Most of us enjoy a trip to a theme park but for the image conscious a visit can soon turn into a nightmare as there is limitless potential for the rides and attractions to completely roger your look. No thrill ride is going to leave you unscathed but there are some rides that are best avoided if you don’t want to look like a swamp creature or an escapee from the local asylum. Here are 10 rides to pass up if you don’t want to look in the mirror and get the fright of your life. Continue reading
Author Archives: Sally
Pirates of the Caribbean
Yes it is a bit cheesy and frankly a little dated but Pirates of the Caribbean remains a hugely popular attraction at the four Disney parks in which each features. All four versions of the ride are similar and so to an extent if you have seen one you have seen them all but that doesn’t seem to reduce the number of enthusiastic guests queuing up to take a ride. Continue reading
Onesie World Record
There is something fascinating about the sight of a roller coaster full of people in costumes or their underwear. Don’t ask me why but it just looks brilliant and it is great publicity so it is no surprise that Theme Parks are happy to host world record attempts for lingerie or nudity and even arrange such events themselves. Now Drayton Manor has got in on the act by attempting to break the world record for the number of visitors wearing a onesie.
Cheap Day Out
Visitors were allowed into the park for just £5 rather than the usual £36 if they wore a onesie. So many people flocked to the park that the gates were closed early. It didn’t take long to surpass the required figure and when the guests in onesies were asked to congregate in the middle of the park to be counted there were 3152, easily breaking the previous record of 1184. The event was so popular that it caused tailbacks on nearby roads and a queue of 90 minutes to enter the park.
Another Record
A second world record followed as the crowd also managed the longest scream which reached 80 decibels and lasted for an amazing 8 minutes and 45 seconds. I am glad I missed that one as I can’t stand ear piercing screaming especially on rides!
Poor Park
I am sure the record attempt gained valuable publicity for the park and it certainly boosted their visitor numbers. Having visited Drayton manor I would say that they need all the help they can get because I wasn’t impressed by the place one bit!
Lingerie
The onesie event probably wasn’t as eye catching as the lingerie event hosted by Alton Towers when they teamed up with Ultima Bras. A group of ladies wearing nothing but their lingerie was filmed riding the various coasters to prove its supportive qualities and the episode must have been quite a sight. There have been similar stunts with men in their briefs showing off well-toned torsos.
Nudity
Things were taken one step further back in 2004 when Thorpe Park hosted an attempt to set the world record for the most naked riders on a roller coaster. 81 students stripped off to take a ride on Nemesis Inferno. The record was established at 28 which is the number of seats on a nemesis train. This number was surpassed the same year at Alton towers when 32 naked guests rode Nemesis. This effort was then beaten in 2010 when 102 nude riders took on Green Scream at Southend’s Adventure Land.
What Next?
I am sure these efforts won’t prove to be the last. World records, lingerie and nudity are all guaranteed to get people rushing to the parks which then gain the sort of publicity that would cost a fortune under any other circumstances. Actually I quite like the idea of taking part and so the next time I see an invitation to attend a theme park in my onesie, nightwear or underwear I will answer the call. I think I might invest in some smarter lingerie for the day though!
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Article by Sally Stacey
A Theme Park Dilemma
I am in a quandary and as a theme park fan it is a familiar one. Somewhere in the world there is always a new ride or attraction being built which begs to be visited and you can never afford the time and the money to visit them all but this year has thrown up more confusion than most. Continue reading
Old Favourites
Every theme park has a finite amount of space and so when a new ride is planned the development will often involve the demolition of an old attraction. Whilst some are well past their sell by date by the time they are pulled down, others are victims of a premature demise. There are some rides whose passing I have seriously mourned and the situation is particularly provoking when the replacement ride simply doesn’t live up to expectations. Continue reading
New Development at Port Aventura
Port Aventura is notable by its exception from the growing list of theme parks that I have visited. Somehow my first visit to the Spanish park has never materialised despite several half made plans and all sorts of good intentions. I think my lack of interest in Spain has probably been a contributory factor however this year I had resolved to stop procrastinating and to organise a trip. Now I think I may have to cancel again! There has been an announcement that changes everything. Continue reading
Wet Weather Blues
There is nothing that will ruin a day at a theme park as efficiently as rain. The weather is one thing that the parks simply can’t control and generally results in a miserable day for customers and staff alike. Many of the issues are obvious but for those who have never worked at a park some of the attendant problems will not become apparent until they have paid their entrance fee. Continue reading
When You Know The People Behind The Characters
The willing suspension of disbelief is a fundamental requirement when you visit the Disney Parks. If you are going to get the most out of your visit then cynicism has to be left at the gates. One of the most charming elements of any day at the parks is the opportunity to meet the characters. Naturally any adult will be quite well aware that they are consorting with a man in a fur suit but somehow that matters little as you are meeting Pluto for heaven’s sake! Character meetings are wonderful but what if you actually know the man who is the suit? Continue reading
Meeting the Characters
There is something about Disney in general that can soften even the most cynical adult. Throw in a few actors in fury suits and you can have everyone rushing for the photo opportunity. Meeting the characters is a wonderful part of any trip to a park, Disney or not, but it can lead to a lot of queuing and some very unseemly behaviour. Continue reading
Dogs and British Theme Parks
If you are a dog owner and considering a trip to a British Theme Park you may be wondering if you can take your pet along for the day. Unfortunately theme parks are not dog friendly environments and so your pet, unless it is a registered assistance dog, will not be allowed into the parks. It is best to find someone to look after your animals at home but if you have to take them on the trip then choose your destination advisedly and plan ahead. Here is a guide to the facilities on offer at the various parks. Continue reading