Drayton manor 2016
Before I start this blog, I apologize for the lack of detail in the next paragraphs. It was a year ago when I visited so I have forgotten some of the rides we went on. Also for this reason, I do not have any of my own images for this park, so they will not be my own. However I will still give my opinion of the attractions and an overview of our day at the park.
We arrived for the opening time, so we could get the most out of our day at the park. After passing through the turnstiles, we headed to the park's Intamin Stand-up coaster, Shockwave. Shockwave is one of only 3 remain Intamin Stand-ups in the world, so I was looking forward to experiencing this unique credit. Having never rode a stand-up coaster before, I was impressed with its unique experience it provided. Upon leaving the station, the train began the climb up the lift hill. Once at the top, we encountered a thrill drop, into a vertical loop. Then the train entered a zero g roll, a double corkscrew and a final helix. Overall it was a short ride, however was a thrilling coaster.
We arrived for the opening time, so we could get the most out of our day at the park. After passing through the turnstiles, we headed to the park's Intamin Stand-up coaster, Shockwave. Shockwave is one of only 3 remain Intamin Stand-ups in the world, so I was looking forward to experiencing this unique credit. Having never rode a stand-up coaster before, I was impressed with its unique experience it provided. Upon leaving the station, the train began the climb up the lift hill. Once at the top, we encountered a thrill drop, into a vertical loop. Then the train entered a zero g roll, a double corkscrew and a final helix. Overall it was a short ride, however was a thrilling coaster.
Next we took a ride on G force, a Maurer X car coaster. As many might know, G force is unique as it has an inverting lift hill, where you navigate a loop very slowly. Next the car hurtles out of the loop, into a top hat, and then into a unique element, known as a Cuban eight, which inverts you twice. Then into a final helix and into the brake run. I was very disappointed with this coaster. Yes the inverted lift hill was cool, however, the rest of the layout was dull, short and made painful by the uncomfortable restraints that seemed to get tighter as the ride went on. It's not I ride I'd rush to get on again.
Next to G force is a Zamperla flat ride named Air Race. During the ride, riders flip upsidedown several times, whilst travelling in a circular motion. I really enjoyed this flat ride, as I found it forceful, fun, disorientating and it gave lots of hangtime. It's was so good I went on it 3 times.
Next was a highlight of the day: Stormforce 10. I loved this ride and I think it's one of the best water rides I have experienced. It had some good theming, 3 brilliant drops (one of them backwards) and you got very wet. I especially enjoyed the way the boat was launched out of the station. The backwards section was unexpected, which added to the thrill, and the final double drop was amazing.
Next was a highlight of the day: Stormforce 10. I loved this ride and I think it's one of the best water rides I have experienced. It had some good theming, 3 brilliant drops (one of them backwards) and you got very wet. I especially enjoyed the way the boat was launched out of the station. The backwards section was unexpected, which added to the thrill, and the final double drop was amazing.
After getting soaked, we decided to head over to Ben 10 Ultimate Mission (now known as Accelerator), stopping at the Bounty pirate ship on route. Ben 10 was an ok ride, with the backwards half providing and element of fun. However I didn't like the IP theming in the queue line. I think the new car theming is a great addition to the ride. The coaster itself was short and forceless, but it is aimed at families and when it has no queue, it's worth a ride or two.
After Ben 10 came another brilliant ride at the park: Apocalypse. Apocalypse is an Intamin Drop Tower, but is one of the smaller designs. But let me tell you, do not judge it by its height. It was incredibly forceful - one of the best I've ridden - and really picked up speed. It provided heaps of airtime, and there were beautiful views at the top. It was amazing!
After Ben 10 came another brilliant ride at the park: Apocalypse. Apocalypse is an Intamin Drop Tower, but is one of the smaller designs. But let me tell you, do not judge it by its height. It was incredibly forceful - one of the best I've ridden - and really picked up speed. It provided heaps of airtime, and there were beautiful views at the top. It was amazing!
Unfortunately, some of the flat rides in this area were shut, including Pandemonium and the Flying Dutchman. However the The Buffalo Coaster (a powered coaster) was. Do not get your hopes up though, this isn't s silky smooth, enjoyable Mack powered coaster, this is a tough, noisy and slow Zamperla powered coaster. I queued up and got the credit, but I wouldn't ride again.
Also in this area of the park are two themed attractions, the Drunken Barrels and Wild West Shoot Out. The first ride mentioned was fun, it was fast, span alot and tilted! The latter however was looking like it needed work done, with the guns not working well, an outdated transit system and old sets.
Also in this area of the park are two themed attractions, the Drunken Barrels and Wild West Shoot Out. The first ride mentioned was fun, it was fast, span alot and tilted! The latter however was looking like it needed work done, with the guns not working well, an outdated transit system and old sets.
Next to the Wild West Shoot Out was a brilliant dark ride: The Haunting. This was probably my 3rd favourite attraction at the park. It had an outstanding queue line with some good theming, however the queue took quite a while as the ride seemed to have quite a low capacity due to its preshows and walkthrough sections. Once in the show building, we watched a preshow, explaining the story so far. If you don't know already, the storyline is that it is a haunted vicarage, and they have picked up paranormal activity. They want us to to go in and check. It wasn't a brilliant preshow, but got the story across in a brilliantly themed environment. Next we entered a dark corridor, with amazing smoke effects. It was really eerie and had a spooky atmosphere. I even got a jump scare! We moved into the next room, where there was an awesome soundtrack playing and some cool lighting. The paintings on the wall changed to which was a nice effect included. Next we moved into the finale. A haunted swing. Whilst it's no Hex, it's better than Impossible at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and has a nice feel. The room also completed several rotations which was nice. The Haunting was a really well themed attraction, with an interesting storyline and some nice effect. I look forward to riding again.
We next had a walk through the zoo. It's looking quite good, however a larger range of animals is needed. I think the enclosures could have a bit of theming, however it's a brilliant and unique addition to the park.
We had re-rides on most of the attractions and finished our day with Maelstrom and Splash Canyon. Maelstrom was amazing providing plenty of force and airtime. The rapids were good too, with lots of effects, waves and theming throughout.
Overall, we had a great day at Drayton Manor. I'd really like to see some investment outside of Thomas Land in the future and a new rollercoaster is really needed so I look forward to seeing what happens. Most of all, I just hope they continue to look after all areas of the park, and hopefully reopen Pirate Adventure. The park could do with a retheme in some places (action park), as it has a large clash of themes, but overall, it's a nice park with some excellent flat rides, dark rides, water rides and coasters. It's definitely worth a trip there and I look forward to visiting again.
We had re-rides on most of the attractions and finished our day with Maelstrom and Splash Canyon. Maelstrom was amazing providing plenty of force and airtime. The rapids were good too, with lots of effects, waves and theming throughout.
Overall, we had a great day at Drayton Manor. I'd really like to see some investment outside of Thomas Land in the future and a new rollercoaster is really needed so I look forward to seeing what happens. Most of all, I just hope they continue to look after all areas of the park, and hopefully reopen Pirate Adventure. The park could do with a retheme in some places (action park), as it has a large clash of themes, but overall, it's a nice park with some excellent flat rides, dark rides, water rides and coasters. It's definitely worth a trip there and I look forward to visiting again.