...we all know they count for so much, but when you've waited ten years...
I'd heard everything was all getting a bit hectic - Local guy Dan Thompson had taken a photo of the site Thursday 18 June and I thought - how on Earth will they be ready in time.
I got there at 9.30am this morning and as I drove into the Dreamland car park, I just thought - "They are doing this RIGHT!". Even though there was obvious last-minute work being carried out, the sight was stupendous! Luckily, I was able to walk onto the site - straight past the security guys, who nodded me through - and was amazed at the hive of activity. They were spraying tar and laying down the gravel used on non-block paved areas. They were unwrapping the turnstiles, which were still covered in their protective transportation materials. The large number of "cast members" were dressed in their excellent gear and carrying piles of boxes here and there. Tractors were carrying away the unwanted bits and pieces. Dumper trucks were carrying huge loads of gravel around the site. I bumped into Dave Littleboy who told me they'd been working 'til gone midnight - the kiddie's pedal car roadway was tarmac-ed and painted with a wonderful roadway layout just last night - this morning, workers were filling the many tyres around the edge of the roadway with sand. I wandered around taking loads of pictures. It was clear that some rides weren't ready, but the people in charge had drafted in emergency rides.
The most incredible thing was the hugely positive atmosphere. Despite all the last-minute work, everyone was smiling! I was greeted with a cheery "Hello" everywhere I went, and the park wasn't even open.
I wandered out before 10am ready for the opening ceremony, which was inevitably going to be a little late, and there was a small crowd there as a troupe of "cast members" cane out to entertain us. I think there was a cockney theme to it all, as they tried getting us to sing along with the old classics "Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside" and "My old man" - although only a few of them actually knew all the words to the songs. So many press cameras and TV reporters - a real buzz. By the time the final ribbon-cutting took place, a large crowd had built up at the entrance under the Scenic turnaround and all the speeches received loud applause and cheers - especially good 'ole Nick!
Then we were let into the park, got our wristbands, and started to think "Hmmmmm". There were more rides closed than open.
Open: Gallopers, Twister, temporary waveswinger, double-decker roundabout, Helter-Skelter, Jets, temporary Teacup ride.
Closed: "Proper" Waveswinger (still being built), Big Wheel, Dodgems, Mouse Coaster, Jumping Pirate Boats (a Frog ride with alternative cars), "Kiss Me Quick" Caterpillar, The Big Apple coaster (aka Counter Culture Caterpillar), Jumping Jack ride (junior "freefall" machine), Astroglide ("Born Slippy"), Monotopia (the monorail ride), the kiddies pedal cars, Swing boats and, of course, the Scenic Railway.
Of the rides closed, the Dodgems, Mouse Coaster, Jumping Pirate Boats, Jumping Jack and Pedal Cars opened later on, but those first couple of hours were most people's first impression. Including me! I was firmly in the "I'm just pleased the place is open" camp. Some people I chatted to were less enthusiastic. The upcharge attractions were all operating, which didn't help overall.
BUT - the atmosphere on the park was electric! The ride staff were all absolutely superb - it's not often you get a person working on a set of Gallopers to get the riders singing songs, but it worked a treat. The characters touring the park were brilliant - making everyone feel welcome. I'm not sure how often they will be there, but they were working their socks off. Magic shows, with Hula-Hoop/Diabolo workshops for the kiddies, Punch and Judy, Tommy Messham's Wall of Death and LOADS to see and do. A good food court (albeit a little pricey), a beauty salon set up in a vintage caravan - so many lovely touches. Live music all afternoon. Not sure how family-oriented the pole-dancing was, but it gave the blokes something to look at
So - it wasn't all working, there were plenty of rough edges BUT - everything has been planned very well. The ride barriers are made of a similar wood to the Scenic, which brings cohesion. The pastel shades of the Hemingway designs are perfect. All the staff are wearing FUN t-shirts with classic slogans, such as "Kiss Me Quick" and "Scream if you want to go faster". The music is great, matching the era of the ride. There is LOADS of space to walk around between the rides, and the scope for further developments is quite obvious to all.
The attractions outside the main ride area are all free to access, and they are the icing on the cake. The Roller Disco is just awesome - lovely wooden floor, huge mirror ball, brand-new skates for hire, lots of seating (think 1950's American Diner), a bar, food stalls, proper ice cream, a large information stand, the vintage pinball machines and possibly the best selection of merchandise I have seen in years.
Oh yes - the Scenic Railway has running lights that go all the way around the outer handrails of all the track - even where the track dips inside other track. This park is going to look great at night!
At the end of the afternoon, and a lovely fish and chip dinner with Nick, Susan, Jean Marc and others, I had to head off home. The Hullabaloo was completely sold out otherwise I would have stayed on for more. I really didn't want to leave, so heaven knows what I'll be like when all the rides are running properly this summer and the whole park is finished in a couple of years' time!
Hugely impressed - can't wait to go back!