Accelerator
Specific Type: Family Boomerang
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Drayton Manor is an amusement park and zoo in England, United Kingdom probably most notable as the home of the only stand-up roller coaster in Europe, Shockwave. In addition to large thrills, Drayton Manor also offers a large selection of family rides and is home to Thomas Land, a family area themed around the children’s program Thomas the Tank Engine.
Opened in April 2011 Accelerator has an indoor queue line located within the ride itself which features interactive exhibits and games amidst various light and sound effects. Above the entrance to the queue is a balcony which is used by actors dressed up as Cartoon Network characters. Accelerator is the prototype “Family Boomerang” roller coaster, a Vekoma product that takes riders through a figure-eight course twice, once forwards and once backwards. It is one of few rides to offer such an experience to a younger set of riders. The train reverses slowly out of the station and climbs the tire-propelled lift backwards. Upon reaching the top, riders are held for a few moments before being released, where the train gains momentum as it drops down towards the station. After traveling through the station, the track takes a turn to the left, rising up and over the queue building. Riders then dip down into a banked turn to the right which leads into a helix. Throughout the helix, the train bumps up and down before dipping down and up the second spike, parallel to the lift hill. After losing all its momentum, the train travels backwards down the spike, taking riders through the course again backwards. Upon reaching the station, brakes are applied and the train travels partially up the initial spike. Riders travel downwards slowly before being brought to a halt in the station. Accelerator is a solid addition to the ride collection of Drayton Manor and offers another children’s theme for those less interested in Thomas Land. When visiting the park, this is a ride that shouldn’t be missed. |
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