Europe, Middle East, Africa Quick Takes: Paultons Park to Open New Land in 2021; First Coaster Coming to Futuroscope
Tornado Springs Leaps into Action in 2021
Paultons Park in Hampshire, England, has postponed the launch of its much-anticipated Tornado Springs land until Easter 2021. The 4-acre attraction was slated to open in May, but the theme park was unable to complete the build during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“The decision to delay the opening of Tornado Springs to 2021 has been very difficult to make, particularly as so many of our guests have been eagerly looking forward to enjoying the new rides and attractions,” says Richard Mancey, managing director of Paultons Park.
With construction on pause and no clear idea of when contractors could restart work, Mancey felt postponement was the only option.
“We know how disappointing this will be, to both our guests and our staff. After 18 months of hard work, it is very hard to accept that the attraction will not open this year, particularly when it is so close to completion,” he says. “Everyone who has been involved in bringing Tornado Springs to life has poured their heart and soul into creating a truly spectacular experience, so rest assured it will be worth the wait.”
Tornado Springs represents the biggest single investment in the park since it opened in 1983. The Americana-themed land is inspired by the American desert resort towns of the 1950s. Tornado Springs will be home to seven new rides and attractions, including “Storm Chaser,” a spinning coaster from Mack Rides.
Futuroscope Shoots for the Stars with First-Ever Coaster
Futuroscope in Poitiers, France, is looking forward to welcoming guests aboard “Objectif Mars” (“Destination Mars”). Futuroscope had to close earlier this year following the COVID-19 outbreak, but the park still hopes that “Objectif Mars” will boost visitor numbers this summer.
The 20 million-euro ride is Futuroscope’s first roller coaster. The park has worked with Intamin to give riders the experience of being an astronaut. The new coaster will test whether they have the right stuff to embark on a mission to Mars.
A fun preshow will assess guests’ skills before sending them onto a “spaceship confinement module.” Riders will rocket indoors and outdoors, passing themed elements like electromagnetic fields and solar flares, while reaching speeds of up to 35 mph along the way. The family-friendly ride lasts around three minutes and will feature eye-catching effects, including indoor fireballs.
