We haven’t visited Drayton Manor for the theme park since 2021 and within that space of time, the transformation has been truly mind-blowing. The park we once experienced is a distant memory of the park we see today. It has truly come on leaps and bounds but also set the bar rather high for these sorts of TLC projects too. I will be reviewing each newly themed area in more detail over the coming weeks.
Since our last visit, there have been 3 very evident changes that have brought the park once felt quite stagnant to the park crammed with life. Starting over in Adventure Cove this was the last investment we saw happen and that alone transformed this space into an unrecognisable yet familiar themed zone. Drayton Manor lost the themed areas over the years until this point. It felt more like a finished-themed area. This area has since seen further evolution with Shockwave retiring as a standup coaster to become The Wave a sit-down coaster that unlocks the audience up to more guests with a lower height restriction. This was my first thrill coaster and it’s one I feel is ideal for anyone starting with inversions. The transition has of course seen more theming added and that swift switch in identity.
Walking towards The Haunting you instantly transformed into this western town. Passing by the Frontier Falls signpost it’s quite the contrast to how it once was. This area doesn’t necessarily feel complete as such with Accelerator having a bit of a mixed-match theme but you can see this is a work in progress and nothing a track repaint and removal of the car theming can’t sort. The building is a key factor in this space. Just having them so beautifully themed has transformed the area for the better. Not to ignore the brand new rollercoaster Gold Rush. Losing Apocalypse was bittersweet as it was iconic and the scariest flat ride in the UK. Yet having a rapid replacement makes it less bitter and worthwhile. Seeing the familiar attractions receive a lease of life to incorporate themselves into the area is just perfection. The bar has been set for sure.
The Vikings area is the next which shocked us. Once home to The Buffalo and high ropes course yet now it’s a full-blown area with a theme and a handful of new rides. I never visualised this area to ever look how it does just didn’t see that sort of investment & expansion happening yet here we are.
All these projects over the years have shown what Drayton Manor is capable of and the bar has truly become high. It’s a little park in the grand scheme of things, especially in comparison to the likes of Alton Towers. Yet I truly believe the investment feels more extravagant here. We were blown away by how far this park has come this is the place we grew up and to see it in the existing conditions is truly remarkable. It’s tough to not feel a little proud! I’ve supported Drayton Manor and I always will. We’re both so delighted we’ve invested in the season passes again and often find ourselves enthusiastic to return.
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This is the park to watch over the coming years it holds nothing but a bright and positive future.
Thank you for reading and I’d love to hear your opinions on the last few years of investments.
