Dreamland to Open in 2004

[Nick]

I have just been informed by the Thanet Gazette that Dreamland is to open in 2004. The park will open on 3rd July and will remain open throughout the summer season. The park will be run by David Wallis, who successfully operated the park as a concessionaire last year. Dave Wallis will also be operating the Scenic Railway, which will be having its annual maintenance carried out over the next couple of weeks.

Nick

[Lou]

Fantastic News!!!
Dreamland is fighting back, despite everything......just proves what can be done........
Now all that is needed is to show Thanet District Council we want Dreamland to stay, and flourish. The heart of Margate will be beating again...and breathing life and soul into a dying resort!!!! (is that a bit sentimental??? Sorry but you know what I mean!

[Graeme]

Excellent!

Does anyone know if David Wallis owns an Afterburner or Frisbee, and is he likely to bring it here?

[PAUL HUGHES]

i feel a trip to margate coming on! great news for dreamland and great new for the town, i was in town early may and the place was very, very quite, hope there can be some events run before the season end

great news!

[Alan]

Yes good news for margate,

But Will there be adverts on tv and in news papers,News a bit late for holiday makers having a week or two.(Most already booked up)

Alan

[porterm]

Hello all,

Just the tonic we all need I suspect. I'm off on a USA East Coast(er) Trek with an American club called RideWorld this Friday, starting in Philadelphia, so I'll spread the word stateside. Who knows, we just might get a few extra visitors over to the park. With the July 3 opening maybe we could organise a special 4th of July event for the Americans (just a thought!)

Hopefully there will be plenty of media opportunities with the park reopening this season. Even with a reduced operating season let's hope it will be short but sweet. Anyone know what rides (apart from the Scenic) will be available at Dreamland this year? - is the Wild Mouse now sold?

Also, anyone know if Folkestone's Rotunda has also had a reprieve? - be great to see the Runaway side friction coaster working again.

What great news, just before my USA trip. Expect I'll see you over there Alan (from Medway) and company some time soon.

Martin

[AJ]

Finally I can visit Margate this year!!! I was determind not to go unless Dreamland reopened and I have stopped so many friends & family from going this season. Time to let them all know July & August is the time to visit. Its felt really weird being in June and not having visited Maragte yet.

Any news on Dave Collard will he be working on the Scenic for Dave Wallis?

.....And I'm half way through organising a work 'beano' to Southend maybe I should now change it to Margate????

[Ian]

This is superb news (of course!!). Whilst I am really happy, like everyone else, that this is happening, I have a small nagging concern starting to develop in my head.....

As was said above, as the park is opening rather late, if there are not enough visitors to the park, will this add strength to those voices who say that Dreamland is not viable? We need to muster our troops and get as many people down there as possible.

Looking forward to riding the Scenic though, which I thought I would never say this year.

Ian

[Maria]

Thats fantastic news. I had heard the site had been built on already. I only found this site whilst looking for reviews on Port Aventura.
I'll be making the trip to Margate this summer, and introducing my son to "Bembom Brothers" where i spent many happy days many years ago!!

[Nick Evans]

Great news about the park - so glad to hear it will open again. Looking forward to another turn on the Scenic soonest.

[coasternutter]

This is a real stuggle for me .
I can not make my mind up as to if it is a good or a bad thing.
As Ian says above it will be great to ride the scenic again , but at what cost?
I don't suppose the council have admited that they were wrong? or mistaken as to what Dreamland and the scenic mean to the area in terms of visitors? and not for one minute do I believe that they have had a turn around on their thoughts for the area.
I am just a little dubious as to their and I presume Mr Goddens motives.

[Sarah]

The Gazette confirms today that the plan is to open under Dave Wallis on 3 July, with at least four new rides and a commitment to repair and run the Scenic. However, it also reports that this plan could be scuppered in a row over business rates - Godden claims the council want to charge him 12 months' rates when he is only opening for eight weeks. If that was the case, he obviously wouldn't open.
The council say they are waiting for more information from Godden before the valuation officer can "progress this matter". Godden says the ball is in the council's court.
Never simple is it?
As to whether it would be a good or bad thing for the park to open, it's those swings and roundabouts again. Margate has suffered so far this year and I would certainly welcome the park being open, albeit for only eight weeks - we need the business! The motives behind it? God - or possibly Godden - only knows.
BBC Southeast News are coming here later today to talk to me about this, so think there will be a piece on tonight's news.

Sarah

[Cheryl]

Great news! If the park does get the go ahead to open what a great opportunity for us to meet up and enjoy the ride together (perhaps I should rephrase this!)

Hope to see you all soon.

[dave771]

Hi to all of you that have messaged and emailed me regarding me working on the Scenic this year, I have spoken to Dave Wallis and will be talking to him about the Scenic very soon so as and when I have I will let you know, if I do return to the Scenic it may be an idea to arrange a day where we all meet up sometime, will have to wait and see what Dave Wallis has to say,

Dave

[Vince, Charlie and Sam]

We`ll be seeing you all soon then

Although if you want my two pennorth, I`d sooner the Scenic concession had been offered to Dave C.

Vince