Our recent VIP experience at Thorpe Park’s newest and most iconic attraction, Hyperia, was spectacular. As part of the exclusive VIP Coaster Climb, we had the unique opportunity to scale the lift hill of the UK’s tallest and fastest roller coaster—Hyperia, standing an impressive 236ft tall with 364 steps to the summit. It was a thrilling, awe-inspiring, and truly unforgettable adventure from start to finish.
The experience was hosted by the amazing Thorpe Park VIP team, led by the fantastic Tommy, Luke, and Ollie. We began in the events marquee with a short video and safety briefing which helped us feel both excited and comfortable as we prepared for the climb. As with all operations at Thorpe Park, the experience was conducted with precision and care. We noticed the use of coloured ID cards on the Hyperia control panel, which indicates who's using the ride, for example, Red for engineering, Green for rides and operations, and Purple for VIP experiences.
We began our ascent at around 7:30 PM, just before sunset—a perfect time to experience the panoramic views from the top. Wearing a jumper is highly recommended, as it does get colder and windier the higher you climb. In fact, about halfway up the lift hill, we began to feel a subtle sway in the structure, a reminder of just how high we were and the incredible engineering behind this Mack Rides masterpiece.
Reaching the summit, we were treated to an unforgettable 360-degree view. From Windsor Castle in the distance to the London skyline, and even two high-rise towers in Woking, the vista was breathtaking. Looking down over Thorpe Park’s landscape, we saw iconic coasters like Colossus, The Swarm, and Stealth—which, for perspective, Hyperia towers over by 31ft, making it the tallest VIP Lift Hill Climb in Europe. This climb is also 99ft taller than the Swarm’s VIP climb, emphasizing just how extraordinary the Hyperia experience is.
Beyond the thrill of the climb itself, the experience offers an incredibly unique way to appreciate the coaster’s design. From the lift hill, we had clear views of the non-inverting Immelmann and the dive stall, allowing us to see the track profiling and layout from angles you’d never get on the ground.
One thing we think would make the experience even more special would be the chance to walk through the ride area before the climb, ideally down near SAW: The Ride, to get a rare and dramatic view of Hyperia’s first drop from below. It’s not currently part of the VIP package, but it would offer a fantastic and unique angle of the coaster that guests wouldn’t normally get to see. We’d absolutely love to see something like this added in the future!
A highlight for any coaster enthusiast was the brief walkthrough of the Hyperia console.
We learned about several technical aspects, including:
The weather system monitoring wind conditions to determine if the ride can operate safely.
The audio and show system used for the ride.
A quirky Easter egg hidden in the system, where a Loch Ness Monster appears on the control panel screen under certain conditions—a fun little secret! We didn't see this but it sounds cool!
The console also tracks and shows the duration of each train’s cycle, providing real-time operational data for the team.
Bars on the train can be released row by row, or the whole train at once.
Stored on a platform next to the station, we spotted Mack-branded water dummies, offering a rare look at the testing elements used during the ride's development.
At the end of the experience, we received a limited edition pin badge, lanyard, and a certificate of completion. These are lovely keepsakes.
We feel the experience could be elevated further with a few added touches:
Height markers on the lift hill showing when you pass the heights of Colossus, The Swarm, SAW: The Ride, and Stealth would add a fun and informative layer to the climb.
The addition of a train in the station for photo opportunities would be fantastic, allowing guests to sit in the ride vehicles and capture more memories.
A look inside the maintenance bay would be incredible, although we fully understand and respect that this space is often in active use by engineers.
A poster or wall at the ride’s exit with names or signatures of those who’ve completed the climb would add a real sense of legacy and achievement.
Perhaps even a more exclusive piece of merchandise to truly commemorate such a unique adventure.
Many guests are asking: Is the Splash Down Effect coming back? The team shared that “The Splash Down Effect is being reviewed and we hope to have the effect back in operation soon.”
In summary, our Hyperia VIP Coaster Climb experience was phenomenal. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with a world-class rollercoaster in a completely new way—climbing to its peak, learning about its operation, and experiencing its scale firsthand.
We never felt rushed; in fact, we spent plenty of time chatting and enjoying the view from the top. It’s an experience we’d recommend to anyone—whether you're a thrill-seeker, a coaster enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a new perspective on Thorpe Park.
This was more than a behind-the-scenes look—it was an elevated experience in every sense of the word.
