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Friday 8th July 2016
Derren Browns Ghost Train has officially opened to the public today! After months of delays the ride has finally opened to the public after previously being opened for technical rehearsals which aloud the park to shut the ride and tweak certain elements. Think you know what a ghost train is? Think again this is the ghost train reimagined.
Derren Brown Comments:
“I’m thrilled that the ghost train is finally launching to the public and everyone will be able to experience what I’ve been working on behind the scenes over the last three years.
This has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve undertaken, but without doubt the most enjoyable. I can’t wait to see the public’s reaction after unleashing this wonderfully twisted experience for the world to enjoy.
“From training the actors to shovelling coal under the suspended Ghost Train, this experience with the team at Merlin Magic Making and Thorpe Park has been a perpetual delight.”
Derren Brown Comments:
“I’m thrilled that the ghost train is finally launching to the public and everyone will be able to experience what I’ve been working on behind the scenes over the last three years.
This has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve undertaken, but without doubt the most enjoyable. I can’t wait to see the public’s reaction after unleashing this wonderfully twisted experience for the world to enjoy.
“From training the actors to shovelling coal under the suspended Ghost Train, this experience with the team at Merlin Magic Making and Thorpe Park has been a perpetual delight.”
Friday 1st July 2016
All aboard Derren Browns Ghost Train at Thorpe Park Resort! The ride has temporary opened for “Technical rehearsals” today. The ride is subject to delays or closure at any time.
This is the first time the ride has opened to the public prior to the ride being delayed two times, the ride is still yet to fully open to the public with a new permanent opening date expected soon.
This is the first time the ride has opened to the public prior to the ride being delayed two times, the ride is still yet to fully open to the public with a new permanent opening date expected soon.
Tuesday 24th May 2016
It has been announced on Thorpe Park’s social media that Derren Browns Ghost Train will not be opening by the end of May…
We wanted to let you know as soon as we knew that Derren Brown’s Ghost Train will not open next week as we hoped. We apologise sincerely for the delay. We’re just not ready to open the carriage doors until we’re 100% happy with the creative experience.
We will communicate the opening date here as soon as we can, so please keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for further updates. We are aware that some of you will have booked tickets to ride in anticipation of an end of May opening date. If your ticket falls on a date before ride opening then please email customer.services@thorpe-park.co.uk and our team will be able to help you out. If you have any other questions, please visit: https://www.thorpepark.com/faqs/
https://www.facebook.com/thorpepark/posts/10154054276985867
We wanted to let you know as soon as we knew that Derren Brown’s Ghost Train will not open next week as we hoped. We apologise sincerely for the delay. We’re just not ready to open the carriage doors until we’re 100% happy with the creative experience.
We will communicate the opening date here as soon as we can, so please keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for further updates. We are aware that some of you will have booked tickets to ride in anticipation of an end of May opening date. If your ticket falls on a date before ride opening then please email customer.services@thorpe-park.co.uk and our team will be able to help you out. If you have any other questions, please visit: https://www.thorpepark.com/faqs/
https://www.facebook.com/thorpepark/posts/10154054276985867
Sunday 22nd May 2016
Derren Browns Ghost Train is due to depart very soon! Arriving in May a new date is yet to be scheduled however we expect the park will make another announcement in the next few days. Posters in and around the park still say May and with the recently released TV advert we believe the park are still aiming for the end of May.
It would also appear that testing of the ride is still ongoing. With bits of paper put on all the emergency exits of the building saying “Ride Testing in progress” “No unauthorised entry” However during the day we saw lots of staff going in and out of the building in high vis jackets. We guess this means that staff training on the ride is currently on going.
Over the past week not much has happened on the exterior of the building however we’ve noticed a few changes. The queue time digital board has been plugged in with a message saying “Departs in unavailable” The word unavailable will be replaced with the current queue time when the ride opens. Entrance signs mapping out the fastrack, main entrance and disabled entrance have been put back up following them being removed temporary. Signs have been added in the queue line about queue jumping and the hygiene of the virtual reality headsets. Bins have also been added to the queue line in the past few days, all of these little things are all coming together now.
Modifications to the queue line have also happened in the past few days with the fences in front of the luggage kiosk removed. We believe this will be the holding area ready to go into the building. The boundary fence has also been finished with a Derren Browns Ghost Train entrance this way sign added to it.
Inside the building, the ghost train shop backwards clock is now functional and the levitating floating carriage is now available to buy in the shop. At the cost of £50 each they don't come cheap however you do get annual pass discount on them. Upon exit of the ride you have the opportunity to buy your photos taken in the queue line. The screens now show a screensaver with a service announcement saying “Scan your ticket. View your photo” We believe that when you scan your ticket your head in a jar photo will appear in one of the glass jars above. It would appear that photos for DBGT will come in two formats. A photo in a frame and a 3D photo print. The digital watermark for the photos also appears to come in 4 styles according to the banner under the retro TV screens.
It would also appear that testing of the ride is still ongoing. With bits of paper put on all the emergency exits of the building saying “Ride Testing in progress” “No unauthorised entry” However during the day we saw lots of staff going in and out of the building in high vis jackets. We guess this means that staff training on the ride is currently on going.
Over the past week not much has happened on the exterior of the building however we’ve noticed a few changes. The queue time digital board has been plugged in with a message saying “Departs in unavailable” The word unavailable will be replaced with the current queue time when the ride opens. Entrance signs mapping out the fastrack, main entrance and disabled entrance have been put back up following them being removed temporary. Signs have been added in the queue line about queue jumping and the hygiene of the virtual reality headsets. Bins have also been added to the queue line in the past few days, all of these little things are all coming together now.
Modifications to the queue line have also happened in the past few days with the fences in front of the luggage kiosk removed. We believe this will be the holding area ready to go into the building. The boundary fence has also been finished with a Derren Browns Ghost Train entrance this way sign added to it.
Inside the building, the ghost train shop backwards clock is now functional and the levitating floating carriage is now available to buy in the shop. At the cost of £50 each they don't come cheap however you do get annual pass discount on them. Upon exit of the ride you have the opportunity to buy your photos taken in the queue line. The screens now show a screensaver with a service announcement saying “Scan your ticket. View your photo” We believe that when you scan your ticket your head in a jar photo will appear in one of the glass jars above. It would appear that photos for DBGT will come in two formats. A photo in a frame and a 3D photo print. The digital watermark for the photos also appears to come in 4 styles according to the banner under the retro TV screens.
Thursday 5th May 2016
Its full steam ahead at Thorpe Park as the park prepares to unveil its biggest investment to date! Derren Browns Ghost Train will be the world’s most extreme Ghost Train. It will subject thrill seekers to the ultimate heart-pounding journey that lasts between 10 – 15 minutes. With a first look inside the building we get a glimpse of whats to come when the ride opens.
The 7 tonne suspended ghost train carriage looks amazing. With the train all lit up in what seems to be an abandoned warehouse. The ground of the warehouse looks to have been covered in rocks, possibly to simulate coal from the old railway station.
As the worlds first multi-sensory theme park experience the ride will be using the very latest technology available. Such as the latest VR technology mixed with live action actors. The technology has been merged with special effects including vibrating floor plates and self-steaming windows amongst other surprises along the way.
The attraction is rated PG13. The build has taken 375 days and counting on site and has been over three years in the making.
Mike Vallis, Divisional Director of THORPE PARK Resort commented:
“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train. This is a true world-first attraction and we believe this development is a daring and exciting step into a new realm for theme park attractions around the world.”
Derren Brown comments:
“I am very excited to be launching my Ghost Train at Thorpe Park and can’t wait to get it started with all elements fused together. Initial reactions in stage 1 of VR testing gave delighted and scared test subjects in equal measure and that wasn’t even on board the ride itself.
“From training the actors to working closely with the Merlin Magic Making team and the technology outfitters this has been an incredibly hands on project for me, and an experience that is entirely different from writing TV shows and stage performances as the experience needs to work without me.
“Yes, there is a hidden message, an underlying story that has been pinned into the narrative – this is a ride with a mind of its own, that has been produced to mess with your mind, so why not provoke thought also.”
The 7 tonne suspended ghost train carriage looks amazing. With the train all lit up in what seems to be an abandoned warehouse. The ground of the warehouse looks to have been covered in rocks, possibly to simulate coal from the old railway station.
As the worlds first multi-sensory theme park experience the ride will be using the very latest technology available. Such as the latest VR technology mixed with live action actors. The technology has been merged with special effects including vibrating floor plates and self-steaming windows amongst other surprises along the way.
The attraction is rated PG13. The build has taken 375 days and counting on site and has been over three years in the making.
Mike Vallis, Divisional Director of THORPE PARK Resort commented:
“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train. This is a true world-first attraction and we believe this development is a daring and exciting step into a new realm for theme park attractions around the world.”
Derren Brown comments:
“I am very excited to be launching my Ghost Train at Thorpe Park and can’t wait to get it started with all elements fused together. Initial reactions in stage 1 of VR testing gave delighted and scared test subjects in equal measure and that wasn’t even on board the ride itself.
“From training the actors to working closely with the Merlin Magic Making team and the technology outfitters this has been an incredibly hands on project for me, and an experience that is entirely different from writing TV shows and stage performances as the experience needs to work without me.
“Yes, there is a hidden message, an underlying story that has been pinned into the narrative – this is a ride with a mind of its own, that has been produced to mess with your mind, so why not provoke thought also.”
Wednesday 27th April 2016
Thorpe Park have announced on their social media channels and website that Derren Browns Ghost Train will not be opening on May 6th as planned. The park said the decision was not taken lightly however they want guests to have the full mind-blowing experience from the very first time you ride. The opening May 6th sign has also been removed from the entrance of the ride. More news on the ride opening soon.
Thorpe Park Social Media Channels:
“After careful consideration we’re moving the opening date for Derren Brown’s Ghost Train. This attraction is a completely new invention and we are making final tweaks to the remaining elements to get things absolutely perfect. We want you guys to have the full mind-blowing experience from the very first time you ride!
We will post the new opening date here as soon as we can, so check in with our social channels for updates. Please know that this decision was not taken lightly as we know some of you have booked tickets to ride in anticipation of the 6 May opening date, and the last thing we want to do is disappoint you. If your ticket falls on a date before ride opening then please e-mail customer.services@thorpe-park.co.uk and our team will help you out.”
Thorpe Park Social Media Channels:
“After careful consideration we’re moving the opening date for Derren Brown’s Ghost Train. This attraction is a completely new invention and we are making final tweaks to the remaining elements to get things absolutely perfect. We want you guys to have the full mind-blowing experience from the very first time you ride!
We will post the new opening date here as soon as we can, so check in with our social channels for updates. Please know that this decision was not taken lightly as we know some of you have booked tickets to ride in anticipation of the 6 May opening date, and the last thing we want to do is disappoint you. If your ticket falls on a date before ride opening then please e-mail customer.services@thorpe-park.co.uk and our team will help you out.”
Saturday 23rd April 2016
Thorpe Junction is almost ready for its first passengers on board Derren Browns Ghost Train. With less than 2 weeks to go until 6th May opening date excitement is building with more work on the outside happening during the day.
In the past week the park have put up three signs in the area advertising the ride saying, “Entrance this way”. During the day today a Merlin Magic Making and Simworx van kept on visiting the site. We expect the Merlin Magic Making van was delivering more theming for the ride. However the sinworx van could have been for the Angry Birds 4D theatre?
The metal entrance sign had more work done to it today with a back being put on the back of the sign. Whilst taking photos of the sign the workers commented and said “Come back in a few days time and it will be lit up from the inside”. Sounds like were going to be getting an illuminated sign!
In the queue line of the ride there are two buildings you enter, both look different and unique. On the outside of the building a new message has been painted on the wall saying “Loading and unloading this way” with an arrow pointing towards the entrance. In the queue line more workers where adding more theming in the form of fake supports on the metal beams. Photographed below two workers started on one side as we walked past to go in the Ghost Train shop and by the time we had come out they had started work on the other side of the support. No expense is being spared with this ride!
The Ghost Train shop appears to have new things in it every time we visit! Newly featured since our last visit, a backwards clock has been added to the wall. Note, other clocks in the shop are normal. More heads in glass jars have been added along with yet another creepy doll head used in the rides promotional material. On exit of the shop theres a guest survey point asking people “Whats on your mind?” during the survey it asks how your day was going and what you thought of the shop and the new area.
The next time we visit the park we will be riding Derren Browns Ghost Train… Bring on 6th May
In the past week the park have put up three signs in the area advertising the ride saying, “Entrance this way”. During the day today a Merlin Magic Making and Simworx van kept on visiting the site. We expect the Merlin Magic Making van was delivering more theming for the ride. However the sinworx van could have been for the Angry Birds 4D theatre?
The metal entrance sign had more work done to it today with a back being put on the back of the sign. Whilst taking photos of the sign the workers commented and said “Come back in a few days time and it will be lit up from the inside”. Sounds like were going to be getting an illuminated sign!
In the queue line of the ride there are two buildings you enter, both look different and unique. On the outside of the building a new message has been painted on the wall saying “Loading and unloading this way” with an arrow pointing towards the entrance. In the queue line more workers where adding more theming in the form of fake supports on the metal beams. Photographed below two workers started on one side as we walked past to go in the Ghost Train shop and by the time we had come out they had started work on the other side of the support. No expense is being spared with this ride!
The Ghost Train shop appears to have new things in it every time we visit! Newly featured since our last visit, a backwards clock has been added to the wall. Note, other clocks in the shop are normal. More heads in glass jars have been added along with yet another creepy doll head used in the rides promotional material. On exit of the shop theres a guest survey point asking people “Whats on your mind?” during the survey it asks how your day was going and what you thought of the shop and the new area.
The next time we visit the park we will be riding Derren Browns Ghost Train… Bring on 6th May
Saturday 16th April 2016
Opening in 19 days time Derren Browns Ghost Train will reinvent the ghost train for the 21st century. Opening on 6th May 2016 progress is strong and there have been many changes since our last visit to the park. The entrance sign appears to be undergoing yet more work as the blue background to the sign seems to be exposed. We believe that this could mean the sign could have an illuminated background. Which in the dark will look amazing! The “train carriage” outside the maintenance bay has now been covered in white tarpaulin where we expect the park will get the car inside the building and begin testing the special effects on the train.
Work on the queue line appears to be strong with the queue line shop / old drinks kiosk now being themed. Also new since our last visit, posters are being added to the queue with slogans such as “The money tastes funny” “Fracking affects everyone” and many others. We’re sure will make sense after you've been on the ride. These posters appear to be covering up writing on the building. During the queue you appear to go through a building with a “TV” screen inside it. On the outside of this building theres been artwork added to it saying, “Sexton & Monmton & Dee Phillips Rivets”
Inside the ghost train shop more items have been added to the shelfs ranging from more heads in glasses and a creepy doll face that was used in the pr stunt on the tube a few weeks ago. After you exit the ride you will have your 2 ride photos presented to you on some retro looking TV screens. The shelfs above the screens have had items added to them as well over the past 2 weeks. The “Maestro” fortune teller has also been cloned with a second one added in the dome.
The big question on everyones minds (even staff) is what the window is for in the shop. We’ve seen builders poke there heads through looking into the area but no one seems to know what it could be for! It could be awaiting another animatronic, a viewing window when you get into the window or queue to get onto the ride or the exit stairs? Only time will tell.
It looks amazing so far and we cant wait to get on the ride in a few weeks time!
Work on the queue line appears to be strong with the queue line shop / old drinks kiosk now being themed. Also new since our last visit, posters are being added to the queue with slogans such as “The money tastes funny” “Fracking affects everyone” and many others. We’re sure will make sense after you've been on the ride. These posters appear to be covering up writing on the building. During the queue you appear to go through a building with a “TV” screen inside it. On the outside of this building theres been artwork added to it saying, “Sexton & Monmton & Dee Phillips Rivets”
Inside the ghost train shop more items have been added to the shelfs ranging from more heads in glasses and a creepy doll face that was used in the pr stunt on the tube a few weeks ago. After you exit the ride you will have your 2 ride photos presented to you on some retro looking TV screens. The shelfs above the screens have had items added to them as well over the past 2 weeks. The “Maestro” fortune teller has also been cloned with a second one added in the dome.
The big question on everyones minds (even staff) is what the window is for in the shop. We’ve seen builders poke there heads through looking into the area but no one seems to know what it could be for! It could be awaiting another animatronic, a viewing window when you get into the window or queue to get onto the ride or the exit stairs? Only time will tell.
It looks amazing so far and we cant wait to get on the ride in a few weeks time!
Thursday 31st March 2016
Derren Browns Ghost Train will shortly be arriving at Thorpe Junction, however much is still to be done before the ride is unveiled to the public on Friday 6th May 2016.
Upon entry into the park, advertising for the ride has stepped up a gear with new queue line banners added to the fences advertising Thorpe Park Annual Pass’s and adverts for Derren Browns Ghost Train.
The Ghost Train Shop opened prior to the ride opening and opened on Friday 25th March, the shop is heavily themed and in our opinion sets the standard for the future of ride shops in Merlin theme parks. Since the shop opened last Friday many improvements have been made. The themed lights hanging in the shop are now working and the lights flicker.
The entrance sign for the ride appears to have had some work done to it with a blue backdrop added to it.
Scenic painters appear to be adding finishing touches to the outside of the building with grey paint being added on the queue line and facade making the building look old and dated. Workers also seem to be running cables on the outside of the building for what we expect could be queue line TV’s.
Whilst queueing for the ride we expect there will be a queue line photo opportunity and we think work has started on this under the sheltered queue line. The room photographed below could just be a briefing room or part of the pre show however there seems to be a lot of cables in one room just for a TV.
Trains for the ride are also still sat outside the maintenance bay under tarpaulin. We expect these will move inside in the next few days ready for the ride to start testing?
Upon entry into the park, advertising for the ride has stepped up a gear with new queue line banners added to the fences advertising Thorpe Park Annual Pass’s and adverts for Derren Browns Ghost Train.
The Ghost Train Shop opened prior to the ride opening and opened on Friday 25th March, the shop is heavily themed and in our opinion sets the standard for the future of ride shops in Merlin theme parks. Since the shop opened last Friday many improvements have been made. The themed lights hanging in the shop are now working and the lights flicker.
The entrance sign for the ride appears to have had some work done to it with a blue backdrop added to it.
Scenic painters appear to be adding finishing touches to the outside of the building with grey paint being added on the queue line and facade making the building look old and dated. Workers also seem to be running cables on the outside of the building for what we expect could be queue line TV’s.
Whilst queueing for the ride we expect there will be a queue line photo opportunity and we think work has started on this under the sheltered queue line. The room photographed below could just be a briefing room or part of the pre show however there seems to be a lot of cables in one room just for a TV.
Trains for the ride are also still sat outside the maintenance bay under tarpaulin. We expect these will move inside in the next few days ready for the ride to start testing?
Wednesday 23rd March 2016
To celebrate the opening of Derren Browns Ghost Train Thorpe Park are rolling back the clocks to 1871 and will be selling tickets for just 12p each! The modern day equivalent of one shilling.
Guests lucky enough to get tickets at this amazing offer will be required to choose a date to visit the park. On good Friday a limited number of tickets will be bookable on the Thorpe Park website, providing you follow the instructions on the website. A maximum of four tickets can be booked per person and are bookable any day between March 26th until October 6th 2016.
Promo Code: DBGT1871
Taken from the Thorpe Park 12p Ticket Page:
“Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis, limited to four tickets per purchase.
You will need to:
1. Enter your promotional code.
2. Supply your name, email address and postcode.
3. If you are quick enough, you will receive your unique code via email.
4. You will then be able to use this code to buy up to four 12p tickets online until 5th October.
Don't worry, you will not need to purchase your tickets straight away and will not need your payment details on hand yet.
Demand is going to be high, so don't be disappointed if you miss out!
Please be aware tickets will be available online only.
For any queries about our 12p ticket please contact 12p@thorpe-park.co.uk”
https://www.thorpepark.com/12p-ticket
Guests lucky enough to get tickets at this amazing offer will be required to choose a date to visit the park. On good Friday a limited number of tickets will be bookable on the Thorpe Park website, providing you follow the instructions on the website. A maximum of four tickets can be booked per person and are bookable any day between March 26th until October 6th 2016.
Promo Code: DBGT1871
Taken from the Thorpe Park 12p Ticket Page:
“Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis, limited to four tickets per purchase.
You will need to:
1. Enter your promotional code.
2. Supply your name, email address and postcode.
3. If you are quick enough, you will receive your unique code via email.
4. You will then be able to use this code to buy up to four 12p tickets online until 5th October.
Don't worry, you will not need to purchase your tickets straight away and will not need your payment details on hand yet.
Demand is going to be high, so don't be disappointed if you miss out!
Please be aware tickets will be available online only.
For any queries about our 12p ticket please contact 12p@thorpe-park.co.uk”
https://www.thorpepark.com/12p-ticket
