2024 has arrived and that only means there’s a fresh new season on the horizon. A season that looks truly spectacular for us UK folk as it’s crammed with new things across numerous parks. There’s nothing more fulfilling than typing that. So, here are some of my most anticipated ride experiences for 2024 some will be new for me and others will be new for us all.
Nemesis – Alton Towers:
There is no denying the fact this is my most hyped-for ride in 2024. I missed Nemesis so much during the 2023 season admittedly it helped to be pregnant as it took that extra bit of sadness away from it. But I can not wait for the moment we’re sat back on those trains in that station and heading up the lift before experiencing this ultra-fresh track. It’s madness in my mind as I experienced Nemesis when it just turned 21 years old yet here we are about to experience it before it’s technically turned one. I can’t wait and hold out so much hope it’ll be as good as if not better than what we already knew and loved.
Mandrill Mayhem – Chessington World of Adventures:
After seeing the coaster in person I’m optimistic, to say the least about how it’ll ride. For me, it looks a tad sluggish off-ride but I have that feeling it’ll surprise me with how fab it will be. I’m very intrigued, to say the least as I have never experienced this style of coaster with the wing feature as well as the launch along the shuttle.
Valhalla – Blackpool Pleasure Beach:
I have waited for years to experience Valhalla now. We were invited to the press launch however I found I was pregnant the Thursday prior. I then had to watch Ant ride it the entire 2023 whilst I sat and had a little cry on the bench because Valhalla was the only ride I needed to ride in 2023. But it’s okay I have this season to make up for it. I’ve heard a true mixture of reviews but Ant has mainly had positive rides and gave it good reviews. So, the fact I can sit in those grubby boats again this season and get thoroughly drowned makes me happy at the thought. I can’t wait.
Hyperia – Thorpe Park:
What’s that? The UK’s tallest & fastest coaster is going to open up in 2024… this is the time to be an enthusiast. Seeing this iconic record for height be outdone after 30 years is THE moment. This coaster is relatively short from the POV shared of the concept but not all short coasters fall flat. I think the sheer height, speed and tall elements will be what makes this likely to be the best coaster in the UK. I can’t help but be so excited to see this fully in person let alone ride it. I have no doubt it’ll horrify me for sure as I don’t do great with heights but I think it’s going to be something real exceptional.
Ghost Train – Thorpe Park:
Yet another ride that opened for 2023 that unfortunately I couldn’t experience. Quite honestly, I’m not totally sure what to expect it’s not something I have heard a great ordeal about. I’m captivated by the absence of VR and how those sections will be portrayed now. The blindness of what to expect does make me uneasy as I can’t picture this attraction without that bound to Darren Brown but it’s something I’m keen to do as soon as I can.
Minifigure Speedway – Legoland Windsor:
The fact Legoland Windsor is adding another coaster to their line-up is just amazing in my opinion. It’s a park that packs the dark ride but suffers from a lack of coasters and now we are effectively receiving two. I already love the theme through what’s been shared it just makes sense to have duelling coasters based around a speedway. I’m just really fascinated to see how this attraction turns out.
Shockwave Sit Down – Drayton Manor:
This is the strangest one which quite honestly I didn’t expect coming at all. But here we are stand-up shockwave is no more and we will be acknowledging this coaster under a new name as well as a sit-down. I have no doubt this was the finest choice for the park and their target audience I don’t feel the decisions can be remotely criticised in my opinion. I’ll always be grateful to see the coaster remain and acquire this type of TLC to allow it to have a stretched life. I’m inquisitive, to say the least how this change impacts the ride experience and whether will it be all that different. Will it be smoother? Will specific elements feel different? I’m just intrigued.
New Intamin – Drayton Manor
Another park that has lacked on the coaster front since the loss of G Force yet here we are in 2024 about to see a brand new Intamin coaster open up. When the new coaster came about I almost didn’t anticipate it to be Intamin but more Vekoma so that was a refreshing surprise. The loss of apocalypse whether you adored or despised it, will remain sad in my opinion it was so iconic and quite honestly held the throne for being one of the strongest UK flat rides. All things relating to this coaster have been retained well under wraps which definitely helps with the hype in my opinion. Again the park has got me wondering so much and incredibly allured by how this will be! Going by recent years watching the park develop its theming skills and demonstrating its potential more and more it’s difficult to not dismiss how stunning this is probably going to be. I’m incredibly hyped!
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What rides are you most excited for in 2024?
Thanks for reading…