Theming is something that I think is crucial on any ride and even more so on a rollercoaster! Those coasters that don’t have a theme or styling but the layout is the substantial point are quite honestly something else! For me, it doesn’t have to be the strongest of layouts when there’s a dependable theme to be tremendous. I guess we could refer it to as picking the dregs of what could be a mediocre kind of coaster. So, here are my top 3 themed rollercoasters & why?
Honourable Mentions:
I feel as if before we kick off this blog properly some of you are going to read the list & question my choices instantly. But here are some honourable mentions of the ones I also love like Thirteen at Alton Towers, Stealth at Thorpe Park, Vampire at Chessy & The Dragon at Legoland.
3)) Crush’s Coaster – Disneyland Paris:
The coaster layout itself is rather introductory. In fact, I think Dragons Fury in the UK has the better layout. But that’s beside the point given how much I love the theming. I thoroughly enjoy and have always cared for the Finding Nemo franchise. It’s always brought childhood joy back to me whenever I see it. This coaster nails it on the theming elements and story-telling. I enjoy how detailed it is as well with the Seagulls in the station, Crush’s shells as carriages and the entire areas that are themed are done perfectly. The spinning section has theming but not a great ordeal but that’s completely coherent given you spin so fast you don’t even notice the lack of theming. But for me, I really enjoy this ride given it just takes me back to being small again and embracing Finding Nemo & the characters that come along with it. It may not be brilliant on the throughputs but it’s sure fun once you’re experiencing it.
2)) Nemesis – Alton Towers
Odd one I know. The UK has no ends of decent-themed coasters, don’t get me wrong. But I really appreciate the subtle and if you know you know the type of theming that comes with Nemesis. There’s always that streak of unknown with the storytelling. Of course, if you ride the sister ride in Nemesis Sub Terra you’re in a better know of what’s happening and how Nemesis ended up where it is. But if you didn’t get a chance to ride that during the operating period, it was open prior to this year It’s a very mysterious backstory that you do need to do a little research in to fully comprehend and appreciate it. All of the surrounding area tells that story in some way but you wouldn’t know that if you didn’t know. I’m intrigued as to where we are in the story & how it’ll be shown with Nemesis Reborn.
1)) The Swarm – Thorpe Park
This has to be one of the most epic and film-like themed areas & rollercoasters within the UK. The moment you cross into The Swarm Island it’s like you’ve been teleported to another dimension which is quite literally a chaotic moment at the end of the world. It effortlessly tells the story without any audio or storytelling needing to be done. You see the end right there the moment you look into the area and see that turned upside ambulance and crashed plane. The carriage itself tells you what’s assembling this utter catastrophe zone and it’s the flying alien which just heading down the inverted drop. It’s something that I haven’t seen done again to this scale or detail. Yes, we have seen fab-themed plazas and rollercoasters like Mandrill Mayhem but this is something completely distinct and next level. It never fails to amaze me how in-depth the story has been told with such epic moments enclosing you. Of course, the audio and lighting etc. all really help heighten the story but it’s definitely not needed given how powerful the visuals are alone. It has the crown and it’ll take so much to be beaten in my opinion.
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What are your top 3 themed rollercoasters? I’d love to hear them!
