Lightwater Valley
-
Dormiens-Dave
give it five years at the rate its going now and i;m sure people will change their tune
-
thefatone
- Member
- Posts: 865
- Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2011 7:14 pm
- Location: Hidden behind an ancient bookcase..
As with all the parks, its probably the weather and little bits which make a different park stand out to you.
I did two almost uk trips this year, both featuring Flamingoland and Lightwater Valley.
For me, lightwater is amazing and works over it. The staff are lovely, the entire area is relaxed.. the rides are good to go on. And there's a fair bit of theming on stuff like Raptor Attack. It's a far nicer park to walk around, and my money felt like it was going further there than it does anywhere else.
What made flamingoland a bit **** for me this year, was in turn the staff being plain blunt and rude (I do know where a shoulder restraint on an S&S should sit, and thats not so my shoulders are where my stomach usually is). But it feels very.. run down, worn and tired (kinda like thorpe in areas!). Plus.. the rides just don't have the same buzz or decency as lwv rides (they felt more drayton manor like). Oh, plus flamingoland was unfortunately amock with the travelling folk on both times I visited.
I think its down to presentation really more than anything. Coming back to a lovely wooden building with good music playing wins over a dirty bland building with bored staff
.
I did two almost uk trips this year, both featuring Flamingoland and Lightwater Valley.
For me, lightwater is amazing and works over it. The staff are lovely, the entire area is relaxed.. the rides are good to go on. And there's a fair bit of theming on stuff like Raptor Attack. It's a far nicer park to walk around, and my money felt like it was going further there than it does anywhere else.
What made flamingoland a bit **** for me this year, was in turn the staff being plain blunt and rude (I do know where a shoulder restraint on an S&S should sit, and thats not so my shoulders are where my stomach usually is). But it feels very.. run down, worn and tired (kinda like thorpe in areas!). Plus.. the rides just don't have the same buzz or decency as lwv rides (they felt more drayton manor like). Oh, plus flamingoland was unfortunately amock with the travelling folk on both times I visited.
I think its down to presentation really more than anything. Coming back to a lovely wooden building with good music playing wins over a dirty bland building with bored staff
.-
Slappy McGuire
- Member
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2009 12:08 am
I love Lightwater, but can't argue that it is a good experience for visitors, especially when compared to FL or AT. But, as the visit Nathan organised last spring for Valley Mania, the whole meet the management thing was a complete eye opener; the park wasn't a park that wouldn't but a park that couldn't. The years of ride famine came on the back of the massive Ultimate overspend and a series of unfortunate events. It was completely clear afterwards that the park does not lack ambition or intent, it just lacked the funds to deliver any of its massive potential (location (straight off the A1) and untapped visitorship have always struck me as an obvious Merlin buyout that has just never happened).
The babysteps the park is taking are well considered; a pirate area is comparatively cheap to create, but then factor in the new POTC film, and the whole thing makes a lot more sense. Better this than a god-awful old Vekoma. The new Topscan that the park has just added is a sold if uninspiring addition however, as the park cannot market it as a brand new ride, which is surely part of the name of the game...
What moves the park forward? I'd argue a well chosen IP such as the Mr Men or Horrible Histories would push the park into boom, but a new rollercoaster is increasingly conspicuous by its absence; to me a deal swapping (plus cash obviously) either of up-for-sale Pleasurewood Hills coasters (the park, not the rides!) or cash strapped Pleasure island's Boomerang for Twister may provide a mutually beneficial deal, that would put the park back to the halcyon days of eighties Valley.
Just out of curiosity, a question finally to all you wizened TTFers - if the park had a million or so to spend, what sort of coaster would YOU suggest the park buy over the next year?
The babysteps the park is taking are well considered; a pirate area is comparatively cheap to create, but then factor in the new POTC film, and the whole thing makes a lot more sense. Better this than a god-awful old Vekoma. The new Topscan that the park has just added is a sold if uninspiring addition however, as the park cannot market it as a brand new ride, which is surely part of the name of the game...
What moves the park forward? I'd argue a well chosen IP such as the Mr Men or Horrible Histories would push the park into boom, but a new rollercoaster is increasingly conspicuous by its absence; to me a deal swapping (plus cash obviously) either of up-for-sale Pleasurewood Hills coasters (the park, not the rides!) or cash strapped Pleasure island's Boomerang for Twister may provide a mutually beneficial deal, that would put the park back to the halcyon days of eighties Valley.
Just out of curiosity, a question finally to all you wizened TTFers - if the park had a million or so to spend, what sort of coaster would YOU suggest the park buy over the next year?
-
mattbailey
- Member
- Posts: 567
- Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2008 2:03 pm
- Location: Worcester
Just would like to say that I read the last two pages, hoping for some meaningful discussion about 2011, but all I read was general LWV vs FL vs Merlin.
Bit disappointed that the topic has drifted so far really...
Bit disappointed that the topic has drifted so far really...
-
Sam
- Member
- Posts: 4869
- Joined: Mon May 05, 2008 7:18 pm
- Location: People's Socialist Republic of Sheffield
- Contact:
To drag this back on topic:
I heard early last year that they were going to do a small refurbishment of The Ultimate's station, for her 20th birthday. Possibly a new soundtrack, and something to make the wooden walls look a little less bare.
Anyone know if this is still going ahead?
---- Post Info Added ----
According to Lightwater's Twitter, the 2011 park map and brochure will be released tomorrow on Valley Mania.
I heard early last year that they were going to do a small refurbishment of The Ultimate's station, for her 20th birthday. Possibly a new soundtrack, and something to make the wooden walls look a little less bare.
Anyone know if this is still going ahead?
---- Post Info Added ----
According to Lightwater's Twitter, the 2011 park map and brochure will be released tomorrow on Valley Mania.
-
Vik
- Member
- Posts: 2978
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:37 pm
- Location: Ellesmere Port
- Contact:
[quote=""Sam""]To drag this back on topic:
I heard early last year that they were going to do a small refurbishment of The Ultimate's station, for her 20th birthday. Possibly a new soundtrack, and something to make the wooden walls look a little less bare.
Anyone know if this is still going ahead?
---- Post Info Added ----
According to Lightwater's Twitter, the 2011 park map and brochure will be released tomorrow on Valley Mania.[/quote]
Will that be because the ride staff got a new CD collection for Christmas? :P
I heard early last year that they were going to do a small refurbishment of The Ultimate's station, for her 20th birthday. Possibly a new soundtrack, and something to make the wooden walls look a little less bare.
Anyone know if this is still going ahead?
---- Post Info Added ----
According to Lightwater's Twitter, the 2011 park map and brochure will be released tomorrow on Valley Mania.
[/quote]Will that be because the ride staff got a new CD collection for Christmas? :P
Sent from my ZX81 via Time Travel
-
Sam
- Member
- Posts: 4869
- Joined: Mon May 05, 2008 7:18 pm
- Location: People's Socialist Republic of Sheffield
- Contact:
[quote=""Lightwater Blog""]WHIRLWIND STORMS BACK ...
Our sincere apologies for the lack of a blog for the past month, however our Marketing Manager's been away on his travels for a few weeks (just can't get the staff these days!). Given the nature of this industry, however, Christmas is one of the only times of year when taking an extended bout of annual leave is possible.
Anyway, getting things back on track, you'll be pleased to learn that we're now all back at the valley, so to speak, refreshed and motivated as we build-up to the park re-opening on 9th April. Given the split in the school Easter holidays, we're open for a continuous 3 week period until the first May bank holiday (also incorporating the extra bank holiday for the Royal Wedding) before dropping back to 'weekends only' until June half-term week.
Skeleton Cove, our new pirate-themed land, is taking shape nicely and we can't wait to launch on 9th April - for more information please take a look at our official fan site, Valley Mania, who have an exclusive look at our main 2011 brochure (released Tuesday morning). We'd also encourage you to 'join the debate' in their forums:
Valley Mania - the official Lightwater Valley fan site!
In addition to the new rides in Skeleton Cove, we're also pleased to announce that, given the success of Whirlwind throughout the 2010 season, we have now purchased a Mondial Top Scan which will be a permanent fixture at the park. The ride will be located between The Ultimate and Raptor Attack, almost directly behind Ultimate Snacks. As for the pad that played host to Whirlwind in 2010, another ongoing project is earmarked for this spot adjacent to the Eagle's Claw.
Enthusiasts may be saddened to learn that 'The Wave' will not operate at the park in 2011, however there will be plenty of pirate ship action with both The Black Pearl and The Flying Cutlass operating within Skeleton Cove. Likewise, The Vintage Cars have been removed as The Riviera gets a much needed makeover and re-theme into Hungry Harbour.
In other news, with the 2011 leaflet now at the printers, marketing attention turns to a brand new website (which we're hoping to launch in early March)as well as schools & groups literature. We're also hoping to build on our reputation for viral marketing, which we trialled in 2010 with the Raptor Attack and Frightwater Valley clips (both open to view on our youtube channel).
That's all for now folks but, as always, keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest information.
Toodle Pip![/quote]
So, it's been confirmed that The Wave is not operating next season (note: it didn't say being removed). Also Black Pearl will be the inverting pirate ship, Black Pearl from Loudon Castle.
Could "The Flying Cutless" be "HMS Flora McDougal", a standard HUSS pirate ship also from Loudon...?
Our sincere apologies for the lack of a blog for the past month, however our Marketing Manager's been away on his travels for a few weeks (just can't get the staff these days!). Given the nature of this industry, however, Christmas is one of the only times of year when taking an extended bout of annual leave is possible.
Anyway, getting things back on track, you'll be pleased to learn that we're now all back at the valley, so to speak, refreshed and motivated as we build-up to the park re-opening on 9th April. Given the split in the school Easter holidays, we're open for a continuous 3 week period until the first May bank holiday (also incorporating the extra bank holiday for the Royal Wedding) before dropping back to 'weekends only' until June half-term week.
Skeleton Cove, our new pirate-themed land, is taking shape nicely and we can't wait to launch on 9th April - for more information please take a look at our official fan site, Valley Mania, who have an exclusive look at our main 2011 brochure (released Tuesday morning). We'd also encourage you to 'join the debate' in their forums:
Valley Mania - the official Lightwater Valley fan site!
In addition to the new rides in Skeleton Cove, we're also pleased to announce that, given the success of Whirlwind throughout the 2010 season, we have now purchased a Mondial Top Scan which will be a permanent fixture at the park. The ride will be located between The Ultimate and Raptor Attack, almost directly behind Ultimate Snacks. As for the pad that played host to Whirlwind in 2010, another ongoing project is earmarked for this spot adjacent to the Eagle's Claw.
Enthusiasts may be saddened to learn that 'The Wave' will not operate at the park in 2011, however there will be plenty of pirate ship action with both The Black Pearl and The Flying Cutlass operating within Skeleton Cove. Likewise, The Vintage Cars have been removed as The Riviera gets a much needed makeover and re-theme into Hungry Harbour.
In other news, with the 2011 leaflet now at the printers, marketing attention turns to a brand new website (which we're hoping to launch in early March)as well as schools & groups literature. We're also hoping to build on our reputation for viral marketing, which we trialled in 2010 with the Raptor Attack and Frightwater Valley clips (both open to view on our youtube channel).
That's all for now folks but, as always, keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest information.
Toodle Pip![/quote]
So, it's been confirmed that The Wave is not operating next season (note: it didn't say being removed). Also Black Pearl will be the inverting pirate ship, Black Pearl from Loudon Castle.
Could "The Flying Cutless" be "HMS Flora McDougal", a standard HUSS pirate ship also from Loudon...?
-
Nathan
- Member
- Posts: 1372
- Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 5:18 pm
- Location: Sunderland
- Contact:
Join us tomorrow! :yohoho:
[url=http://pirates.valleymania.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://pirates.valleymania.co.uk/[/url]
[url=http://pirates.valleymania.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://pirates.valleymania.co.uk/[/url]
-
captain
- Member
- Posts: 739
- Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:02 pm
- Location: Manchester
It's like a press release, but so much friendlier!
I think it's absolutely brilliant how much the park have started to support their fansite over the last year or so, and credit must be given to Nathan for all of the hard work he puts in. The fact that the park are releasing the map and brochure exclusively on Valley Mania really speaks volumes, so well done to both parties.
In regards to the 2011 season, I'm very excited. Buying a Topscan was something I never would have dreamed the park would do, but it's a simply genious decision in my eyes. Craig really summed up how the park can't just invest heavily in a new coaster, they need to do the groundwork first and last year and this coming year shows that they are doing exactly that.
They can't improve in a day, but they certainly have a long term plan. We all saw how successful Raptor Attack has been (much of which was done in house), and now they're extending that to Skeleton Cove. These will make a very beautiful park more cohesive and reduce in my opinion the main problem at the park - that so many rides have looked temporary over the years. With the knowledge that Whirlwind is permanent, a proper base and queue can be created, the fairground lights can be taken off and over time it will fit the location perfectly. It'll also remove the queues from the two adjacent coasters, which get the longest waiting times of the park. Staff have said that upon opening much of the lights from its previous setup will remain as they want to fully finish Skeleton Cove, but I'm confident that, like they did with Raptor Attack, they'll keep adding to theming over the season.
You can also see how they've taken on board comments about the standard of catering. When building Skeleton Cove, they could have ignored the food court as it was over the other side of the midway. However, they've opted to include it and so are refurbishing and theming it. Not only will this vastly improve a pretty nasty place to eat, by spanning the midway the new area ensures that all guests get immersed in the pirate area, and are more likely to spend time there.
So yes they need a coaster, but buying a Topscan and getting an additional 6 new rides and a new themed area was an infinitely better decision than the dreaded Vekoma. Coaster for 2012?
Edit: :yohoho:
I think it's absolutely brilliant how much the park have started to support their fansite over the last year or so, and credit must be given to Nathan for all of the hard work he puts in. The fact that the park are releasing the map and brochure exclusively on Valley Mania really speaks volumes, so well done to both parties.
In regards to the 2011 season, I'm very excited. Buying a Topscan was something I never would have dreamed the park would do, but it's a simply genious decision in my eyes. Craig really summed up how the park can't just invest heavily in a new coaster, they need to do the groundwork first and last year and this coming year shows that they are doing exactly that.
They can't improve in a day, but they certainly have a long term plan. We all saw how successful Raptor Attack has been (much of which was done in house), and now they're extending that to Skeleton Cove. These will make a very beautiful park more cohesive and reduce in my opinion the main problem at the park - that so many rides have looked temporary over the years. With the knowledge that Whirlwind is permanent, a proper base and queue can be created, the fairground lights can be taken off and over time it will fit the location perfectly. It'll also remove the queues from the two adjacent coasters, which get the longest waiting times of the park. Staff have said that upon opening much of the lights from its previous setup will remain as they want to fully finish Skeleton Cove, but I'm confident that, like they did with Raptor Attack, they'll keep adding to theming over the season.
You can also see how they've taken on board comments about the standard of catering. When building Skeleton Cove, they could have ignored the food court as it was over the other side of the midway. However, they've opted to include it and so are refurbishing and theming it. Not only will this vastly improve a pretty nasty place to eat, by spanning the midway the new area ensures that all guests get immersed in the pirate area, and are more likely to spend time there.
So yes they need a coaster, but buying a Topscan and getting an additional 6 new rides and a new themed area was an infinitely better decision than the dreaded Vekoma. Coaster for 2012?
Edit: :yohoho:
[align=center]Santa Clara[/align]
-
Slappy McGuire
- Member
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2009 12:08 am
[quote=""Sam""]Could "The Flying Cutless" be "HMS Flora McDougal", a standard HUSS pirate ship also from Loudon...?[/quote]
I wondered that too. Over the last few years the wave had been trading on former glories, and this would frankly be no bad thing; smaller pirate ships are more intense anyway. With three rides now removed or about to be removed, and one replaced with an identical ride, that makes it a only net increase of three rides, but I have a feeling that the section will stay rammed, because it is not about the quantity of rides, but what you actually do with them, and finally the park will have a central hub - something which cant be understated.
I wondered that too. Over the last few years the wave had been trading on former glories, and this would frankly be no bad thing; smaller pirate ships are more intense anyway. With three rides now removed or about to be removed, and one replaced with an identical ride, that makes it a only net increase of three rides, but I have a feeling that the section will stay rammed, because it is not about the quantity of rides, but what you actually do with them, and finally the park will have a central hub - something which cant be understated.
This is the part of the blog that caught my eye though...As for the pad that played host to Whirlwind in 2010, another ongoing project is earmarked for this spot adjacent to the Eagle's Claw.
-
Nathan
- Member
- Posts: 1372
- Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 5:18 pm
- Location: Sunderland
- Contact:
Wondered how long it would take for someone to notice that! :P
And thank you for your comments, captain. Really appreciated!
And thank you for your comments, captain. Really appreciated!
-
captain
- Member
- Posts: 739
- Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:02 pm
- Location: Manchester
No problem at all!
Surely they can't get another flat, they'd have the most ever!
Perhaps this is a potential location for the bird of prey show?
If they didn't mind the much larger eagle next to them! :P
I wonder if this is a 2011 project, or simply preparation for 2012?As for the pad that played host to Whirlwind in 2010, another ongoing project is earmarked for this spot adjacent to the Eagle's Claw.
Surely they can't get another flat, they'd have the most ever!
Perhaps this is a potential location for the bird of prey show?
If they didn't mind the much larger eagle next to them! :P[align=center]Santa Clara[/align]
-
Sam
- Member
- Posts: 4869
- Joined: Mon May 05, 2008 7:18 pm
- Location: People's Socialist Republic of Sheffield
- Contact:
So for 100% confirmation, is the new Topscan the one from last season refurbished?
-
evil cod
[quote=""captain""]and credit must be given to Nathan for all of the hard work he puts in.[/quote]
*cough* *cough* lmao
And no Sam, Whirlwind mk1 aka Top Buzz 2 is out on the fair circuit again, this new one is from out of the UK.
*cough* *cough* lmao
And no Sam, Whirlwind mk1 aka Top Buzz 2 is out on the fair circuit again, this new one is from out of the UK.
-
captain
- Member
- Posts: 739
- Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:02 pm
- Location: Manchester
Sorry, credit to evil cod for the behind the scenes work too! (The gallery is looking better!)
[quote=""Valley Mania""]The Topscan, formerly of Vidám Park in Hungary, is currently under refurbishment by its manufacturer, Mondial.[/quote]
I'm glad Mondial are refurbishing it, don't want a repeat of Hornet's Nest!
Ooohh, could the groundwork be preparation for Barnstormer in 2012, giving the park a year to get planning permission? That's wild speculation right there!
[quote=""Valley Mania""]The Topscan, formerly of Vidám Park in Hungary, is currently under refurbishment by its manufacturer, Mondial.[/quote]
I'm glad Mondial are refurbishing it, don't want a repeat of Hornet's Nest!
Ooohh, could the groundwork be preparation for Barnstormer in 2012, giving the park a year to get planning permission? That's wild speculation right there!
[align=center]Santa Clara[/align]
-
Slappy McGuire
- Member
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2009 12:08 am
Am I right in remembering they were clearing the land behind the claw? Sounds more like the basis of a new area for a coaster (finally) to me, especially considering that was the plan for this year, until Loudoun fell apart...
-
Gloomy Dude
- Member
- Posts: 1039
- Joined: Thu May 21, 2009 6:30 pm
- Location: Inverness
As someone who rode it last year, I really hope they aren't getting Loudon's pirate ship (unless it gets some serious work done), as it was in terrible shape and gave a terrible, terrible ride.
Otherwise, loving it
Otherwise, loving it
For some things there is no rational explanation. There is no way out. There is no happy ending to this story. Welcome to the unknown. Welcome to eternal darkness.
Welcome to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Ride
Welcome to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Ride
-
Nathan
- Member
- Posts: 1372
- Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 5:18 pm
- Location: Sunderland
- Contact:
From Valley Mania;
Ahoy there shipmates! Following last month's Skeleton Cove announcement, Valley Mania can today exclusively reveal the 5 attractions that will initially make up the area. Speculation has hit fever pitch over these past couple of weeks, with many of you correctly guessing each ride's place of origin. But which rides were they? Read on to find out you scallywags!
All hailing from the now defunct Loudoun Castle, the rides that will make up Skeleton Cove are; Black Pearl, Powder Kegs, The Flying Cutlass, Pirate Swinger and Skull Rock!
Black Pearl, a Weber inverting ship, is arguably the star attraction of the area which is to be built on the former site of Grand Prix Go Karts. However, it is the addition of The Flying Cutlass, a HUSS swinging ship, which is set to raise most eyebrows considering the park placed their very own, The Wave, on the market at the end of last season. The Flying Cutlass is joined by fellow HUSS attraction, Powder Kegs (Breakdance), Skull Rock (Zamperla Regatta) and Pirate Swings (Mini Chair-o-planes).
But wait... there's more! As reported on Valley Mania, a 6th ride will be joining Skeleton Cove later in the season. Small children's ride, Junior Pirate Ship, also of Loudoun, will be debuting under the name of Wave Rider (TBC). With the ride not being available from launch, a decision was made to cut the addition from all official marketing material. With something for everyone, we're sure that Skeleton Cove will prove to be an enormous success come opening day on April 9th.
Other news coming out of the Valley is that Vintage Cars are to be removed. The area will be converted into outdoor seating as part of Riviera food court's transformation into Hungry Harbour.
As always, be sure to keep checking Valley Mania for all the latest news on Skeleton Cove and the rest of the park as we head towards the start of the 2011 season! In the meantime, you can download the 2011 park brochure by visiting our mini-site below!
[url=http://pirates.valleymania.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://pirates.valleymania.co.uk/[/url]
Last edited by Nathan on Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
AdamJ
Sounds ...exciting?
I'm sorry but it was way too predictable that they were going there.
Screenies from the Park Map of the locations
I'm sorry but it was way too predictable that they were going there.
Screenies from the Park Map of the locations