It takes years for a new ride or attraction to be constructed, from the initial planning permissions being submitted and approved, to the announcements and teasers, to construction then finally a grand opening. But some rides never get off the ground, with plans being kept in storage or scrapped altogether. Join me in exploring whatContinue reading “Rides That Never Left The Drawing Board- Part 1 (Disney Parks)”
Author Archives: lily712005
Tall and Speedy: the story of the Intamin Accelerators
There was a time when lifthills were not just commonplace on coasters; they were compulsory for a working ride. A train travelling up a lifthill was the only way to gain enough momentum to complete the circuit- that was, until 1978 when Montezooma’s Revenge opened at Knotts Berry Farm in California, the first coaster toContinue reading “Tall and Speedy: the story of the Intamin Accelerators”
Walt Disney World’s Most Underrated Rides- a collab with Coaster Sam Blog
Disney theme parks have been bringing the magic to guests since 1955, opening a multitude of new, immersive attractions at locations around the world. It’s always exciting when a new ride opens for the first time, but this has a downside too- existing rides, so matter how iconic, loved or nostalgic they are, can beginContinue reading “Walt Disney World’s Most Underrated Rides- a collab with Coaster Sam Blog”
The Vekoma SLC- cloneable success or painful failure?
They’re some of the most well-known rides in the theme park industry, loved by much of the general public but hated by enthusiasts. The first Vekoma SLC, or Suspended Looping Coaster opened at Walibi Holland in 1994, and since then the Dutch ride manufacturer has continued to build SLCs, up until 2017 when the lastContinue reading “The Vekoma SLC- cloneable success or painful failure?”
Camelot Theme Park: A Medieval Knightmare
It’s 1983. Twenty-one years after the Martin Mere lake of Lancashire was drained, a brand new theme park was opening on the land. At first Camelot Theme Park, named after the story of Camelot and The Knights of the Round Table, was a huge success among the families who visited, however, as larger and moreContinue reading “Camelot Theme Park: A Medieval Knightmare”
Arrow Masterpieces from Around The World
November 1945 was the beginning of something incredible for the amusement park industry, which then was practically non-existent, other than a few regional parks temporarily closed (that sounds all too familiar!) due to the Second World War. In a small workshop in Northern California, engineers Karl Bacon and Ed Morgan began a machine shop, andContinue reading “Arrow Masterpieces from Around The World”
Frozen vs. Maelstrom: the battle of the Norway Pavilion
Norway is a country of beauty, wonder and of course adventure, and this was represented incredibly well by the Norway Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. The pavilion opened in June 1988, and for over 25 years remained largely the same, with a single darkride that brought the spirit of Norway to Florida, among other servicesContinue reading “Frozen vs. Maelstrom: the battle of the Norway Pavilion”
Coasters Really Do That?- The biggest theme park myths busted!
There are so many myths and legends surrounding the theme park industry, but have you ever wondered which of these are true? In this post we separate myth from fact, explain aspects of rollercoaster safety and even explore where some of these myths stem from!
The World’s Worst Coaster Names
Some theme parks and companies come up with coolly creative names for their rides, and some just… don’t. From Big Worm Inertia Train to the Farting Dog coaster, here are some of the worst names parks actually chose to give to their rides
The Secret Formula: the success and sad removal of Chessington’s Bubbleworks
Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, attraction designers like John Wardley were working hard to bring the American concept of a theme park to the UK, and a lot of the parks we know and love today, Thorpe Park, Chessington, Alton Towers and more, were all being redeveloped or built to fit into thisContinue reading “The Secret Formula: the success and sad removal of Chessington’s Bubbleworks”
Coaster Dreamers 