The Land of Make Believe

In 1993 guests could enter a world of wonder and magic that lay just beyond the Towers. The Land of Make Believe was a brightly coloured street which was home to many of the park’s costumed characters, who could often be found on the street entertaining the children.

The land was created out of the former Talbot Street and retained several of the street’s attractions including the Crown Carousel, Mini Apple Coaster, Around the World in 80 Days, and relocated Gallopers Carousel as well as the whole side of the street containing the Dolls House, Maison Talbot and Talbot Tea Shoppe.

Meanwhile the other side of the street was completely transformed with Children’s World, an indoor play area, replacing the Motor Museum, alongside Bertie Bassett’s Corner Shop and Haagen Dazs World of Ice Cream. Also joining these attractions was the Cadbury’s Chocolate House that opened at the head of the street and the Vintage Car Ride at the far end, as well as the Magic Theatre replacing the Fantastic Fountains.

The following year in 1994 The Land of Make Believe was completed when Around the World in 80 Days was replaced by Toyland Tours, a magical tour around an exciting toy factory. The Fabulous Toyshop was also opened in the former Penny Arcade, whilst Maison Talbot was later replaced by Magical Memories, the relocated Sepia Photo Studio.

Despite opening with great fanfare, it soon became clear The Land of Make Believe was more of a filler area and as the sponsorship and mascots gradually departed the area quickly lost purpose leaving it ripe for its 1997 retheme into Cred Street.