Trooper Looper
TS Member
Yes. Apologies if I didn't make it clear first.
-
ℹ️ Heads up...
This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks.
Drayton Manor Park
- Thread starter Matty
- Start date
Poisson
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- The Giant Squid
I don't think the UK has an actually good water ride any more. Stormforce is enjoyable yes, as I presume is Tiger Rock (only did it pre retheme), Valhalla I've never seen work properly and is entirely unsuited for 99% of the year. None of them are exactly Chiapas are they?
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
I reported back into the summer that they were planning on adding a ride or 2 in Thomas land for 2023 and its on here as listed as L
Maybe James will go back to his original position.
On Google maps and on where them new markers have appeared is roughly this area
Maybe James will go back to his original position.
On Google maps and on where them new markers have appeared is roughly this area
Last edited:
Alex_szoboszlai
TS Member
That photo is really interesting , where did you find it ?
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
It was submitted to Lichfield council under the former owners back in 2017/18 so they could get permission to built on green belt land which was granted in 2019 for 2020 season onwards but they went into administration so the looping group built Vikings on letter K and now building on the Thomas land brand for its 15th birthday.
They also had plans for Lodges granted but the girls death on the rapids back in 2017 put everything on hold but under the looping group 5 year plan they still plan to add them.
Anyway they moved the construction fences further up so Test track could be temporarily staying.
Maelstrom new queue coming on nicely
The train carriages have been removed
Also during the last performance of the Christmas show in the 4D cinema a member of staff who was retiring yesterday was pulled onto the stage to join in the last dance.
I see they changed the storyline in the last 2 weeks and not singing their version of the 12 days of Christmas.
Last edited:
went to the Christmas event yesterday, it was surprisingly quiet for a christmas event. A staff member commented it wasn't worth them opening after Christmas this year and that it had been loss making this year. Thor and Accelarator were closed all day because of the cold weather. The ginger bread decorating was a nice touch this year and I enjoyed that but I missed the fireworks this year. There is nothing left of Apocalypse now except the photo booth. I picked up my part of the theming I reserved in the catalogue too. Needs a clear but looks in good condition otherwise.
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
I think it’s been mainly Annual pass holders who paid for the Grotto as that was sold out but they added more later slots.
Currently Accelerator, Thor, Bounty Pirate Ship & Captain's Sea Adventure is unavailable so really anyone over 1m will have nothing to ride.
Currently Accelerator, Thor, Bounty Pirate Ship & Captain's Sea Adventure is unavailable so really anyone over 1m will have nothing to ride.
yes rides are open until 7pm this week. Though it was so quiet on Saturday (which I was told was busiest day of it so far) that I wouldn't be surprised if they cut those. We had done enough by 5pm with very few queue and the cold and rides closed although I guess now its warmer maybe it will be busier and more rides will be open.
Charliemoore93
TS Member
We are at the park today and we have found it to be very quiet. Everything has been walk in with the busiest que being the sodor classic cars with a 45 minute wait.
Charliemoore93
TS Member
It does look stunning in the dark. Such a lovely a atmosphere.
Alex_szoboszlai
TS Member
Anything happened on the apocalypse/ pando / test track area?
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
We went today all Thomas land rides closed at half 5 with just the Carousel, Bounty, Accelerator, Jolly Buccaneer and both Vikings rides open to 7pm.
We went to see Santa and the whole experience lasted 35 mins and the gingerbread men was a nice touch and ate it with my hot chocolate.
Didn’t get on any rides to nearly 5pm but got on
Toby’s Tram express
Diesels Locomotive Mayhem
Bertie Bus
Lady’s Carousel
Sodar cars
Winston's Whistlestop Tours
Rocking Bulstrode
Within the last half hour.
No update at the top end of the park but Maelstrom queue line coming on nicely
The theming on Excalibur lake don’t look that bad for something that’s been untouched for over 10 years
Took the train to the Zoo and the gate was open. Is that old Shockwave seats in the skip?
We went to see Santa and the whole experience lasted 35 mins and the gingerbread men was a nice touch and ate it with my hot chocolate.
Didn’t get on any rides to nearly 5pm but got on
Toby’s Tram express
Diesels Locomotive Mayhem
Bertie Bus
Lady’s Carousel
Sodar cars
Winston's Whistlestop Tours
Rocking Bulstrode
Within the last half hour.
No update at the top end of the park but Maelstrom queue line coming on nicely
The theming on Excalibur lake don’t look that bad for something that’s been untouched for over 10 years
Took the train to the Zoo and the gate was open. Is that old Shockwave seats in the skip?
RustyShackleford
TS Member
Like a number of others I went yesterday. It may have just been board members there as it was so quiet!!
Was it just me or was the ride length of Thor increased as there were fewer queuing? I counted 7 trips back and forth which went across the hump.
The difference it made to the ride was significant, after two trips I didn't want to consider a third as I felt nauseous. Something I'd never felt on multiple trips before.
I enjoyed the Grotto experience. as did the little lad. The staff all seemed completely on point for this. They did it rather well.
Was it just me or was the ride length of Thor increased as there were fewer queuing? I counted 7 trips back and forth which went across the hump.
The difference it made to the ride was significant, after two trips I didn't want to consider a third as I felt nauseous. Something I'd never felt on multiple trips before.
I enjoyed the Grotto experience. as did the little lad. The staff all seemed completely on point for this. They did it rather well.
Charliemoore93
TS Member
We found the santas show in the 4d cinema to be very amazing. There was only 7 people in our showing and so this made it very personalised. The ginger bread decorating was good too however staff seemed unsure of what they was doing during our session though staff throughout every experience was extremely friendly. We skipped vikings due to my 5 year old only being able to do one ride there for the day however over all it was a very good day. We thought it appeared they upped the amount of bubble snow being distributed in Thomas land which was nice to see and the shows was amazing. My only downside was the absence of the Christmas parade as that was amazing last year although the event this year was extremely good. It’s a strong fan favourite in our house. I just wish that the sweet shop and toy shops offered a wider variety.
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
I feel the entertainment by the looping group has really been cut back compared to under the Bryan’s.
Like in 2019 it would start at the stage by the Carousel by Rusty and Dusty with Sir Thomas Hatt joining in a sing a long then Mrs Claus and Santa would arrive on the train. Then you make your way to the other stage next 2 fun foods for a Christmas sing along and a snow storm and to end the night a 5 min firework show on the lake.
Last year it was just a sing along with Santa, Mrs Claus, Elf and a Reindeer on the stage by the lake but again ended the evening with a 5 min fireworks event.
Now it’s back on the stage by the Carousel but now it’s a 5 min warm up with 2 elves with light up hula hoops and juggling balls then Santa comes out with Rory and they sing there own version of all I want this Christmas is you while there’s a snow storm and then get everyone to sing we wish you a merry Christmas and then that’s the end of the show.
I feel they need to bring back the ice rink as that was very popular in 2018/19 when we were there.
Also everywhere it listed the rides were closing at half 5 which they did in Thomas land so the remaining rides that were open to 7 must have been running with only 1 or 2 guests on board.
Like in 2019 it would start at the stage by the Carousel by Rusty and Dusty with Sir Thomas Hatt joining in a sing a long then Mrs Claus and Santa would arrive on the train. Then you make your way to the other stage next 2 fun foods for a Christmas sing along and a snow storm and to end the night a 5 min firework show on the lake.
Last year it was just a sing along with Santa, Mrs Claus, Elf and a Reindeer on the stage by the lake but again ended the evening with a 5 min fireworks event.
Now it’s back on the stage by the Carousel but now it’s a 5 min warm up with 2 elves with light up hula hoops and juggling balls then Santa comes out with Rory and they sing there own version of all I want this Christmas is you while there’s a snow storm and then get everyone to sing we wish you a merry Christmas and then that’s the end of the show.
I feel they need to bring back the ice rink as that was very popular in 2018/19 when we were there.
Also everywhere it listed the rides were closing at half 5 which they did in Thomas land so the remaining rides that were open to 7 must have been running with only 1 or 2 guests on board.