Its interesting to compare a relatively cheap rides queue line of Ben 10/Accelerator compared to the queue of big budget ride Flight of the Skylion at Legoland. Drayton have always done a great job on their queue lines, StormForce 10 been the best example.
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Drayton Manor Park
I totally agree. Drayton Manor generally spent their budgets well and in many ways punched above their weight. Themed queues and ride refurbishments do seem to be something that Merlin are remarkably adverse to. In the grand scheme of things neither are actually that expensive when you consider Merlin's budgets for new rides. For coasters they kind of get away with it, because watching the rides go round it pretty entertaining in itself. But when it comes to the dark rides, the lack of theming in the queues make the waiting feel really boring.
I don't know the TV show, but the concept for Ben 10 seemed pretty good. However, it felt like it needed another £500,000-£1 million to do it properly.
I don't know the TV show, but the concept for Ben 10 seemed pretty good. However, it felt like it needed another £500,000-£1 million to do it properly.
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
If they hadn’t also added the Blue Mountain engines to Thomas land with Terence been relocated to the farm area then they would have had the budget to theme Ben 10 better and theme the surrounding area.
i would also put my money on that being what they get. Something a step up from Accelerator while still being suitable for the family.
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
I think they got to be looking at the 1.2m tall coaster market. Like they could have decided to remove the buffalo and opened the new area with 3 attractions in 2022 with Buffalo replacement in 2023 but the looping group have a good record of bringing SNBO/old rides back to life so I’m not surprised that they decided to keep the Buffalo going and it may last to it’s 40th birthday.
A coaster is more than likely coming In 23 or 24 on the Apocalypse, Pandemonium and Test track site. I think a spinning coaster would be good for the park.
Then can see them working on the Pirate Cove area before they decide to add new attractions in Thomas land and improve the zoo.
A coaster is more than likely coming In 23 or 24 on the Apocalypse, Pandemonium and Test track site. I think a spinning coaster would be good for the park.
Then can see them working on the Pirate Cove area before they decide to add new attractions in Thomas land and improve the zoo.
Skyscraper
TS Member
Yeah a Mack family spinner like Storm Chaser would be a perfect fit for Drayton.
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
Where would you fit 3 coasters in the park without removing anymore attractions?
They're owned by a huge incredible rich wealth fund.
Wilko
TS Member
Other than the Apocalypse site you've already mentioned, you could potentially house one in the Pirate Adventure building, although I'm not sure if that's possible? I'd imagine you could also fit a ZacSpin in somewhere if those are classed as coasters with it's small footprint. There's a small plot between the Fish and Chips, Accelerator and Dutchmen off the top of my head, but no idea if big enough.
Extremely unlikely and would need a lot of imagination, but I'm sure it could be done if they really wanted to.
Skyscraper
TS Member
S&S 4D Freespins and Premier Rides Skyrockets are also very compact and would be a great fit.
Over the lake of course, Sure another coaster could go over lake like Buffalo/Storm Force 10 does.
I noticed Drayton are currently pushing their Annual Pass at £99 which they now say is a limited time offer until 28th Feb. Interesting though it runs for 12 months from first visit, not from purchase. So if your planning on getting one for next year you could just redeem it when your current one expires as mine doesn't expire until September. Given the investments and current inflation, I'm expecting it to go up to £119 like Merlin parks so it might be worth existing passholders locking in for next year at current prices as think its quite reasonable for full 12 months and the £20 Share the fun vouchers (which can even be used on Fireworks night). I think £99 for an annual pass is quite reasonable by todays standards without many restrictions and parking.
Benjsh
TS Member
Who are? Looping group?
Going off their investments you certainly wouldn't think so. They have steadily improved their portfolio of parks but they haven't chucked millions and millions at them. Drayton is already their flagship park I believe. No other park in the group gets a higher annual gate figure.
jon81uk
TS Member
So was Tussauds in the 2000s when DIC owned them but that didn't bring in any quality rides until Blackstone/Merlin took over.
While they could add more coasters I don’t think we will see more than one anytime soon. There is a chance the 2003/4 coaster may extend further around arial park and around the back of Flying Dutchman. I think there where markings on the floor in this area last season. However those markings could be related to utilities/power etc for the new Viking’s area.
In terms of longer term future they could add a family coaster into the pirates building if that’s what they choose to do. Although I think part of the building could become a Thomas dark ride as I understand that’s is something the park have wanted to do previously. Then I would think any other coaster would replace buffalo and then shockwave (I am aware they wouldn’t get as big ride as shockwave again on that site). However think that’s a long way off from happening, as next 5 years likely to concentrate on vikings area, 2023/4 coaster, re theme of rest of arial park (haunting, accelerator etc), improving the zoo, updating the pirates area (maybe a new ride in pirates building) and then addition to Thomasland). That’s a big amount of investment, so hopefully the current investments pay off and looping group continue to invest.
considering the position that park was in before the looping group purchased them, currently things are looking up for the park. It was always the park we visited (long before started going ti Alton) when I was young in late 80’s and 90’s so have always had a soft spot for the park and want it to do well.
In terms of longer term future they could add a family coaster into the pirates building if that’s what they choose to do. Although I think part of the building could become a Thomas dark ride as I understand that’s is something the park have wanted to do previously. Then I would think any other coaster would replace buffalo and then shockwave (I am aware they wouldn’t get as big ride as shockwave again on that site). However think that’s a long way off from happening, as next 5 years likely to concentrate on vikings area, 2023/4 coaster, re theme of rest of arial park (haunting, accelerator etc), improving the zoo, updating the pirates area (maybe a new ride in pirates building) and then addition to Thomasland). That’s a big amount of investment, so hopefully the current investments pay off and looping group continue to invest.
considering the position that park was in before the looping group purchased them, currently things are looking up for the park. It was always the park we visited (long before started going ti Alton) when I was young in late 80’s and 90’s so have always had a soft spot for the park and want it to do well.