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Drayton Manor Park

Mr Pearse said:
I’ll fear for the future of Drayton manor the day they lose the Thomas ip but until that day I’m sure they will be fine for the foreseeable future.
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I'd be amazed if they lose it any time soon. It's not like another park will be in such a demand to take it from them or that it's a really current IP. Thomas is a classic brand in this country which will probably always be around but I don't think Drayton will have to fight to keep it or even pay over the odds for it either.

They now need to add an entire new area aimed at kids from say 6 to 11
predominantly which is of the standard of Thomas Land or one of Paulton's recent new areas. That's the only way to save this park long term.

2021 is going to be another wild year due to covid etc so sprucing up the rapids and other rides is fine but they really need to add something major next year or the customers are going to go elsewhere. There's just not enough on offer after Thomas land for most kids.
 
I don't think the park will be in danger any time soon. Every year new kids get hooked on Thomas meaning there is essentially an unlimited supply of Thomas fans who will visit the park. In addition to Thomas Land, who knows what else Looping has got planned for the next few years of Drayton. Maybe we could see a large-scale investment in a few years... who knows.
 
Benjsh said:
They now need to add an entire new area aimed at kids from say 6 to 11
predominantly which is of the standard of Thomas Land or one of Paulton's recent new areas. That's the only way to save this park long term.

2021 is going to be another wild year due to covid etc so sprucing up the rapids and other rides is fine but they really need to add something major next year or the customers are going to go elsewhere. There's just not enough on offer after Thomas land for most kids.
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and I think the Drayton Manor in the 90s "heyday" did manage to work for all ages quite well. Splash Canyon, Storm Force, Pirates, Jungle Cruise and similar provided for older kids and whole families, with Klondike mine train offering something thrilling that isn't as big as Shockwave.

Getting a new family thrill coaster probably should be an urgent need for the park. Then I'd like to see a dark ride really, replacing pirates, but I think that isn't that likely to happen.
But following the direction of Paultons with decent family thrill installations would be a good direction for the park to build on Thomasland and should allow families with kids from 4-14 to enjoy the park.
 
jon81uk said:
and I think the Drayton Manor in the 90s "heyday" did manage to work for all ages quite well. Splash Canyon, Storm Force, Pirates, Jungle Cruise and similar provided for older kids and whole families, with Klondike mine train offering something thrilling that isn't as big as Shockwave.

Getting a new family thrill coaster probably should be an urgent need for the park. Then I'd like to see a dark ride really, replacing pirates, but I think that isn't that likely to happen.
But following the direction of Paultons with decent family thrill installations would be a good direction for the park to build on Thomasland and should allow families with kids from 4-14 to enjoy the park.
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I agree. A really solid family coaster is definitely top priority now after they get themselves up and running again. They weren't overly stocked with coasters even before the removal of G Force so they definitely need a new one.

A Mack Bobsled similar to Pegase Express at Parc Asterix would be perfect for Drayton and my preferred choice. Failing that they could go for a wooden coaster similar to Heidi the Ride or Wood Express.

Add any of those rides above into a brand new themed land for 2023 with a new flat ride or two and then the park can really hope to kick on.
 
Benjsh said:
Add any of those rides above into a brand new themed land for 2023 with a new flat ride or two and then the park can really hope to kick on.
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Or back the winners, maintain the zoo and Thomas Land and you could arguably come out ahead.
 
Ciaran said:
I don't think the park will be in danger any time soon. Every year new kids get hooked on Thomas meaning there is essentially an unlimited supply of Thomas fans who will visit the park. In addition to Thomas Land, who knows what else Looping has got planned for the next few years of Drayton. Maybe we could see a large-scale investment in a few years... who knows.
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I have to agree with this. While a new ride will be nice and needed for sure. The UK has gone from baby boom to baby boom in recent years. Meaning there will be a constant supply of new younger guests to visit.
 
So long as Thomas remains relevant and of interest to younger visitors. Similar to Peppa Pig, the success is only as strong as the popularity of the show.

You could argue that Thomas has been around forever so clearly stands the test of time, so probably a better IP choice than Peppa.
 
I know the owners don’t know much about theme parks on there own but have a big selection of Safari’s,Zoo’s,Water parks and Aquariums.
Been a annual pass holder for the 5 year running me and my daughter made some good friends and the zoo staff when I was talking to them in October said the looping group want to bring the zoo back to its former glory.
The African Avery was supposed to be finished for the Christmas event with work on the Penguin enclosure starting around Jan with a hopefully summer opening.
They got big plans for the Reptile house making it more interactive and using the former Dinosaur land building and land behind as a Aquarium.
 
Themeparksandy1981 said:
I know the owners don’t know much about theme parks on there own but have a big selection of Safari’s,Zoo’s,Water parks and Aquariums.
Been a annual pass holder for the 5 year running me and my daughter made some good friends and the zoo staff when I was talking to them in October said the looping group want to bring the zoo back to its former glory.
The African Avery was supposed to be finished for the Christmas event with work on the Penguin enclosure starting around Jan with a hopefully summer opening.
They got big plans for the Reptile house making it more interactive and using the former Dinosaur land building and land behind as a Aquarium.
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Although it would be great seeing the zoo area improved (I haven't been to the park for over 10 years and it felt run down then), I don't think it is something that would draw people in as the main attraction. There are too many other competing zoo attractions (Twycross, Dudley, WMSP, Birmingham Sea Life).
Maybe they can do it as it works for Chessington, but I don't think an improved zoo would bring many new guests unfortunately, but it will improve peoples day out and make more return visits.
 
New marker stakes near the Buffalo could be a good sign, I reckon!

You know, markers are often one of the first signs that a new roller coaster could be on its way in the not too distant future...
 
Anything is possible, really! Markers could mean a number of things...
 
Asking a source about the markers apparently this is only a path being built as they’re closing entrance one (the entrance next to what is now Italiano's). As they are looking at redeveloping the old hospitality building and Italianos due to the age
 
The only benefit I can see for a zoo enhancement is that the Park can essentially be open 365 days a year and therefore have a revenue stream even when the rides are closed.
 
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