| As the 2005 season draws to a close we look | | | | |
| forward to what's new for U.K. theme parks in | | | | A welcome lick of paint too for Market |
| 2006.At Thorpe Park a new 200 foot tall | | | | Square, with Rameses Revenge possibly being |
| roller coaster is to be built where Model | | | | re-themed to appeal to Chessington's younger |
| World and the Flying Fish are currently | | | | audience.Not much happening, as far as we |
| located. Due to open for the start of the | | | | know yet, at other theme parks in England. At |
| 2006 season in March 2006, it will have a | | | | Drayton Manor all efforts are concentrated on |
| racing theme and appears to be a direct | | | | the new water park due in 2007.U.K. Theme |
| response to Alton Towers' Rita: Queen of | | | | park fans must be green with envy when they |
| Speed. Acceleration from 0-80mph in around | | | | look at creation of huge new theme parks |
| 2.5 seconds is promised followed by a | | | | around the world. A new billion pound theme |
| vertical climb up a 205ft tall peak and | | | | park and water park in Dubai will be called |
| descent at 90 degrees.At Alton Towers the | | | | Aqua Dunya. In Hong Kong Disney is planning a |
| main development seems aimed at the younger | | | | 2nd park, whilst they have just opened in |
| market, a new experience based on Charlie and | | | | Japan. And so on.But the prospects of any new |
| the Chocolate Factory will replace the | | | | theme parks in the U.K. seem remote. All that |
| current Toyland Tours ride. 4 million is | | | | is on the horizon is the new water park at |
| being spent.At Chessington my favourite ride, | | | | Drayton Manor and the possible expansion of |
| Bubbleworks, is to be given a makeover with | | | | attractions at West Midland safari Park. |
| Imperial leather soap as the sponsor. Lots | | | | Local politicians in Norwich floated the idea |
| more bubbles, with lots of foam flying around | | | | of a new theme park in East Anglia earlier |
| we hope. | | | | this year, but this has come to nothing. |