Themeparksandy1981
Member
I don’t think they did much for the parks 60th anniversary but they went all out for the parks 40th Pirate Adventure and 50th Apocalypse, Golden Nuggets and The Popeye live show.
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Drayton at 70
- Thread starter Ciaran
- Start date
@Anth0ny @Kam Problem is if the park refer back to it's golden age from the 90's and early 20's. It will make people stop and think about how the park haven't made major investments into the park for some years. It would be a slight blunder with many more questions being asked from people who haven't noticed. I suppose you could call it damage control to the brand that is Drayton Manor. Don't highlight the parks current issues only highlight recent success which is Thomas Land mainly.
Themeparksandy1981
Member
Thomas land is the best thing ever to happen to Drayton Manor as it now is open from mid Feb to the end of Dec where before it was end of March to start of November. Thomas land also gave them the extra funds to build the hotel but that’s where it’s all gone wrong since as 2012 only Air Race has been added to the main park with just 2 rethemed attractions and a new 4D movie. Like they use to replace the movie every season rides been removed and not replaced.
Agree with you although I would disagree about Thomas Land giving extra funds for the hotel. The hotel was always on the cards from since the 1990's the only problem was getting planning consent due to residents. The hotel is what started the issues for Drayton as most of the parks debt came from the hotel sadly.
Themeparksandy1981
Member
Yes it was 1st planned to open in 2001 as I got the original plans on my photobucket. They were accepted in 2003 but took another 7 years for construction to start. There was also plans to build a big indoor water park and entertainment village but this was scrapped in 2005.
Theme Park Musician
Member
A bit of a shame as Drayton prioritized Thomas Land over the other areas!!
The water park is still apart of the plan for Drayton, a smaller version with no deep pools. Well... as of the 2018 plan, although a lot has happened since the plan was done.
Drayton Manor opened to the public 70 years ago today! Check out our video below showcasing some of our favourite rides over the years! Be sure to let us know some of your favourite memories and rides below!
Theme Park Musician
Member
AvalancheAttractionsUK
Member
Happy birthday Drayton Manor! 70 years is a long time for any business to be running for, and despite it’s shift in target markets over recent years, it still remains as one of my favourite theme parks.
I’ve got a special 70th anniversary tweet planned for later today, so I’ll post it’s here once it’s posted.
I’ve got a special 70th anniversary tweet planned for later today, so I’ll post it’s here once it’s posted.
The park have done some great marketing runs over the year, some really catchy tunes to them also! It's great how many rides they showcased also, which shows just how marketable some of the rides at Drayton Manor really are! We actually edited this video in-house using a brief selection from our archive images! We intend to release our entire archive library very soon on the website - stay tuned for that!
You're absolutely correct, 70 years of operation is a very big achievement and a testament to the people behind Drayton Manor. To stay family run, by the same family, is also a massive accolade. The park has weathered the 70 years incredibly well, with some undeniably tough times to battle through, including the current situation, it's great to see such a great product 70 years on!
Themeparksandy1981
Member
I think they know they can’t match Merlin for amounts of money they can spend on attractions but now they got a land that can bring income into the park 10/11 months a year where before it was just 7 months.
Theme Park Musician
Member
AvalancheAttractionsUK
Member
As promised, here is my special tweet - celebrating the history of the park, and the many rides that have come and gone from Drayton Manor.
Theme Park Musician
Member
This is very nice and it's a good way to wish Drayton a Happy 70th Birthday!!!
Themeparksandy1981
Member
I think they really need to go big for there fireworks display with all day entertainment and the longest display the park ever put on. It be so nice if Colin had a good tribute put in to his parents and hope his kids and grandchildren can lead the park forward to see in the next 30 years.
Theme Park Musician
Member
The fireworks are always spectacular and definitely worth visiting!!!
Themeparksandy1981
Member
I thought last years was the worst display I seen since my 1st in 2002. The 60th display was the best fireworks display I seen outside of Disney World.