2018 marked a fantastic year for the Theme Park community as 2 flagship coasters were introduced in the UK. Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Wicker Man at Alton Towers are both fantastic additions and are what the park’s needed.
It was the first time since 1994 the two park’s went head to head with brand new coasters. The Pepsi Max Big One and Nemesis were constructed along with Shockwave at Drayton Manor (I cant see them adding a new coaster any time soon). Over the years, Bepsi Max and Nemi gained legendary coaster status and will hopefully remain at their homes for many years to come.
As for the future, when will we see a huge coaster investment? Well, Paultons Park are heavily rumoured to be constructing a Mack Rides spinning coaster (possibly the extreme inverting coaster) for 2020 but where desperately needs a new coaster?
Chessington and Legoland have made huge investments in dark rides recently with The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and the new Lego Vekoma Madhouse. Maybe this means a coaster in the not too distant future? Even Thorpe Park have Derren Brown’s Ghost Train and haven’t seen a new coaster for a number of years.
I know people want an RMC but with the huge selection of rides, why? I’ve never taken a ride on an RMC but I’ve heard their lap bars hurt and that’s enough for me to not be excited. There is a rejuvenated love for wooden coasters and GCI are at the top of their game right now so I honestly think a large GCI (Bigger than Wicker Man) would do wonders for the park. Don’t forget the lack of family coasters at Thorpe Park. A Vekoma or B&M suspended family coaster would be great and could even use the Nemesis brand.
At smaller parks though Paultons Park have been consistently fantastic over the past few years. Peppa Pig World is such a success that the park can afford to expand and compete with the big boys of the industry. Lost Kingdon was a huge expansion in 2016 along with 2 family coasters, exceptional theming and great operations. With the new Mack coaster coming next year, I honestly see Paultons being the place to be very soon.
As for Drayton Manor, I’m not sure if they can afford a new coaster, especially with G-Force still standing. It is a great park but it really needs something new to bring people back. With Flamingo Land, I think dismantling Hero would be a good idea.
A new coaster is always something enthusiasts get excited about but will we have another huge coaster in the next few years? Let me know in the comments.
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Unreliable Coaster Blog UK 