Doc

Pluk:Thanks Pluk! It is crazy how much the place has collapsed. Other the general weeds and debris, many of the buildings seemed trashed, with floors and ceilings ripped off in places. Was hard to tell if this was the result of repairs/surveys or the work of the former owners who seemed to enjoying stripping the site of all things valuable before they were forced to leave. Inferno: Thank you Inferno. According to official news articles, over 2000 people were in attendance. It was great to see the public support! Part 2 is here! As the day went on, I couldn't help notice the crowds getting bigger. It actually got a little too crowded at one point and ended up squeezing past some photographers much to their annoyance... One thing I thought was particularly cool was all the scale models of rides built at Dreamland in the latter half of the 20th century. I believe they were all made by Mick Tomlinson who used to work at the park in the 70s. The Skywheels were once a popular attraction at Dreamland and are shown here in this scale model. A model of the original River Caves. This classic left the park in the 80s and much of the original site now houses apartment block/flats. Another classic was the Tumble Bug. This left Dreamland at a similar time. Pleasure Beach had an identical but it was scrapped when Amanda took over the park. Two of the former BPB Whip cars were out today and allowed the public to sit in them for a unique photo opportunity. This ride is earmarked for phase one restoration. I have to say, what I liked the most was how the organisers managed to engage the community. As well as an area to sign up as a volunteer for the "Big Clear Day", there was also a stall in which you could plant a seed, take it home and return it next year when they begin landscaping the park. Little ideas like this give the community direct involvement. There was even a wall which allowed the public to write messages of goodluck. Parts of what looked like the Corbiere Wheel seemed to be stored near the Scenic Railway entrance. A quick peek inside the arcade/cafe located within the Scenic Railway. I couldn't help notice the mass of weeds and moss that dominated alot of the once carpeted floor. To my understanding, this cafe will be removed when the Scenic undergoes restoration. People taking pictures from underneath the Scenic. I couldn't resist. Part three will be posted shortly and will feature pictures from the derelict west side of Dreamland. LG95

As some of you may or may not know, today, the Derelict Dreamland site in Margate opened up to the public for the first time since 2006. The day offered people the chance to "take back Dreamland". This involved an inside look of the site as it stands now, proposals for its future as a Heritage Amusement Park as well as giving the community the chance to get involved with clearing the site for a 2015 opening. (I actually took so many pictures that even after shortening them down, the update is still too large. For that reason, I will split it into 2-3 sections.. Note that most of the pictures are of me touring the derelict site.) Having just disappeared into town for a Greg's muffin, I actually had to hurry back to the site to ensure I wasn't late for the 12.00 opening. We were informed to wait in the car park area beside the Scenic Railway where we would then be lead into the park. Crowds started small but within minutes I could easily say there were a few hundred there. Thankfully the weather was sunny and surprisingly hot so raincoats and umbrellas were not required. After the crowds had gathered, TDC leader Clive Hart welcomed everyone to the big event, informing them of the project and how beneficial it will be to see Dreamland reinstated as a major tourist attraction in Thanet. Nick Laister, Chairman of the Dreamland Trust then made a speech, explaining briefly the plans to develop the site into the world's first 'Heritage Amusement Park'. A countdown then sounded the opening of Dreamland as the ribbon was cut. Due to the amount of people waiting to get in, there was actually a limit on how many people could enter the site at once (H&S and all that). I believe it took an extra five minutes but finally we were given access . (However not before some guy on a megaphone managed to almost deafen us by instructing everyone to go back) As the site has decayed rapidly since its official closure in 2006, many areas were still off limits. This included this little area around the cinema/arcade entrance. Despite this, I still managed to get some neat shots. A better view of the boarded up Grade II* listed cinema building and related buildings. I was actually surprised to see how many people had turned up to see inside the park and find out about the new plans for Dreamland. Minus the occasional moment, the place seemed consistently busy for the four hours I was there for. Due to H&S, we were not permitted beyond a makeshift fence. Thankfully it was a low one and allowed me to take this image of the derelict site. I had tons more but had to limit the amount I uploaded. The back of the partially destroyed Scenic Railway. Many various stalls were set up in this area and had many of the key people involved with the project wandering around and readily willing to talk to you. Hemmingway proposals for the Heritage Amusement Park were also on show. People were free to look through the plans and see the features that will make up the park. I know a teacup cafe and vintage arcade games are two proposals on offer. Concept art for the new park. A closer look at one of the proposals. Another picture of the Scenic Railway and derelict site. I think I will leave it there for part 1. Hopefully I can post the second piece sometime tomorrow morning. (Apologizes about the quality of certain photos. In some cases the sun was so bright I was literally taking pictures at random, hoping for the best. As I used both flickr and photobucket to upload these pictures, you will notice a size difference in the final part of the trip report). Over and out!

I did indeed. I am in the process of making a trip report now though it probably won't cover everything in detail. In terms of the Railway, the sad truth is that it has deteriorated greatly in the time it has been closed. On first glance it doesn't look too bad but as you get closer you can see the real damage. Bits of the support structure have fallen off, the walkways seem unstable and clearly the station area was half destroyed by the fire. There is no doubt that a great deal of the wood will need replacing due to this lack of recent maintenance.. Apparently a tender to restore the Scenic went out today/yesterday and should hopefully be announced in the coming months. With their experience, it seems likely that Blackpool Pleasure Beach could be the ones who undertake the challenge. As for future rides, I take it you mean ones that have been earmarked for stage 1? If so, a few rides from the original historic collection will be used. This should include the Caterpillar, The Whip, Corbire Wheel and the Flying Scooters. New acquisitions include a vintage Hurricane Jets ride, a juvenile car set, and possibly a waltzer. Apparently there should also be two classic/iconic Bembom rides returning though I am unaware of what these are. (Sadly, no concept art of these rides) Sorry to hear you missed this one. It was advertised on BBC news and Meridian though I know quite a few people who would've liked to check it out for themselves but didn't find out until the last minute.

I made my way up there today from Kent and was really impressed; very informative and the turnout was great. I already knew alot about the project as it was but seeing the site from the inside and talking/listening to the people behind it was well worth the trip up there. I will probably post a small trip report as soon as I am done uploading all the pictures.

Looks like they bit of a little more than they could chew. I wish them luck and hope they get it sorted, or at least riding better.

Wow. What a neat little ride! The stand out points have to be the landscape it is set in and the layout itself which seems very generous with the amount of you time you spend riding it.

Went yesterday but only got on The Asylum Cabin in the Woods Saw Alive We had planned to go on My Bloody Valentine but it was temporarily closed for some reason.

Sounds great. I would really like to give it a chance though that price tag does sounds a little heavy for the limited time you get up there. While I doubt it, I hope one day TPM choose to have a trip up to Blackpool. (Mainly because I really want to go but have no one to go with)

Can't see the documents but sounds like an idea. After reading the MTDP, I expected to see an extension to one of the food outlet some time ago. Nice to see them investing!

I hate to be the small minority but I really don't believe the ride is that bad. Drags on a little at times but I certainly don't feel there is a need to demolish and start over just yet. I guess it is a step backwards compared to what was there before but I honestly have nothing against the attraction as it is now. Needs a bit of TLC sure, but don't all the rides at Chessington?

Those images want to make me cry. Yes it still would have been a crap ride but at least it would have been a crap ride with an amazing station.

I don't know whether TPM would ever attempt a trip to the pleasure beach though I know if they did, I would be game. I have never been and it would be a great chance to go around with other coaster enthusiasts, as apposed to my family/friends who would be very reluctant to travel all the way to Blackpool just for an amusement park. This "Walk The Big One" also sounds interesting. Sadly I doubt there will be enough interest though if there is, awesome!

I agree that if a hyper was ever built, it would need to surpass the 200 mark purely to beat the Big One at BPB. It just goes back to the whole "you need a USP" and the most obvious one I can think of for a hyper is height. Why would Merlin be interested in installing a hyper if it isn't as impressive as the other one in England. This isn't my personal view of what I want, I just recon it is the way Merlin work when brainstorming new rides. It must be the tallest, it must be the only one in the country, it must be the fastest etc etc. They never just go for a ride because it is a "fun experience".

Waterfalls, falling boulders? Why have I never seen or heard of any of this before?! Here was me thinking I experienced everything at Chessington. Time to make a return trip...

The Thorpe Park Facebook page constantly uploads pictures of other rollercoasters and rides around the world. They have done it so many times now I would assume the reason for doing so is to better interact with their Facebook fanbase if anything else. Of course I may be wrong but a B&M hyper at Thorpe? Good luck!

Just visited the park today and had an amazing time. Virtually no queues (the longest being three minutes), friendly and engaging staff, and a general positive atmosphere. I do admit the park needs some major work to get it back to standards (New theming and a new major ride would be a start), but overall, I can't fault the day. As said on the previous page, with school back, it seems the crowds must have literally dropped overnight. Glad I went this week as apposed to last.

Thanks Pluk! I deliberately chose this week as I assumed all the kids would be back at school. Fingers crossed! I haven't been to Chessington since 2010 though by the sound of it, things have certainly... changed.

Sorry if this is the wrong thread (I did look for another one), but I was curious to know what kind of queues I could expect for tomorrow. I know the holidays are over for most now, though will this make a difference in the long run? We were hoping to get a somewhat quiet day tomorrow but judging by the comments above, I now have my doubts.

The kind who dance around like monkeys and then kick bins in queue-lines just to piss off the wasps. #personal experience

Why would Thorpe want Rameses? It's ancient. (and here is me dragging the conversation on... )

If my friends weren't so busy on the banana boat, I might be actually be able to answer this question. Since the coasters I went on in the dark were Stealth and Swarm, I would have to say stealth. I just love the views you get of the park with everything lit up and illuminated as you pass over the top hat section.

I haven't actually experienced Nemesis before though with all the hype surrounding it, I have a bad feeling I may be left slightly underwhelmed. I am staying positive, though I know what it is like when someone bigs something up and then it turns out to be a little disappointing. Regardless, I look forward to eventually riding it.

If it wasn't for the Big Dipper incident at Battersea, I imagine there would actually still be a few few woodies left in the UK today; classics of course. Personally if Merlin were to invest in a new woodie (which of course they should), I would certainly recommend sticking to the modern but traditional GCI style as apposed to those new RMC hybrids. Here's hoping!

I really don't think giving the Fright Nights event a revamp is a bad idea at all. The event has remained relatively the same since it was first introduced. Be good to see them maybe try something a little different (That is if they deliever on their promises)

I suppose it depends if they are still marketable? Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently decided to bring back their classic and slightly dated Mr Funshine mascot. Maybe Thorpe will do the same?, though something tells me we have the seen the last of Mr Monkey and his peculiar band of troops.