Before we could get there he was gone. First port of call was the Jolly Roger.  It looks naff to be honest; great height but the fairground nature of the ride doesn't go at all well with what I believe the park is trying to achieve.  Anyway, we queued for one ride's worth and then it was our turn; I was bricking it.  From the queue I noticed that it decelerates about 20 ft from the bottom, maybe less and I had an overwhelming sense of fear come over me.  We got on (me and my Missus' friend) and we slowly rose to the top; my goodness that's high. You can see for miles around.  At the top we waited. And waited. And waited for what seemed like an eternity.  It was quiet. Suddenly it released thrusting us towards the ground; my heart entered my mouth and then as soon as I had realised we were dropping we had come to a safe stop.  A tear of relief and joy dripped from my eye; pure adrenaline fuelled exhilaration. Best drop tower I have ever been on (out of Detonator and Huraken Kondor).

Next up we ventured towards Timber Falls.  It was closed today due to "essential maintenance" but there were engineers working on the small lift hill.  We took the kids into Fairytale Fantasy; it's too dark in the queue-lane, especially after coming in from bright sunlight but it was a nice ride nonetheless and the kids lived it.  My daughter wanted to go straight back on and cried when we took her out.

After FF I noticed just how dead the park was.  Main street was deserted, like a scene from The Walking Dead.  It's a shame because it was neat and tidy but there was no kiosks open on mainstreet and of course the shop is still closed.  Even looking over towards the pirate ship from the end of main street, one family was walking in the opposite direction.  This was an August Saturday and the hottest day of the year; where was everybody!?

At the end of mainstreet in the middle was a podium with a roof which I think was that haunted house thing at Halloween.  It would be lovely if it was used for a character show with Woody and friends, maybe a nice kids sing along of something.  That would get it busy down there and liven up the place a bit.

Next up we went to the newly revamped Kiddy Zone and the kids rode the little rides.  The area looks good and hooray there was people! We next went to the Veteran Cars; Bella loved it but for me the theme is a bit fishy.  It was neat and tidy but I think it should revert back to a small model town like the days of old.

Martyn was right about the Pony Rail.  Looks better than it does in photos and that whole area was looking quite nice.

Off to the big train.  We took a circuit on this and as we passed Timber Falls we noticed it was working again.  It a very nice pleasant train ride.

After the train we decided to have out picnic.  We found a nice bench on the piece of land next to the Funky Flyers, behind the Paladium.  There wasn't a sole to be seen apart from the Funky Flyer operator sitting looking sorry for himself as he waited for guests to ride.  Finally after 15 minutes of eating lunch some people came and rode.  Again, what's going on!

Saw Woody again. Rushed towards him. Gone before I arrived!

After lunch we took the kids on Tales of the Coast.  The queue was fairly long and took about 20 mins (longest of the day).  It was pleasant as always and all the sound was working correctly.  The inside was ok. The doors on both ends were open and none of the animatronics were turned on which is a good thing.  So all in all the presentation was good apart from the fire extinguishers that ruined the effect.

Sean Alexander next.  Again coming from the bright sunlight meant I couldn't see a blooming thing at first, especially as we had to put our buggies at the side, the nice girl shone her torch for us though.  The show was excellent with some amazing tricks and ilusions and some nice looking girls to boot.  The strange thing was that there was only two shows. 1130 and 1330.  The 1530 wasn't listed on the boards although in the park map it lists the times as peak summers show times; has it really been that bad that they have axed one of the shows!  Despite this the show was excellent, well worth it and included in the entry price!

Snake in the Grass next, not many people riding so was walk on.  Tunnel still looks rubbish but I really enjoyed it, I forgot how fun it was.

I've just realised that I am waffling every step of the day and I myself am growing tired of writing it.  So to summarise the second half of the day; Wipeout, TT, queued for Timber Falls, disappointed when it broke down again as was really hot and wanted to cool off, Wave Breaker, Kite Flyers.  It was getting late and we wanted to watch the Sealion show. Me and Allie took a quick go on Enigma, again very enjoyable; looks rubbish and what's with all the barrels of oil or whatever on the station!?

Sealion show was great and the kids loved it.  No bird bit like they used to have.  We went to get a cup of tea from the Railway Tea Rooms which was very clean and tidy and fresh. Allie embarrassed herself by not paying and almost walking out when the lady very politely said "Do you realise you haven't paid?"

On the way to the exit at about 1745 I decided that I should have one more go on Jolly Roger.  As we walked past the Pirate Ship (no back up and running as has broken down earlier in the day) I saw Woody again.  Again I didn't make it in time.

I was the only one owho wanted to go on JR again so queued up alone in the queue.  It came to my turn and Allie's friend ran over to me and said that Allie had guilt tripped her into going on with me; well she got as far as the seat and then chickened out.  It was just me until one small boy quickly jumped on.  I sat on the opposite side this time so I could see the park; great views! As the car slowly rose to the top my heart was pounding again.  It finally reached the top and as I sat there in silence I heard this little voice from the seat on the other side simply say "Bollocks".  I laughed and suddenly it dropped;  what an awesome ride.

As we left the park we saw Woody and finally I got my picture!  We had a great day.  I decided not to take my camera so no photos but I did take my video camera so will post up some video footage of the day at some point.

I had a really great time but it was sad to see the park so quiet.