The Walking Dead: The Ride - Behind the Scenes

Take a look behind the scenes of The Walking Dead: The Ride, a horror-themed, low-intensity roller coaster with scare maze theatrics. All of these photos were taken as part of an Attraction Source Event at Thorpe Park Resort during the 2023 season.

Behind the Scenes Presentation

Here are some of the exclusive plans and concept art which was created as part of the ride transformation from X to The Walking Dead: The Ride in the 2017/18 closed season. The majority of these theming elements and designs are very similar to what came to be inside the attraction.

Exterior, Pre Show and Entrance Corridor

The experience begins with a pre show which features some easter eggs to the creatives behind the project on the wall. There is then theming and set pieces throughout the corridors on the way to the ride station. Inside the exterior watch tower is a ladder which can be used for maintenance purposes – however, the original intention was for this to provide actors with access to the external platform.

On-Load Station

Upon arriving into the station, two guests are batched into each of the five air-gates in preparation for boarding the train. This area has remained similar to X, with the addition of some grey paint and rust effects.

Main Lift Hill

Upon exiting the station, riders complete a right hand turn and then climb the lift hill. Unlike other rides at Thorpe Park, The Walking Dead: the Ride utilises a tyre driven lift hill instead of a traditional chain lift. Within this area, there are a few pipes, themed lights and other scenery items.

Ride Section 1

After disembarking the lift hill, the attraction completes the first of its four main layout block sections. This is then followed up by the first mid course brake run. On the side there are mannequins chained up by their heads. Something interesting to note is that each mid course brake run on the ride has an incline in order to boost the momentum of the attraction.

Ride Section 2

Following this, riders plunge back down towards the ground and into the second main section of the ride layout. Within this section of the ride, there are some statues of walkers which are situated to the sides of the train and light up when the vehicle passes. This then takes riders into the second of the mid course brake runs.

Ride Section 3

The third block section within the main layout of the attraction features the armoury scene. As part of the attraction story, walkers are trying to get into the armoury while survivors are trying to escape. This then leads straight into the third and final mid course brake run. At this point the ride comes to a complete stop and features another show scene with screens and walkers to the left of the vehicle. The attraction then stops and starts a few time as part of this scene prior to continuing with the rest of the layout. This was one of the only ride system modifications made between X and The Walking Dead: The Ride.

Ride Section 4

Guests then drop back down and past a gas explosion. At this point, smoke is blasted at the train and orange flickering lights are used to simulate the effect of burning. Riders than pass a row of walkers to the right of the train, this is also where the on-ride photo is taken. The attraction then takes one final turn to the left, passes through a tunnel into the electrical room and up into the final brake run.

Final Brakes

The final brake run brings riders to a complete stop. A show scene then takes place where the train is blasted with air and walkers push towards the train from inside cages. The train then moves forwards towards the off-load station. Within this section of track, there is a transfer table which allows for trains to be moved to and from the maintenance area.

Off-Load Station and Exit

Guests then disembark the train and head through a door which says ‘do not enter, dead inside’. This takes guests into a cafeteria scene which can also sometimes feature live actors. There is plenty of theming including a massive food truck which has crashed into the room. Following this, guests head down the ramp, through the corridors and escape the attraction.