Derren Brown’s Ghost Train at Thorpe Park Review
Derren Brown’s
Ghost Train
Thorpe Park, Surrey
Reviewed by Sandra McGhee
I certainly felt like I won a top prize last night being selected to review and represent What’s Good To Do. I was invited to review and attend Derren Brown’s Ghost Train Official Press Launch Party at Thorpe Park.
I took my 2 sons with me, they had both been to Thorpe Park a few times each previously, however this was my very first visit and what a brilliant introduction for me and certainly a night to remember. We had a very warm welcome from the staff upon arrival at the entrance gates. There was an instant buzz from all the guests around who included lots of VIPs who were invited to experience the Ghost Train.
We were among the first to launch the Ghost Train. From start to finish it was a journey of a lifetime, you will certainly be blown away and taken on an adventure (most certainly not recommended for the faint hearted, as believe me once you step on to the carriage there’s no turning back). I’m not really sure where I could start to describe this journey without giving away too much. All I can say is you really must make this a priority this year to go and check-it out for yourselves if you plan to visit Thorpe Park or even better make it a special trip over Halloween. The problem I encounter is I do not want to spoil your own experience as when we met Derren Brown (via a holographic image who looked so real) he swore us all to secrecy upon our arrival. The illusionist’s creation will certainly give you plenty of thrills once you board the seven-tonne railway carriage suspended in the air wearing virtual reality headsets, there were certainly loads of screams from the passengers in our carriage.
You will not be disappointed, be expected to seek an amazing thrill factor. Derren Brown’s Ghost Train is a suspended Victorian carriage hung in the middle of what seems to be an abandoned warehouse, but when all the guests pass through the doors we embark on a disorientating journey that leaves us questioning where perception ends and reality begins. Rated PG13 and with the Park’s longest restrictions board to date the attraction includes virtual reality, special effects and live action, with the largest static illusion in the world – the suspended Victorian carriage. The Ghost Train resides in a 2,306 metre square warehouse, in the heart of the Resort. *Next generation technology includes HTC Vive’s VR headsets which are one element of the overall experience. HTC’s Vive is a market leader which has received a phenomenal reception at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Las Vegas. The Vive headset has a stunning high-definition display, running at 90 frames per second, and together with Steam VR from Valve, offers class-leading motion-tracking technology ensuring positional and rotational tracking sub-millimetre accuracy. A unique feature is that multiple headsets can work in the same space with no impact on performance.
I think teenage kids will be the best audience for the ride. I can imagine there will be long queues all Summer once the word gets out and for those who want to see for themselves what all the excitement is about!
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £27.99
For more information or to book tickets visit www.thorpepark.com.
THORPE PARK Resort, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PN
Image provided by Thorpe Park/Merlin Entertainments