The Lost American Adventure Theme Park - Part 2

[@tonytwokisses5753]

I live down by the old entrance now and have been struggling with nostalgia since I moved here earlier this year. This video really helped piece my memories of the place together! Currently sat watching the houses be built from my office window where the Buffalo ride was. Thank you

[@AdventureMe]

Your house will probably be in the third video then coming this Sunday

[@mattydeathgoon]

I had amazing times on school trips when I was a kid. Miss the parks so much

[@bishyboy1]

Mate thank you so much for that video- found it haunting and almost emotional to watch with the music and the fade ins etc- just imagine all the laughter and joy that once filled that plot of land and now it looks so sad. American Adventure was the first theme park I ever visited as a schoolboy- thanks for the memories x

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. That's the mood I wanted for the video, how I felt on the day.

[@bishyboy1]

You nailed it mate ive watched it again since and weirdly it makes me feel sad to think what was - love your videos keep it up

[@dazsin]

This video makes me so emotional!! Fantastic stuff, this is what KZbin is for!

[@Ellisiswatchingyoutube]

Really enjoyed this 👍🏽 brings back memories

[@ShaneM345]

Thank you so much for making these videos. Makes me so sad as I spent many hours at AA in the 80s and 90s. Thankfully, I still have a large collection of park maps to look back on! Look forward to the rest of this series.

[@AdventureMe]

You're very welcome! All three parts are now released

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for another walk back in time. Sad to see the place totally gone, but that’s what it is. Thank you for your labors in these videos. See you on the next, Darren. Cheers mate! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@AdventureMe]

Our pleasure!

[@johannbell333]

I remember exploring this place alot as a kid after it had shut. Was abandoned for quite a long time before redevelopment so the place turned into a massive jungle. Good simpler times, thanks for the video.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for the info

[@dwrowley]

Great video, the photo fades are brilliant, good to see most of the rides have been sold on and not scrapped

[@samseptember6404]

It’s incredibly ballsy going on The Missile at only 7 years old! Much respect to you

[@AdventureMe]

I was a fearless child

[@lindakirk698]

Another thanks, just got this after watching part 1. Even now as 70+ OAPs my hubby & I would love a go on that upsold sky flyer. It was the best adrenaline feed we have had. The 2 of us & eldest daughter strapped into the sling, hauled up high & just waited! As it was hubbies 50th birthday we made him pull the release. And then the swing out across the nearby park. The rest of the family think were nuts - so does hubby. Really font know how we hot him into it!!😂 We still talk about it now & and we've been around the world a bit. Wish the AATP was still going. Didnt know about all the previous owners & and we've been on some of the rides since unknowingly after they moved to other parks. Thats what grandchildren make you do! 😂😂 Bring on part 3 !!!

[@CoasterGiant1]

Loving this series! Unlocked a memory of standing watching the logs skimming the water at the bottom of that massive drop for ages.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching

[@Clara-ph7my]

Fantastic job with mirroring the then and now images. I loved your video on Camelot and this is even better. I hope you are right. I hope they do name that road, reflecting the once wild west show.

[@douglasthompson296]

Hey Darren, great to hear you getting uber excited and talking your own personal memories of a place your visiting. ✔️ Now talking Cowboys and Indians as a young kid in the 50's we had an Anderson shelter that had been repurposed as a coal shelter. Well with the addition of the round metal dustbin in the shelters door we had an instant chuck/stage wagon for hours of fun playing C and I simple pleasures back then 😎 Cheers DougT

[@AdventureMe]

Sounds great!

[@douglasthompson296]

@@AdventureMe it was Darren, the dustbin had 2 handles which made great stirrups. Those days our mobiles were 2tin cans joined by a piece of string, it really did work as long as the string was pulled tight 😎 Cheers DougT

[@fatcontrole1]

Those pictures of you on the rides really mwde me smile. Innocent kids back then. I wish I had kept all the pictures ive had on rides from the past.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Great video and reconstruction of what was where, wayback when.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Must be so nostalgic for you to walk round there with so many memories running through your mind. So sad all gone. Thanks again Darren for such an excellent documentary.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dianeshepherd7913]

What a fabulous theme park it was, really like the wooden wheel ride, the carriagesblook so different. Fab pics to look back on when you were a child. And you still love thene parks 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you 🤗

[@waynepaxford7263]

Another excellent video Darren some of them rides look amazing i can't wait for part 3 when are you in blackpool are you got any more videos i hope you and your family and friends are well and safe

[@aspieringnerd9073]

I can remember going here as a kid in the early 2000s, we'd get 'free' tickets from school! I remember the buffalo rollercoaster being to the left as you went into the park, so that must have been the other entrance you mentioned in the last one. I can clearly remember hating the lift hill for the log flume, it would make me feel like a tortoise on its back (seven year old me's words) and we had a photo of me and my sisters in cowboy clothes from the photo studio there. It was a decent park and I was disappointed when it started going downhill by shutting the good rides and making it more family friendly. Also wasn't there a gold panning bit near the log flume?

[@AdventureMe]

Yes they had a panning for gold. I know what you mean about the log flume lift hill.

[@Geoffreytomlinson24]

Great adventure again. The way things were but now the way things are.

[@AdventureMe]

You got that right!

[@RossGerrard]

What a fantastic video, you brought back some amazing memories, thank you 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sukiesparkles116]

Omg mate, I'm literally sat here crying watching this! My entire misspent youth just came flooding back. One of these days I'll look in my loft for my pics of the BBC 'Fast Forward' Funday from (I think?) 1992, featuring Chesney Hawkes, Andy Crane, Phillip Schofield, Scott Sherrin from That's Life, andbone of the 1st public appearances of 2 Manchester youths called Gary & Jason, from this new (back then) up & coming band called Take That

[@AdventureMe]

Happy memories

[@richardayrton2697]

The crossfades at the start - magic - taking the editing to another level. Wonderful videos!

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you like them! More to come

[@deborahbrackenbury272]

Great video as always 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks again!

[@anthonyellis987]

It's amazing you found some relics of the park considering how much the ground levels have changed. Can't wait until part 3.

[@AdventureMe]

Me too!

[@shirleysmith1713]

Thanks Darren for sharing. Was very interesting, love the fade on photos. 👍🏻😎☀️

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@sams30001]

Fantastic, loving this series. Brings back so many memories

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you like them!

[@leedowner2249]

Awesome video, so many memories, i had no idea some rides had been moved i assumed they were all pulled down and scrapped

[@raymondbudd7355]

Great videos, as a kid I went to the 1st day of opening as Britannia Park. Clearly it was rubbish back than but we got to see Concorde which for a 12 year old from Notts in the 80s was awesome. The miniature railway still lives on at Lightwater Valley, I've always make a point when visiting of going on that ride to remind me of the American Adventure.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. The railway at Lightwater was there before AA opened, it opened in 1979. I think they had a few of the carriages when it closed, but they got rid eventually. The railway locos and track went to Twinlakes in Melton Mowbray.

[@michellefroggatt8562]

Another great video! I remember going here once, must of been the 90’s! Love the old pics of you on the rides! It’s like a boy bands day out! Great memories! 😉 hope to see you soon 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Mich. A young Gary Barlow lol

[@moxymagic]

Loved the American adventure, such a shame it closed. Great video brought back some happy memories

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidnm21]

Fascinating as ever Darren. The Missile is now just down the road from me as I live in Great Yarmouth and Pleasurewood Hills just 8 miles or so. Like you I still have my park photo mug shots. I must dig them out from the loft.

[@AdventureMe]

Still haven't been there yet

[@layneinchains848]

Outstanding as always, love the fade ins at the beginning ❤️ Youre doing important work, thanks for what you do.

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you so much!

[@jeffdayman8183]

Looked like a lot of fun Darren. Great video, liked both episodes about this park. Cheers!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@jennyrobinson8449]

Really enjoyed part 2 thanks Darren and great pics 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@aligiff17]

Remember going to AA one sunday in the early 90's when smash hits roadshow was there, they had a huge tour truck that was also the stage & it was set up on the flat area outside pioneer playground, a very young Ant & Dec were there fresh from biker grove, along with lots of other pop stars of that time, the place was packed out, like I'd never seen in all its history. Tfs Darren, looking forward to part three. 😊

[@AutoShenanigans]

Round 2! Nice one mate.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks buddy

[@tjweston1]

Another fantastic episode, counting down till the next!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate.

[@foxysausage6091]

Thanks so much for these videos, incredibly made. I just found your channel through part 1 recently and am happy to see part 2 today. It's great to see evidence of the park still there. Your photo fades are amazing! My most vivid memories of going here are going on the then Gladiators themed twin looper. My first time going upside down on a coaster. I was terrified! I do remember the absolutely huge log flume and being amazed at the size and number of drops. So sad it wasnt cared for and ended up closing. NIMBY councils... some things never change.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. Part three in a couple of weeks. And a lot more other parks on the channel too. Camelot is a good one and the pleasure beach.

[@simonbradshaw3708]

This has been a very interesting look back in time. I look forward to next weeks installment.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@trevorchambers1812]

Great memories.....Took my daughter there, she is now nearly the age I was at the time. Still got some photos somewhere of us stood by the school bus.

[@AdventureMe]

Very cool!

[@jetsons101]

Perfect timing, just got home, will comment after watching........................

[@AdventureMe]

Enjoy

[@mikerogers5043]

Loving this series, and never been to that theme park. Your photo mergers are the best.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks so much!

[@paulbeesley5743]

Great video, brought back some great memories. 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it. Still one more to come

[@derelictCHEESEBURGER]

Fantastic! Can’t believe how much it has changed since I last went! Was a nice walk seeing old bits here and there. The pier was still there but it had started sagging to one side into the water. Fished out one of the golf balls on that empty can island bit near the island 😂 bet there’s tons in the lake still! I was very young when it closed but will always remember the buffalo ride & going on the train around the lake. Sad stuff

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andrewmarriott4033]

We used to like walking around Shipley park and finding a spot on the hill so we could see into the park great memories 👍

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Loving this series Darren.

[@75scottbryant]

Such a shame this park closed, it was near to where my dad lived and would go on my weekend visits. A good idea for a park and loved the wild west show along with the gun fights in the city.

[@stig20101]

Amazing videos of American adventure id say it was my favourite after Drayton manor

[@a11csc]

superb photofades darren

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

Very emotional video Darren, I only went the once and remembered the saloon very well. I'm sure it was around very early 90's when I went. I always wonder why these places couldn't have been saved. Just seems silly to tear it up after all the planning and building of a dream took place.

[@CosmocraftGaming]

I went on my first upsidedown coaster here (Twin looper) but it was called the gladiators when i went on it :) This certainly brought a tear to my eye. This park is such a big loss

[@ShaneM345]

It was called Iron Wolf opened by the man himself, happy memories!

[@pietweety7020]

Top notch as always 🙏👍

[@AdventureMe]

🤙

[@cyberleaderandy1]

Remember Lazy Lils and silver city as the main events of the Star Wars day and movie days revolved around these two areas. Crazy things like Stormtroopers in jet boats or on the chuck wagon ride stick in your head and looking at the guide / flyer i still have helps me relate how it looks now to back then. One weird thing sticks in head of a rel rally car "experience" they had that was nothing to do with America but randomly shoved in there at the back of lazy Lil's.

[@AdventureMe]

I remember the rally car too. And the speedboat rides

[@Brs-od8mx]

Had some lovely trips there as a kid. Went with school and the local youth group. Great memores. Such a shame.

[@scottjackson1812]

Awesome documentary, such a shame this Park closed. I'm sure I went a couple of times but was very young. So tragic that it wasn't developed to its full potential and that it is what is today.

[@jamestwells1045]

It's depressing as i live in Derby still and used to come here as a kid, 34 now with 2 kids. Always missed it since it closed, last time i went was about 01-02. Just a few years later it was gone. Always remember the Aliens show with moving seats i believe? Been a long time. Sad it's no more.

[@AdventureMe]

Now at flamingo land

[@jamestwells1045]

That's crazy, I went past yesterday on the way to Whitby and said to my kids we'll go there soon! Cheers for that mate.

[@markrutter5067]

I've just subbed. The work you do is amazing and the before and after shots are amazing. I can really put myself back in time and remember this park. Great work mate. Also thus park is the reason I hate pirate ships rides today 😅

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. Welcome aboard

[@stephenwalsh788]

Great photo fades.

[@leejackson1788]

Used to love going there as a kid school used to take us end of every year good times

[@UnitedSpotlight]

i have definatly been to American Adventure i just really don't remember it like i do the other parks around, i would of only being young i think 10 at the most maybe i thought i went more than i did, but i guess i was too young to remember all of the bigger rides

[@86wellacre]

Oh gosh I remember going here when I was younger

[@Adzcantsing]

The theming was really amazing for the park i only went once and loved it. Was mid 90s. Only ride i never experienced was nightmare niagra as the ride was closing for the night and iron wolf.

[@davidchance1869]

Another great vid. “What was where, way back when” should be your catchphrase.

[@AdventureMe]

i know, its a good phrase

[@mcmarky1985]

Great series this one! I wish I could of gone to this place back in the day such a shame it's gone. I remember when Wipeout (The Missile) was added to my local theme park Pleasurewood Hills. Despite often breaking down it is still today one of their best rides (if not the best)

[@AdventureMe]

It was knackered at American adventure

[@timredfern1282]

I had some great times there

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Brilliant work Darren. I wonder if it’s new residents know what was there before. I didn’t realise that we rode Mini Mine Rush together at Flamingoland.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes we did. I did mention it on the day, but you were sat at the front lol

[@DisneyMarkUK]

@@AdventureMe I was probably too busy “weeeeeing” to hear 😂

[@jetsons101]

Darren, at (6:33) you may have stepped on that Paving Brick at one time. The photo fade starting at 12:21 really tells the story. Now I want to go the Knott's Berry Farm and ride Ghostrider..... Thanks to Darren for his time and work......

[@AdventureMe]

Most probably did yeah.

[@vincentpilsworth3195]

Memories 😢❤

[@Falconurbex]

Interesting video paul thanks for sharing ive never been to this place its so sad to see a lot of them closing down much like camerlot did,i went around camerlot 3 times and documented it on my channel see you in your next video.

[@AdventureMe]

So sad

[@johnbrice2842]

great...great ...great

[@KeithHambidge]

Another great video credit for the research you done

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks again!

[@ronnievenhorst9873]

Very nice video

[@ashleymiskin5284]

Great video again, almost as good as Filey !! Lol 😂

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@paulharvey9149]

So then, Darren, are we to deduce from your 2001 photograph that fairground rides are responsible for your mouth-opening, tongue-hanging-out abilities? I was never that into them myself, besides log-flumes; hence I must have learned by other means! Fascinating stuff as ever, my hard-working friend - and an emotional journey for you too, which your voice seems to reveal... I don't think I've ever been to anything on a similar scale that's no longer there - well, if we discount some of Scarborough's former facilities, that is; and of course I'm old enough to remember when the rail network took up a whole lot more space serving many more industries - and when the roads took up a lot less space.

[@danlightfoot6592]

What an awesome video Darren. You need to do tv documentaries.

[@AdventureMe]

I'd have to read a script and have someone telling me what I have to film. I enjoy the freedom lol

[@apocalypticdaze2139]

​@@AdventureMegood man 😉

[@alunday1991]

You do those before and after transitions so well. It must take you ages!

[@AdventureMe]

Many hours I tell ya

[@hollimurray8856]

Brilliant video 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you! 😀

[@lynnballington8467]

Hello Darren how are you thanks for a very interested vidio its a shame that they haven't got the fairground now best wishes take care stay safe ❤😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@leedavis1298]

Hay mate loving the second part bro really interesting to see how much it's changed I never even got to take my lad there such a shame I miss the place thanks for the great video 😊😊😊😊😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@TraceUK]

This will be Lightwater Valley’s fate in the very near future I expect

[@simonbradshaw3708]

That's exactly what I have been thinking, a slow death with the demolition of the ultimate.

[@BoroMam]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing too, especially when mentioned in the last video that American Adventure, not long before the end, changed its focus more towards younger children - exactly what Lightwater Valley has done.

[@JD-wn3cc]

Sadly, I think it's true too. Parks need to keep investing to keep going. Keep adding something new and better than the ride you just removed. This is why flamingo land manages to keep going.

[@stuartleatham2917]

You may be right

[@danlightfoot6592]

Hopefully

[@HockeySemp]

At 12:36 (though this is not american adventure) you can also see the old headstock by the colliery pump building (big red brick building that still exists). These were protected, however mistakenly demolished in the 90s (I believe) and since replaced by a smaller replica. Because the winding gear, along with the original headstocks were demolished, and now they cannot use them for assistance in their maintenance and the pump now has to be on constantly. I also have a hilarious picture of me on the niagara as a kid scared to death 😅

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@RoastMasterUK]

worked there 88-92 was a teen back then

[@shauncardy]

Hey, loving the videos, i remember going here at some point in the 90's. One thing and i cant be sure, but the timeline is similar. Is that i have a feeling Nightmare Niagara was partly refurbished and reused at Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire. Which they call Rocky River Falls, now it's no where near the same size if you look on google maps. But it was opened in 2008 and given the time of the refurb and the building at Wicksteed Park. Maybe thats where some of it went ? Worth looking into !!

[@AdventureMe]

Could well be. Maybe used for parts

[@Neweratourismandevents]

Just feels like yesterday. Worst bit about it, I use to go alot with my Sister and she is now gone too 😢 Great memories though

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah happy times

[@apocalypticdaze2139]

Think you'd like Eluvium bud, he's a music artist. Also, defo check out westworld hbo 🙏 Appreciate the vids, real nostalgia within this grand charade of life.

[@nikashby6363]

Very interesting video. I was looking through some photographs a few days ago from trips to American adventure. I've also got one of those Polaroid photos on the Missile. I can tell how sad you feel about the park no longer being there. It clearly meant alot to you, as it did for many others. Will there be a part 3? Looking forward to more installments

[@raymondbudd7355]

The Missile coaster is still running at Pleasurewood Hills (Lowestoft)

[@AdventureMe]

Yes part three on Sunday

[@PaulSmith-sb3hb]

The place was full of happy screams once. Shame it couldnt of become something else that filled people with joy instead of just houses. Happy memories from my dad working there when i was child in silver city and then me working there in my late teens. You can just hear my dads voice at the beginning of the video in the show 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching

[@jeremybeck7244]

The bmx track looks like its still there!

[@jeremybeck7244]

Just looked on Google earth... No its not....

[@racheljayne9864]

I wonder if the indian structures you mention as being on the little island there, are now at St Nicholas Park Fun Park in Warwick? 🤔 They have a little log boat ride thing with three tee-pee style Indian tents & a lot of other american themed statues etc. I’ve found some photos to prove what I’m trying to describe, but it doesn’t look like I can share them here 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@SuperForest78]

Worked in spaceport usa shop in 89,90 and 91(aged 18,19,20...uni summer hols) , next to the missile....in fact helped put the shop together the nights before Buzz aldrin opened it in my first week of employment 4th july 89

[@AdventureMe]

We probably crossed paths then. I was there August 89.

[@SuperForest78]

@@AdventureMe love the videos, I didn't massively enjoy working there, although most did I think...but still found your videos really poignant

[@JD-wn3cc]

Unlike the park itself, Darren hasnt aged since 2002 by the looks of it.

[@AdventureMe]

I bloody have lol

[@ruthbrierley1798]

I'm reminiscing and thinking about a ride that I thought used to be here called the Thunder Looper - but maybe that was at Alton Towers instead? Anyone remember? happy days....

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah that was Alton Towers. Right next to where Nemesis is now.

[@mick03leeds22]

I remember the Log Flume. I know what you mean about how close the roof felt to your head. Unfortunately for one young lad that came true over in the states at the Schlitterbahn water park. Not good

[@AdventureMe]

Yes I remember that

[@davewasey1210]

RIP Bryan Meakin.

[@marshallluddite]

Im from thge Midlands and NEVER went, What a shame.

[@marknorris5269]

We had one of the best steaks ever there. I think it was called Diamond lils. The big saloon bar and restuarant. I still have a photo of myself and my as then future sister in law, sat on my shoulders. I went there more because it was nearer to Wakefield than Alton Towers. I though it was a lot better than Flamingo land or lightwater.

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah it was great in it's day

[@colettemikaelson160]

wow! was that a little Gemma in those ride photos lol

[@AdventureMe]

Sure was. And the videos too

[@colettemikaelson160]

what great memories those photos etc must be.

[@nina_d1989]

Fun fact. The wagon wheel is now at flamingoland :)

[@AdventureMe]

That's not the same one. That was at Flamingo Land at the same time as the one at AA. The AA one went to Billing Aquadrome

[@nina_d1989]

@@AdventureMe I stand corrected