Okay, that title may be a little harsh. Maybe let’s say these weren’t the best idea IN MY OPINION. As with any blog of this nature it’s purely down to preferences and here are 3 ride re-themes across some UK rides where I preferred the previous theme.
Bubbleworks to Gruffalo:
This has to be number 1 shouldn’t have moved. Bubbleworks was one of the most well-loved family rides in the UK. Even to this day you always hear a guest speak of it. The Gruffalo is a lovely IP but the theming of Bubbleworks just looked better and during our visits at least appeared a lot more reliable even up until the last few weeks before closing. The Gruffalo hasn’t aged wonderfully in my opinion. The storytelling and what was tried are appreciated. But very much yearning for some sort of comparable return of Bubbleworks. The light, happy and feel-good type of ride experience would be THE dream.
The Alton Towers Dungeons:
Look, anything that came before this re-theme should have remained. We never had the chance to ride Toyland Tours more precisely but from all we’ve seen that should have stuck around or had a refurbishment. Of course, The Dungeons have gone thankfully. But the fact that there’s a little boat ride in this building that’s now not being used makes us so sad. Alton Towers needs dark rides especially given the ever-unpredictable British weather and this boat ride just needs to be converted into a nice happy family-friendly theme that everyone can enjoy. Hopefully, one day we’ll see something of that essence again.
X to The Walking Dead: The Ride:
X was an absolute gem. There was just something about this nightclub/rave-like theme amongst Thorpe Park’s line-up that just made sense. It was that tiny takeaway from the darker themes of the surrounding rides, lower height restrictions to accommodate more guests and a round feel-good attraction. I enjoy the endeavours made with Walking Dead but now it’s often something we just dismiss and bypass. The coaster itself never changed nor did the carriages. It was just the theming that totally transformed. It’s themed adequately but Thorpe Park needs something like X in my opinion. Just to give that contrast in atmosphere. Who knows maybe one day we’ll see this return.
Of course, things are forever changing amongst the theme park industry whether that’s for the better or worse. Times change, guests’ preferences vary and parks have to make these kinds of conclusions to keep more guests coming through their gates. It’s less about us enthusiasts and more about the wider public. But these are the 3 main re-themes where I just wish the retired theme stuck around and just renovated to suit the modern times.
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What are your thoughts? Any re-themes that you wish just didn’t happen?
Thank you for reading and can’t wait to have a chat with you all about this topic.
