Trip Report - Bye Bye Bubbleworks

On Tuesday 6th September myself along with throngs of other theme park nerds entered the gates of a certain world famous bubble factory to say Bye Bye Bubbleworks and take part in riding the legendary Bubbleworks ride on its very last day of operation.

It was a strange day, the atmosphere was filled with the similar excitement you'd usually find at the opening day of a big new ride, only this one was twinged with an underlying sadness. Yes, Bubbleworks purists (myself included) would argue that the ride had already left us more than a decade before, but I do think it's fair to say that the 2005 Imperial Leather retheme (boo! hiss!) didn't constitute quite enough of a change to tug at the heartstrings quite like this one will.





















I've talked previously about my relationship with the ride, and for me it was a day filled with shared joy and enjoyment of such a beloved attraction. It actually warmed my heart a little to see such an outpouring of adoration for the old girl from the usually cynical UK theme park enthusiast community, proving just how much of an impact the ride has had for generation after generation.

Floating around the fountain room (a true example of UK theme park magic if there ever was one!) actually brought a tear to my eye and I was definitely left with a sense of this being the end of an era as I exited through the gift shop. I thought about what an iconic ride it was, and if the UK scene would ever see such a beloved and well-known non-coaster attraction again. I certainly hope so!















We spent the rest of the day wandering around the park, riding our old favourites and just soaking in the odd atmosphere and paying our respects before the Bubbleworks factory doors closed for the very last time.

I excitedly anticipate whatever is coming to replace the Bubbleworks in 2017 and here's to many more years of enjoyment and memories!