The Vampire Coaster at Chessington World of Adventures is a key part of Vampire Coaster history. It opened on 11 April 1990, being the UK’s first suspended steel roller coaster. It quickly became a leader among pioneering UK theme parks, offering a unique ride experience by Arrow Dynamics.
This coaster stands tall at 70 feet and covers 2,200 feet of track. It can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. Riders go through a spooky landscape with gravestones and gargoyles, all set to an organ soundtrack by Graham Smart.
The History of Chessington’s Vampire Coaster
The Chessington roller coaster history got exciting on 11 April 1990 with the Vampire Coaster’s debut. This steel-suspended coaster, made by Arrow Dynamics, was the UK’s first. It marked a big step in amusement park growth.
Chessington was changing from a zoo to a theme park, and the Vampire Coaster was a key part. It mixed gothic fantasy with thrilling mechanics. Standing 70 ft tall, it was 2,200 ft long and reached 45 mph in the Wild Woods.
It could carry 960 riders an hour and had g-forces up to 4.5G. This made it a hit with thrill-seekers of all ages.
The Vampire Coaster’s two-minute and thirty-second ride is full of twists and turns. It started with Arrow Suspended Coaster trains. But in 2001, Vekoma trains replaced them, offering a new thrill.
The Vampire Coaster’s debut was a big moment for Chessington. It set a new standard for UK theme parks, focusing on fun for families. Its gothic theme and innovative design have kept it popular for over 30 years.
Design and Theme of the Vampire Coaster
The Vampire Coaster at Chessington World of Adventures is a masterpiece. John Wardley and Sparks Creative Services designed it. As you enter, you pass through castle gates, setting the scene for what’s ahead. The theming is truly amazing.
Inside, the station looks like a grand castle ballroom. It has high ceilings, stained glass, and gothic murals. At the centre is “Marcel,” an animatronic organist, playing music that matches the ride’s eerie tune. Marcel is a key part of the coaster’s design, now with new lighting.
Over time, some of the coaster’s theming has been removed. Yet, it still feels Gothic. This creates a haunting, otherworldly experience, like classic horror films. It fully immerses you in the gothic theme.
The ride has evolved, with new cars added in 2002. But its core elements remain unchanged. The station’s updates show the ride’s enduring charm. It continues to enchant both new and long-time fans.
The Ride Mechanics Behind the Vampire Coaster
The Vampire Coaster is a masterpiece of roller coaster engineering. It was first designed by Arrow Dynamics and later updated by Vekoma. This classic ride at Chessington World of Adventures is known for its unique design. It has two lift hills and a chain lift system.
Its suspended swinging coaster design lets the trains swing freely. This makes the ride even more thrilling, with sharp turns and steep drops. It was a groundbreaking ride when it first opened, offering a new kind of excitement for fans.
The technical side of the Vampire Coaster is just as interesting. B & G Controls, experts in fairground tech, installed two 430 Ampere PLX digital DC drives. These drives help the ride run smoothly. They work at 90% current for the first lift and 100% for the second, making the ride efficient and safe.
Chessington World of Adventures sees 17,000 visitors daily during busy times. Three trains run an average of 720 laps in eight hours. This shows the ride’s strong design and capacity.
In the UK, the Vampire’s upgrade is part of a bigger trend. There are 12 parks with extreme coasters and 19 with thrill rides. But, there’s a slowdown in building new thrill coasters. This highlights the need to keep and update old attractions.
Arrow Dynamics has made a lasting impact in roller coaster engineering. Their work on the Vampire Coaster continues to thrill and amaze people. This mix of technical skill and excitement makes the Vampire Coaster a favourite among coaster fans.
Modifications and Updates: A New Era
In 2001, Chessington’s Vampire Coaster closed for a big update. It got new trains from Vekoma, known for their swinging suspended floorless design. These changes were introduced in 2002, starting a new chapter for the ride.
Updating classic rides is key to keeping them exciting and running smoothly. The Vampire Coaster’s makeover brought a fresh thrill, thanks to the new trains. This move shows how theme parks keep up with what visitors want, making old favourites even better.
The Vampire Coaster’s Impact on Theme Parks in the UK
The Vampire Coaster changed the UK theme park scene. John Wardley’s vision brought together themes and cutting-edge technology. This set a new benchmark for future rides.
The Vampire Coaster was a hit, showing the power of stories and thrills. Other parks quickly followed, adding themes to their rides. This made parks fun for all ages, boosting their appeal.
Chessington World of Adventures is a prime example of the Vampire’s impact. It has rides like Dragon’s Fury and Mandrill Mayhem. These rides show the park’s commitment to fun and innovation.
The Vampire Coaster’s Popularity and Fan Base
Since 1990, the Vampire Coaster has become a top ride at Chessington. It’s the UK’s first suspended roller coaster, loved by many. It’s perfect for both thrill-seekers and those new to roller coasters, making it a hit with families.
The Vampire Coaster’s impact goes beyond the ride itself. Fans from all over admire its design and history. Joseph Fells, for example, has made pins celebrating the coaster. These efforts show a growing interest and a dedicated fan base for Chessington’s rides.
Chessington World of Adventures has many attractions, like the 1987 Runaway Mine Train and the family-friendly Tiger Rock. But the Vampire Coaster remains a favourite. It continues to attract visitors with its unique charm and thrills. Over the years, it has kept its appeal and excitement alive.
Did You Know: The Vampire Coaster Was the First of Its Kind in the UK
The Vampire Coaster at Chessington World of Adventures was a game-changer. It was the first suspended roller coaster in the UK. When it opened on 11 April 1990, it brought a new thrill to UK theme parks.
This ride was a real showstopper. It’s the only Arrow suspended coaster in the UK today. It reaches 70 feet high and covers 2,200 feet of track at 45 mph. It’s a mix of excitement and stunning views, loved by all ages.
The Vampire Coaster is special because it’s both a family and thrill ride. It’s set in a spooky Transylvanian village. The queue, through an old graveyard, is a hit with fans.
The station is themed with Dracula and classic music. A 2002 update with new trains kept it thrilling. It’s a key part of Chessington’s history.
Riders feel intense forces as they zip through trees and trenches. The Vampire Coaster’s fame shows it’s a true UK theme park classic. It offers an unforgettable journey from start to finish.
