Specific Type: Powered Coaster
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The Vampire located in the United Kingdom’s Chessington Park is pure adventure with a gothic twist. The ride will take you on a spine chilling series of twists and turns throughout its 2,200 feet of track. This ride will also drop you from a gut clenching 70 foot drop as you’re suspended in midair, feet dangling, feeling the rush of air 360 degrees around you from the ride’s suspended floorless seats. The vampire has been open since the 1990’s and its popularity among the park guests has yet to cease, even after over 20 years of operation.
The Vampire was originally opened on April the 11th, 1990. As the Vampire grew older it suffered from many breakdowns and was closed for the 2001 season. At this time the decision to close the ride was thought to be permanent. However instead of closing the ride the Vampire was restored, including replacing the old bat themed carts with the new suspened, floorless seating. The ride was reopened in 2002 and is still running today. Your ride experience on the Vampire begins as soon as you walk in the gate, instantly being transported to a dark gothic graveyard filled with ominous tombstones and eerie music. Once you reach the departure building your Halloween like experience is continued throughout the buildings’ details and gothic architecture. Within the station you will see one of the Vampires’ most iconic details, the animatronic organist which plays a very large pipe organ, which just adds to the rides’ creepy atmosphere. Once on the coaster you will be strapped in to your floorless seat suspended above the ground and begin your adventure with a chain lift up the rides’ initial hill leading up to the gut clenching 70 foot drop, reaching a top speed of 45 mph. During your flight you will also pass right over top of the parks other visitors before being lifted and dropped from yet another hill. Towards the end, the ride has a sudden drop into a sharp banked curve before entering the brake run, giving its passengers one last wicked surprise. The vampire is one of Chessington World’s most popular attractions with wait times as long as 3 to 4 hours, even when the park isn’t at full capacity. The ride used to operate on three, 24 passenger trains which got through 1,100 riders per hour and was much more efficient. Unfortunately, due to new safety regulations the third train was removed in late 2012 and the ride can now only get through 960 riders per hour. Thus resulting in longer wait times. In conclusion the vampire is one of Chessington World’s most popular attractions even after over 20 years of operation. Between the rides quick sudden turns and shocking drops this ride is perfect for any ride warrior. The Vampires’ theme is also perfectly and continuously shown throughout the full ride from the minute you enter the gate. Which just adds to the riders’ experience. So next time you’re looking for a good time in United Kingdom’s Chessington Park, let yourself experience the fierce wrath of the Vampire! |
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