The Troubled History of The Vampire: The UK's First Iconic Rollercoaster

[@DanTheMan2150AD]

Despite being a relatively young coaster fan, The Vampire is still one of my all time favourites that I ride every chance I get, yes it may seem incredibly primitive by US standards and it’s gone through so many budget cuts throughout the years, but it never fails to deliver thrills and atmosphere. Great video dude.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A classic for sure

[@tigerlilly522ify]

I wish I could ride it! I love gothic stuff and coasters!? Like together would be a dream...love it!

[@luisvarca]

Aha alas, the primitive rides are often the best. As a fan who had the honor or experiencing both this and the Big Bad Wolf I would be hard pressed to say primitive. Much like many European creations, the overall quality nuanced the rustic underside.

[@madhousebeyond]

Thanks for mentioning the Bubble Works at the end. All the way through this video, every time you mentioned Vampire or the Transylvania area as a whole "losing charm" all I could think of was how the Bubble Works has changed from one of my favourite dark rides in the UK to the horrible mess of corporate sponsorship it is today... I'm really looking forward to a video on that ride, and hope you can find some good footage showing how it used to be.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I kept it to the end ha

[@Skett]

Agreed! When he said that the vampire was Chessingtons most iconic ride I couldn't help but disagree. All about the bubble works, though terror tomb was good too

[@JustinCoasters]

@@ExpeditionThemePark You know there was another dark ride in a boat at a Tussauds park that became an IP as well. But I won't TOY around with you.

[@JustinCoasters]

You know John Wardley worked on another boat ride at another Tussauds park that got rethemed

[@olliemcg1277]

Also loved the 5th Dimension. Used to be a great park in its time.

[@MySharpify]

I grew up in Chessington and the Vampire was my very first rollercoaster. Getting to ride it once every year using our residents tickets was the highlight of my childhood.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

An amazing first coaster

[@spreadthetruth90]

yeah im simmilar to you vampire was also my first roller coaster

[@AJ17_]

"The vampire's organist's face was based on an old Phil Collins wax figure." I just about spit out/choked on my drink at that comment. LOLOL!!!

[@jamessdavis5201]

I used to work at Chessington in the early 90's and at the 'Black Forest Chateau'. A bit of unknown triva that animatronic organ player is (was) in fact Phill Collins the drummer, singer and musician from the Madam Tussaud Wax Museum. However we called him Marcel and he drove us all crazy as it would play every 15 minutes throughout the day with classic hits like 'viva espania'. Lol EDIT: After watching the full video it's a known bit of triva.

[@imansfield]

What a superb video! I think people forget what a big thing the Vampire was back in 1990. These sort of rides were only found in America usually, so you can imagine what a stir this caused when it opened . I just hope Merlin continue to give it the love and recognition it deserves.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Me tooo

[@LisaF777]

I never forgot how much of a big deal it was after all these years. Went on it again yesterday 💜

[@sfullernj]

This ride was MAGICAL as a kid. The ride experience, the theming it was almost an amazing dream. Top that off with the bubble works. Chessington were creating absolute childhood dreams at this time. I was soo lucky to be along for the ride.

[@rundattmedia2106]

Wholeheartedly agree. Chessington was a big great part of my childhood. I also loved the bubbleworks. The theming and fizzy pop/cartoon style theme was so good. Need to go back soon, I'm pushing 40 now. There is a new coaster coming next year.

[@StylishChicVibes]

@@rundattmedia2106 I loved the bubble works shame it’s be renamed The Gruffalo they should kept the name

[@anthonymeek4248]

@@StylishChicVibes Rode Gruffalo today was very impressed must say!

[@Dhsieowjuzxhsb]

This is actually one of my favourite coasters in the uk, just the way it makes you feel flying through the trees and of course the insane music makes it all so fun.

[@Kickz_Official]

The vampire has to be one of my top 3 every time I go on there I laugh like a mad scientist at people screaming and creep everyone out

[@ashanti1438]

I love learning about UK theme parks. As a young American theme park enthusiasts this is one of the coolest coasters I've ever seen!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks for watching!

[@MagicKillerClub]

Even now in 2022, with all the new ride types and technology, there’s nothing like a night time ride on Vampire! Great video, always like watching your UK based episodes.

[@GregBatte]

As soon as Desperado was mentioned I knew Lance was going to show up! Love the videos as always!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

😂

[@CPonSound]

When the bubbleworks music began I couldn't help but smile. What a ride that was.

[@tomreevo]

Hearing that music again gives me chills. God bless.

[@DiscreetHobo]

I will straight up mourn this Coaster when it closes. This was my very first Rollercoaster when I was 8 in 2011. I ride it everytime I head to Chessington. and I cannot get enough of it.

[@rundattmedia2106]

Man I feel old. Just recently turned 37 but like you it was my first ever coaster too back in the early 90's. Very fond memories of Chessington back then, bubbleworks etc. Need to revisit next year once they have the new coaster built!

[@joshuaellisakass122]

Rumor has it that vampire will be going quite soon, so it will either be revamped or it will be going for good

[@johnwardley7747]

Thank you for creating a brilliantly-researched, accurate and informative video that brings back very happy memories for me (and for many thousands of others).

[@adamclewer7784]

Thanks for the many smiles you gave us!

[@johnwardley7747]

@@adamclewer7784 Thanks Adam!

[@JamesonThomas24]

I appreciate how you seamlessly wove in the iconic Desperado clip. 10/10

[@myjessicajourney1915]

Yesssssss I loved this ride. Rode it 22 years ago and still love watching POVs of it, especially since I no longer live in the UK. Glad to see you do a full episode on this one.

[@stevewalsh1987]

Defo miss having that ride fly past my office. Such a fantastic coaster, John Wardley really got original transylvania spot on.

[@j.s2k]

12:17 this joke still lives on with this channel and I absolutely love it

[@LungRich]

I searched the comments just for this, lol. I love this reference.🤣

[@sophiechampion2499]

One of my all time favourites! All the music in the loading bay is an absolute bop

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

So good

[@Todd21212]

12:00 Can’t have an Expedition Theme Park video about Arrow without including Desperado 😂

[@psyke51]

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is my home park and Big Bad wolf was one of my first ever coasters. The current coaster, verbolten, is great, but nothing will ever replace it.

[@honeycyanide]

Vampire was my first coaster and I loved it so much. We always had lunch in the black forest cafe too. We went back a few years ago and it was honestly heart breaking to see so much of the iconic area now gone. I won't even mention the pain of loosing bubbleworks lol. I cried over a damned dark ride with that one

[@1FatHappyBirthday]

I ran the Big Bad Wolf in the late 80’s. Sad to see them tear it down. A maintenance worker was killed when a train struck him in the head while he was out in the ride area.

[@kevindiossi]

I love learning about UK Theme Parks in your videos. This was really cool. Now I want to see the Troubled History of that Super Mario song! haha

[@underwaterdick]

The original vampire was my first "big" coaster some time in the mid 90s. Loved it, and the whole park. Went back once for the "new vampire" and was so disappointed that I never returned to Chessington. On a side note, I'm an aircraft engineer who used to have to detect leaks in low pressure air systems, for this we used a squirt on leak detector similar to washing liquid... When I first used it, I asked how I would spot the leak vs the foam that naturally forms from squirting... "Think Professor burps bubble works" was the answer I was given. For years I trained apprentices and told them the same, until sadly, I always got the reply "what's that?" 😭 and I knew the world had changed and the younger generation was missing out!

[@jamespaddick244]

Chessington in the 90’s was a brilliant day out and The Vampire was a highlight. Haven’t been back for many many years but would like to ride it again with the new trains and updated theming.

[@izzyv7318]

I absolutely love this ride and was so disappointed when the park let all the theming fall into disrepair. I'm happy they've fixed it up but the ride was so rough and joulting the last time I rode it I don't think it will ever be the same experience again.

[@lukebennett7149]

You can never beat the old old carriages

[@rmac3217]

Far more jolting is the ‘impressive’ $6mil price tag of a brand new coaster concept in 1990, Disney just spent $300mil on an old coaster concept with Hagrid’s

[@ae_drags9618]

I love the fact that even when it’s about a uk coaster you manage to put in the buffalo bills desperado. “That was stupid” video. Love this video.

[@fgrion]

i think the area where Vampire is located is probably the best in any uk park and the rollercoaster blends perfectly in the woods, plus the theming is very nice and looks authentic. well, of course apart from the burger place. one thing about your videos if i may: i think watching them in winter makes me sad because i feel like the opening season is far, but watching them now makes me excited as the season is just a couple of weeks away :)

[@jake1411]

Living in south east london, and being 14 years old in 1990 when the vampire opened, the buzz and excitement around this ride was amazing and it didn’t fail, although now it seems a tad lame when it first came out it was unbelievable. Watching this video has took me straight back to being 14 again with that excitement you get in your stomach when trying something new for the first time. The vampire will always have a special place in my heart, and thanks for the great video on it. Great memories

[@rainbowsparkles6963]

The Vampire is to this day my favourite ride ever. Back in the 90s I went to Chessington a lot and that was hands down the best

[@lisasweeney9676]

So I first rode this with the original trains. The theme was amazing. It got me really hyped up slightly nervous and was perfect. By the time we went on school trips I’d already been to Disney and it was starting to get run down. Still loved it. Recently went with my stepkids. First up the new trains do not swing as much. The theme was clearly run down. However, in the line , the stepkids were really nervous. The atmosphere still had the same impact. However, it was so much fun. Stepkids were divided on it. Eldest loved it, youngest was scared. Think she might just not be that into the coaster experience. Oh and bubbleworks was a delight. The nonsense in its place is just a waste of a dark ride.

[@lilblackbelt0001]

Your videos are so amazing. I love learning all about different rides and it's almost more fun for rides I've never ridden. It's like experiencing the ride for the first time.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@lilblackbelt0001]

You're very welcome

[@juggerfox]

I really enjoyed all the oronyms and subtle play in words. I don't know if people realize how much work you put into word selection. It had me chuckling throughout the whole video! Great job!

[@Youspoonybard1]

I know I’m very late end but I’ve been binging all of your videos again recently, and I live in Williamsburg. So seeing you mention big bad Wolf brought a nostalgic smile to my face. That was the first roller coaster I ever went on as a child. Nowadays roller coasters are a big part of my life, but I will never forget how amazing big bad wolf whites. I miss that ride so much

[@SMjerZgirl]

I have fond memories of Big Bad Wolf in Williamsburg as well

[@obnysalt]

That Vincent Price interview is delightful. Great find.

[@lukegreen5341]

6:13 Great Scotland Yard. It's Sooty Sweep And Soo From The Sooty Show The Original Series. Thanks Mate. X

[@DivinationDragon]

I was always far too scared to ride The Vampire myself, but I absolutely loved watching it swoop overhead whenever I visited Chessington.

[@marcussheen]

This was the ride that got me into coasters. I loved the theatre of it and the whole of Transylvania was so immersive - Merlin don't build lands like that anymore and it's something I really miss.

[@TheMaverick987]

19:06 There is a small mistake here. There is another Arrow Suspended still operating outside the US. Vortex at Canadas Wonderland. Vampire isn't the only Arrow Suspended outside the US. But it is the only one outside the Americas.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Well yeah sorry that’s I mean. I lived in Toronto so should know 😂

[@BrendanCorwin1030]

Eagle Fortress at Everland in South Korea is also outside of the US

[@TheMaverick987]

@@BrendanCorwin1030 That's not still operating though.

[@bradtennant8078]

That’s the best one too

[@ColeYote]

"The UK's first iconic coaster" Grand National, Big Dipper, Black Hole and Scenic Railway in unison: How dare! Icon: Yeah, I'm clearly the only Icon here! Grand National and Big Dipper: Goddammit, Icon, not now.

[@louiswright8282]

Corkscrew: Hey guys, have I missed anything?

[@lizikarim126]

the vampire is one of my favourite rises everrrr, it’s such a classic and i hope it stays forever

[@Caledon91]

The Big Bad Wolf was one of my favorite coasters, it's a shame it didn't get the same treatment as Vampire. It pretty much closed for the same reasons Vampire almost did; high maintenance costs and the lack of support due to Arrow no longer existing. Hopefully Vampire stays for a while, there's not that many Arrow suspended coasters in existence anymore.

[@rdarkstorm8414]

Sorry for replying a month later, but Big Bad Wolf was one of my favorites also, and while Verbolten isn't a bad coaster by any means, it's not Big Bad. I also deeply wish it had been preserved

[@jakesaunders9293]

trust me Chessington have no plans to shut down vampire if anything they will keep it... I work there it is one of the busiest rides there to this day

[@rmac3217]

It needs more of that genius marketing, KFC KFC KFC KFC KFC KFC KFC KFC KFC go to KFC. “Welp, can’t argue with that, we’re going to KFC”.

[@nickward5130]

I’ve wanted to ride this for years now. It is certainly a ride that I would like to get to one day. Big Bad Wolf was one of my first coasters and I was immensely sad when Busch Gardens decided to remove it after it’s 25th Anniversary. Glad to see the Vampire hasn’t suffered the same fate!

[@lady8rage]

I was doing something in another tab I heard the name "Desperado" I jumped back in just in time to watch Lance get roasted again I love this channel 🤣

[@equilibriumdx]

I remember back when the journey to the actual ride was one of my favourite things. Love the ride as a kid as it was my first proper rollercoaster experience. Most themes for parks these day just seem lame and spoiled by sponsors. Great video 👍🏻

[@karachter]

vampire is really unique to me, it sort of stops and starts, like going along a straight, it'll slow down, and you can feel it, but them once it goes down again you get pulled away just like the first drop, i think it's due to how heavy it is and it's so unique, i've never felt anything like it anywhere else

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

We get it.

[@Shiirow]

The Vampire Stakehouse, home of the bloodiest stakeburgers.

[@lauracoles5595]

Cannot wait for bubbleworks expedition, never rode it but I love it anyway

[@louiswright8282]

And don't forget ze secret formula, juice + Gas = POP!!

[@richallen2006]

I was the Ride area team leader for Transylvania (along with a certain Ms Burns) when it reopened with the vekoma trains. The two of us were the first to go on the ride after the water barrels to test it and a ride by the big Dutch man from vekoma. He then trained us to operate it which took about 5 minutes. “Press this, turn this, press this, don’t touch that. There, good ride yah!” And from that the ride operators manual was written. The new ride was good but nothing compared to operating or loading the old ride on a three train day. 20 seconds to unload, load and dispatch the train. Plus as a keepsake I still have the dispatch button from the original Arrow control panel from the first incarnation which somehow came home with me after the last ride…….

[@edsmith4821]

I'm queuing up watching this FFS it has just turned up the stress level to 90% 🙏👻🙈

[@OfficiallyHendo]

I went there 2 days ago, went on the Vampire, amazing to ride on. The vampire dude was playing his song btw so its good now

[@Amusementnational]

I've just realised something. Each john wardley designed coaster in the uk is still operating. Not one has closed forever. Nemesis obvs is currently closed for the re track but not one is gone.

[@joshuaellisakass122]

Don’t forget the haunted house and 5th dimension too

[@slopesgameroom]

Just got back from Chessington and ran straight to this video. Was great to take the kids on a the Vampire for the 1st time. It was (probably) my 1st coaster and it was my daughters too :) | It's showing it's age, but it's still a classic

[@JoelBrewton]

3:24 - "There aren't very many things you can do with a roller coaster in way of theming." Busch Gardens: Hold my beer Efteling: Hold my beer Europa Park: Hold my beer Phantasialand: Hold my beer Universal: Hold my butterbeer Dollywood: Hold my sarsaparilla Disney: Hold my $20 soda

[@spacesugar]

Alton Towers: Hold my alien, secret government facility, wooden cult and spaceship

[@lucymace7844]

Vampire was my first coaster, first went on it in the dark. Holds a very special placed in my heart!

[@SpencerN.C.]

19:09 Last time I checked Toronto was still in Canada, and Vortex was still an Arrow suspended coaster (still with its original Arrow cars too!)

[@ninjacrypt5795]

The vampire, the bat, the iron dragon, all suspended coasters, all I believe are arrow design? Interesting, amazing video thanks for the great coverage here, I just might have to figure out how to get to the UK to experience some of these myself, definitely the best park's outside the USA

[@EthanAfro707]

Vampire is and will forever my favourite coaster. I will forever love it and cannot wait to continue riding it for years to come

[@tattie.b8594]

No words for how much I love these episodes

[@kaidesouza01]

god the nostalgia this coaster gives me is insane

[@averageenthusiast928]

Being an American enthusiast I’ve always looked at this coaster and wanted to ride it, being the only stops suspended coaster outside of North America (Canada’s wonderland has one). Keep the great work up! And I have footage of Southern California rides if you need it

[@rutheliz75]

The theming of the first trains added to the illusion of scariness . Great video . Thanks for posting .

[@brynjolfurolafsson7496]

Just rode my 100th coaster this week (Hyperion at Energylandia). Vampire was my first one more than 20 years ago! 🥰

[@chazg723]

A great video. Very nostalgic. The old Vampire was my first coaster experience. The entire experience of Transylvania, the queue line, the station, music and theming was phenomenal. Great collection of video footage btw.

[@heartofhearing2000]

Entertaining and interesting as always.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you

[@Keith-wd5ey]

GOT HAPPY! ( Reference to 90s advertising of GET HAPPY CWoA and the song). Thanks for a great history of the ride. My first big coaster in UK. It was brilliant, do prefer the older trains but the theming was great. One issue they used to have on 3 (the older) trains was the dispatch time. The ride had something like 50 seconds between dispatch and it would shut down if it was over that. I spent a lot of time on the second lift hill waiting! The entrance is so good and dark especially when you could que in it! Not the walk through we have now. Don't forget to mention that was the world's largest themed McDonald's at one point! - or so Tussauds used to say!

[@lukegreen5341]

I've Been On Vampire Roller Coaster At Chessington World Of Adventures Theme Park Near London In England And It Was Super Awesome And It Was A Bit Like The Batmobile From The Original Batman Trilogy. Thanks Mate. X

[@GalacticaFan]

This is the coster that made me interested in roller-coasters

[@josephallington6838]

I love your UK videos.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Not the others? 😂 thanks!

[@josephallington6838]

@@ExpeditionThemePark erm that sounds pretty bad. I'm from the UK so I have more of a connection with your UK videos. That probably sounds better

[@countofarcadia]

I am not even British., and I love the UK videos as well as the others. The UK videos just give me insight into the theme park experience of my British cousins.

[@CameronPMorris]

My wife and I are heading to World of Adventures later this month so this video came at the perfect time! I can’t wait to ride this now!

[@NickMagoteaux]

Your content is so well done. Thank you for making videos!

[@MY735TV]

The whip out of the tunnel at 19:17 has got the be the best part about the ride it is so forcefull on the front as the rest of the train pushes down into the tunnel forcing the front seat to whip alot more violently out of the tunnel then other seats

[@CoasterCore297]

I've only been riding this since 2008, but I cannot emphasise how nostalgic it is for me. My first ever large scale roller coaster and always holds a special place in my heart

[@thisisjustanchannel]

I am so happy to announce the the chandeliers are back

[@underapurplesky]

I can’t wait for the Bubble Works episode!

[@charlottenelson-turner4638]

Completely agree with everything said about the vampire ride. It was my first rollercoaster and you would really get caught up in the theming. I felt a sense of pride last summer when my son rode it for the first time at 4 years old he is very tall for his age 😂. However I feel that theme parks now lack theming and this makes a huge difference. I loved the Erie atmosphere of Transylvania.

[@rmac3217]

Rollercoaster fetish... And ur strapped in so can’t stop you playing with yourself...

[@theol3796]

Recently I've created an arrow suspended/swinging coaster on planet coaster. I took heavy inspiration from the vampire especially with the queue and station I even named it"vampire unchained"!

[@bruh949]

I haven’t watched you for 2 and a half years, also RIP Bubble Works 😞.

[@Uncandan]

Iconic it is! Absolutely love Vampire, its an absolute dream to work on too!

[@johnbalazy9768]

Awsome video and specially a suspended coaster. Truely great and great puns used. awsome

[@quickrich1194]

Yay been waiting so long since you announced Chessington world of adventures joining. Thank you so much.

[@rgs8970]

Fangs for covering this!

[@namugriff]

Just love the sound of the roar of the ride when walking about the park. Is so iconic in its own right.

[@baggioverbert6249]

Air race now dreamcatcher.. what a ride... and now im the operator for it, its awesome to see a ride on here that I operate haha love the video man. And dreamcatcher is an awesome ride to operate. Its completly the same as airrace. I have to manualy break the train when it enters the station. Its so fun. Love my job

[@markgawne5919]

Thanks for another great video. We love The Vampire and our eldest went on this as his first proper ‘thrill’ coaster and loved it. So much so we ended up riding it 13 times on his first day at Chessington a few years back.

[@GlenFair]

First went to Chessington at Easter 1987 but the park was still a building site and I remember being hugely disappointed. The 5th Dimension, mine train and monorail were running but not much else. The restaurant was inside a Portacabin and the log flume boats were stacked up in the car park. Wish I had taken a camera now. First went on the Vampire a few days after it opened and they told us to come back at closing time as they needed bodies for testing so we obliged and were rewarded with about 20 rides. Guess they didn't have enough bodies so half the train was sand bags. Lots of official people standing around wearing suits and holding clipboards and stopwatches. Think they were trying to figure out the timing for running 3 trains but I got the impression it wasn't going well as we witnessed some heated arguments between the suits!

[@luisvarca]

The Big Bad Wolf was an outstanding coaster. I am still sad it has been removed. During my stay in VA my sister and I were season pass holders and we rode the Big Bad Wolf many times. It's hard to describe the experience. As an early pioneer in the suspended swinging coaster trend it provided a very unique experience. Not far removed from the way a wooden coaster feels far more rustic, connected and almost raw compared to steel. In that sense the Big Bad Wolf was very rustic but very inspiring to ride. The suspended mechanism worked beautifully around corners and the track wound through a well wooded natural area. Honestly it almost made for feel like a werewolf running through a forest under a full moon in first person. It may sound cliche but the ride really achieved it's goal. During the final years the uptime was really impressive. The ride held up well and honestly holds an iconic place in my memory and hopefully the memory of many. If you haven't visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg I highly recommend the park. Despite the uptick in popularity they have not abandoned their themed style and persistence in introducing new thrilling rides. It'd quite a pleasant experience and it does not get old after repeat visits. They do a splendid halloween theme too.

[@chaoticsworkshop]

Vampire was my first ever "grown up" coaster!! I remember being so excited to finally be tall enough, I love that ride so much

[@laurajane3053]

Rode it yesterday. And it kicks so hard on the back 2 seats. It’s such great fun

[@eddienhp]

Nice episode! It's also the only Arrow suspended roller coaster outside of the United States! This attraction looks very cool and it is very enjoyable! Keep going! 👍👍👍

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

There's an Arrow suspended coaster at Canada's Wonderland, so it's not the only one outside of the USA.

[@Its_lieseeeee]

I always tell people thorpe park is my home park, even though I'm about 20 minutes closer to chessington. Watching videos like this make me remember why I love chessington so much, thorpe park has way more intense rides, but chessington will always hold a special place in my heart

[@Cosmic_Cow_Moo_Moo]

I have been waiting for this expedition for ages and it's great to finally watch it!😁😁😁

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Ahhh! You slipped this one past me! Excellent video! I miss our Arrow suspended in Houston, TX. It had a lovely history as well.

[@alexwhitehead-coasters-games]

The soundtrack is so chilling I've loved it for years

[@OceanbornAngel]

I love the discount Phantom of the Opera theme.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It was inspired by it!

[@dubcheck2943]

wow, the advert bought back memories. Such a good ride. My 1st trip to chessington, the log flume had scaffolding for theming.

[@youregoodtogoeurope1664]

This was my first proper roller coaster experience. Still love it today!!