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Dreamland Margate: General Discussion
- Thread starter Sam
- Start date
Kimberley
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Wodan
The details for Screamland have been announced!
The event will be running from the 16th to the 31st October, 6pm until 11pm. At the early bird cost of £19.95 (£24.95 on the gate), this gives you entry to the park after 6pm with 1 experience of all scare mazes (£5 per maze if you want to do them again) and unlimited access to rides. They are also offering Fastrack tickets for the scare mazes at the price of £29.95, of which are limited to 100 each night. Arguably a bit pricey overall, but their line up is very interesting!
The Final Cut
I must say that I am quite impressed with the variety they have on offer, it's clear that a lot of thought and planning has gone into it
This is also the case with the soundtrack that is being composed for the event, which is being done by an LA film composer called Chris Thomas. Can't say I've heard of him before, but I do like what he has come up with so far:
I particularly like how they have given some of their attractions a dark twist, such as the Mirror Maze into Abramacabre and the typical Punch and Judy into Punchinello The scare mazes have the potential to be fantastic, especially from this description alone:
You can read more about it all here
The event will be running from the 16th to the 31st October, 6pm until 11pm. At the early bird cost of £19.95 (£24.95 on the gate), this gives you entry to the park after 6pm with 1 experience of all scare mazes (£5 per maze if you want to do them again) and unlimited access to rides. They are also offering Fastrack tickets for the scare mazes at the price of £29.95, of which are limited to 100 each night. Arguably a bit pricey overall, but their line up is very interesting!
The Final Cut
- Scare Factor 5
- Scare maze
- "Step into the movies as you take the starring role in the greatest horror flick ever made. Collect your ticket for Horrorwood Picture House, and pass through the silver screen… Become part of the action in a surreal black and white dreamscape, where the cinematic horrors of yesteryear take on a whole new dimension."
- Scare Factor 3
- Scare maze
- "Get lost in a magical mirror maze where the ghost of The Amazing Mystero, a celebrated Edwardian Magician, is prowling the passageways in search of his beastly bunny. But be warned…after escaping from Mystero’s top hat, the creature has transformed, as if by magic, into a monstrous Halloween horror!"
- Scare Factor 5
- Scare maze
- "It is the year 1941, and World War 2 evacuees are being sent from London down to Margate, to escape the horrors of the Blitz. Lillian Critchendon, landlady at Better Days Guesthouse, offers a sickening seaside welcome to all who check in to her decaying establishment. But the bombs keep on coming, and in the dark hallways of the hotel, the revenants of war-torn Britain are seeking vengeance for their undue demise."
- Scare Factor 4
- Scare maze
- "After fleeing from Coney Island beneath a dark cloud of mystery, Alonzo Festino and his motley hoard of freaks set up their Funhouse at Dreamland in 1913. Forgotten for over a century, the grotesque curiosities have endured, feasting on the careless who wander into their secret hideout. And now, Dreamland has been resurrected in all its former glory, and the old forgotten Funhouse has been discovered once again..."
- Scare Factor 2
- "Set in a Romany Gypsy encampment, guests who cross their palms with silver can obtain real psychic crystal ball readings from one of the themed Strange Sisters."
- Scare Factor 2
- "A zany Victorian Menagerist with a collection of spiders, lizards and bugs, set to frighten the children (just a little bit)."
- Scare Factor 3
- "Step into the movies as you take the starring role in the greatest horror flick ever made. Collect your ticket for Horrorwood Picture House, and pass through the silver screen… Become part of the action in a surreal black and white dreamscape, where the cinematic horrors of yesteryear take on a whole new dimension."
- Scare Factor 2
- "As the main horror icon for Screamland, Punchinello – a twisted version of Mr Punch, is the key character for Screamland, who will take guests on a twisted journey though Screamland... the stuff of nightmares."
- This is an attraction that has been mentioned on their Facebook page but is not listed on their website, hopefully we'll know more about this soon A possible twist with the Scenic Railway?
- EDIT: Dreamland have confirmed on their Facebook page that The Phantom Express is in fact a fully restored ghost train, and that the Scenic will be ready by October
I must say that I am quite impressed with the variety they have on offer, it's clear that a lot of thought and planning has gone into it
This is also the case with the soundtrack that is being composed for the event, which is being done by an LA film composer called Chris Thomas. Can't say I've heard of him before, but I do like what he has come up with so far:I particularly like how they have given some of their attractions a dark twist, such as the Mirror Maze into Abramacabre and the typical Punch and Judy into Punchinello
The scare mazes have the potential to be fantastic, especially from this description alone:Dreamland said:
You can read more about it all here
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Danny
TS Contributor
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
Well they're not going to be of Hotel Gasten quality, and I'm not quite expecting anything of Towers standards yet from such a small park. But the fact they're giving this a go in their first year of operation combined with a team of passionate and enthusiastic people leaves me with expectations (not too high) that I imagine will be met.
The budget isn't going to be mind blowing but if it's a first step for bigger and better event in the future, I'll be more than thrilled.
The budget isn't going to be mind blowing but if it's a first step for bigger and better event in the future, I'll be more than thrilled.
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Danny
TS Contributor
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
Not really. The street theatre and mirror maze are already there so will be edited accordingly. The fun house will likely be brought in much like a few of their recent additions have been. The Monstrous Menagerie will be akin to what Towers have had over the previous years and that doesn't really require much attention, a major set up or an extensive budget. The gypsy encampment will be relatively easy to set up and then that just leaves the two scare mazes.
It should be just the right balance for the park to sustain, and at least we can rest assured all the staff will be 110% committed throughout the whole event rather than the one man's dream vision that we've had at Towers over the past few years.
It should be just the right balance for the park to sustain, and at least we can rest assured all the staff will be 110% committed throughout the whole event rather than the one man's dream vision that we've had at Towers over the past few years.
Kimberley
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Wodan
It's also worth mentioning that the event is in collaboration with AtmosFEAR! Scare Entertainment who no doubt will be able to provide expertise that will be much needed for a debut horror event Their client portfolio is impressive (from someone who hasn't researched them before ), of which includes Merlin, Disney, Universal and Pleasurewood Hills to name a few
Their client portfolio is impressive (from someone who hasn't researched them before ), of which includes Merlin, Disney, Universal and Pleasurewood Hills to name a few
Kimberley
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Wodan
Been doing a bit of research into the rides that have been in storage, and found an interesting document from March which states the current situation with them, I've outlined this below:
Circular Water Chute
Sources: Heritage Lottery Fund and Joyland Books
In other news, it looks like the trains for the Scenic are coming along nicely
Source
Circular Water Chute
- Ride incomplete, only cars salvagable - not in the park plan
- From further research, their funders for this ride pulled out last minute, which meant it was demolished
- Deemed inappropriate for the park due to ride capacity, its fragile nature, key elements scrapped by previous owners
- Will be used for upcycling/engagement
- Damaged during dismantling, key elements scrapped by previous owners, condition beyond repair
- Will be used for upcycling/engagement
- Costs for refurbishment exceeded budget, primarily due to short timescale
- Currently being discussed for next development phase
- Track and cars acquired
- (Now will be part of Screamland line up as the Phantom Express)
- Some parts salvaged, much of the structure destroyed by previous owners
- Will be used for upcycling/engagement
- Damaged by previous owners, restoration unviable
- Will be used for upcycling/engagement
- Ride is still intact
- Currently being discussed for next development phase
- Costs for refurbishment exceeded budget, primarily due to short timescale
- Currently being discussed for next development phase
- Boats salvaged, but it was determined that no water rides will be constructed within the park
- Will be used for upcycling/engagement
- Ride not to be utilised within the park
- Will be used for upcycling/engagement
- Still in situ at Pleasureland, Southport
- Ride in a very poor state and beyond repair, made worse by damage from previous owner of Dreamland
- Not to be utilised within the park, will be used for upcycling/engagement
Sources: Heritage Lottery Fund and Joyland Books
In other news, it looks like the trains for the Scenic are coming along nicely
Source
In fairness it’s a bit more than a temporary fairground. The quality of the live entertainment rivals any British theme park. There’s a large entertainment troupe with a wide range of costumes (Beatty and Teddy, giant seagulls etc), circus workshops, various singing and dancing shows… throughout the season there has been a lot of additional live entertainment (Mesham’s Wall of Death, a Magic Show, Punch and Judy, a high diving show, Chaplin’s circus and many more).
The merchandise is also better than many of the major British parks including a wide range of bespoke clothing and collectables, not to mention all the stuff upcycled from Scenic wood.
The staff have been getting great reviews on Trip Advisor. The food is also a bit different to the burger and chips you get at a lot of British parks. And unlike most British parks, the staff aren’t wearing identical polo shirts.
In terms of rides it’s a shame that they are predominantly fun fair rides (although the Monotopia’s a permanent ride). But as fun fair rides go they’re a great selection. The Big Wheel’s 34 metres tall (the wheels at Drayton Manor and Chessington are 25 metres). There still are some fantastic vintage rides. Particularly the 1950s Hurricane Jets that were saved just in time. According to Littleboys who restored it, another few years and it’d have been beyond repair. It’s a fantastic ride, and a lot more thrilling than it looks.
I do agree that it’s a travesty the historic amusement rides were lost. At the moment it is mostly travelling rides, and most of the rides are roundabouts of one form or another. But it’s the opening season and the atmosphere is fantastic.
The merchandise is also better than many of the major British parks including a wide range of bespoke clothing and collectables, not to mention all the stuff upcycled from Scenic wood.
The staff have been getting great reviews on Trip Advisor. The food is also a bit different to the burger and chips you get at a lot of British parks. And unlike most British parks, the staff aren’t wearing identical polo shirts.
In terms of rides it’s a shame that they are predominantly fun fair rides (although the Monotopia’s a permanent ride). But as fun fair rides go they’re a great selection. The Big Wheel’s 34 metres tall (the wheels at Drayton Manor and Chessington are 25 metres). There still are some fantastic vintage rides. Particularly the 1950s Hurricane Jets that were saved just in time. According to Littleboys who restored it, another few years and it’d have been beyond repair. It’s a fantastic ride, and a lot more thrilling than it looks.
I do agree that it’s a travesty the historic amusement rides were lost. At the moment it is mostly travelling rides, and most of the rides are roundabouts of one form or another. But it’s the opening season and the atmosphere is fantastic.
It’s finally here. Now they can send back the test chassis to build the second train on, and begin testing the real thing.
On top of this, Dreamland have acquired a Ghost Train which is being restored by Littleboys (the company that restored most of the other vintage rides), and a vintage caterpillar that’s believed to be from Battersea fun fair.
http://www.littleboys.co.uk/roller-ghoster.html
http://www.littleboys.co.uk/caterpillar-ride.html
They also launched their annual pass a couple of weeks ago, opened an education room and redesigned their website to make it much more image heavy:
http://www.dreamland.co.uk/
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. All kinds of things are reportedly going on behind the scenes, not least their preparations for Screamland. It’s been a tough first year with their share of teething problems (but so has pretty much any Disney park in its first year), but they seem to be really hitting their stride now. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Kimberley
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Wodan
Here's a full photo of the new trains, taken from their Facebook page
I love the colour scheme, though am a little unsure about the trellis! Nonetheless, they really have done a fantastic job with the restoration, and I cannot wait to see it operating once again
The Ghost Train should be ready for their Screamland event, and I believe will be called the Phantom Express, replacing the Speedway and becoming a permanent attraction at the park David Littleboy also confirmed that the Speedway will be making a return next year which is good news, and that the restored Caterpillar will be ready for next season
Exciting times ahead for Dreamland
I love the colour scheme, though am a little unsure about the trellis! Nonetheless, they really have done a fantastic job with the restoration, and I cannot wait to see it operating once again
The Ghost Train should be ready for their Screamland event, and I believe will be called the Phantom Express, replacing the Speedway and becoming a permanent attraction at the park
David Littleboy also confirmed that the Speedway will be making a return next year which is good news, and that the restored Caterpillar will be ready for next season Exciting times ahead for Dreamland
They’re caught between it being a listed structure (so any changes have to be kept to a minimum and approved by English Heritage) and the fact that it hasn’t operated for more than five years, so for the purposes of health and safety it counts a new build ride. Because it was built in 1920 the clearance envelope isn’t as big as it’d be on a modern roller coaster. Particularly on the turns towards the end where it passes through the rides structure on the return to the station.
Various changes have been made to the design to bring it more in line with modern safety so fingers crossed it should pass the ADIPs inspection very soon and be ready to go. Keep checking the official Facebook page for the big announcement. Because the Roller Coaster at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach has run more or less continuously they aren’t required to make the same changes.
But early reports suggest the ride’s still a lot of fun. If people don’t like the trellis then you can always ride at the front where you’re hardly aware it’s there. If you’re lucky they might even throw in a front seat queue.
As for water rides, it’s early days. They already have about double the number of rides they had when the park opened in June. Remember there’s a large area that had the diving show, as well as various rented rides (Helter Skelter, Top Spin, Barrel of Laughs and Crazy Mouse) that hasn’t been put to a permanent use yet. Dreamland will never be finished, but it’s still very early days. Go visit, and help give the funds to expand.
Various changes have been made to the design to bring it more in line with modern safety so fingers crossed it should pass the ADIPs inspection very soon and be ready to go. Keep checking the official Facebook page for the big announcement. Because the Roller Coaster at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach has run more or less continuously they aren’t required to make the same changes.
But early reports suggest the ride’s still a lot of fun. If people don’t like the trellis then you can always ride at the front where you’re hardly aware it’s there. If you’re lucky they might even throw in a front seat queue.
As for water rides, it’s early days. They already have about double the number of rides they had when the park opened in June. Remember there’s a large area that had the diving show, as well as various rented rides (Helter Skelter, Top Spin, Barrel of Laughs and Crazy Mouse) that hasn’t been put to a permanent use yet. Dreamland will never be finished, but it’s still very early days. Go visit, and help give the funds to expand.
Kimberley
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Wodan
Testing has now begun for the Scenic Railway Here's a photo of one of the trains on the track, taken from Kent Online:
I also found this video from a drone which gives a great view of the whole site, and the Scenic testing in the background I'm sure more videos will emerge soon!
Here's a photo of one of the trains on the track, taken from Kent Online:
I also found this video from a drone which gives a great view of the whole site, and the Scenic testing in the background
I'm sure more videos will emerge soon!Initially one train with 28 seats, although there will be a second one in due course. I’m not sure what the colour of the other one will be. This will mean it has a fairly low throughput to start with, however, there aren’t seat belts like the previous one had in its later year. Each row has one hydraulic lap bar that goes across both seats (compared to a ratcheting lap bar and a seatbelt on the old ones). This should make loading a fairly quick process.
There is a block system like on modern roller coasters, so once it has two trains, it won’t be relying on the brakemen to keep the trains from colliding.
There is a block system like on modern roller coasters, so once it has two trains, it won’t be relying on the brakemen to keep the trains from colliding.