| Have
any memories of any of the rides featured in our anniversary
features? Do you have any interesting stories relating to their
history? How do you feel these rides have impacted their
particular parks?
Read through
some of your contributions, and add your own by filling in the
form below.
I have
been visiting Drayton Manor for a number of years and although
many rides have changed the look of
the park, by far the most dramatic has been Shockwave.
When I first saw pictures of the ride on the local news I was
shocked that it was even possible to stand
up on a coaster. It was a few years
before I was able to ride it, and since then it is difficult to
think of a trip to the park without
the ride. Turning what was my small local park into
one that now challenges the best in the country for the best day
out.
John Wilkes
on Shockwave
I visited
Blackpool for the first time last year and completely fell in
love with the place. It's like a treasure trove, where around
every corner you find another hidden wonder. Of course you don't
need to search hard for the best one of all: The Flying
Machines. OK, so the Big Dipper and Grand National are more
exciting, but nothing prepares you for the feeling of exhilaration
you feel when going around in these huge arks. Absolutely
wonderful.
Michael on
Captive Flying Machines
A very
under-rated coaster, and what it lacks in airtime it gains in
presence. I still ride this with people getting excited about
their first major coaster.
Jennifer
Green on The Big One
This isn't the
best ride in the world, but it certainly has an unmistakable
character, and despite the dead spots seems to have a kick right
up to the end. People still really enjoy Shockwave and it has
done so much for the park.
Michael on
Shockwave
My opinion on
the Big One changes more than any other ride. Perhaps because
the ride itself is far from consistent. Originally I loved the
ride because such a huge ride was very much a novelty. Then I
rode it more and became disappointed with how slow the latter
stages are and the lack of airtime in the first half.
However more
recently my opinion has changed once again. The ride may have no
airtime but it isn't about that. The park already has two fine
wooden examples of perfect airtime machines. As an experience
the Big One is unrivalled. Few other rides look so imposing, and
the views from the ride are incredible, especially at night.
Many comment
that it is a very rough ride and indeed it is a physical ride,
much like the parks wooden coasters. If it was to feature over
head restraints this roughness would be unforgivable but the
lapbars mean that you seem to have a lot of freedom as you motor
along. It seems for many people riding it means a great sense of
achievement in much the same way as running a marathon. It was
long, wasn’t especially comfortable but the overall experience
was worth it.
John Wilkes on The
Big One
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