This section of our archives contains plans, models and concept art of attractions and establishments that were never realised as an alternative was selected, or were declined to be built at all.
Featured Plans
Alternative to Mystic East – 1987
Chessington originally planned to launch with an Egyptian-themed log flume before the oriental concept of Dragon River was settled upon.
Flying Island – 2003
In preparation for the departure of Samurai, plans were drawn up for a Flying Island attraction to replace it. Similar to Pagode at Efteling, the ride consists of a 155 ton cabin and a 225 ton hydraulic arm which pivots from the ground up to a height of almost 200 feet, providing guests with outstanding views. The plans were withdrawn and the park instead chose to install the short-lived and far less impressive Eclipse Ferris wheel from Thorpe Park, naming it Peking Heights.
Resort Hotel – 2003
The Safari and Azteca Hotels could have looked very different if this plan was proceeded with. Based on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, this proposed hotel design takes up the entire footprint of the current two, and features a couple of central courtyards which may have contained water features or small animal exhibits.
Land of the Dragons – 2003
Dragon’s Fury was originally going to have a flat turn after the first lift hill, leading in to a straight drop, along with a more intricate looking station that featured mythical roof spires as seen in the play area. Note the additional children’s rides located behind Griffon’s Galleon which never became reality.
Monkey & Bird Garden – 2012
A refresh of the Monkey & Bird Garden was considered, which would have seen a greater level of theming added to this part of zoo. However, these plans were ultimately superseded by AMAZU, which opened in 2014 alongside the Azteca Hotel and a new entrance to the theme park for hotel guests.
Featured Plans
Thorpe Park Resort Hotel – 2018
Thorpe Park planned to open a spectacular 250-room lake front hotel on the former CEMEX Chertsey site.
Pirates 4D & Shoot the Chutes Ride – 1999 & 2000
These plans show an alternative version of Pirates 4D, featuring an entrance at the front of the building rather than the side, leading to the removal of the cafe. Tidal Wave was originally envisioned to share the pirate theme and create a new area. The Shoot the Chutes ride station is located in the middle of a ship wreck, and large masts and sails would surround the lift hill.
Elevator Ride / Shot & Drop Tower – 2001
Detonator could have been manufactured by S&S had these plans not been withdrawn. This ride would have been situated on the site of the former Model World instead of where Phantom Phantasia / Wicked Witches Haunt once stood.
Launch Coaster 1 – 2002
Prior to 2002 and set to be the ride to relaunch Thorpe Park, The Tussauds Group had envisioned a very different ride to Colossus. The park set about putting together plans to build a launched B&M sit down coaster similar to Incredible Hulk at Universal’s Islands Of Adventure. Here we have a rare glimpse at some of the early plans for this immense thrill ride. Also included are the Colossus plans with an outline of the proposed launch coaster overlaid for a sense of scale.
Launch Coaster 2 – 2003
Before Nemesis Inferno hit the drawing board, The Tussauds Group had planned a large Vekoma or Premier Rides LIM launch coaster with a layout similar to Xpress at Walibi Holland and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Walt Disney World. This attraction would have kept the classic Mr Rabbit’s Tropical Travels rather than demolishing it.
