UK Theme Parks

[floridalol]

Am I the only one who finds UK Theme Parks totally void of charm and excitement? The ones I have been to are poorly organised and of course the catering facilities are full of filthy uncleared tables and food of such appalling quality that it leaves one thinking that McDonald's should have a Michelin award.

I know that being in Florida is part of the excitement but can you really compare any UK Theme Park with WDW, Universal, Seaworld, Busch Gardens etc.?

 

[KayleeUK]

Nope.....but its all we've got!

Give me Florida any day

Kaylee

 

[BONZO]

I know what you mean!


The only one that comes close is Alton Towers IMHO.

 

[WDWfan uk]

I don't compare the UK theme parks to the Florida parks - I think of them as a different entity.
They are just fun days out and although we don't go very often, we have had some great days out (although I'm afraid I really don't like Chessington........ but my sons have a good time there).
I suppose they are a sophisticated version of yesterdays fun fair - and they do try to be imaginative, particularly Alton Towers, which also has the benefit of great grounds. They also have some very big rides which appeal to DH and the boys.
I think Legoland is a great little park - the problem is that apart from the clever Lego 'lands', it mostly appeals to the under 12s.

 

[BevS97]

We've only been to Legoland and Flamingoland and we had great days out at both of them, but they aren't Disney, they are something different. I am happy to travel a long way, and spend a lot of money for my time at Disney for that magical quality which isn't available elsewhere. I won't even drive to London for Legoland, we've just been there when we happened to be in London anyway.

Bev

 

[richard3330]

Seen as we used to live just 10 minutes away from Legoland, we were 'frequent' visitors there as our 4 year old DS loves it.
I agree, that it is more suitabke for under 12's and older children would probably dislike it. I think that it is well organised and the staff always seem friendly and welcoming.

However, we didn't really enjoy Chessington. It seemed dirty and poorly controlled - the food was disgusting.

We have enjoyed trips to Thorpe Park (there 2 new themed restaurants are great) and Alton Towers is set in really nice grounds and has some good attractions.

However, I totally agree with Disney easily beats any of the U.K's parks by far.

Richard.

 

[Dimplenose]

We go to Legoland about twice a year and although I love the cleanliness and "foreign" feel we have often had problems with understaffed restaurants. I'm also very disappointed that the harbour restaurant was changed from a ticket system to a regular cafeteria.

I'm going to go to Billund later this year so it will be interesting to see how the original compares.

Libby

 

[pt415999]

Alton Towers isn't a bad day out, the only thing that spoils it IMHO is the food, that I find awful.

 

[Disney owl]

We have an annual visit to Alton Towers along with 3 other families, which our kids love. Going with other s is great as DH & I love the big rides & there was always someone to mind the kids whilst we were on.

We were all very impressed by the new Air ride, & would have ridden more than once if it hadn't been for the very long queue.
We visit either end of September or beg. of October & queues are usually OK by then.
Though we were surprised that we saw it first in the UK.

Food - several years ago we had a couple of meals at the pizza rest. at Alton Towers & that was fine but it 's now closed!!!!!
We now eat at McDonalds which serves the best food in the park.
Which of course doesn't say a lot for the rest.

A couple of years ago Alton Towers introduced furry characters. Whilst we have photos of the kids with them, we never knew their names & they didn't catch on. An attempt to find the Disney magic, perhaps??


Last Easter we had free tickets for the American Adventure parkin Derbyshire & took our youngest 2 aged 9 & 11. They were not impressed!! Spoilt by WDW!!!!!!!


Sue