I’m someone who eagerly awaits changes to some rides and to others I simply fear that the changes could ruin a lot. But across the UK there has been some real positive re-themes and refurbishments made over the past few years. So I thought I’d sit down and have a chat over my top 5 favourites and why?
Gold Mine to Wallace & Gromit Thrill’O’Matic:
Firstly let me apologise to those who loved Gold Mine, we aren’t always going to agree on change right? But I honestly think this was the best decision Pleasure Beach have made in terms of re-themes. I remember riding Gold Mine during its final couple of years of operation and it was dreadful. Perhaps the era I rode it was partly to blame for the state and ride quality it was sat in. I think Wallace & Gromit is a lovely uplifting fit for the park and the quality difference, is worlds apart.
Tomb Blaster 2020 Refurbishment:
I was amazed at the difference the audio, lighting etc made to this attraction. I never associated Tomb Blaster with being the weakest dark ride within the UK prior but after riding once the refurbishment happened I was amazed at how much of a higher quality it felt. It has a really easy to follow storyline which flows so beautifully. In all honesty, I’m struggling to express how incredible this ride is currently, you have to see it in person to understand.
The Haunting:
I can’t quite pinpoint a year for all the changes that have happened. However, in comparison to what it once was to now, it has come on leaps and bounds. The storyline seems a lot eerier and the vibe has almost taken a turn towards a more thrill based audience than family in my opinion. The level of attention to detail when it comes down to storyline now is fab. Again it’s another one of those rides that you have to experience it for yourself to get to grips with what I’m trying to say.
Dragon Falls to Tiger Rock:
The ride itself hasn’t changed it still has troth, boats etc. But the theming surrounding the ride is immense. Dragon Falls never really had any theming in it’s later years, I think it did when it first opened but not in the last what 5 or 10 years. So from nothing to the level, there is now, it was a big change and a change that really has taken the park all together to feel more complete with barely any lack of themed areas. It gave a fairly old ride a whole new facelift with an injection of life, which I am here for any day!
Ben 10 Ultimate Mission to Accelerator:
Again the rollercoaster itself is practically the same, the overall theme is different. The main change that is noticeable is, of course, the queue line which in comparison is to Ben 10 is 100% better. The lighter theming throughout has really given it spruce of energy it needed. As much as it has always been well-themed, I think the current theme is mint. I’m not sure if it’s just me but I find it so much more bearable to re-ride now in its current theme then before, let me know if that’s just me?
What are some of your favourite re-themes or refurbishments you’ve experienced in the UK? Let me know!
Thank you for reading!