HIT Entertainment Debuts First Thomas Land Attraction in Europe

LONDON, March 27: HIT
Entertainment has opened Europe’s first Thomas Land attraction, based on its
popular kids’ property Thomas & Friends, at Drayton Manor Theme Park in the U.K.

Set within three acres of
parkland, Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park features twelve themed rides,
including a 600-meter Thomas train ride, an indoor play center, café and a
Thomas retail shop. Created in partnership with Drayton Manor, the attraction
is based on the classic Thomas & Friends story books, with rides for children and parents
such as Cranky’s Drop Tower, the Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, Harold’s
Heli Tours and Jeremy’s Flying Academy.

In 1998, the Fujikyu Corp launched the first Thomas Land in Japan
within the Fujikyu Highland amusement park. Featuring
eight Thomas-themed rides and Thomas-themed rooms within the park’s hotel,
Thomas Land welcomes more than 1.7 million guests each year.

Peter Byrne, the executive
VP of consumer products worldwide at HIT Entertainment, commented: “Thomas Land
is a unique visitor attraction that offers young Thomas fans with a new way to
interact with their favorite character. Drayton Manor Theme Park has created an
outstanding attraction, testament to their reputation as one of the U.K.’s
leading theme park operators. With Thomas Land in Japan and now in the U.K.,
this wonderful attraction is set to attract almost 3 million visitors each
year.”

Colin Bryan, the managing
director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, added, “After years of planning and
creating Thomas Land, this fantastic new attraction is now open. We feel honored
to have such a big star such as Thomas call Drayton Manor his home and we’re in
no doubt about how popular he’ll be!”

—By Irene Lew