Drayton Manor Resort invited us to the media preview for their new roller coaster Gold Rush, a thrilling family ride in Frontier Falls.
Gold Rush
This new 'Family Lift & Launch' roller coaster from Intamin Amusement Rides forms part of the Wild West-themed land, Frontier Falls, which opened this spring.
Designed specifically to suit its location, riders board the new mine train themed ride as the Western land comes to life, taking visitors on an unforgettable (and very confusing) journey.
The new action-packed attraction is set to excite enthusiasts as the world’s first-ever roller coaster with two unique multi-directional experiences. Riders are in for double the fun, not knowing which route they’ll take, adding an element of surprise with each ride.
Drayton Manor says that Gold Rush is the first roller coaster in the UK to feature a backward launch into 'outdoor gravity track', and with over a two-minute ride time on the longest track length for a family roller coaster in the UK, excitement is guaranteed.
Younger thrill-seekers can also experience the new ride, as the seat and bar lap restraints are suitable for many children, thanks to the minimum height requirement of 1 metre.
Gold Rush is just one part of the resort’s biggest year, following the relaunched The Wave, as well as Frontier Falls.
Innovative track design
Once the ride's trains have departed the station and climbed the lift hill, they proceed either forwards around one section of the circuit, or they fall backwards and complete a different section.
The trains then enter a heavily themed barn (facing either forwards or backwards), and after an 'explosive' scene the trains launch forwards or backwards into one of those two sections of the ride.
Returning to the lift hill, trains either go up and over (if arriving facing forwards) or up to the top then back down (if arriving backwards), following one of the two track sections back to the barn.
Back at the barn, now facing forwards, trains are launched through it into the final section of the ride, before returning to the station.
Gold Rush is definitely one of the most unique and enjoyable family roller coasters in the UK.
From hoedown to showdown
Drayton Manor pulled out all the stops for their media preview - with can-can dancers, a wild west BBQ, cowboys, line dancing, horses and more!
The park's Managing Director, Victoria Lynn, had a starring role in a lively show that preceded the opening of the new ride, after which guests gathered at the entrance for a big countdown and blast of smoke.
Entering the queue, we were immediately impressed with the scale and quality of the theming and landscaping. It's a significant step up from anything Drayton Manor has done before. The queue is full of things to see and includes a wonderful tribute to the former Apocalypse stand-up drop tower that previously occupied this area of the park.
Gold Rush is a perfect addition to the park, catering specifically to the growing family market that Drayton Manor is ideally positioned for.
Frontier Falls
The other attractions in Frontier Falls include:
- Falls Theatre: a state-of-the-art 4D venue showcasing an iconic Looney Tunes show. Guests will be transported to into the zany world of their favourite characters, Wile E. Coyote & Road Runner, as part of a sensory experience.
- Blasting Barrels: an exciting Western twist on the classic teacup ride.
- Sheriff’s Showdown: an interactive shoot-out ride to challenge coordination and reflexes.
All the attractions are located along an immersive Wild West street that transports families back in time to an era of cowboys, outlaws, and frontier towns.
Congratulations to Drayton Manor, Intamin Amusement Rides and the other companies that were involved in delivering this superb new ride.
