Would all the excitement of Drayton Manor Theme Park and Thomas Land prove to be far too much fun for one family day out?
TripReporter sends the Wallace family of two adults and two kids to give us a thorough and exhausting testing. Here is their verdict on Drayton Manor Theme Park
As we approach the gates of Drayton Manor Theme Park Thomas The Tank songs are blasting out and Ronnie our 3 year old Thomas fanatic is on instant alert. Of course he spots the big black gates of Thomas Land and makes a bee line stright for them.
Squeals of delight from Ronnie as he sets his eyes on the ‘real’ Thomas for the first time and even his older brother Casey gets carried away with all the excitement.
We’ve arrived too early for the rides as they don’t open until 10.30am so we spend the next hour walking around them all, deciding on which ones we want to try first. The boys enjoy getting selfies with all the engines so the wait is not too stressful.
At last it’s 10.30 and Sodor’s Classic Cars are up first; a chance for the boys to steer their own car around bends and through tunnels. Then it was over to Bertie Bus to fly through the air!
We make sure to do Winston’s Whistle Stop Tour and carry out a track inspection for the Fat Controller while getting a good opportunity to see Thomas Land from high up.
It is nearly time for lunch, but we just have enough minutes left on the clock to drop and bounce on Cranky Crane.
Lunch time now and the kids enjoy packed lunch boxes. We can choose any 5 items for £3.50.
With lunch devoured we board Thomas for an engine tour to meet the resident animals at Drayton Manor zoo!
Whilst Casey takes driving lessons at Terence’s Driving School, Ronnie takes the opportunity to watch the Discover Thomas Exhibition, a model railway village. He can’t get enough of following the trains round and round.
With Thomas Land covered we decide to explore Drayton Manor’s other rides.
First stop Splash Canyon and we definitely get more than a ‘splash’. Completely soaked we head for Ben 10 Ultimate Mission Coaster! Wow! Rocket propelled adrenaline!
Time is running out – a quick ride on the Jolly Buccaneer and the Carousel before we head back to Thomas land to finish off the day.
Hello, the Fat Controller is here for a meet and greet and a song and dance show! Such fun!!
Just time left for the Troublesome Trucks Runaway Roller Coaster before heading home.
Ronnie and Casey are both fast asleep before we even leave the park – A fantastic day out for any Thomas fan!
All family images (c) Andy Mossack
The Wallace Verdict
Whist children under 1.2m can’t go on the bigger rides within Drayton Manor Theme Park, Thomas Land on its own, is still a great day out for any budding Thomas fan. Drayton Manor also offers other attractions which we didn’t have time to see including the animal zoo and the 4D cinema experience. I guess that just means we will have to return for more family fun especially as they have a hotel and campsite on hand to cater for longer stays. Big thumbs up from all of us!
Tell me more about Drayton Manor Theme Park
Drayton Manor Theme Park has topped the price comparison charts, offering the best value day out for a family of four. Until Monday 5th September, tickets cost just £70 for four people* if booked online in advance, plus there are no additional booking fees or car parking charges.
*Please note these tickets are not available for purchase on the day.
General admission from £18 depending on age. Children under 2 are free. Family packages are avaliable.
Park open 9:30am. Rides start from 10:30am. Park closes at 5:00pm.
Drayton Manor Park Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth,Staffordshire B78 3TW
Call: 01827 287979 – 7 days a week, Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
Email: info@draytonmanor.co.uk – Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
