Attraction Source Forum

Visting Skegness was a yearly thing for me not so long ago. Sort of grown out of it. But I allways looked forward to visiting Fantasy Island.

If someone asked, I would tell them it was a permanent outdoor market first and foremost. With what felt like local carnival attractions bolted on. But I would allways ride the Jubilee Odyssey (lack of wind providing) without fail on every visit.

There are only 2 reasons I would visit Fantasy Island, the market and the Oddesey.

For me it's one one of the most underrated and undermentioned rides in the UK, regardless of who built it. As I ride, I honestly rate it up there along side Nemesis. As controversial as that may be, but the sole reason it doesn't get to the top, is the whole experience, oddesey is just a ride, you get a fantastic view, speed and a thrill.

Don't go out your way for Fantasy Island, but certainly stop by if you're in the area. Your quickly reminded your in a market outside Skegness.

This past weekend I had a holiday at Butlins Skegness and had a walk down to the theme park and was shocked to see all there added in the five years since I last visited was lots of Market stalls. Like new for 2012 was a indoor Market and new food outlets looking round the place the indoor rides look in good shape but outside looks in bad shape. All the rides look in a bad shape and it looks like All there done since 07 is do you the outside food outlets and painted the ride stations. The future of the site I think will be just 1 big market.

I Like Fantasy Island and I think that Jubilee odyssey is one of the countries most underated rides.

But the lack of space means I don't think that we will be any new rides for a while, and the lack of new attractions isn't going to do the park any good. As for the future, one big market? No, why would they get rid of all the big rides that still make quite a lot of money at great expense, to make a big market?

They haven't added anything for a while, but the *new* owners are finally starting to show some potential.

The place is starting to look a bit tidier, and the ride operations have improved 100% over the last couple of years.

Jubilee odyssey wasn't even open yesterday or there drop tower ride. The chavs around the place smoking in queues and around the park. It also didn't feel safe.

I think they're doing OK, they are well structured around bad weather and the seasonal nature of their business.

In the past I've thought they were in danger of going under, but I think they will be OK.

They seem to be taking Jubilee Odyssey much more seriously now, I think they realise it is a signature ride of this country let alone their park. Lots of improvement on their social networking pages as well with responses to comments and updates on rides and the park etc.

The park is quite dear to me being in Lincolnshire, it's two Vekomas are very special rides that not many people have been on, even among enthusiasts.

Before I rant (which I know I'm going to lol), I've just got to say I have a soft spot for FI and the rant is out of frustration about it's potential lol.

The new owners are a vast improvement on the former ones that's for certain, but the place had already been damaged badly by the time they took the reins.  They are making improvements to the place, always great to see, but the scars are still visible.  The former owners had great aspirations but impatience meant that they didn't execute them properly.  In fairness to them, the original owners didn't do a bad job to begin with.  The market was of 'just about ok' quality and the target audience was catered for just right I think.  They themed to a pretty good standard too.

Then all of a sudden a few years after opening they went mad and decided they wanted to become white knuckle central in the space of 5 years.  At the same time they also changed their aspiration from themed resort to amusement park and market. I dunno, maybe the top man wanted to realise his dream and knew (with all due respect) that his age was against him (RIP).  Multiloopers, a massive SLC, the biggest Fabbri Booster in the world, the most intense Topscan that I've ever ridden, multiple spin and spew rides, shot towers and so on and so on.  Some are great rides and I hold them dear to my heart but they were plonked on tarmac, very little sensible thought going into location, no theming, and worst of all; all attention was focussed on the next one. The owners forgot that they had to run an existing business alongside planning for the future.  Operations were chaotic, staff attitude (with a few exceptions) was very poor, upkeep of the quality of the market vanished.  The poor ride decisions bit them back on the bum, they ended up removing a lot of rides because they were not thought through properly.  The place had always been a bit rough in as much as people causing trouble could roam around freely and not be ejected, there is no main gate afterall, they kept returning in greater numbers as a result, this cannot be reversed now as the formula for layout has been set in stone after so many years.

In a fantasy world I feel the place should have started as an enclosed resort with a strong brand identity, surround it with a volcanic/rock effect wall, make it look like a fantasy 'island' sat in the middle of the area, think of the Jurassic Park gates that the jeeps go through, that kind of tropical theme. Rides in the middle and the casino's and market built around the edges built into the wall surrounding the rides.  A wristband system for rides from day one, security at the entrances so that troublemakers can be ejected and stopped from sneaking back in.  Care could have been taken with ride theming and experience because there would be no restrictions due to the market causing obstruction.  It would be slow work filling the void with rides granted.  Expansion if required would be dealt with very carefully, (the local council appear to hate FI due to some big no no's having gone on in the past regarding expansion).  Getting planning permission for such a scheme in the middle of a town would be interesting nowadays though I guess.  :P

The new owners are doing pretty well considering the nightmare they took on I reckon.  The place just needs to show some evolution now in one direction or another.  Wuv you FI. 

Take this as you will, but the guy who runs the company that made Fantasy Island's latest website, has asked on the FI fansite forum, if anyone has any pictures of G-Force..... now why would he want them? He's not a 'fan' of the park as such, and has only visited recently, so why would he need pictures of a ride that was removed 9 years ago....?

If they brought G-Force back, I'd be the first in line for a go.  Fantastic ride.

I have been to Fantasy Island recently and i have came back with the opinion it is a really underestimated park and does have some quality rides, however the price's are a bit hefty £20 a all day wristband, but then again what isn't expensive these days.

Having knowing some of you guys have visited whats your view on Fantasy Island
and how could you improe the park to make it as popular as places like Drayton Manor and BPB



The Millenium Rollercoaster is a turbulent, high speed ride, sending you all around Fantasy Island..



Hold on tight as you soar through the sky at amazing heights, through a whirlwind of inversions at great speeds.



Get ready to feel the ultimate rush and experience for yourself the full force of a 'Volcanic Eruption'



The Beast is an exciting, stomach churning experience! Spinning and twisting in every direction imaginable..



Arriving at Fantasy Island in 2000, the Fantasy Mouse is one of five roller coasters at the park and has been entertaining guests from day one!



The first and only 'Ultra Max' ride at fantasy island!



Get ready for the bounce of your life. This ride is incredible fun as each car bounces up and down...



Join Captain Rhombus on his rocket powered train...



The fun of the fair, combined with the magic of a theme park...



The Dodgems, an all time favourite for many fairground and theme park fans...



Do you fancy experiencing the relaxing feel and sights of a hot air balloon?



Set sail with Captain Rhombus through his magical Seaquarium. Marvel at his colourful collection of 'specimens strange and new'..



Ready to take the plunge? Well first you’ll have to take a twisty journey to the climb of suspense, followed by a thrilling descent to the waters below.…



Dare you brave Dragon Mountain? Climb the rocky landscape and cross the lagoon on a perilous rope bridge...



Roll up amigos! Journey with parrot and toucan, your guides to a lost island temple..

Shame they have not added to the line up for several years

Well.. It is a alright park with some alright rides...
Shame there are not always ops on every ride...

Went to go on Volcano and the op said "Be back in 10, Got to open up The Beast"
It felt like a guessing game on when to go on some rides as most of them were not open...

This is sad news I hope they can sort it out or we will be losing another nice little park. I never got to do the coasters there as every time I have been they where shut.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-li ... e-28660494

Fingers crossed they can save her.

Bugger, I really do rate the Velkoma SLC they have their, it really is fantastic.

I'm hoping that this is sorted, they have THE smoothest vekoma ever, a brilliant SLC, and the most stupid fun Top Scan there is…and I doubt anyone will buy these if they are put on sale…

That's my worry I can't see anyone really buying the rides. I think the coasters would go for scrap, and the flats at best might end up on the fair circuit, but not in England.

I hope it doesn't close as I had a good time when I went a couple of years ago - I especially enjoyed their Topscan, The Beast and the coasters were ok too

Wow I just went last week and came home to read this I thought It is a really good place and the 2 rollercoasters are the most under rated rides ever, especially for vekomma! This has to get sorted out because this park has really good potential to be a brilliant resort.

Fantasy Island will be saved.

It was on course to be a brilliant place when it was owned by Blue Anchor, regular investment, new rides each year.

But since it was sold in 2007 it has had no investment.

I suspect Blue Anchor will take it back, Fantasy Island was John Woodwards Baby, and I'm pretty sure that he would want to see it thrive.