Brand new rollercoaster opens at one of the UK’s most affordable theme parks – with unique zero gravity feature

A NEW-LOOK rollercoaster is set to open at a major UK theme park today, just in time for the summer months.

Last year, Drayton Manor announced that its popular ride Shockwave would be closing down for good, in order to make way for a new ride.

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The ride had been described as "iconic" by theme park enthusiasts, who were sad to see it go.

However, the stand-up rollercoaster has since been revamped and as of today, is now open under its new name The Wave.

The coaster has been updated to suit younger audiences, with a reduced height restriction of 1.2M.

However, it has maintained a lot of Shockwave's original features and still offers high speeds of up to 53 mph, with riders experiencing level four G-Force at 12 feet high.

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The track consists of four inversions, a unique zero-gravity roll, and a double corkscrew structure.

It also has a brand-new train, featuring lap restraints to keep riders secure.

The ride has been given a surfing theme, enabling visitors to "enjoy the adrenaline-pumping world of surfing through a new experience, combining the most thrilling waves from around the world". 

Drayton Manor has promised that the re-imagined ride will provide "plenty of fun for thrill seeking families" when it launches today.

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Victoria Lynn, Managing Director at Drayton Manor Resort said: "Shockwave has always been such a big part of Drayton Manor since opening nearly two decades ago and we’re so excited to see The Wave preserve all the iconic thrills and fun for more families and future generations to come.

"By adapting the hair-raising characteristics of our iconic Shockwave, we’re excited to welcome young fans, from as early as 5 to 6 years old, depending on height, to experience the UK’s most thrilling family ride."

The park announced the ride would be opening earlier this week, with a video on their Facebook page, captioned: "Wave incoming...The UK's most thrilling family coaster, The Wave, opens on Friday 26th April at 12pm!

"With a reduced height restriction of just 1.2m, a new train, and new effects, this exhilarating roller coaster is set to excite even the youngest of thrill seekers!

"So, grab your friends and family, and make this week one to remember!"

Drayton Manor fans were excited by the announcement, with some even saying they would be pulling a sickie from work to try out the new ride.

Use these tips on your next theme park trip

Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.

1. Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
2. Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer - this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
3. Download the park's app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
4. Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out "birthday badges" that can get you freebies.
5. If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.

One wrote: "Wonderful - visiting for my daughters 8th birthday this weekend!"

Another said: "My 7 year old is going to be so happy when we come on the 5th may."

A third added: "I’m going to have to be 'ill' to go on Friday."

The Wave isn't Drayton Manor's only new attraction to have opened this year.

Its new Western themed land, Frontier Falls, is also now open, while the park has also claimed that "new entertainment" will be coming this year, as well as the return of Terence to Thomas Land.

What's more, the park is considered to be among the more affordable resorts in the UK.

previously described it as "the ideal place for an unforgettable cheap family day out".

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Meanwhile, a brand new water ride will be opening at the UK's best-value theme park next month.

And these are the exciting new rides and attractions coming to the UK this year.

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