Drayton Manor couldn’t have chosen a better theme for Adam’s first firework experience – Star Wars. Daddy and Adam are Star Wars mad and can regularly be found snuggled up on the sofa watching the films. Adam also adores the Star Wars soundtrack and hums along to the theme tune whenever we are in the car. Drayton Manor Star Wars Fireworks and Laser Spectacular was therefore the perfect half term adventure for us.
Drayton Manor park opened its gates at 9.30am and we were one of the first people to arrive. Although the rides do not start until 10.30am, you are able to visit the Drayton Manor Zoo. We came early to see the first viewing of Star Wars – The Force Awakens movie. This was situated outside near the Vertigo attraction.
There was plenty of raised seating in front of a large screen. This was the first time Adam had seen this particular film. The sound quality of the film was fantastic and Adam spent the 2 hours 15 minutes engrossed. What an amazing way to experience the film in an outdoor cinema.
We spent the rest of the day enjoying Drayton Manor’s Halloween style theme park. There were no scary decorations but beautiful pumpkins everywhere. Adam got to enjoy all of his favourite Thomas Land rides. The park was particularly busy so most rides entailed a lengthy wait compared to our other visits.
Adam was over the moon to see his favourite Star Wars characters walking around the park. He managed to get photographs next to all of them expect for Darth Vader.
Adam tends to pull funny faces when you try and take his photo – expect for when he is standing next to his idols.
Usually the park closes at 5pm and we haven’t experienced the venue in the dark before. The lighting gave the theme park a magical experience. Adam loved the fact he could keep going on all of the rides.
Luckily we ate at the Chicken Diner early. From 5pm onwards there were extremely long queues for all food outlets and no where to sit. People started to reserve spots around the lake from 5pm but we spent the time enjoying the rides. This did mean we didn’t get as close to the action and missed out the reflections on the lake. However, we still did get a great view.
The firework display started promptly at 7pm and I can honestly say they were amazing. Over the years I have attended large firework displays but nothing compared to this. The display was set to Star Wars music so you can imagine Adam’s reaction!
Previously Adam has not been able to cope with firework displays. He doesn’t like loud noises and gets frightened in crowds. We came prepared with newly purchased ear defenders. However, as the Star Wars music was playing loudly it meant that the bangs of the firework didn’t scare him. The lasers added an extra element to the firework display, especially when they represented the blue and red light sabers. The display lasted 20 minutes and kept the audience captivated.
The fun didn’t end there though. The rides remained open until 9pm. The crowds started to ease so Adam was able to visit some of the rides he had missed during the day. We spent 11 1/2 hours at the theme park and still Adam left wanting more. Drayton Manor Star Wars Fireworks and Laser Spectacular was the perfect way to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary!
The firework and laser spectacular is on again tonight (Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October) and pre-booking is essential. You can find out more information here https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/fireworks.
Disclosure: Disclaimer: We are Blogger Ambassadors for Drayton Manor Theme Park. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
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