Superfan feels down as roller coaster launches
UPSET AT NOT BEING INVITED TO EXCLUSIVE PRE-OPENING EVENT
A THEME PARK superfan has spoken of his anger after not being invited to the launch of a new rollercoaster.
Raymond Ankers, who runs the Facebook group Flamingo Land Crazy, felt he was treated “like rubbish” after not receiving an invitation to the exclusive press launch of Sik, the park’s new 10-inversion roller coaster.
Raymond, who is from Pallister Park, has had a season ticket for the park since 2002, but says he is ready to cancel his renewal after what he feels was an opening day snub.
The theme park enthusiast says he first visited the North Yorkshire tourist attraction when he was 10 months old with his parents.
Now 35, Raymond has turned his passion for Flamingo Land and theme parks into a YouTube channel and Facebook group, the latter of which he’s been running for three years and now has 9,800 members.
Raymond said: “I have been running the Facebook group for three years. I know people who are invited who have less followers than me. Other Facebook groups have been invited that have got a lot fewer members.
“I have been going to [Flamingo Land] since I was 10 months old when my mother and father took me. I was going about 10 or 12 times a year by getting discounted vouchers – but in 2002, I got a season pass, and I now go 20 to 30 times a year!”
He said he “probably won’t renew” his season pass next year.
He added: “I have sent four emails over the last month, I have phoned them. They have not responded, but they have been responding to other people, as there are a few people that I know that have been invited that have told me. I feel like I’ve been treated like rubbish.”
Flamingo Land’s newest rollercoaster, Sik, launched at the weekend following years of construction work. The 10 inversion rollercoaster launch event featured a guest DJ and all of the park’s’ big six’ rides were open until 7pm.
Raymond said he is “well-known” at the park and people were even telling him they thought he should’ve received an invitation.
He said he would be “there at 9am stood at the front of the queue” ready for the ride’s opening, which took place officially at 12pm.
He added that, despite the disappointment, he was really looking forward to getting on the new roller coaster.
The day before the coaster’s opening, he said: “I am that excited, I probably won’t sleep tonight!”
The Gazette has contacted Flamingo Land for comment.
I have sent four emails over the last month...
I feel like I’ve been treated like rubbish
Raymond Ankers