UK Park News - Your Dedicated Theme Park Resource

Oakwood Reveals Name of New Attraction

Mat South — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:19:19 +0000

After months of secrecy, Oakwood Theme Park has finally revealed the name of its new £4m family-themed attraction which is set to open later this month. The new area which occupies over three acres in total – the equivalent of 14 Olympic swimming pools - will be called ‘Neverland’ and is themed around the world-famous ‘Peter Pan’ story by author J M Barrie. Among the new rides are ‘Skull Rock’ pirate log flume, complete with 12-metre-tall sculpted skull, the ‘Lost Boys Adventure’, ‘Neverland Chase’, ‘Tink’s Flying School’, ‘Crocodile Coaster’, ‘Jolly Roger’ mini galleon. ‘Hook’s House of Havoc’ soft play and the ‘Sights of London’ taxi ride featuring Big Ben, the Tower of London and Nelson’s Column. There is also ‘Journey to Neverland’ an interactive walkthrough area which takes visitors in to the Darling family home and above the streets of London before arriving in ‘Neverland’ itself. Other areas are themed as London parks and there is also a kids’ ‘Aerodrome’ ride as well as food and retail outlets. Oakwood Theme Park’s Dominic Jones said: “It’s been tough to keep the name and theme of the new area secret for so long but we really wanted it to be a surprise. “What better inspiration for a theme park could there be than Peter Pan - ‘the boy who would not grow up’? “We’re on track to be able to open ‘Neverland’ to visitors later this month and we can’t wait to see their reactions. This is by far the biggest investment at Oakwood in recent times and it will completely transform and add significantly to the visitor experience. “We have been fortunate to work with the top theming companies and designers in Europe and everyone here is delighted with the results of all their hard work,” he added.

Onesie World Record Attempt for Drayton Manor

Mat South — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:11:30 +0000

Drayton Manor Theme Park is planning to set a new world record for the most number of people wearing ‘onesies’ gathered in any one place. As part of the record attempt, taking place this Saturday 20^th April at 12pm, the park will allow anyone sporting a blue, red or yellow all-in-one outfit to pay just £5 entry into the theme park and all other one-piece wearers pay only £10. A minimum of 623 participants will be needed to don the fashionable clothing item in order to set new a record. This will be the first year that Drayton Manor has attempted this record and they are encouraging all onesie owners to come and take part. Following the record attempt, the onesie wearers will be able to spend the rest of the day in the park enjoying all the rides and attractions Drayton Manor has to offer, such as the adrenaline-inducing drop-tower, Apocalypse, stand-up coaster, Shockwave, the splash-tastic log flume, Stormforce 10, and stomach-churning gyro-swing, Maelstrom. Colin Bryan, the park’s managing director, said: “This is going to be a fantastic event that everyone can take part in. “Onesie fever has swept the UK within the last year and become part of the latest fashion trend. We are looking to be a part of this latest craze by setting a new world record for most onesie wearers at the park. I would encourage everyone to come down to the park showing off their very best onesie patterns for what should be a memorable and record breaking day.” For further details about the event or to register your attendance visit, www.facebook.com/draytonmanorpark.

Reviewed: Zufari at Chessington

Mat South — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:11:29 +0000

[caption id="attachment_10070" align="alignleft" width="225"] Zufari[/caption] James Hardiker takes a look at the new Zufari ride at Chessington World of Adventures.. On a sunny Easter Sunday, we got chance to head to Chessington World of Adventures to ride their new attraction for 2013 ~ Zufari Ride into Africa. Zufari is located on the Wagama Reserve which you`ll need to access via the entrance to the flying jumbos / medical centre. Once there you`ll find a well themed attraction entrance. Upon entering the cattle pen style queue line, you`ll soon come to a Pre-ride presentation. Here the expedition leader and a friend brief you and asks that you become part of a research team. This experience itself is interesting as the animation interacts with guests having them prove themselves worthy enough to be a part of the team. When you are released from the briefing you soon find an All terrain Vehicle for your ride out into an unchartered area of Africa. Each vehicle is fitted with 6 rows of 5 seats with individual seat belts. There is a basket under the seat for your belongings. Once all researchers are onboard and you're given a green light, you're off on your Zufari. [caption id="attachment_10069" align="alignright" width="225"] Zufari Cave[/caption] This is where things get interesting as you're bounced along the track. It’s quite a bumpy ride, Remember this is to be expected as you are supposed to be driving through the plains of Africa, if you want a smooth ride, Zufari isn’t for you! On your expedition you pass by Flamingos, Giraffe, white Rhinos, Zebras and Blesboks to name just a few of their animals that make up a part of the expedition. Sadly however some of the animals were not out and around during our expedition which really made the experience less exciting. However the giraffe and rhinos which are new arrivals for this season really were amazing to see and one giraffe even came within 2 metres of our vehicle. How Exciting! Upon passing the White rhinos we came across a problem! A tree had fallen across our path which ment our expedition had to divert through an unchartered cave which we were warned in the pre expedition briefing not to go near as unexpected things happen in the cave. When driving through the cave we felt this was a bit of an anticlimax to the ride. Half way through the cave there was a small wave of water which falls down the left hand side which hits the side of the van causing water to come under the feet of ALL researchers. Whilst this is happening there is a flashing strobe light (not very bright). [caption id="attachment_10068" align="alignleft" width="225"] Zufari Vehicles[/caption] Finally to exit the cave you need to go through a waterfall which will give you a little splashing. Although this is an unexpected surprise we felt it was a bit randomly placed and was a bit bitty to the ride. At this point the expedition is over and you return to base camp for disembarkation. Having experienced Zurfari Ride into Africa, In its present riding experience I would give Zufari a 7 out of 10. The theming is completed to a high standard and complements the experience well. If you go on a warm sunny day you would be easily fooled into thinking you were really in Africa. The 6 years spent planning this investment have been well spent. What a great addition to the park Zufari is. After our ride we got speaking to a member of staff and we have since learned that Chessington is having to re-work some areas of the attraction for some of the animals i.e. flamingos, which is why some of the animals said to be a part of the experience aren’t visible at the moment. Also some more minor visual effects are to be added within the coming months to the cave experience. Photos & Wording by James Hardiker, with thanks.

Alton Towers Theme Park Plans to Reopen

Mat South — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:54:58 +0000

The weather over the last few days has been exceptional across many parts of the UK resulting in Drayton Manor, Lightwater Valley and Alton Towers being forced to closed for health and safety reasons. It has been announced this evening (Sunday 24th 2013) via the official Alton Towers website that the park does plan to re-open on Monday 25th 2013 providing there is no further snowfall overnight.

The Alton Towers Resort team have been working hard to clear the footpaths and car parks, making it safe for guests to walk around the park. Most of the rides and attractions should be open, however the park has warned that the low temperatures may affect operation of some of the larger rides.

The attached video was taken at 16:30 24/03/13 on Ashbourne road, one of the main approach routes to the park. Ploughs and gritters are working hard to keep the roads clear, though the strong winds have caused some drifts across the Staffordshire Moorlands some 8-10 feet high.

Alton Towers Resort to Remain Closed for 3rd Day

Mat South — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:52:30 +0000

According to the official Alton Towers website, the resort is to remain closed for a third consecutive following further snowfall across Staffordshire. The statements reads: "In spite of our best efforts, we are very sorry to have to confirm that we will not be opening Alton Towers Theme Park this weekend, as we had hoped and planned, as continued snowfall across the Staffordshire Moorlands has made it impossible. Of course we are sorry for any disappointment this may cause to those who were planning to visit the Park, but the health & safety of our guests and employees has to be our priority and we have placed it above all else. Our efforts are now focused on ensuring the Resort is fully cleared and as many rides and attractions as possible are ready to open on Monday."

Fireman Sam Comes to Oakwood this Easter

Mat South — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:30:25 +0000

Fireman Sam will be on hand to help mark the official start of the new season at Oakwood Theme Park this Easter Bank Holiday Weekend with his very own mini show (March 29^th – April 1^st). Everyone’s favourite hero next door will be starring in a new mini-show called ‘A Pontypandy Welcome’ and will also be taking part in regular meet and greet sessions throughout the weekend at the Pembrokeshire park. There will be a special Haribo-themed Easter Fun Trail with free sweets for younger visitors and a selection of live music from local bands. Visitors will also have the chance to grab a sneaky peak at the major new £4m family-themed new attraction which the park is set to unveil in time for the summer holidays. Although the actual theme for the new area remains a closely-guarded secret, the designers have revealed that it includes seven new rides and attractions; including a spectacular water ride alongside a series of children's play areas and other themed attractions. The pirate-themed water ride features a giant 12-metre-tall sculpted skull with a waterfall flume cascading from one of the eye sockets. Other rides and attractions will include a junior coaster, a mini galleon, a London taxi ride, an interactive walkthrough area and themed soft play zone.

Alton Towers Closed due to Snow

Mat South — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:11:22 +0000

The Ice Age 4D cinema isn't the only snowy part of the park today. Following heavy snowfall across Staffordshire, it was announced today (Friday March 22nd) via the Alton Towers Resort Official Twitter Feed that the park is to remain closed due to the snowfall. Guests with pre-booked tickets will have their tickets revalidated to use another day. Snow will continue, heavy at times leading to further large accumulations, especially over the high ground of Staffordshire and Shropshire. Remaining windy with a risk of blizzards. Alton Towers has advised they hope to be open tomorrow, but people should check Twitter for live updates direct from the park.

It’s a Dog’s Life at Drayton Manor

Mat South — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:43:17 +0000

Puppy power will head to Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, this Saturday 23^rdMarch to mark National Puppy Day. Puppy walkers from Guide Dogs, along with man’s best friend, will visit the popular day out attraction as part of the puppies’ training, to get them used to different types of sights, sounds and smells. Puppy walking is a crucial stage in the development of guide dogs. Volunteers dedicate their time, patience and love to develop the dog, getting them used to everyday life, such as cars, buses, trains and crowds during their first 12 months. Howard Jones, Puppy Training Supervisor and Guide Dog Mobility Instructor for Guide Dogs, said: “Being able to take the puppies to Drayton Manor for a day out is fantastic because they need to experience as many different scenarios as possible.” Helen Pawley, Drayton Manor Theme Park’s General Manager, said: “It is great we can commemorate National Puppy Day by welcoming Guide Dogs to the park. “The park is fully open for the main season now, with a theme park, 15-acre zoo and plenty of on-site restaurants, there’s lots of hustle and bustle, as well as new and exciting sounds and smells for the puppies to experience.” It takes around 20 months of specialised training to transform a new-born puppy into a confident guide dog and Guide Dogs is the largest breeder of working dogs in the world, breeding more than 1,300 puppies each year. In addition to time, it costs around £50,000 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement, which will give a blind or partially sighted person freedom, mobility and independence.