New Mcdonalds granted despite continued opposition from us locals.
Another nice back hander given to ESC no doubt. What a waste of natural land and space and this brings the 7th Mcdonalds within a 15 mile radius of the park boundary.
I doubt it has anything to do with back handers. Just because a proposal recieves a lot of backlash, that doesn't mean it can't be approved. It comes down to what the back lash is regarding, if the pros outweigh thr negatives, and if the complaints aren't really justified, then I guess it will go ahead.
Everything you've mentioned on here so far regarding this new McDonald's hasn't been worthy of rejecting the application.
It gives the local economy a little boost, helps employment and fills up some unused land.
A large crane currently working on the pirate ship...so let's hope it's getting the work needed , maybe off to huss for a refurbishment, maybe being replaced...maybe being removed. Time will tell the next couple of months.
**update, its still very much intact.
Everything is as it was on season end except the drop tower was taken down a couple weeks ago. This forum and any pwh chat is a shadow of what it use to be, just reflects how it is...
Meanwhile 10 mins north....Albert maybe removing the log flume yet at least they are getting another NEW ride.
Yeah removal of the log flume could be started before Christmas, rumours going around of a possible log flume ride going into the Thomas land at DD. nothing for us again
Why's that? Because of a few comments on social media. People will always moan, they could add 5 new rides next year and there will still be tons of complaints.
Yeah Eggspress was closed, but Towers had 4 coasters closed at one point yesterday (which seems to be the case most days) and the coasters that were open at 90+ minute waits. So it's all relative really.
And that comment on Cannonball isn't true either, back seats were being loaded when I was there.
Yet there is more to do at towers on a set given day. Yes they had downtime issues Yet only wickerman is currently closed due to chain lift.
Found the cannonball comment odd too so maybe it was down to poor batching.
People will always complain yes yet the point is woody desperately needs stuff added to make more of the day and more value for punters- particularly locals who are the key to continued success.
I don’t expect any new rides especially with the prices to run the rides going up. I think there is a number of small improvements to be done for preparation for the 40th anniversary. the toilet block opposite the pirate ship could do with cladding up like they have done with the ones down the farm end of the park they could also do the same for the gift shop. Would be nice to also have a fresh up for the drop tower and the pad opposite wipeout filled in.
let’s hope we can have all 4 coasters running the whole season next year that would be good
Yeah I remember seeing the plans for the bigger drop I had hoped they might have sent over the tower but I guess the reason there scraping it is due to the costs of maintaining such a ride like it is :(
This is standard practice for removing the train. Nothing to worry about at all. After realising that it won't be able to run, they've obviously decided to crack on with the yearly maintenance early.
The weather looks a little better this afternoon. Fingers crossed things will perk up soon. I'm sure more people will start arriving soon. Keep us posted on how your day goes!
We have cancelled our visit due to the weather. Still raining at 12.30 and with most of the park closing down from 16.00 it's not worth going plus 2 rides out too. Shame.
I'm guessing it could be one of two things: they needed to start the winter maintenance early and just choose Eggspress, or they're needed to do more repairs to the track. If you remember when it was having all that work done, not all of the track was removed, hardly any was actually. So perhaps there are now other sections of track that need some attention.
Wonder if they are refurbishing the carousel now before they go on there break because they know they have something new coming in the new year. Really hope the wave swinger gets a refurb it’s more then needed. Ponies could do with some fake hay bales to go with the hurdles and safari needs a lot of work. I’m not sure we will see cannonball open again.
i can’t see it opening now until next season thats at the earliest. There saving 2 staff wages not running it I guess. it needs repainting and a new fence when walking down but they haven’t done any of that. I recon it will be Spinballs last season at Towers next year never say never something like that could be a good fit for us at a good used price
Sadly the 3rd McDonald's drive thru in lowestoft just outside the park gates is almost but approved following a change in the planning process/application.
Really unnecessary ( all for the jobs i must add yet not when we have 2 already - a different idea would be better ) and it will affect the park and the amount of the food they churn out before, after and during the times its open.
I really haven't an issue with the McDonald's - we always stop at Beccles one on the way through for brekky so may just stop on the park's door step from now on. As Martyn said, no competition for the Harvester whatsoever. Yeah some people may pop out for lunch but those people also pop out to Tescos or bring a picnic so I feel the park won't suffer massively from it.
We too used to have Maccies breakfast loads, but since removing the bagels and wraps we've hardly been. I like the muffins, but I preferred the items they removed.
To be honest, when you got close to the Carousel you could see it was in really bad condition paint wise. I hope they do the whole thing and not just the horses. Would also be nice to see some greenery placed around the ride!
So the carousel is off for a refurb, ok fair enough yet could this not have waited another 4 weeks. As assumingly we will have cannonball closed and now another for the half term, it leaves even less to do than ever
No, because after the Halloween event work pretty much comes to a halt till after Christmas, PWH has always been like that, it's the reason nothing is ever ready or finished by Easter as it's all left till the new year.. so they're doing the Carousel before the staff go on holiday.
the amount of people that manage to watch from the parks car park is ridiculous, they should be keeping on eye on that and charging people to watch from the car park instead of worrying about the season pass holders. Surely they can’t add an extra charge without it being in there policy before paying for the pass at the start of the season
You can't stop people from watching in a public car park ( dip farm ) or on the farmer fields. You just can't.
They use to stop you going in the leisure way entrance unless you were actually going into the park. Not sure if they still do..so if they do that should cut down on people in the actual park car park. Yet remember the park is surrounded by public footpaths.
Yet what about the pass holders who may actually go home before the fireworks...and they have to pay the £3 charge. This may have been introduced as maybe the last few years (2021 not included) many pass holders just turn up last thing to see the fireworks...
We have also had the bizzare administration fee of changing tickets this year too...
Yeah merlin do state extra fees will be needed for certain events, I don't know about loopings. It doesn't appear Drayton are charging for any of their firework displays.
There is certainly a mixed reaction on the official Facebook post...
I visited the park today. Beautiful weather and the car park was full (wouldn’t have been with a parking attendant) but still nice to see. It’s strange because it is still the school holidays and the park was busy but some of the food kiosks weren’t open (Roosters, so nothing down the bottom, Amigoes and kiosk near the kids rides.) shame also that the Circus stopped on August 31st. Seems a strange date, Wednesday with 4 more summer holiday days.
Cannonball wasn’t running unfortunately but everything else was and the park atmosphere was great.
spending A lot of time in the kids area the Old woody’s driving school is derelict and looking worse for wear. i know this was a pay to play attraction but shame it’s just sitting there not being used. The footprint would be great for a small toddler coaster.
The Safari is starting to look great tbf with the vegetation really grown up now. But my goodness the animals may as well be thrown away as they look terrible. snake half fallen over, paint jobs non existent on them. A simple refurb or new animals would make that ride a really great experience!
everything else looked good. Still using the exit as entrance in RTTT. Not much of an issue but the great ride audio still plays in the now exit tunnel. The scoreboard wasn’t working properly either. An on cart system like Duel would
Time to end this thread now, I'll make a "Winter 2022/23" thread to use until the season begins
New Mcdonalds granted despite continued opposition from us locals.
Another nice back hander given to ESC no doubt. What a waste of natural land and space and this brings the 7th Mcdonalds within a 15 mile radius of the park boundary.
A large crane currently working on the pirate ship...so let's hope it's getting the work needed , maybe off to huss for a refurbishment, maybe being replaced...maybe being removed. Time will tell the next couple of months. **update, its still very much intact.
It’s all quiet on here recently, let’s hope the park gives us something to talk about soon
The park gates will be open this Saturday 5th to allow people to park and walk through to the rugby pitch to watch their firework display.
Short video now on Luke Martin photography page. ( just the finale bit of the fireworks)
Let's hope this closed season brings some serious changes...
Fireworks were good. Nice use of lasers and two drones flying above too.
Oliv3r drone photography via Facebook has some aireal shots, and luke Martin photography has the other pics - with a video to be uploaded soon.
This season is over what's the thought for 2023 ?
Very wet and quiet start to the day on park today
The carousel is actually in operation . Which is good news for this half term week, leaving just rattlesnake out.
So Cannonball Express will be open for Halloween!
But rather surprisingly, Eggspress will not and will remain closed until 2023. Its very strange for such a low maintenance coaster like that.
Wonder if they are refurbishing the carousel now before they go on there break because they know they have something new coming in the new year. Really hope the wave swinger gets a refurb it’s more then needed. Ponies could do with some fake hay bales to go with the hurdles and safari needs a lot of work. I’m not sure we will see cannonball open again.
Sadly the 3rd McDonald's drive thru in lowestoft just outside the park gates is almost but approved following a change in the planning process/application.
Really unnecessary ( all for the jobs i must add yet not when we have 2 already - a different idea would be better ) and it will affect the park and the amount of the food they churn out before, after and during the times its open.
To be honest, when you got close to the Carousel you could see it was in really bad condition paint wise. I hope they do the whole thing and not just the horses. Would also be nice to see some greenery placed around the ride!
So the carousel is off for a refurb, ok fair enough yet could this not have waited another 4 weeks. As assumingly we will have cannonball closed and now another for the half term, it leaves even less to do than ever
Last open weekend of the season until the chills starts.
Cannonball still closed, don't think that will be back until 2023, maybe it's finally getting new trains....
I visited the park today. Beautiful weather and the car park was full (wouldn’t have been with a parking attendant) but still nice to see. It’s strange because it is still the school holidays and the park was busy but some of the food kiosks weren’t open (Roosters, so nothing down the bottom, Amigoes and kiosk near the kids rides.) shame also that the Circus stopped on August 31st. Seems a strange date, Wednesday with 4 more summer holiday days.
Cannonball wasn’t running unfortunately but everything else was and the park atmosphere was great.
spending A lot of time in the kids area the Old woody’s driving school is derelict and looking worse for wear. i know this was a pay to play attraction but shame it’s just sitting there not being used. The footprint would be great for a small toddler coaster.
The Safari is starting to look great tbf with the vegetation really grown up now. But my goodness the animals may as well be thrown away as they look terrible. snake half fallen over, paint jobs non existent on them. A simple refurb or new animals would make that ride a really great experience!
everything else looked good. Still using the exit as entrance in RTTT. Not much of an issue but the great ride audio still plays in the now exit tunnel. The scoreboard wasn’t working properly either. An on cart system like Duel would