Expansion of Thomas Land at Drayton Manor
March 1st, 2017Drayton Manor; Thomas Land Expansion
Unbelievably popular since it first opened in 2008, Thomas Land at Drayton Manor has been a huge hit with young families. Not surprisingly, Drayton Manor have chosen this year to capitalise on their popularity and expand Thamas Land by a whopping 40%. We recently popped along to Drayton Manor to check it out and have put together a few top tips to help you enjoy a day out at Thomas Land.
Top Tip; look out for Drayton Manor Deals, Vouchers & Codes within our cheap ticket guide to find the best offers for your day out.
Drayton Manor; Thomas Land
Thomas Land; What’s New?
Drayton Manor have undertaken a £2.5 million expansion project to increase the size of Thomas Land by 3,200 square metres – a 40% increase from it’s original size. This new area now hosts 3 new rides; Flynn’s Fire Rescue, Captain’s Sea Adventure & Toby’s Tram Express plus the relocation of 2 rides, (Jeremy Jet’s Flying Academy & Merrick the Crane).
Within the new area, you will also find a new two-story Sodor Airport terminal that consists of an upper deck complete with a VIP ‘travellers’ balcony’ plus a lower deck that houses a cafe & serves a decent cappuccino! Furthermore, there’s a new bandstand for live performances, 3 fairground games and a fountain.
It has certainly transformed Thomas Land giving it a feeling of space & endless Thomas-themed magical journeys. Great to see some rider interaction within the new attractions with ride capacities at Thomas Land up by 23%. Visitors can now move around more freely within Thomas Land in its own magic bubble – love it!
You can find more practical information for Drayton Manor over in our Top Tips for Drayton Manor guide.
Drayton Manor; Flynn’s Fire Rescue
Top Tips for Thomas Land
1. Drayton Manor Toddler Deal
Look out for Drayton Manor’s Toddler Ticket that offers discounted entry for 1 adult & 1 child under 4 years. This offer is limited to Monday – Friday during Staffordshire term time so check your dates before you visit.
2. More Thomas Land Attractions Tucked Away
Look out for Farmer McColls Farm, (on the other side of the park), where you will find Terence’s Driving School & a fantastic miniature Thomas railway hidden away with very few queues. Take the train from Thomas Land and alight at Tidmouth Hault or take a gentle stroll through the zoo to reach this area.
3. Ride Photography Deals
Did you know that you can use a Photo Pass within Thomas Land that is valid on photos & driving licences alike. Whilst you will need to make your purchase outside of Thomas Land, for families with an older sibling, this can offer better value for money.
4. Buck the Trend
Knapford Station in Thomas Land is always a popular attraction that offers a ONE WAY journey to the other side of the park. Why not buck the trend and walk over to Tidmouth Hault, (close to Spencer’s Activity Park), taking the train back to Thomas Land to beat the queues.
5. Live Entertainment
Look out for information on live entertainment taking place within Thomas Land on the day of your visit and plan accordingly. A great way to intersperse rides with other activities.
More Information
Drayton Manor & Parking Charges
Live Entertainment at Drayton Manor
Thomas Land; More Top Tips
6. The Early Bird
At Drayton Manor whilst the park opens significantly earlier than the rides, during peak times traffic can build up quickly around the park as well as queues at the ticket booths. I always aim to arrive with ample time to spare to avoid the queues so we’re ready to go the moment Thomas Land opens.
7. Extra! Extra!
The great advantage at Drayton Manor is there are plenty of other non-queue attractions with the park. Opt for Spencer’s Activity Playground, Drayton Manor Zoo, Dino Trail or Thomas & Friends Miniature Railway. Great picnic spots too!
8. Choose Your Day
School holidays are clearly going to be busier. Make use of teacher training days, take toddlers during term time or visit March/April, (avoid Easter) & September/October for quieter days.
