New theme park: Universal Studios… Bedford!

Probably turn out like the "Multi-billion pound theme park" near Sheffield.

Was meant to be a massive theme park that would compete with Alton Towers in terms of attractions and size.

What we got was a naff theme park, "Gulliver's Valley", akin to a static version of a travelling funfair, which would fit in the car park of Alton Towers & half the space taken up by accommodation (static caravans) for guests, all built next to a food processing plant that makes cheap ready-meals that stinks the entire area, usually smells like baby vomit.

Here's an aerial shot.

Yellow was the proposed size of the theme park. Red is what they actually built. There are no further plans according to the company.

JwTSK6B.png
I remember that place when I was a wee sprog. Good times, loved it. For the really young kids I think these places can end up being more fun than the monstrosity that kid Alton Towers and that other one they own down south. American Adventure, was sad to see that go.
 
What's the other?

Nemesis at Alton Towers - still brings the heat and makes my worldwide top 20!

Back in the 90s and into the 2000s, there was really an emphasis on ‘the more inversions the better’ so to my mind Nemesis always seemed a bit second rate to its younger and larger American equivalents (Montu, Alpengeist etc.) but with more experienced eyes I think Nemesis is the best of the bunch. The section from the first inversion, through the helix and bouncing up into the station flyover is world class. Quality over quantity!

It’s been rebuilt (90% track replacement) this year - can’t wait to get back on it.
 
Nobody gave a poop when I posted this but might as well reshare, my top 10:

10 - Intimidator 305 (Kings Dominion - USA)



9 - Millennium Force (Cedar Point - USA)



8 - The Phantom’s Revenge (Kennywood - USA)



7 - Mystic Timbers (Kings Island - USA)



6 - Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Islands of Adventure - USA)



5 - Zadra (Energylandia - Poland)



4 - Maverick (Cedar Point - USA)



3 - Lightning Rod (Dollywood - USA)



2 - Iron Gwazi (Busch Gardens Tampa - USA)



1 - Steel Vengeance (Cedar Point - USA)


I doubt anything is going to crack that soon!
 
Probably turn out like the "Multi-billion pound theme park" near Sheffield.

Was meant to be a massive theme park that would compete with Alton Towers in terms of attractions and size.

What we got was a naff theme park, "Gulliver's Valley", akin to a static version of a travelling funfair, which would fit in the car park of Alton Towers & half the space taken up by accommodation (static caravans) for guests, all built next to a food processing plant that makes cheap ready-meals that stinks the entire area, usually smells like baby vomit.

Here's an aerial shot.

Yellow was the proposed size of the theme park. Red is what they actually built. There are no further plans according to the company.

JwTSK6B.png


 
I remember that place when I was a wee sprog. Good times, loved it. For the really young kids I think these places can end up being more fun than the monstrosity that kid Alton Towers and that other one they own down south. American Adventure, was sad to see that go.

Unless you're still a wee sprog it won't be this place as it only opened 18 months ago.

You're probably thinking of Gulliver's Kingdom in Matlock (same company)
 
Unless you're still a wee sprog it won't be this place as it only opened 18 months ago.

You're probably thinking of Gulliver's Kingdom in Matlock (same company)
You must be right because I can hardly get off the sofa without groaning and bones clicking, this ain’t no sprog.
 
Disneyland Paris doesn’t have the attention to detail with customer service that you get in USA, which is to be expected, but the main park areas are beautiful - it’s much bettered planned than Magic Kingdom with sight lines etc.

The adjacent studios park however is really dire :o

Another difference is the clientele - going to a US Disney park is generally a mega event, a long vacation with matching t-shirts for families etc. In Paris it’s school trips and tracksuit bottoms, so you do lose a bit of that ‘OMG we’re here!’ vibe… still, it’s nice.

Oh and the food isn’t so good…

Alright it’s not as good, ok? :p
We're of there in a couple of weeks, thanks for confirming the French can't do it
 
We're of there in a couple of weeks, thanks for confirming the French can't do it

Haha you’ll still have a nice time - I really enjoyed it :)

If you fancy a more thrilling ride selection, Parc Asterix is not too far away!
 
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It’s a MASSIVE day for UK theme park fans today, as Nemesis is reopening as Nemesis Reborn!!!


I can’t make it myself but Alton Towers is completely sold out - people probably queuing already to get that day 1 ride.

I’m just having to make do with what just got released on Apple Music….

FKlo2SU.jpeg


… I’m so goddamn pumped and I won’t even be there lol.
 
There's quite a bit of investment going into the infrastructure there. New rail line. They want to bring more value to Bedfordshire so there might be more appetite than appreciated. Still a strange choice of location but hey if they want you invest in the UK we shouldn't be too disappointed.
 
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