Ahead of the 2021 season it looks as though Drayton Manor is reopening Splash Canyon but not as we know it.
A few months ago we reported about work being undertaken on the Shockwave station building which included a repaint and some wood replacements.
The whole area is getting a fresh lick of paint and work around the queueline and ride area of Splash Canyon was also undergoing a lot of work.
The ride has been standing but not operating since the tragic incident in 2017 but with the queue line and station area receiving attention over the 2020/21 winter period not to mention other areas of the ride rumours began about it reopening.
If Splash Canyon did reopen I can’t see them reopening it with the original name.
I feel the ride may go the same way as Drenched (once known as Hydro) at Oakwood Theme Park to distance themselves from the unfortunate events of 2017.
I believe the ride will have a whole new re-theme to match the complete overhaul that Drayton is getting after The Looping Group took over.
With the new paintwork taking place around that area including the Shockwave station building I wouldn’t be surprised to see a retime of that whole area or a brand new IP come to the park as part of The Looping Groups commitment to the future of the park.
Recent footage was seen online showing not just the theming of the ride being changed by the whole guts of the ride too.
There’s certainly enough going on to suggest it won’t reopen as the Splash Canyon we knew, with the wacky theming spotted around the building and a whole reworking of the ride mechanics this may just be a late 2021 opening or a 2022 opening.
The theming does look like a big job though, a job that doesn’t look like it’ll be finished in time for April but who knows… we shall see.
It looks heavily detailed whatever it is and that’s very unusual for Drayton because other than Thomas Land and Stormforce 10 theming is few and far between.
This looks like something special indeed.
The good news is, it’s reopening.
In what shape or form?
I haven’t got a clue.
Whilst no new ride investments will be added to the park for the 2021 season having Shockwave with a fresh coat of paint and Splash Canyon at Drayton Manor potentially returning in 2021 with some new theming and a fresh lick of paint, well, it’s certainly worth a visit.
With Apocalypse also receiving some attention over the winter season it does look as though 2021 will be the last year to ride the Intamin drop tower after it was recently listed for sale.
Get yourselves down to Drayton Manor as soon as those gates open!
