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Biggest misnomers in the theme park industry

Matt N

Matt N

TS Member
Favourite Ride
Mako (SeaWorld Orlando)
Hi guys. Normally, things in theme parks have a name that suits them and makes it clear to the guest what they are, or aligns with the guest's expectations about which rides are named what. For instance, in the case of somewhere like Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the tallest roller coaster in the park is called "The Big One"; this is a name that makes it quite clear to the guest what the ride is and aligns with their expectations of the Big One being, well, "the big one". But sometimes, things aren't named in quite such a fitting way. Sometimes, names for things in theme parks are misnomers. Sometimes the park does it as an attempt at irony, other times the park does it unconsciously, but misnomers, or misleading names, certainly exist and are used within the industry. So I'd be keen to know; in your view, what are some of the biggest misnomers in the theme park industry? What things have the most misleading names, in your view?

I'll get the ball rolling with two of my suggestions:
  • Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach - Given that you can't even see it from the road directly outside the park unless you squint, I'll admit that I do find Icon to be a slightly odd name for this ride... as much as I do love Icon, I'd argue that The Big One is a more "iconic" ride within the same park.
  • "Comfort collars" on Premier Rides launch coasters - Most who've experienced these restraints say they're rather uncomfortable, so I'll admit that I do find the name "comfort collars" somewhat ironic...
But what are some of the biggest misnomers within the theme park industry, in your view?
 
I would have mentioned comfort collars but it already has.
You could argue that Expedition Everest is one, because on the ride, you are not on Everest. You were just trying to get there.
 
zeock said:
Psyké Underground is not underground.
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Does a dark ride/coaster really have to really resemble or be where it purports to to not be a misnomer? Surely it being themed as such suffices for it's name. I mean, you aren't really escaping from Gringotts when your ride Escape from Gringotts, are you? Should it be renamed "Warehouse with a facade Escape"?
 
Alastair said:
Does a dark ride/coaster really have to really resemble or be where it purports to to not be a misnomer? Surely it being themed as such suffices for it's name. I mean, you aren't really escaping from Gringotts when your ride Escape from Gringotts, are you? Should it be renamed "Warehouse with a facade Escape"?
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That certainly was not a good example of a misnomer by myself.
Could Colossos: Kampf Der Giganten be a misnomer? It translates to Colossos: Struggle/Battle of the Giants, but there is only one giant in the attraction.
 
World's First Flying Coaster ... There have been a few !

Doesn't quite fit this thread but misuse of SBNO annoys the bejesus out of me. I once recall reading a trip report that said "Raptor was SBNO for 30 mins whilst someone's cap was retrieved".
 
Rick said:
World's First Flying Coaster ... There have been a few !
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Air/Galactica wasn't even the UK's first flying coaster, the true holder of this also just so happens to also be the World's first flying coaster too.
 
Rick said:
I know ... I rode it by sheer chance and @rob666 failed despite significant effort.
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Would you have put Skytrak above Zamperla Volares? The train design on both seems fairly similar.
 
Rick said:
I know ... I rode it by sheer chance and @rob666 failed despite significant effort.
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Oh just rub it in you bar steward.
Significant effort...you mean ringing up to ask before visiting..."Is it open yet?", "Is it broken today?", "Has it reopened yet?" and "Do you promise it will still be open by the time I get there?".
Got them for a full refund as they gave me an assurance it would be open and working...it wasn't, we got actual cash returned!
And then the next week they closed it forever.
But yes Rick, good cred mate...pleased you don't count 'em!
 
I visited Granada Studios in 1999 and have no recollection of seeing it or it even being advertised.

Also seem to remember when the Liverpool One shopping area was close to opening their was a weird rumour it was going to be installed there.
 
Opened and closed in 1997, the opening was delayed, then they had lots of issues just after opening, then it closed, then it reopened, then it closed for good.
All in one season.
I tried.
And failed.
Our Rick just got lucky.
 
Skytrak might not have even been the first.
I rode this in Wolverhampton some time before the year 2000 and despite being fully enclosed I can confirm you rode in the prone position and it was gravity driven.

Skytrak - Go Kidz Go (Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England, United Kingdom)

Looking for statistics on the fastest, tallest or longest roller coasters? Find it all and much more with the interactive Roller Coaster Database.
rcdb.com
RCDB lists its opening as 1992, long before Skytrak.

Helix, Liseberg is a misnomer. It doesn't have a helix.
 
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