2016 was a mixed year for the theme park industry, from world first attractions to UK first attractions to even brand new themed areas being created. In this article, you can see what we believed should be mentioned before 2016 ends and the 2017 season begins!
Best New Addition For 2016
Paultons Park - Lost Kingdom
Paultons Park launched Lost Kingdom, an immersive Jurassic themed dinosaur land to be enjoyed by the whole family. Including 27 animatronic dinosaurs, 2 brand new coasters and several other attractions, Paultons Park really marked there territory in 2016! Paultons Park Lost Kingdom Press Day Review
Best Theme Park Event Of 2016 Alton Towers - Firework Spectacular
Alton Towers once again put on a spectacular display of fireworks for bonfire night. This years theme was all to do with space due to the recent launch of Galatica.
Each year Alton Towers do not fail to put on a display like no others and for sure, we expect another amazing display for 2017!
Best Overall Theme Park Of 2016
Thorpe Park Resort
Thorpe Park have once again brought us an amazing 2016 season overall. The season started off a tad slow and had it's up and downs but with the launch of Derren Browns Ghost Train, a strong lineup for 10 years of Fright Night for Halloween and alongside all the other classic attractions making Thorpe Park a popular tourist destination! We cannot wait for the 2017 season to see what is lurking in shadows (Derren Browns Ghost Train Expansion?!?)
Best 2016 Halloween Event
Screamland & Fear at Avon Valley
We struggled to give the award to just one Halloween event this year due to so many strong contenders! Fear at Avon Valley was back for another year with their strongest lineup to date. With Anarchy Live, Phobia & Purgatory taking centre stage as some of the best horror mazes in the UK! Screamland (also known as Dreamland outside October), came also with a unique lineup of mazes which for sure gave us a night to remember! The uniqueness of each attractions and the way they go about scaring you is completely different to other events you will go!
Thrill Nation's Highlight Of 2016
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland, based in Hyde Park for a selected time throughout the Christmas period had to be our highlight for 2016. Each year, Winter Wonderland comes back even stronger leaving memories before the 2016 season ends whilst most other theme parks are closed for the winter. Celebrating 10 years of this attraction and Munich Looping Coaster featuring this years lineup, was not one to forget in a hurry!
We cannot wait to see what the 2017 season has it store for us at Thrill Nation! Expect many more reviews of new rides, new events and new thrilling locations!