Our first visit of the season and we had a lovely day, despite the mixed weather conditions!
Like all of us, I would love to see some of those empty plots filled with new rides. However, given the current circumstances, I think they are making the best of things. Sure, some things look a bit tired and worn, but there's a lot of old equipment there which takes a lot of upkeep.
The Sealion theatre with its new theme and waterfalls looks great, I don't think photographs do it justice, but here's one anyway...
Jolly Roger is still my favourite thing at the park. I was held at the top for what felt like a lifetime and the descent, as always, packed a punch!
The queue for Cannonball Express was shorter than I had expected on a Bank Holiday weekend, but it still took a long time to reach the front. The narrow lane at the front of the queue means that calling people forward to fill the gaps is an impossibility. I feel for the staff, as I'm sure they get no end of grief from people. That said, it was painful to watch the train make its way around the track with only 2 or 3 people on-board!
The new signs are looking good, but the show-boards give the impression that the Parrot Show is currently available, which I know is not the case. I presume that the meet and greet with Woody Bear is also currently unavailable?
The Woodland Express (miniature railway) is looking good.
As is the Water Fun Factory. The new theme does little for the ride experience, but it certainly looks classy.
The Chairlifts were operating with every other chair available, so this was painfully slow loading but my little boy was desperate to have a go.
I also thought that the Pony Rail looked better than others have suggested on here in the past. I have never really paid it much attention before, but the stable-block style entrance and little bits of theming all make for a nice little kids ride.
We were disappointed that current circumstances didn't allow for a ride on the Target Trail, but it's a good excuse for a revisit later in the year. I also thought that Main Street looked particularly bright and colourful this year. I'm not sure if anything has actually changed here. Perhaps the sun was at the right angle or maybe I wasn't paying attention last year!
All things considered, we had a really nice day out. I really hope that locals and staycationers pay a visit to the park this year. Fingers crossed a decent turn-out will prompt a bit more investment from the owners in the coming years!
Thanks for the great update
I did ask why they were only loading every other seat on the chairlift and the operator suggested that they do fill all seats on really busy days. I got the impression that an extra member of staff would be needed in that situation, though.
Thanks matt. Good pics yes.
Why are they still doing this with the chairlift? It was like this last year, it can't be covid related must be weight related.
The drop tower in my view remains one of the most forceful ones in England.
Yes the cannonball clearly desperately needs another train. I don't think we will ever see one yet as the ride is unique least its running again.
The log flume does look so much brighter for sure yet the paint issue on the main building built over it is still clearly a issue. Wonder why it did that ?
Park looks great in those photos. I thought the Mini railway would have at least another carriage on it, 3 seems quite small.