Everyone has different reasons for liking or disliking certain roller coasters but one thing that is a must for me is immersion and theming. I know a really high percentage of people rate a ride on the airtime, size, inversions or the level of intensity/thrill but these things are just a bonus for me. This is why Wicker Man still dominates as my number 1 coaster. In a previous blog entry I compared Wicker Man to Megafobia and I came to the conclusion that Wicker Man had the better experience, though Megafobia has the better layout and elements. I honestly love to get caught up in something theatrical and be able to temporarily vacate real life. But what creates an immersive theming experience? Well.. it ranges from simple rock work, animatronics, scenery and decorated queues to full blown experiences with storylines and sensory elements such as custom smells and professional lighting.
Theming really does can trigger your senses. The only sense I haven’t experienced during a coaster session is taste and to be honest, I can’t see that happening in the future.
Theming doesn’t have to be big and extravagant to be good. Flight of the Pterosaur at Paultons Park is a good example. The rock work is fantastic, the animatronics below the ride are outstanding and there’s a brilliant soundtrack but it doesn’t feel overdone. It’s pretty subtle when you are on the ride and forget the theming is even there until you get off but the area and queue really set the tone for your 1 minute adventure in the air.
Heavy theming is getting pretty common throughout Europe at the moment and especially at Phantasialand which is quickly becoming one of the nicest looking parks in the world. This park is combining world class rollercoasters with world class theming and music, creating something completely different. As a UK based blog I honestly believe at least a few of our home parks deserve high quality theming throughout and a complete unique selling point but unfortunately the funds don’t seem to stretch that far.
For example Alton Towers. Some of the rides are heavily themed but the areas and some rides don’t get the attention they deserve. Look at Galactica/Air. Back when it was built, there was a lot of theming planned but couldn’t be landscaped/constructed due to the budget. That’s understandable as it was an extremely expensive ride at the time but nothing has been added since (except the Galactica portal and the addition/removal of VR).
Overall a great ride with high quality theming is my personal preference but the UK needs to take it up a notch. Make areas as well themed as Wicker Man or PortAventura and I’ll be happy.
What do you look for in a rollercoaster?
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