It will definitely be a more premium offering than a hotel. Lodges are also better for longer stays especially for families which is why the Likes of Legoland have gone down this route.
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Paultons Park: General Discussion
- Thread starter Maelstrom
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Enter Valhalla
TS Member
The one thing that Paultons have shown over the years is that their ride installations are very unpredictable.
They built Cobra when Gerstluaer bobsleighs were almost unheard of in the UK, they added Cyclonator which none of us would have predicted, and the Ghostly Manor hardware is again something which nobody would have predicted even if we’d tried to. I expect their 2026 and other future additions will be totally unexpected.
They built Cobra when Gerstluaer bobsleighs were almost unheard of in the UK, they added Cyclonator which none of us would have predicted, and the Ghostly Manor hardware is again something which nobody would have predicted even if we’d tried to. I expect their 2026 and other future additions will be totally unexpected.
owenstreet7
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- Taron
Whilst that is true yes, they have also been known to install near like for like replacements for their more popular attractions that they remove in the years preceding.
An example being Windmill Towers which in turn replaced Jumping Jack/Bean.
This does make me think a Seastorm style ride and a more substantial flume/water ride could be a part of the line up to replace Dragon and Raging River. They'd be logical additions to the area as well with theme and for the family or family thrill markets.
They are quite unpredictable with their additions so it could be anyone's guess what they'll add.
TedShatner10
TS Member
I had a gut feeling Paultons had onsight accomodation planned for the long term pipeline, considering they've been going from strength to strength since the turn of the 2020s (while Merlin parks are having their ups and downs with renovating, maintaining & replacing ageing theming and rides), but we'll see how well and how far Paultons will go with their more immediate 2026 expansion and new thrill rides first.
The whole UK theme park industry has come under massive strain, with long suffering Oakwood (and a handful of quaint local amusements) permanently closing down in the past couple of years, while the chickens keep coming home to roost at Alton Towers and Merlin Entertainments.
EDIT - will the lodges include light theming, maybe a tribute to its defunct Wind In The Willows attraction?
The whole UK theme park industry has come under massive strain, with long suffering Oakwood (and a handful of quaint local amusements) permanently closing down in the past couple of years, while the chickens keep coming home to roost at Alton Towers and Merlin Entertainments.
EDIT - will the lodges include light theming, maybe a tribute to its defunct Wind In The Willows attraction?
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Skyscraper
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- Nemesis
Sorry if this has already been mentioned (I've searched but can't find anything about it), but with Paulton's 2025 map now out we can now get an idea of the size of the Vikings development;
That's actually a bigger area than I expected, very exciting!
That's actually a bigger area than I expected, very exciting!
It also includes the old go kart track which is a quite substantial plot of landSorry if this has already been mentioned (I've searched but can't find anything about it), but with Paulton's 2025 map now out we can now get an idea of the size of the Vikings development;
That's actually a bigger area than I expected, very exciting!
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
I do wonder if Kontiki and the Vikings boats will be moved to the Vikings area?
owenstreet7
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- Taron
My thinking is that the rides in the unthemed area on that side of the park including those two rides, the Teacups and the Pirate Ship are more likely to end up at Funland Hayling Island or be rethemed into their own area staying where they are than be relocated to the Viking area.
I can imagine that area will get some sort of retheme eventually but I think we may see upgraded versions of some rides (Teacups and Pirate Ship comes to mind) come to the park instead with newer technology and suit a broader family audience.
I do wonder if they could be swapped with seal falls and the digger ride that seem strangely out of place and right next to the Vikings area. The website says that both of these rides are closed from 4th November for at least all of November and December, whereas the other rides over this side of the park reopen on 5th December. This could also indicate that they are permanently closing but not announced yet.
The area round teacups is definitely the next area for an update post Vikings. I think teacups itself will be scrapped it's absolutely decrepit. The Pirate ship could be sold though or that could do a pirate themed area.
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
Wouldn’t the former log flume and wave swinger be the next area to be re-themed.
Willemgorman1
TS Member
Won’t that be included in vikings?
Willemgorman1
TS Member
After Vikings, I would develop this area of the park, and this is my suggestion, replacing critter creek, the teacups and carousel.
owenstreet7
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Nothing has been confirmed on whether the Sky Swinger and surrounding area would be part of Vikings.
A lot of the signs seem to point towards it being not part of the area at launch.
Whether that is Phase 2 or a separate area is a different matter.
I am certain either way that both unthemed areas will become part of a themed area with the possible exception of the Carousel which could remain standalone.
We may also see themed rides that are standalone like Ghostly Manor as well.
I think if they did Pirates that they'll put their own twist on it so it is different from the Vikings.After Vikings, I would develop this area of the park, and this is my suggestion, replacing critter creek, the teacups and carousel.
I'm thinking that at least one or two attractions that will go on this side will be thrilling to offer a balance between the family attractions in the area.
It'd be good to see Paultons work with Huss in the near future.
I'm liking this idea, I think Cat o pillar would be replaced with a more modern family coaster. A larger pirate ship would work well in this area, being close to the river.After Vikings, I would develop this area of the park, and this is my suggestion, replacing critter creek, the teacups and carousel.
I suspect they would keep or update the stage area but a new themed eating experience would compliment that
I wouldn't be against a permanent log flume or similar for this pirate area but it depends on what we get with Vikings.
Worth noting as well these is space below farmyard flier towards the car park to add another roaster/ large ride if they choose to expand Tornado springs at some point so the park have plenty of options for the next 10/15 years
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owenstreet7
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GooseOnTheLoose
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They probably don't want to become too au fait with themes linked to rape, pillage and plunder at a family theme park. They're pushing it as it is, with cannibalistic practices in Peppa Pig World.
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Enter Valhalla
TS Member
A futuristic space theme would run in to the very well documented ‘Tomorrowland Problem’ in that what appears modern or futuristic now will appear dated in only a few years.
James Watkins
TS Member
I'd love them to try Steampunk!