A recurring pattern happening across the UK is seen rides and rollercoasters receive a regeneration rather than retirement. Without further ado let’s have a little chat!
Ice Blast – Launchpad – Pleasure Beach Resort:
A classic that’s sat within Pleasure Beach for years which underwent a name change before Ice Blast. But this time the refurbishment was bigger than a simple brand change and it’s rejuvenated the whole ride experience by bringing back the power it lost over the years through age. Now known as Launchpad with a brand new theme and name. This is part of the skyline and a really iconic ride amongst Pleasure Beach especially when you think of how differently the park would appear from a distance without it.
Shockwave – The Wave – Drayton Manor Park:
Opening as the world’s first standing rollercoaster and remaining standing even without the record up until the 30th was pretty iconic. It was my first ever thrill rollercoaster as it was no doubt many others too. It was fun but definitely felt like it had its time and the novelty of standing was beginning to wear off. The park opted for a more family-oriented direction in recent years and made Shockwave into The Wave and seated which therefore lowered the height restrictions to allow more guests to enjoy. This decision was by far the best and made a much more delightful ride experience as a whole. But it also extended the coaster’s life and that’s much better than seeing it get torn down.
Nemesis – Nemesis Reborn – Alton Towers
One of the biggest we’ve seen in the UK for certain. Original Nemesis saw its day and ended up becoming fully re-tracked with a colour change and more theming across the site into Nemesis Reborn. The identical layout but with added storytelling and a follow-on to the story we all know and love. This is possibly one of the reviving moments I personally haven’t enjoyed from the ride experience perspective. I found the OG version more enjoyable but that’s my preference.
Valhalla – Pleasure Beach Resort:
Not the first Valhalla has undergone extensive work but by far the major changes inside. This is one of those dark rides that truly don’t feel as if they belong within the UK. It is tremendous. The modifications saw an entire evolution in the storytelling, brand new scenes, a new soundtrack yet still at the soul is the Valhalla we know and love. It took many years to reopen and unfortunately tends to run fewer operating hours. But again this way of having Valhalla is better than not having it at all. You can read my full review HERE.
Ripsaw – Toxicator – Alton Towers:
Not technically on the same level as the others in this blog post but of a comparable nature I guess. It was never an immediate close to open like the others in this list. But it’s the exact spot with an upgraded model so it’s going into this blog. 10 years after Ripsaw left Alton Towers saw Toxicator opened. Themed around The Phalanx with a luminous toxic green colour scheme and an upgraded model. It really is fun. It’s nice to have something parallel to Ripsaw in the location and even more so to support the queues across Forbidden Valley which will balance out more. It’s a brilliant addition to the park.
Pleasure Beach Resort Re-Tracks:
Across Pleasure Beach has seen several of their rollercoasters get re-tracked in recent years and I believe even currently with Big Dipper. The Big One has seen a lot of track replaced to keep it operating for longer but those sections have transformed the ride already and made it much smoother. Grand National has had track replacements and again the discrepancy is beautiful to the riding experience. Big Dipper had the same work done in recent years but we did find it took away a little bit of the charm. BUT stretching the life of these really ICONIC rollercoasters is ideal. They shall go on to create memories for generations to come.
Upcoming River Caves at Pleasure Beach:
River Caves there are very few details shared about its existing refurbishment but if this is anything equivalent to the Valhalla treatment we’ll be in for a delight. This ride is many years old and holds a lot of charisma in the conditions it is closed in. We wouldn’t like to see it transform too drastically and so appreciative that the park is keeping this and working on it. I’d love to see a simple modernisation whilst preserving the overall theme and more comfy boats. But once more is shared on this project we will be sure to share it with you!
Have I missed any in this blog? If so, pop them in the comments!
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Thank you for reading and I’ve loved taking a trip down memory lane from the past to the current versions of these rides!
