When you think of jaw-dropping roller coasters in the UK, Fantasy Island’s Odyssey likely springs to mind. Towering over the Lincolnshire coastline, this iconic ride isn’t just a thrill-seeker’s dream—it’s also a record-breaker in terms of cost.
Let’s dive into the fascinating story of The Odyssey, the most expensive roller coaster ever built in the UK.
Opened in 2002, The Odyssey came with an eye-watering price tag of £28 million. At the time, this was an unprecedented investment for a UK theme park, showcasing Fantasy Island’s ambition to create a world-class thrill ride. Its construction was made possible thanks to sponsorship from the telecommunications giant Jubilee, leading to its original name: The Jubilee Odyssey.
Thrills, Heights, and Speeds
Stretching 167 feet into the sky, The Odyssey was the tallest roller coaster in the UK when it first opened. Riders brave enough to take on this inverted coaster are treated to speeds of up to 62 mph and an exhilarating 5 inversions.
With its colossal height and breakneck pace, The Odyssey quickly became a must-ride for adrenaline junkies across the country.
Engineering Marvel
Building The Odyssey was no small feat. Designed by renowned coaster manufacturer Vekoma, the ride required cutting-edge engineering to ensure safety and smooth performance. Its towering structure, visible for miles around, needed to withstand the coastal weather, including strong winds coming off the North Sea.
The Economic Impact
The Odyssey wasn’t just a financial risk; it was a strategic move to boost tourism in Skegness and establish Fantasy Island as a premier destination. The ride’s presence has drawn visitors from far and wide, significantly contributing to the local economy.
Fun Facts About The Odyssey
- Record-Breaker: At the time of its opening, it was the second-tallest inverted roller coaster in the world.
- Name Change: The ride was originally called The Jubilee Odyssey to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
- Custom Design: Its layout was specifically tailored to fit within Fantasy Island’s compact park footprint.
- Weighty Challenge: The coaster’s track and supports weigh over 500 tons combined.
- Longest Queue?: During its first season, queues for The Odyssey often stretched to over two hours!
- Ride Duration: The entire experience lasts just over 2 minutes, but it’s packed with thrills from start to finish.
- Height Requirement: Due to its intensity, riders must be at least 140 cm tall to ride.
- Visibility: On a clear day, the top of The Odyssey offers views of the Lincolnshire coastline and even the North Sea.
- Inversions Galore: Its 5 inversions include a massive vertical loop and corkscrews that keep riders on the edge of their seats.
- Legacy: Even two decades later, The Odyssey remains one of the UK’s most thrilling and talked-about roller coasters.
Why The Odyssey Remains a Landmark
Despite being over 20 years old, The Odyssey has stood the test of time, thrilling millions of riders and cementing its place in UK theme park history. Its monumental cost and daring design prove that bold investments in thrills can create unforgettable experiences.
So, the next time you visit Fantasy Island, don’t just ride The Odyssey—take a moment to appreciate the incredible story behind this record-breaking coaster!
The construction of The Odyssey wasn’t just about building a roller coaster—it was about creating a landmark attraction that would stand the test of time. Today, it remains one of Fantasy Island’s most popular rides, a testament to the skill and dedication of everyone involved in its creation.
