Drayton Manor Visits:

22nd May, 2004

The carpark is close to the entrance, a nice feature. It wasn't too busy when we went so didn't take long to get in.

Once in we went to the centre of the park to look around, before going into Pirate Adventure, quite a good ride and very similar to Pirates of the Caribbean. Next we went to Excalibur which wasn't all it promised to be - maybe it's more for younger kids. At lease the wait wasn't too long.

Next was Maelstrom - we had to wait a while for this, maybe 20-25 minutes, but it was well worth it. Facing outwards instead of inwards like other rides of this type I've seen, really makes a big difference, although it may also be taller, and swing higher than others. After this we decided to check out the revolving pirate ship, Jolly Roger. No wait for this, not surprising really, but it was quite fun.

Next we went to The Haunting and had to wait a long time in queue for that, probably half an hour before we got let in and then there was more waiting while you watch the kind of preshow before being let into the room. The actual 'ride' was good though, very convincing.

Next we stopped off for some pizza at the Rainforest Pizzeria. The food wasn't too bad but certainly nothing special, nor was the seating. The overall theme and even the sign was similar to Rainforest Cafe, but the reality was nothing like it.

After lunch we went to Wild West Shoot Out, where you go get taken through and have to shoot things. My gun wasn't working but just occasionally flickered into life, so it looked like I was just really useless! Everyone else's seemed to work though so I must have just been unlucky.

Next we went on Shockwave, the standup coaster - great stuff and again not too much of a queue, probably 15 mins. Then we returned to Maelstrom for another go and on the way out went back on Shockwave.