I don't think the lifts are (or were) *that* bad, it's not exactly groundbreaking technology, but at the time it was pretty good and quite a good experience for a UK park attraction. The video quality for 2006 was of decent quality too. Although as paint has rubbed off the rails, the projectors moved, the quality of video aged (not updated to meet modern standards), and no WD-40 used on all those creaking and squeaking parts... the lifts are atrocious now.
Aside from the lifts I also thought the garbage shoot was great back in 2006 too. The rope lights worked fantastically during the opening year, it really did give you the illusion of being shot down into nothingness. Sadly that effect is now lost with half the lights not working and the fact the behind the scenes area is usually brightly lit and you can see everything beyond.
It actually feels like a 30 year old ride that you would find at some old seaside funfair...
just give it an ip and people will go on it"
Well in a way that did work out quite well. Queues for Charlie in 2006 were insane. I still think it holds interest to a certain degree these days too.
The plans were great, although all plans are great until the budget gets eaten up by this, that or the other. Most of the budget for Charlie was spent on the IP I believe, with little left for them to actually create an immersive experience.
I do find it hugely strange they never bothered with the shop, or even the planned birthday party/function rooms. Leaving the lifts into a bland corridor, and the massive empty space in the warehouse (behind the scenes) is such a waste of space. I really hope whatever Merlin do with the building they make use of every space they have there, since there's a lot of potential in future.