The History of Shockwave - The UK's Only Stand Up Rollercoaster: Evolving Drayton Manor

Join us on the first Expedition Drayton Manor as we look at the history of the iconic UK rollercoaster Shockwave. As the UK's only stand-up roller coaster the small family park in the midlands took a risk installing a 4 million pound huge roller coaster that would evolve the park into something brand new. Today the area has found a new lease of life as Adventure Cove. One of the best-themed areas for the whole family.
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Please note, on ride filming is strictly prohibited at Drayton Manor. We were invited to work in partnership with team Drayton to safely film on their rides, using our professional and secure camera equipment.
Special thank you to
Theme Park Review - / themeparkreview
ParkSpill - / parkspill
SuperEnthused / superenthused
Drayton Manor - www.draytonmanor.co.uk
Credits -
Psyclonesteve - • Drayton Manor 1994 !
Terry Pearson - • Drayton Manor Park TV ... \
Dylan Dragon - • Video
Nostalgasm - • Splash Canyon Rapids a...
Theme Park Review - • Le Cobra Stand-Up Roll...
CoasterNick3157 - • Shockwave At Drayton M...
Matt Cross - • New Nemesis on Central...
Jim Williams - • Theme Park - Drayton M...

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Have you been on a Stand-Up coaster, what did you think?

[@Uniqetz]

Yes! I love them!

[@WJL1]

I went on shockwave last week and it was worse than collosus for me

[@Omegam3m3gaming]

I have, infact it's the one in this video, and it was brilliant.

[@JustinCoasters]

I've been on this and many others. Wish I knew about being able to ride backwards

[@tumi_1]

i went on it yesterday and LORD HAVE MERCY it was amazing

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Fun fact ~ When Shockwave first opened it had to be closed down due to me. My jacket received a rip in the back of it after I rode and they thought it was caused by the restraints on the new coaster or by the rough timber lined walls of the Q line. They shut the ride as they walked me through the entire Q then stood me in the coaster to see if they could see what damaged my clothes. Much to the horror of the people standing in the several hour Q. Oops. Fab video as always Sam, thank you.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

haha great story, thanks for watching Mark

[@billclinton984]

thats incredible 😂

[@DisneyMarkUK]

@@ExpeditionThemePark 🫶🏻

[@johnfoltz8183]

I’ve been queuing for Stand Up Twister Coaster 1 for ages.

[@keithtempleman705]

The history of the Vampire at Chessington World of Adventures please!! Also, a great video! Might have to visit for the first time now!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It's coming in the future don't you worry!

[@QueenRobyn]

@Ethan same here lol

[@TselExpress_95]

if it wasn't for shockwave [Drayton Manor variant] the uk would only have sit-down rollercoasters..and the world would only have stand-up rollercoasters without the zero g-roll

[@SpicyPTV]

This is definitely one of the weirdest coasters I've been on. It's a shame Drayton has gone down the route of a family park as its very unlikely we will be getting a new thrill coaster there anytime soon

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

At least the park has a future again imo!

[@ster_]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Almost teared up when I heard that Shockwave has got a new lick of paint and that the park is saved. Hearing about that fire near the toilets are properly concerning but its good to see it lives on! How was Storm Force 10? Does the lever-pulling animatronic at the start of the ride work yet? Did they manage to fix up the queue experience or is it just a new paint on the outside? Either way, thanks for showcasing, will definitely find time to go before the end of the 2021 season.

[@lutherheggs451]

I mean its not really shocking. You can make a hell of alot more money on families than you can the coaster enthusiasts, families also don't seem to have the sense of entitlement that ALOT of the coaster enthusiasts do like the parks owe them something.

[@aspieringnerd9073]

Going down the family friendly route is why we stopped going to The American Adventure, even though it was one of our local parks

[@SuperTomsee]

One things I hate about the parks in the UK through no fault of their own is people are never bloody happy and the people who move near airports, racetracks and parks are always the ones to hinder that places development, but then will moan when it suffers or even closes.

[@FormulaOneFan98]

Me and my mother used to live in Alton and it is literally FILLED with self entitled snobs who loved to moan about anything.

[@SuperTomsee]

@@FormulaOneFan98 exactly that :(

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Guess IK where Americans get their entitled additude

[@SuperTomsee]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv not sure who that was aimed at. For clarification I'm English and it frustrates me that we could have bigger and better coasters but the British do love complaining about every new thing that's built. Look at the London resort theme park for example...

[@RikFTK]

Not only in the UK. The Dutch are known for this as well... Efteling has fought for years to get their expension plans approved and a small group of locals kept going to court over it.

[@SuperEnthused]

My first stand up coaster and one I’ll never forget!

[@starryagent9936]

I thought it funny that he used your Drayton Manor vlog thumbnail for the vids. And yes, stand-ups are weird

[@user-jr8tm9zj8y]

@@starryagent9936 it’s his gf I think

[@MrDJGix]

I agree with what you said about shockwave being the perfect choice and not a b&m invert. As shockwave is a coaster enthusiast must ride. I only rode it this year for my first trip to drayton. It was awesome. Such a unusual feeling and the only one in the UK. Definitely in my top ten coasters list.

[@mollyhodgson2151]

I rode this in 2009 in some of the worst rain I have ever seen in the UK. It is one of my favorite theme park memory of all time. We queued for maybe an hour and the rain had stopped but as soon we left the station the sky opened and we got socked. One of the best rides I have ever been on. I would suggest everyone go and ride it.

[@marcussheen]

Great overview. The quote by Colin Bryan was actually given to me in an interview I did with him to celebrate the anniversary of the Year of the Roller Coaster on my website at the time (along with the Flying Machines' anniversary), and I totally agree with you that he should have had more confidence in the decisions he made - I think for DM a stand up coaster was a great addition - I think all three rides in 1994 complimented each other perfectly. Shockwave was unique and a great launchpad for DM's future, Nemesis was the more immersive experience while the Big One covered the records. Great video.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Ah Marcus thank you so much! I love that whole interview you have. Really have an insight into the first decade of the ride.

[@AttractionSource]

As mentioned, I wonder if B&M would 'adopt' the coaster to upgrade the ride system and install floorless trains. Would do wonders! Great video, as always.

[@beadym8778]

Is it possible to do a expedition on Blackpool's icon

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Eventually yes!

[@clarkejoseph49]

When are you going to do the Thorpe park back-to-back coaster years (2002/3) with Colossus (World’s first 10-looping coaster) and Nemesis Inferno? (Sister to the Nemesis at Alton Towers and featured on the Inbetweeners for that infamous scene) P.S. Nice idea on using footage from Jackie’s channel. That shows commitment right there.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Aha that footage is from my GoPro, she just happens to be stood next to me ;) Kidding. I will do them in the future

[@JustinCoasters]

@@ExpeditionThemePark It'll be weird to do a Thorpe coaster with respectful capacity, not 30 seconds long, Not based on an IP, and not themed to a lame magician.

[@thecoastergnome8603]

@@ExpeditionThemePark still waiting on that expedition Knotts, Ghostrider episode!, lol, but really, I love your content! especially the Knotts stuff! keep up the good work!

[@najahsade3]

I rode ShockWave at KingsDominion...Very nerve wreckin at first but became my fave 🙃

[@AudreyMealiff]

Another brilliant video, thank you. I'm visiting Dratyon on Sunday week, first ever visit so I can't wait to ride Shockwave and everything else on offer!

[@dansaikyo6664]

The next Expedition sub-grouping needs to be Expedition Moar Puns - THAT'LL send Shockwaves through the channel.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I think all the videos I make will be in that grouping...

[@gijsvanheusden3724]

It's amazing how you ended this video. The music on top of the beautiful shots of Shockwave gives such a proud feeling.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

ParkSpill certainly capture some amazing shots of the ride!

[@TheRubberDuck]

Been on it once and though I could agree its rough in some areas but its a once in a life time thing to experience, despite the smaller track compared to some but the "stand up" cars make it so much more

[@ParkSpill]

Great video, it got me right in the feels as this was the first major coaster I ever rode! So happy the park are looking after it!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks, your footage made sure it hit all the right notes! Looks great with the station paint job too.

[@jamesboyle5766]

Another great video man! Love the UK ones bring me back to my childhood :) You've probably got this planned already, but would love to see a video on the bullet at flamingo land one day. Thanks for all the great content ETP!

[@saddingus1331]

Dude. Your production quality is incredible. Every video is absolutely stellar! Great work!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@ZEK.0]

Loved this video, so informative! You should do some videos on Blackpool Pleasure Becah!

[@pernicious544]

I just want to give a shout-out to how much I love your content. Every time I peruse youtube, I gleefully await another one of your uploads and cannot wait for the next one.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks very much Daniel! Really appreciate the kind words

[@hsbdarkit]

Always loved this roller coaster and when I use to work for the park in the photo booth you got some amazing photos of people from the ride :) , the roller coaster is amazing 😍

[@tumi_1]

finally! always wanted this vid to come out! can we get one on apocalypse to the near future?

[@therealnoob3171]

0:47 Thomas is giving me the willies ngl

[@MondoCoasters]

I've been on both Shockwave and Freestyle at Cavallino Matto, and even though they're fairly close quality wise, I slightly prefer Freestyle due to the longer ride experience and the several amounts of strong stand up airtime it provides.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Longer would definitely of benefited Shockwave but understood why they couldn't

[@andyknight1]

I have ridden quite a few stand up coasters, such as Riddler's Revenge at SFMM and Mantis at Cedar Point, but this will always be my favorite out the lot. OK, it's short, but it's unique. Great video.

[@tomtaymccoll]

Fantastic video! I visit Alton Towers almost every weekend, and you’ve just persuaded me to drive the extra 30 mins to Drayton Manor next week :)

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope you have a good time! Remember to get on Stormforce and pack a poncho..

[@DK-zt5oo]

Great video. I always look forward to them. :)

[@davidmiles533]

Magic Mountain’s Shockwave was one of my all time favorites. I would ride it 4-6 times a day, weekly for its full run.

[@jamesnorthcott9682]

Me and the Family are spending a long weekend visiting Alton & Drayton next weekend !! Thank you so much for the UK content 🙏 4 DAYS TO GO !!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Have a good time!

[@chrislonghurst]

We still have our original 7UP Shockwave mug from DMP. Loved that park in the 90s. Glad to hear it’s still around (we moved overseas).

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That's awesome!

[@Cossfrack]

I've been waiting for this one for a while!!! Love shock-wave.

[@beenie8015]

Drayton is my home park and i love it! Shockwave is very different but still enjoyable and that zero-g-roll is sooo good!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

it's so good isn't it!

[@MatecaCorp]

It’s interesting to watch videos from the dark ages of the park now that they’re doing all sorts of renovations, adding a new family thrill coaster, and of course changing Shockwave to a sitdown

[@SwiftNipples]

The rethemed area looks sick. I've never been to Drayton Manor and don't know much about what it was like before, but I can only imagine it's an upgrade. Theming isn't something I necessarily need at a park, but it definitely adds to the atmosphere.

[@coasterfest]

Beautifully positive video pal. Few years ago I was one of DM's biggest critics, but now I am genuinely excited by what's happening there... The future definitely looks a LOT brighter.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed! Glad you liked it though, thank you

[@Leftpeg8379]

Just went 5 DAYS before it closes for a conversion, its AMAZING, but sad to see it loose the stand-up element.

[@DrumsbyAshWells]

Great episode. I went to Drayton last year for 2 days a thankfully this ride was operating on 2nd day but closed on first so managed to ride it! Loved it and I had been a long time since I went on a coaster. Great episode dude 🤘🤘

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you for watching! Glad you got to ride it.

[@Showsni]

I miss Drayton Manor; we used to go a fair bit, as my Dad worked for BT, and due to some crossover promotion or something he got reduced tickets through work.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Time to head back?

[@louiswright8282]

Like a free advertisement for Drayton XD. Love to see this park get more attention by all the enthusiasts over the next few years. Great Video as always mate :D

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

thank you!

[@sarinadean1038]

I love the way the ending was shot! The final shots of the newly painted areas are gorgeous! You did a great job and this was definitely one of my favorites from your channel!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@MattRoszak]

I went to Drayton Manor this year specifically to see this ride. It was... a cool novelty.

[@stevenmacdonald9619]

Great news that Drayton Manor is having better fortunes during 2021. Also in 2021.... Happy 125th Birthday, Blackpool Pleasure Beach! ❤

[@meliaelentari]

I grew up in Birmingham in the 90s, Drayton Manor and Shockwave holds a special place in my heart.

[@yabiyabi]

I love standup attractions, especially standup freefalls and whatnot but unfortunately I always almost fall off because I am short, so it can be risky.

[@thegerm574]

I love that one guy just holding his camcorder riding ShockWave. Try that at a U.S. based park.

[@crossplusnetwork8347]

Do some more on Drayton manor absolutely love these! Apocalypse or Pandemonium maybe as there rumoured next to go would be great to see there complete timeline

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Will look to cover more in the future

[@pheebobeebo1459]

I've gone to Drayton Manor so many times in recent years with my family because my brothers love the Thomas Land part (and I've managed to get my youngest brother to ride Accelerator and Stormforce with me) but the thrillseeker in me is gutted that I still haven't been on Shockwave even though I always plan to. The new viking part of the park is pretty cool though, especially the Loki!

[@billclinton984]

Rode it again today. Still as good as ever 😊

[@SaturnCanuck]

A great history and overview.

[@JamesVlogsHomeBeyond]

You should definitely do the history of Beanoland soon. I was a huge fan of the land and what got me hooked to theme parks in the first place

[@ericplatts9100]

I still love to see Boblo Island episode. Please. I have seen before but you r the best at telling a story.

[@harryfoley2294]

2:03 Brer Bear straight up vibing tho

[@risteardconchuir4065]

Excellent video as usual

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks!

[@TheChrisCartaya]

I remember riding ShockWave at Magic Mountain as an adolescent teenager in the late 80's when my family had season night passes to Magic Mountain in My hometown of Valencia, CA It was small compared to Revolution or Colossus and very short, but i felt it was very unique and inventive for its time.

[@raptor350rick]

Love your Videos!!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Glad you like them!

[@aaronjoseph9018]

Watching this takes me back to my childhood 🎉

[@daisy864]

That coaster was such a head banger when I rode it last year

[@TAZ-oq8oo]

Brilliant video, while you're at drayton, can u do a history of the haunting?. Not enough people talk about it considering it gets overshadowed by hex

[@liamcollinson5695]

You are not kidding about the uk soda sponsors the big one in Blackpool was the Pepsi Max big one when I rode it

[@oneandonlysound3453]

If it was converted to a floorless it'd be GREAT. The layout is unique, and they packed in 4 inversions just like that. I do agree a helix at the end would've made it a little longer and seemingly more complete but, what is done is done. Just give it new trains sit down or floorless and it'd be wonderful. I do hope now under new management perhaps the park will invest in a eurofighter as a replacement for G-Force even if it's a basic model (with a helix!).

[@tjdrawings6437]

Drayton Manor was my local theme park when i was younger (still is kind of, i'm abit half way between drayton and alton) so was the destination for school trips. One of the eachers deiced to tell us a story about him been on shockwave and the restrait opening mid ride and him having to hold it closed (complete rubbish). he told us this just before we got on shockwave so I remeber throughout the ride i kept pulling the restraint in case it opened. The naivety of youth. did get stuck on apocolypse though

[@samslocos3478]

I do love this ride since this is my home park and I can say it certainly is a experience to ride

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That rifle barrel twist is certainly unique...

[@tabbyp_xo]

woah you uploaded this just before i go to drayton manor tomorrow!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Perfect timing

[@tabbyp_xo]

@@ExpeditionThemePark update- i tried shockwave (my first upside down rollercoaster) for the first time and loved it

[@alistairsmith4308]

"on a decollate planet, somewhere between stoke and uttoxeter"... Yep that sounds like Staffordshire alright lol

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Haha

[@IntheLoopPodcast]

Man that park has had some fantastic theme songs

[@ASTER-IX]

Ik

[@matthewwaltham1032]

This was the first big coaster I ever riden when I was 11 in 1996. I've been on most at alton towers and in florida and I'll always compare them to the shockwave. I hope it stays for years to come 🙏

[@abigough5857]

I was at Drayton Manor for my birthday, the day you uploaded this :)

[@BethFrench97]

As someone who’s local theme park is drayton manor I have rode shockwave many times and I can say with some certainty this was my first rollercoaster I ever rode with inversions. Drayton manor was the perfect theme park for families with lots for little ones but also a good mix of introductory big and exciting rides and coasters for young enthusiasts like me. This park and coaster definitely played huge role in creating the theme park lover I have become today!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That's great Beth, agreed there is something for everyone at Drayton!

[@charlottestreet3301]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Drayton manor has the best log fume

[@beckyshortland3016]

I don’t know why but that made me so emotional 🥺think it’s cause I’ve been there so many times on school trips etc and now I take my own kids there. And I personally love shockwave ❤️

[@nemnyoom]

i rode this after seeing this video!!! it's the first big coaster i've ridden since getting a dog and losing interest in dog-free days out (not sure if i should count the dragon at legoland) (look. legoland is an exception. legoland is what brenda carlisle meant when she sang about heaven being a place on earth). they made me take off my glasses and ear defenders. i am five foot three. the loop was just slow enough that it failed to keep me in place with g-force and i started sliding into the shoulder guard. it was great

[@darwinfraudez7804]

the zero-g roll on shockwave is amazing

[@georgeseparovic]

Nice video, my local theme park as well

[@JCs_-]

Shockwave is great but every time i always came off it with a headache lol.

[@prettypretty7493]

That Drayton song is now in my head forever

[@TheHoost2]

Went the other week for 1st time in 15 years and lived shockwave like i did previously...it sure is a great coaster in the uk

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed!

[@aaronjoseph9018]

I was obsessed with theme parks and the shockwave and nemesis

[@02proctera2]

Any chance on a Expedition for Granada Studios? I have so many blurry but good memories

[@tombratherton5391]

1994.... What a year that was....! And now, approaching 30 years later, still never bettered!

[@CatsnCoasters]

Probably the roughest coaster I've ever been on (except for Grand National). Still great though as they're so rare nowadays.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

AstroWorld had Batman the Escape. The coaster was @ Magic Mountain, then Great Adventure. AW employee's had to give up their softball field which was next to the administration building. That's how Tightly packed the park was. There was a surprising # of coasters for such a small acre park. I think we had 10 at one time! I'd love to ride Shock Wave. Drayton Manor looks soooo cool!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope you managed to get on it one day

[@toptiertrips]

Please can you do a video on Raptor Attack (previously Rat Ride) at Lightwater Valley!

[@nezukotwins]

OMG changes i been there today lol it so fun shok wave but Pandemonium was removed :( it was my 1dt loop roller coster

[@DetroitMicroSound]

The parks jingle, reminds me of the amazing jingle that The Nevele in the Catskills, NY had done. It's a big fat ear worm....

[@thagrumbus5673]

YES!!!!!ive been needing my ETP fix lol.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Sorry for the delay!

[@Currentchaosnews]

I was there when gladiators opened the shock wave. Also, john pertree sky flyer.

[@elleeff5118]

I love it their accent but dancing to the theme song while making brunch is the best Sunday a girl could ask for.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

how I start my morning!

[@ThemeParkFamilyUK]

I’ve ridden it backwards. It was an experience! I’ve always liked Drayton but it just needs a bit more in it for families.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

One of the lucky few! Can only imagine it was quite an unusual, somewhat uncomfy experience...

[@windtv_728]

Can you please make a vid on the history of “Cannibal” the rollercoaster at the theme park Lagoon, located in Farmington, Utah? Also I luv your vids keep up the good work!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks, i'll check it out!

[@Ms.HarmonyJ]

Amazing video my friend

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@tomkolos1896]

that expedition Drayton Manor logo is cursed

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

poor Thomas!

[@tom.kolos1110]

lol

[@MrBragle]

Ahhh Shockwave... seeing my house from the top. Must have been on it 500+ times back in the 90s

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Awesome!

[@phoebe6941]

I'm going 2 Drayton manor tmmrw (mainly bcs i have a younge brother whos turning 6 and he only wants 2 go for thomasland) and im sooo excited 2 go on it!!! Im 11 and LOVE thrill rides, gonna force my dad to go on apocalypse 2 bcs he HATES drop towers! Lovely video 2 u always make great vids anyways

[@jessbennett5402]

I went to Drayton this year for the first time in a couple years, and it was so bad. It’s just not looked after anymore like Alton or chesington is. Not to mention, I went on shockwave and because of my short stature, I almost fell out of the ride. Wasn’t happy, in fact, I was bloody scared for my life. Disappointed to say the least.

[@spookydunshine4857]

I grew up in Tamworth so Drayton Manor was our local theme park. I have fond memories of shockwave 😂

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Lucky!

[@james82]

That song is totally amazing!

[@alfm207]

Can you do a video about pleasure beach? Possibly about the big one or infusion

[@Scruffysmurf]

King Cobra at Kings Island was my first stand up.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Did you enjoy it?

[@Scruffysmurf]

@@ExpeditionThemePark yes. I rode every season until it was retired. Also Mantis and Chang during their first years.

[@ummer14]

Can you do one for splash canyon, one for stormforce 10 (probably the best ride of its type in the UK) and pirate adventure please.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yep!