CARNIVAL OF THE BIZARRE - Back by popular demand, presented by the world acclaimed Circus of Horrors. We went along to the first showing and were 'welcomed' by an eccentric character, however those arriving later were shouted at & marched to their seats! The grotesque line-up of peculiar performers included Gary Stretch (the world’s stretchiest man) and Dan the Demon Dwarf (can catch bullets with his teeth) The show was pure quality - with dramatic lighting, fire, smoke & strobe effects mixed with sword swallowing, fire breathing and acrobatics to name just a few elements. There was a small admission cost but certainly worth it, not to be missed!
THE ASYLUM - This attraction had a 45 minute queue accompanied by a chilling, if a little repetitive soundtrack. As part of a small group we were collected together in front of the excellently themed doorway and instructed on how to make our way through the attraction. In a 'conga line' we nervously entered, after travelling though some dark corridors we found ourselves in a maze of cages, mirrors, strobes and around nearly every corner escaped mental patients, twisted nurses and disturbed security guards. Some of the freakish characters simply wandered, others blocked our way or even jumped out on us!
HELLGATE - This second maze type attraction had a 30 minute queue, we were kept entertained by Colossus roaring past and another spooktacular soundtrack. We entered into a dark corridor guarded by gargoyles and were then collected into small groups and prepared for the experience. As we travelled through the first few deadly silent chambers we were brimming with anticipation then suddenly faces appeared from different directions then vanished. As the journey continued strange characters came towards us, often reaching out to grab us. After each corner it became increasingly scary, with more blood and more deformed creatures. As we approached the end people ran screaming from the building, hearts racing, we were all terrified!
FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY - This was a surprise Fright Nights attraction, not advertised until we arrived at the park. Within the Ranger County Arena a huge inflatable cinema screen provided hourly showings of a special movie exclusive to Thorpe Park. The film had an interesting storyline, with a security guard at the park working overnight who comes into contact with the ghosts and ghouls lurking in the darkness. Sadly this looked like a student's college project with its amateur acting and low quality special effects. However, for a bonus attraction providing some background to the event it was certainly quite fun!
PARK BY DAY - We arrived at the park at 10am so to enjoy all the main rides before the special Fright Nights attractions opened. There were a few breakdowns during the day but all for short periods of time so we were able to experience all the thrills at some stage. A little disappointed by the minimal Halloween theming, there was just one main display of pumpkins by Slammer, the rest of the park only had a few touches here and there, very different to the elaborate Halloween Spooktacular at Chessington.
PARK BY NIGHT - As the park fell into darkness, all the attractions were illuminated with floodlights. This gave the park a truly mysterious atmosphere and a chilling new dimension to the main thrill rides. We were very pleased to see extra security across the park, helping people around and answering questions as well as looking out for the visitors safety, after all there were zombies and monsters walking around everywhere! As the park was open well beyond the usual closing time most food outlets also stayed open providing a great range of food ample for an evening meal.
