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A number of exciting new rides will arrive at Dreamland this summer – and Kent Live can reveal what thrill seekers can expect.

Sands Heritage, the operator of the pleasure park, has submitted a planning application to Thanet District Council for permission to install a ‘shoot and drop’ Sky Tower.

The proposed ride will be purpose built for Dreamland by Zamperla, a manufacturer of amusement rides.

As well as plans for the 39 metre high tower, a map showing the proposed new layout of the Margate attraction is revealed – and it includes eight more rides.

It is anticipated these new rides, which include a twister coaster, a vintage caterpillar ride and a spinning top, will be open by late June.

(Image: Zamperla)

Also revealed in the plans are attractions called ‘Discovery’, ‘Samba Balloon’, ‘Magic Bikes’, ‘Endeavour’ and ‘Air Race’ – which are all also listed as rides made by Zamperla.

The details of the new rides come as the park has faced some backlash from residents over scrapping its free entry policy.

'Festival feel'

A spokesman for Dreamland said the new attractions will bring a blend of old and new to the historic park.

They said: “Subject to planning permission, nine exciting new rides will be opening at Dreamland over the course of the summer with something for families and thrill seekers alike.

“Long-time visitors to the park will recognise new, re-imagined versions of firm favourites from the past, while others will bring a completely new experience to Dreamland.

“All will add to the park’s one of a kind festival feel in 2018.”

The application, which was submitted on March 12, has not yet been decided by the planning committee.

Kent Live understands permission for the eight other rides being introduced is not required, though details have not yet been formally decided by Dreamland.

“Details for the new rides, including their names and exact position on the park are currently being finalised,” the spokesman added.

“It is anticipated that all the new rides will be open by the beginning of the school summer holidays.

“An announcement with full details and updated imagery will be issued after the Easter weekend."

For those who can’t wait until after Easter, Zamperla has lots of details about the new rides earmarked to be heading to Thanet on its website.

Although of course the names unique to Dreamland have not yet been revealed.

Here’s what we know so far about some of the rides planned to arrive at the park this summer:

Twister Coaster

(Image: Zamperla)

This one sounds (and looks) a lot like the Crazy Mouse rollercoaster already at the park – and in fact, it looks like it’s in the same place too.

The map submitted to the planning committee says the ride is ‘new’, so perhaps it will be an upgraded version.

Zamperla’s website says: “The Twister Coaster is a must have addition for any park looking for a high impact coaster with family appeal.

“Showcasing attributes of a classic Wild Mouse, the Twister Coaster features an action-packed 420 meters (1378’) or 316 meters (1037’) course full of “over the edge” switchback turns and exciting rapid-fire drops, sure to please every member of the family.

“About half way through the ride, the four passenger coaches are sent into a spinning frenzy where gravitational forces and inertia allows each and every ride to offer a different experience ensuring high levels of re-ridership.”

Zamperla say the newly re-designed Twister Coaster coaches have features aimed at ‘maximizing both rider comfort and safety’.

A half-moon configuration will allow a family of four to ride in the same row side-by-side

Discovery

(Image: Zamperla)

This pendulum ride treats your guests to the thrill of their lives, according to Zamperla.

Pegged to be erected between the Mirror Maze and the Waltzer, the ride will see thrill seekers suspended from an overhead axis.

The website says: “Discovery riders will soon experience the rush of land and sky meshing into one as they fly head over heels through the dual swinging and spinning motions.

“Once the 30 riders are secured via over the shoulder safety harnesses, the deck drops and Discovery begins its fury, taking thrill-seekers on the ride of their lives.

“While the entire ride is driven back and forth, riders are spun in endless circles delivering G forces and sensations that need to be experienced to be believed.”

Sky Tower

(Image: Zamperla)

The Sky Tower set to arrive at Dreamland is a ‘shoot and drop tower’ almost 40m tall.

It will be installed between the Hurricane Jets and the food court.

Twelve riders are seated all around the column before a gondola is shot up to the top of the tower, suddenly decelerated before reaching the top causing a series of ‘exciting’ bounces.

The vehicle is then released to a free fall: the riders think they will plummet to the ground but are saved at the last second, only to be dropped again.

Because this ride is being custom built for the park, it’s anyone’s guess exactly what it will look like or how it will trick you!

Samba Balloon

(Image: Zamperla)

This child-friendly ride looks set to take up a home next to the teacups, behind the Scenic Railway.

Zamperla’s website says: “Whirling its way into every kiddieland, the Samba Balloon is a perfect family attraction.

“Brightly outfitted with colorful spinning tubs and flashing lights on the balloons, sweeps and centerpiece, the Samba Balloons’ eight hot-air balloons can accommodate adults and children. The Samba Balloon is available in both park and trailer versions.

Magic Bikes

Next to the Samba Balloon will be the Magic Bikes, a mini jet style ride featuring six colourful, hang glider themed vehicles.

Zamperla’s website says: “Once the ride cycle begins, riders are in full control as they swoop and fly their way through the sky.

“This unique interactive ride is sure to put smiles on kids of all ages and keep the re-ridership numbers sky-high.”

Endeavour

(Image: Zamperla)

Zamperla says this ride is ‘inspired from an old classic’ and is an ‘update to a much loved thrill ride’.

It can seat either 24 or 48 people, depending on the size of the model.

They say: “Open air, suspended passenger vehicles give riders the sensation of flying sixty feet through the air at 25 miles per hour.

“RGB LED light packages combined with the industrial look of the Endeavor help to create a jaw-dropping attraction.”

Air Race

(Image: Zamperla)

Next to Endeavor at the far end of the park will be a ride called Air Race.

Zamperla says: “Delivering a hugely exciting ride experience combined with an impressive visual impact, Air Race takes riders on an amazing journey.

“It replicates the experiences and sensations of an acrobatic aeroplane flight, with banks, loops, dives and weightlessness that will test even the most experienced thrill seekers.”