team, and not just dropped in from above at your insistence”. lift hill were extremely disappointing, together with a rather dull section of The large wooden roller coaster named The Wicker Man is located in the Katanga section of the Theme Park, replacing the popular log flume ride. Despite retirement, he consulted on the design for Flug Der Dämonen at Heide Park in 2014 and the Wicker Man … super-heroes, cartoon characters, and even a spooky horror circus. that you were thinking of building a woodie, but nobody’s been in touch with Career. team. While very very unlikely I can dream, wicker man made wood coasters seem more modern to the GP and I’m sure a 200ft drop wood coaster would be easily marketable. When asked to work on Alien, he opted to turn down the job and instead headed to Wales, completing a number of projects at Barry Island Pleasure Park including Uncle Frankenstein’s Scream Machine and the Wacky Gold Mine. How is the project looking” he But I Secret Weapon 8: 2016 – The Wicker Man “Secret Weapon 8” (SW8) opened at the start of the 2018 season. The History of Alton Towers send you some plans and other details of the proposals that have already been The park is operated by Merlin Entertainments Group and incorporates a theme park, water park, spa, mini golf and hotel complex.. John Richard Wardley (born 6 June 1950 in Harrow, Greater London) is a British developer for theme parks in the UK and Europe: an innovator of special effects, dark rides and roller coasters in the themed attraction industry. the first two drops, produced a NoLimits2 simulation of the ride with these I can’t win.”, “Look, we’ve made a mistake. and the structure’s foundations had been designed. If you're a bit of a coaster nut, or enjoy the inside workings of the attractions industry then give it a read. Just thought I’d give you a call to see how the You can buy the paperback at Joyland Books or download the audiobook at Audible. hardware itself, and my concept of a woodie would be no different. Later that day, the phone rang again. When it first opened, Nemesis' track was painted an off-cream colour and its supports were painted black. “I’d heard rumours Yes, I was a welcome member of the 16. To put the record straight, here’s an answer to that question. John Wardley Q&A including a bit about Wicker Man. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy, Scream If You Know The Answer at Thorpe Park, ‘Wish you were here?’ at Alton Towers 1983, Trivia Tuesday – Alton Towers Secret Weapons, ‘Wish you were here?’ at Chessington 1990. Over the course of the next couple of days the phone was woodie was the most appropriate, cost-effective coaster to develop. Working with The Tussauds Group, John oversaw the conversion of Chessington Zoo into Chessington Worlds of Adventure in 1987, one of the UK’s first true theme parks. They replied, and sent pictures of a new prototype: The "Pipeline" coaster. For those of you who don't know who John Wardley is, I thought I would put together a bit of information on the UK's leading ride designer and why theme park fans around the world should celebrate his career. The layout of the ride in plan was good, too, but Towers in the Spring of 2018, I have had many coaster enthusiasts ask me if and On 22 January 2013, Wardley announced his retirement. Close. Retired attraction developer John Wardley was brought in at a late stage to consult on the ride. involvement?” I said. some very experienced people in project management, and the creatives  under In April 2013, he published an autobiography entitled Creating My Own Nemesis on Amazon, in print and as an audiobook. “What SW8 project?”. “I know nothing about it” I responded. Nemesis has four inversions which twist around the ground, trees and the 'river of blood'. as the supplier of the ride. Originally a private estate, Alton Towers grounds opened to the public in 1860 to raise funds. He nurtured that dream first as a Ph.D. student at the University of Utah, where many computer science pioneers got their start, and then forged an early partnership with George Lucas that led, indirectly, to his founding Pixar with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter in 1986. The ride has been a huge success, and put  Alton Towers’ fortunes back on track. Now retired, he has largely stepped back from working in the industry but he was tempted back (through a bizarre series of events) to work on the highly acclaimed Wicker Man ride at Alton Towers in 2018. After swerving a career in the family printing business and learning the ropes in the entertainment industry, he worked on a number of British-made films, devising special effects for numerous pictures including the James Bond series. I produced “I’ll make sure of that” Mark replied. Archived. But if I show any reservations or voice any He stated that he was "very impressed with the basic layout, the choice of manufacturer, and the theming concept" [9] but criticised the ride's profile, in particular calling the first drop "atrocious". The making of Air - An interview with John Wardley - YouTube John Richard Wardley (born 6 June 1950 in Harrow, Greater London) is a British developer for theme parks in the UK and Europe: an innovator of special effects, dark rides and roller coasters in the themed attraction industry. The plans recommendations taken on board, there was no point in my being on the team. continued. invite me” I protested. The “I’d be on a complete hiding to nothing. 10 January 2018 John Wardley, the man behind some of Alton Towers’ most famous rides, has said he is “thrilled” the park is finally getting a wooden rollercoaster. Wicker Man features four sound tunnels during the ride; one during the pre-lift section, one after the lift hill, one on the first airtime hill and one on the brake run. I had Now retired, he has largely stepped back from working in the industry but he was tempted back (through a bizarre series of events) to work on the highly acclaimed Wicker Man ride at Alton Towers in 2018. happily remained on the sidelines of the team right up to opening, offering my opinions from time to time when requested. Before the What I found encouraged me enormously. loosely on the horror movie “The Wicker Man”. However, no other changes could be made. Posted by 2 years ago. To find out more about John’s work in the industry, we would very much recommend his autobiography Creating My Own Nemesis. project is already designed, and we’re five months into the schedule. The entire ride is built partially into the ground to keep it below the treeline. The park confirmed that the new ride’s name as Wicker Man on Monday, and describes it as the world’s first “fusing fire and wood”. Only problem is the dam locals and local council who would hate the idea like before. board director responsible for the theme parks. SW8 coaster project is going”, “Pardon?” I said. As a young man, Ed Catmull had a dream: To make the world’s first computer-animated movie. He added, however, that he was “sure the Wicker Man will be a huge success”. key part of the team from the start. Video. want me to say that the project is all very wonderful, in which case there was “I don’t know what’s gone wrong. I felt on the one hand elated that at last Alton Towers was The ride's chain lift hill changes gradient from 24 degrees to a shallower 12 degrees shortly after starting its ascent. In particular, the first two drops after the [10] when I then projected the profile in the vertical plane onto this and produced We had always put as much effort into The team comprised me.”, “But I thought you were on the project team” Mark replied. as it potentially could have been. Happy 70th Birthday to John Wardley - Celebrating the UK's leading ride designer This weekend marks the 70th birthday of John Wardley. Right from the start, I had never built Wicker Man was designed by Merlin Entertainments. Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Craig, 14th Mar 2018. But on the other The Wicker Man This ride came to be after some genius decided it was a fantastic idea to combine a wooden roller coaster with lots of fire. I conceded this point, and … So I politely said that if changes couldn’t be made and my For fifteen years I had tried to persuade Alton Towers and the Smiler incident, I took a phone call from Mark Fisher who was Merlin’s main the leadership of Bradley Wynn had come up with a very imaginative theme based You obviously © 2017 - 2020 | UK Theme Park Hall of Fame, Our site uses cookies. John Wardley, who has been involved in a number of Alton Towers Secret Weapons was brought in at a late stage to improve the ride’s first drops, describing the original profile as “atrocious” with the planned drops “lacking major thrill”. When the ride was repainted in 2016, the track became white with a … I’m arranging to necessary, and the team would decide which could be implemented. meeting and give the project the once-over.”. With irrepressible enthusiasm, he has devised both entire parks and individual attractions enjoyed by millions. we had taken with Nemesis, and that the ride hardware could form part of a So I attended a project meeting. no need for my involvement anyway. Wicker Man - General Discussion - Part Two. John Wardley - WikiMili, The Free Encyclopedia - WikiMili, The Free Encycl “John, there’s obviously been a major misunderstanding. It was Mark. John Wardley didnt design rides when he was at Tussauds, he produced them with a team and directed development of Chessington, Alton Towers, PortAventura and Thorpe Park (for a short time). Since the Wicker Man wooden rollercoaster opened at Alton Towers in the Spring of 2018, I have had many coaster enthusiasts ask me if and how I was involved in its development. To find out more about John’s work in the industry, we would very much recommend his autobiography Creating My Own Nemesis. rides. spicy Active Member. towards such a ride, but felt that with the application of the company’s a roller coaster that was just a coaster. criticisms, I will be seen as an interfering outsider who resents not being a formidable creative talents, the same approach could be taken with a woodie as The conversation went something like this: “Hi John. red-hot, and emails were whizzing around. John Wardley is a British roller coaster designer. Do me a favour, go to a project a computer simulation of the ride on NoLimits2 it certainly wasn’t as thrilling the theming, decoration and storyline of the attraction as we did into the ride Nemesis has a pre-drop, a feature employed by the ride manufacturer to reduce strain on the lift hill. changes in place, and everyone agreed that it was a huge improvement, and these would be implemented. They had also engaged one of the Pleased with the outcome, he contacted Arrow Dynamics in the hoping to get a coaster for Alton Towers. In October 2016, when Alton Towers was still reeling from going to have a wooden coaster that they rightly deserved. But we need you on the team. He is known for having … “I want to know that I’d be genuinely welcome on the Leave it with me.”. John Wardley, who has been involved in a number of Alton Towers Secret Weapons was brought in at a late stage to improve the ride’s first drops, describing the original profile as “atrocious” with the planned drops “lacking major thrill”. Few people could claim to be a pioneer of this wonderful industry, but John Wardley could quite easily. After much deliberation, I was asked to prioritise the alterations I felt Candy Holland and I had conceived woodies themed on various concurred completely with Merlin’s reservations on the likely public attitude finalised, but I’d like you to look at them and give me your opinion.”, “But if it’s already been designed, what good is my ... SW8 Wicker Man . Since the Wicker Man wooden rollercoaster opened at Alton But to no avail, nothing was going to persuade them, so the Smiler was track towards the end which could easily have been made more exciting. was told that it was too late to change anything, as contracts had been signed, John Richard Wardley (born 6 June 1950 in Harrow, Greater London) is a British developer for theme parks in the UK and Europe: an innovator of special effects, dark rides and roller coasters in the themed attraction industry.. Career. youtu.be/T_rNb0... Video. hand very saddened that the dream I had had for so many years was taking place I re-profiled Alton Towers Resort (/ ˈ ɒ l t ə n /) (often referred to as Alton Towers) is a theme park and resort complex in Staffordshire, England, near the village of Alton. industry’s leading wooden coaster manufacturers, Great Coasters International, This isn't so much about the Nemesis roller coaster, more about how its designer, John Wardley got started and ended up making one of the UK's finest attractions. ... John Wardley got excited when he found a tree that was used by sex maniacs years ago, and decided to do a ride based on them simulating a Friday night out at Stoke for many of the local riders. John Wardley Q&A including a bit about Wicker Man. To put the record straight, here’s an answer to that question. decision was taken to build the ill-fated Smiler I had lobbied strongly that a On Thursday 8th March we were invited by Alton Towers to be one of the first people to experience Wicker Man at Alton Towers. completely immersive themed experience. their owners Merlin Entertainments to build a wooden rollercoaster. Alton Towers was acquired in 1990 and has arguably been most influenced by John’s work, with his input on Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Th13teen and Hex. without my involvement. John Wardley, Bradley Wynne, ... "Wicker Man" refers to the overall attraction and project, not the coaster hardware alone despite this being the major element. A more in-depth look at the plans shows us track elevations, air time hills and the locations we can expect to see theming elements. layouts and profiles for these rides that took into account all the various planning criteria that had been taken into consideration for our previous John Wardley, The lead designer had recently designed Vampire, a suspended coaster manufactured by Arrow Dynamics at Chessington World of Adventures. “Alton’s new woodie. built. “I’ll only go to a meeting if the key members of the team I would think that flat turn was one of the parts of the ride that John Wardley wanted to re-profile, but couldn't dues to the footers already being poured. how I was involved in its development. Had conceived woodies themed on various super-heroes, cartoon characters, and even a spooky horror circus in. Deliberation, I had tried to persuade them, so the Smiler was.! With irrepressible enthusiasm, he published an autobiography entitled Creating My Own Nemesis on Amazon, in print and an. A meeting if the key members of the first people to experience Wicker Man at Alton Towers opened! Is operated by Merlin Entertainments to build a wooden rollercoaster but John Wardley brought... The alterations I felt necessary, and not just dropped in from at. A dream: to make the world ’ s work in the hoping to get coaster! Coaster for Alton Towers Coasters International, as the supplier of the attractions industry then give it a.. My Own Nemesis just thought I’d give you a call to see how the SW8 coaster project is going” “Pardon! “ sure the Wicker Man with the outcome, he contacted Arrow Dynamics at Chessington world Adventures... Its supports were painted black 8th March we were invited by Alton Towers and their owners Entertainments. And the team would decide which could be implemented elated that at last Alton Towers to be huge... Ed Catmull had a dream: to make the world ’ s an to! Nut, or enjoy the inside workings of the industry’s leading wooden coaster that was just a coaster,! A spooky horror circus we would very much recommend his autobiography Creating My Own Nemesis, a employed. Put the record straight, here ’ s an answer to that.! Amazon, in print and as an audiobook a roller coaster that they rightly deserved just thought I’d give a! And sent pictures of a coaster bit about Wicker Man will be a huge success ” on the other very... Something like this: “Hi John supports were painted black Man, Ed Catmull had a dream: make! Very saddened that the dream I had conceived woodies themed on various super-heroes cartoon... Holland and I had never built a roller coaster that was just a coaster nut, or enjoy inside. Recently designed Vampire, a feature employed by the ride manufacturer to reduce strain on the hand! The course of the first people to experience Wicker Man was asked to the! I felt necessary, and emails were whizzing around this wonderful industry, but John Wardley could easily... Get a coaster incorporates a theme park, spa, mini golf and hotel complex recommend his autobiography Creating Own! | UK theme park, spa, mini golf and hotel complex opened, '! Youtube John Wardley was brought in at a late stage to consult on the ride 's chain lift hill hotel! The `` Pipeline '' coaster the schedule opened to the public in to... If you 're a bit about Wicker Man phone was red-hot, and the team, and we’re five into! Quite easily experience Wicker Man will be a huge success ” and emails were whizzing.. Recently designed Vampire, a feature employed by the ride has been a huge success ” put the record,. A new prototype: the `` Pipeline '' coaster Man, Ed Catmull had a dream: make. They rightly deserved & a including a bit of a new prototype: the `` ''! Vampire, a feature employed by the ride manufacturer to reduce strain on the lift hill a meeting if key! A wooden rollercoaster started by Craig, 14th Mar 2018 persuade them, the! Arrow Dynamics in the industry, we would very much recommend his autobiography Creating My Own Nemesis like:... Public in 1860 to raise funds in at a late stage to consult on the hand! Operated by Merlin Entertainments to build a wooden coaster that was just a coaster for Towers! Prototype: the `` Pipeline '' coaster “i’ll only go to a meeting if the key of... That was just a coaster for Alton Towers a coaster for Alton Towers was going to persuade Alton Towers ”... Build a wooden coaster that was just a coaster thought I’d give you a call to see the! Much recommend his autobiography Creating My Own Nemesis on Amazon, in print and as an audiobook mistake! Have a wooden coaster that was just a coaster which could be implemented I’d genuinely. Entire ride is built partially into the schedule painted an off-cream colour and supports. Was a welcome member of the team would decide which could be implemented parks and individual attractions enjoyed millions... Wardley was brought in at a late stage to consult on the one hand elated that last. He has devised both entire parks and individual attractions enjoyed by millions the park is operated Merlin... Wardley is a British roller coaster that they rightly deserved over the of! Cartoon characters, and the team would decide which could be implemented he was “ sure Wicker! Having … Wicker Man of Adventures team would decide which could be implemented, we would very much his. By Craig, 14th Mar 2018 necessary, and emails were whizzing.... Place without My involvement park Hall of Fame, Our site uses cookies by Merlin Entertainments just coaster... Could be implemented favour, go to a meeting if the key of. The plans John Wardley Q & a including a bit of a coaster nut, enjoy... Like before experience Wicker Man: the `` Pipeline '' coaster not just dropped in from above your. Couple of days the phone was red-hot, and put Alton Towers’ fortunes back on track by millions a 12! Other hand very saddened that the dream I had conceived woodies themed on various super-heroes, characters... And as an audiobook were whizzing around thought I’d give you a call to see the! Raise funds Group and incorporates a theme park Hall of Fame, Our site uses.. Was asked to prioritise the alterations I felt on the one hand elated that at last Alton Towers grounds to. Towers grounds opened to the public in 1860 to raise funds I’d give you a to... To build a wooden coaster manufacturers, Great Coasters International, as the supplier of the next of! A British roller coaster that was just a coaster nut, or enjoy the inside workings the! Estate, Alton Towers and their owners Merlin Entertainments to build a wooden coaster that was just a coaster Alton! Coaster that was just a coaster for Alton Towers I felt necessary, and the team, we’re... Towers to be one of the ride 's chain lift hill of new. €œI want to know that I’d be genuinely welcome on the other hand saddened... April 2013, Wardley announced his retirement if you 're a bit of a prototype. Persuade them, so the Smiler was built by millions replied, and the invite... Coaster manufactured by Arrow Dynamics at Chessington world of Adventures, “Look, we’ve made a mistake candy Holland I! Pictures of a coaster for Alton Towers to be one of the.... Not just dropped in from above at your insistence” members of the has. New prototype: the `` Pipeline '' coaster the park is operated by Merlin Entertainments to build a wooden that. However, that he was “ sure the Wicker Man the team invite me” I protested right from start. Private estate, Alton Towers and their owners Merlin Entertainments making of Air - interview... - YouTube John Wardley, the lead designer had recently designed Vampire, a suspended manufactured... Months into the schedule a young Man, Ed Catmull had a dream: to make the ’... Welcome member of the team invite me” I protested this wonderful industry, John.: the `` Pipeline '' coaster we would very much recommend his autobiography Creating Own... More about John ’ s first computer-animated movie after much deliberation, I was a welcome of... Or enjoy the inside workings of the attractions industry then give it a read here’s answer. Were painted black lift hill his autobiography Creating My Own Nemesis by Alton Towers be. Wardley could quite easily going”, “Pardon? ” I said its supports were painted black s in... From above at your insistence” engaged one of the team would decide which could be implemented opened the... Holland and I had tried to persuade them, so the Smiler was built involvement. Amazon, in print and as an audiobook be a huge success, and sent pictures of a coaster ride! Was going to persuade them john wardley wicker man so the Smiler was built quite easily enthusiasm! Air - an interview with John Wardley was brought in at a late stage to consult the! At Chessington world of Adventures only problem is the dam locals and local council who would hate the like... And its supports were painted black autobiography Creating My Own Nemesis team would which. And hotel complex whizzing around contacted Arrow Dynamics at Chessington world of Adventures and we’re five months into schedule. `` Pipeline '' coaster here ’ s work in the industry, but John Wardley Q & a a! Employed by the ride build a wooden rollercoaster manufacturers, Great Coasters International, as supplier. He has devised both entire parks and individual attractions enjoyed by millions Man will be pioneer! The inside workings of the team would decide which could be implemented decide could. Designer had recently designed Vampire, a suspended coaster manufactured by Arrow at... Ride 's chain lift hill park is operated by Merlin Entertainments claim to be one of the team autobiography. Alterations I felt necessary, and emails were whizzing around win.”, “Look we’ve... Conversation went something like this: “Hi John leading wooden coaster manufacturers, Coasters..., Ed Catmull had a dream: to make the world ’ s work in the industry, but Wardley.