Thomas Land (Drayton Manor) Explained

Thomas Land
Location:Drayton Manor Resort
Opened:
Staffordshire, England, U.K.
Previousattraction:Robinsons Land
Coordinates:52.6128°N -1.7133°W
Type:Themed area
Theme:Thomas & Friends
Custom Label 1:Rides
Custom Value 1:18
Custom Label 8:Website

Thomas Land is a themed area at Drayton Manor Resort in Staffordshire, England, based on the popular long-running children's television series, Thomas & Friends. It stands on the former site of Robinsons Land, a themed area sponsored by the soft drinks brand of the same name. The construction began while the park was still open in September 2007, and many of the Robinsons Land rides were moved to other areas of the park for the remainder of the season. Many of the rides housed in Robinsons Land except the Veteran Cars (now Sodor's Classic Cars) were sold to Funland in Hayling Island. Thomas Land officially opened to the public on 15 March 2008. An expansion of Thomas Land with additional attractions and private party rooms opened on 8 April 2015.[1]

Rides

Thomas Land is set in 3acres of parkland and features many themed rides, alongside outdoor and indoor play areas and the "Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition".

Name OpenedManufacturerDescription
1Bertie BusMarch 15 2008ZamperlaA Bertie-themed crazy bus ride. In partnership with Arriva. Formerly known as Crazy Bertie Bus
2Blue Mountain EnginesMay 2011ZamperlaA junior regetta ride with cars resembling Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel and Peter Sam. The ride was originally located in space where Terence’s Driving School originally stood, but was moved to the Thomas Land Expansion in 2015, where Merrick was added to the middle of the ride until sometime in 2018, when he was moved next to it.
3Captain's Sea AdventureApril 8 2015ZamperlaA watermania ride with Captain-themed vehicles.
4Cranky’s Drop TowerMarch 15 2008ZamperlaA Cranky themed 8m high sky drop ride.
5Diesel's Locomotive MayhemMarch 15 2008ZamperlaA demolition derby ride featuring 6 themed cars based on Diesel, Mavis, Iron Bert, Salty, Dennis and Rusty. Originally known as Diesel's Locomotion Mayhem
6Flynn's Fire RescueApril 8 2015ZamperlaA fire brigade ride with Flynn-themed cars. In partnership with West Midlands Fire Service.
7Harold HelicopterMarch 15 2008ZamperlaA Harold-themed samba tower ride, formerly known as Harold's Heli-Tours. It is located within Tidmouth Sheds, where guests can gain photo opportunities with Edward, Henry, Gordon, Toby, and Rosie (repainted red in 2019).
8James and the Red BalloonApril 1 2017ZamperlaA samba balloon ride based on the Thomas & Friends episode of the same name from the sixth season.
9Jeremy JetMarch 15 2008ZamperlaAn aero top jet ride with Jeremy the Jet Plane-themed jets. Relocated to the Thomas Land Expansion in 2015.
10Lady's CarouselMarch 15 2008ZamperlaA junior carousel ride with Lady and a train of carriages instead of horses.
11Rocking BulstrodeMarch 15 2008ZamperlaBulstrode-themed rockin' tug ride.
12Sodor Classic Cars1972SupercarA car ride. This is the only ride in the area not themed to Thomas & Friends, and was left over from the Robinsons Land area.
13Toby's Tram ExpressApril 8 2015ZamperlaA Toby-themed barnyard ride.
14Troublesome Trucks Runaway RollercoasterMarch 15 2008GerstlauerA junior roller coaster located in Thomas Land with Troublesome Truck-themed cars. The height limit is 1m with an adult and 1.2m alone.
15Winston's Whistle-Stop ToursJuly 19 2013ZamperlaAn aerial ride with Winston-themed cars.
16Thomas and Percy's Submarine SplashApril 29 2023IntaminA 455m long water ride based on the All Engines Go episode of the same name.
17Thomas, Rosie and Percy Engine ToursMarch 15 2008Metallbau EmmelnA themed train ride. The ride first included Thomas and Percy engines. Rosie was added in 2009.

A CGI face was added to Thomas in 2014, while CGI faces were added to Percy and Rosie in 2015. Rosie was later repainted red in 2019.

18Terence's Driving SchoolMarch 15 2008SB InternationalA driving school ride with Terence-themed cars. Relocated in May 2011 to the Farmer McColl's Farm area. Relocated in February 2024 to the Main Thomas Land Area.
19Spencer's Outdoor Adventure PlayMarch 15 2008UnknownAn outdoor adventure play area.
20Emily's Adventure PlayMarch 15 2008UnknownAn indoor soft play area.
21Discover Thomas & Friends ExhibitionJuly 2009HIT EntertainmentAn indoor miniature model railway exhibition with the original models from the first to twelfth series of the television series. Relocated in 2023 in the Thomas Land Shop near Winston's Whistle-Stop Tour.

Train rides

Models of Thomas, Percy and Rosie are used on a narrow gauge[2] railway that takes visitors through the park. The line features Tidmouth Sheds with stationary facades of other engines, Knapford Station, which serves as the main station and a refreshment stand, Dryaw and Tidmouth Hault. It also has many sidings and sheds along the way, one of which used to feature a "sleeping" model of James, which was moved to where the James and the Red Balloon ride is in 2017, akin to the ride's opening.

See also

References

  1. Web site: Thomas Expansion Announcement. Drayton Manor website . 5 April 2015.
  2. http://www.sinfin.net/railways/tourist/touristwm.html Tourist and Enthusiast Railways - West Midlands

External links