31. Detonator – Bombs Away!
This drop tower ride was bought in temporarily after the fire that damaged a large chunk of the park in the year 2000. It’s been here ever since, and is a cracking little drop tower. You get views across to Windsor and London on a clear day. Whilst it looks a bit scary, the drop is relatively short.
32. Rush
My ‘rules’ dictate Quantum first, and often, Rush is second. This S&S Screamin’ Swing is immense. It’s basically a giant, compressed air powered swing. I love the rush you get when the ride is fully up to speed. My only complaint is that it is over all too quickly. It’s not loved by everyone, however it’s very much loved by me!
33. The Flying Fish
Yes, it’s one of the tamest rollercoasters going, and yes it’s almost identical to the Scorpion Express at Chesssington. I have a lot of love for this ride. It’s a firm favourite in the park, and has been there since I was little. Back in the day it was known as Space Station Zero, and was actually INDOORS. It was housed in the Amity Boardwalk Games Arcade when I was little. I remember being devastated that I wasn’t tall enough to ride it. It was then moved to ‘Model World’ and renamed the Flying Fish. Model World was demolished when Stealth was built, and the Flying Fish was moved to where it lives now. It’s a great ‘starter’ coaster for little ones.
34. X
I know it’s gone, and been reworked into The Walking Dead – The Ride in 2018. However I’ve got fond memories of this weird and wonderful ride. I remember the original version, with the weird and wonderful queueline, and the backwards trains. The trains stopped, and rolled backwards (or was it forwards?), and you got squirted with water and blasted with sounds. The later version saw that all ripped out, the trains facing forwards and a dance soundtrack. A coaster in the dark is a rarity these days, and I’m glad Thorpe Park have one of the only ones left in the UK. Rest in Peace X.
35. Nitrogenie Ice Cream
Hmmm – Fresh Ice Cream, made to order with Nitrogen. Perfect for a hot day. I couldn’t pick a favourite flavour, they are all amazing.
36. Watching people get wet, whilst watching people get wet
Yeah, that sounds more complicated than it actually is. I love watching folk standing close to Tidal Wave, hoping to see the riders get drenched, who end up getting soaked themselves in the process. The tidal wave is often bigger than you expect, especially with a full boat.
37. Memories of Thorpe Park days gone by…
I’ve been visiting Thorpe Park for over 30 years now. I have so many memories of being there when I was little. Hanging out with the Thorpe Park Rangers. Riding on the Wicked Witches Haunt. Both of my kids have grown up visiting there. Its sad that rides have come and gone over the years, however I have such great memories from over the years. I’m keen to make more!
38. Saw : Alive
The old ‘Thorpe Belle’ boat, which used to be a restaurant when I was little was re-themed into Saw : Alive in 2010. It was open for the whole of the 2010 season, and then became a Fright Nights only attraction. It’s one of my favourite Fright Nights mazes, it feels very enclosed and intense. I’m happy that Saw : Alive will be open during the Summer this year, as well as the Fright Nights. I believe the ‘Saw’ licence expires in 2019, so both of the Saw themed attractions will probably be different next year. Enjoy Saw : Alive for the 2018 season!
39. Amity Beach
Such a popular attraction during the summer season, Amity Beach is popular with families. Have some rides, and go and catch some rays! You can even rent out one of the little beach huts too if you want a ‘base’ for the day.
40. Birthday Bunk Off!
I’ve quite enjoyed having a ‘birthday bunk off’ at Thorpe Park Resort over the years. Basically, it’s an excuse to get all my friends to take a day off work, and head off for a day full of rides. As my birthday is fairly early on in the season, the park is quieter, so we can get an obscene amount of rides in. I recommend a birthday bunk off to anyone. Plus, you can get group discounts depending how many of you are going!
Concluded on Page 5
