Restoring The Alton Towers Bookworm

Restoring The Alton Towers Bookworm - Episode 1

Рет қаралды 74,502

Күн бұрын

In 1996 Alton Towers opened a new themed area called Storybook Land. A huge part of this new family area would be a large animatronic bookworm, that would go on to entertain millions of guests at the park. After the area closed at the end of 2013, I managed to acquire this piece of Alton Towers history. But unfortunately the park had let the Bookworm fall into disrepair, meaning it would take a huge amount of work to restore. In this exciting series I'll be showing the long, but meaningful journey of restoring this classic piece of Alton Towers history.
In episode 1 I take a look back at the history of the Alton Towers Bookworm. Along with taking a look back at the construction of Storybook Land, I also discuss the many changes that were made to the area throughout the years. I later explain how I managed to acquire the Bookworm, and also talk about how big of a project this was going to be!
Watch Episode 2 via the following link: • Restoring The Alton To...
Personalised video messages: www.cameo.com/shawnsanbrooke
Theme Park Worldwide merchandise: teespring.com/en-GB/stores/th...
Thank You For Watching Theme Park Worldwide ©
Facebook Page: / themeparkworldwide
Twitter: #!/ThemeParkWW
Instagram: themeparkwo...

Пікірлер: 837

@joshuaseaton6771 4 жыл бұрын

This is like a David Attenborough documentary. Love the nostalgia that was put into this video, keep it up 👍

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@themmchannelmilliemolly1519 4 жыл бұрын

But better

@AttractionStories 4 жыл бұрын

This is absolutely incredible! The work that has gone into this video is stunning!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Hopefully people learn something about the history of it from the video!

@AttractionStories 4 жыл бұрын

I definitely learnt a lot!

@timmclaughlin601 4 жыл бұрын

I agree. Fantastic work being done by you and your dad. Can't wait for part 2.

@Tommy-bg3hx 4 жыл бұрын

This is the content we need to see more of

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tom

@spikebmth 4 жыл бұрын

Great that you've rescued some Alton Towers history. Merlin seem to love leaving things to rot, behind a fence, or in a yard! Look forward to seeing the worm looking as good as it did when could tell us a story!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Sadly so, hopefully we’ll get it looking much better!

@theRealRhyZon 4 жыл бұрын

Spike H is the ‘behind a fence’ reference a dig at Thorpe for Loggers 😂😂 love it

@mattw1702 4 жыл бұрын

I have been looking forward to this since you showed us the bookworm in your memorabilia tour!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Matt, I hope you enjoyed episode 1!

@NessTheCatLIVE 4 жыл бұрын

This man deadass has a giant bookworm in his house, and is SO casual about having it

@user-yn1bd4yf3h 4 жыл бұрын

NESS I mean I have woodlice and breed them and named their coconut hide "the Tunnel of Love" so that's not the weirdest thing out there.

@Demon-POT 4 жыл бұрын

@@user-yn1bd4yf3h I would be crying if I had wood lice in my house 😂😂😂

@animationtap 4 жыл бұрын

I feel like this should be a TV show on the BBC or something like that

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Ronnithecyberwitch 4 жыл бұрын

It's a shame that the camalot dragon didn't get saved😭😭 unless you've got it

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

I haven’t unfortunately

@twntodaywithniall7702 4 жыл бұрын

Ronni the cyberwitch 11:11 someone definitely took it when it closed as it disappeared after 2012 and is in no videos of exploring the place

@spiggypop 4 жыл бұрын

“Unless you’ve got it” I would’ve thought the same 🤣🤣🤣

@Ronnithecyberwitch 4 жыл бұрын

@@twntodaywithniall7702 I have heard the same thing I'm just wondering wear it went south from camalot last I heard

@FannyLerouxTime 4 жыл бұрын

Puff the magic dragon at Camelot I believe was sent to scrap. He was old and barely working when the site was open, parts had become very hard to source and he spent most of his days unable to work.

@JacobFinch 4 жыл бұрын

We're all gonna miss the park while it's closed, but safety's more important than entertainment

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

It is indeed

@melwatson442 4 жыл бұрын

This is probably the best video you have produced! Such amazing dedication! I cannot wait to see the final result! Absolutely incredible shawn!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mel

@doggylover4008 4 жыл бұрын

Alton towers is the best place in the uk!!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

It sure is a wonderful theme park!

@youknowthatwasntveryfunny2971 4 жыл бұрын

Theme park not place there are more nicer places in the whole of the uk

@JesterLaughs 4 жыл бұрын

*blackpool pleasurebeach is the best place in the uk!!

@lisa-janetaylor7270 4 жыл бұрын

Of course it is

@lisa-janetaylor7270 4 жыл бұрын

It’s an amazing place

@Kate-xr6fp 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thank you Shawn. I feel like you and your Dad are restoring the bookworm for all of us who loved him as kid. We all thank you for it and cant wait to see him in episode 2.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

We are indeed and let’s hope it comes together well!

@Romleb 4 жыл бұрын

Brings back so many fantastic memories at the park over the years - quite emotional to be honest. Love the editing you've done on it all. Really a pleasure to watch and the bookworm is in the best hands!

@mychuckyromance9707 4 жыл бұрын

This was amazing!! The beginning was incredible and so well edited - I can't wait for more!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Cuddly_CatLady 4 жыл бұрын

I have been very nostalgic recently about my childhood so this actually made me cry. I have many fond memories of storybook land and the bookworm really stands out most. I went as a small child with my nan who is no longer here making it extra bittersweet thinking about those times. It is a shame theme parks leave items especially ones with memories to rot but so glad there are people like you to save items especially something so special as the bookworm.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for your kind words and support!

@MrCollerRoaster 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! I can’t wait for episode 2! This is amazing!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@cubemadmax 4 жыл бұрын

Love it shawn 1990s were insane and that book worn is cool

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

They were the best times at Alton Towers in my opinion!

@Stevenspielburger 4 жыл бұрын

Very interesting Shaun. Relaxing and nostalgic way to while away some lockdown time

@kyrocity 4 жыл бұрын

So far this is very interesting! Thank you for uploading!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@coasterdaddy7123 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing Shawn! Very nice work. I can't wait to see more. It's awesome that you could save a piece of theme park history that meant a lot to you!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

It sure is great to be able to save it, but now the hard work begins!

@Richard-hv1kq 4 жыл бұрын

This guy is my biggest and one of few memories of towers, this is one of the things I would spend half the day standing around when I was younger and i was devastated when it left as much as I had got old enough to find my feet with the bigger rides and the rest of the park this is something I still hold dear and means a lot to me. Thank you for this mate you're legendary

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@garethroberts2738 4 жыл бұрын

Oh wow, I used to spend absolutely ages activating the animatronic! I got a lot of nostalgia from this.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

It was such a huge part of the Alton Towers experience

@tommybirchall1625 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely flippin’ fantastic. Bravo, Shawn! Your dedication and commitment to this project is outstanding and I admire you and your Dad so much for it! I simply can’t wait for episode two!!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

@jackphilipou9052 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video can not wait for episode 2! I love learning about the history of Alton towers!!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

@expeditioned2821 4 жыл бұрын

First of all, thank you much for this video. It brings back lovely memories! Secondly, good luck with the whole project and I'll be thoroughly following this!!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching Edward

@jackcallagan7389 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic Shawn !!! I absolutely loved the Bookworm and storybook land when I was little !! So glad it’s getting a new lease of life !!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jack. It’s going to be a fun, but challenging project!

@keithwray9546 4 жыл бұрын

I did wonder how you were getting on with this project. I remember seeing it in your memorabilia video. Can't wait for the next episode, this one was awesome

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith

@MH_ZeR0 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing!! I loved the bookworm when I visited in 1997 =D Can't wait for part 2 (and more) to see how the restoration goes!

@catleitch3960 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! Exactly what I needed today. So interesting and so lovely to see such an iconic item to restore!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Cat

@mickybeakes 4 жыл бұрын

Wow I had forgotten about this, I was to young to remember, thanks for giving us an insight into this wonderful piece of Alton towers history!!!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@samhassall1180 4 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyable watch and a nice trip down memory lane !

@jamiehill1989 4 жыл бұрын

Loved watching this!! Amazing you saved the bookworm, can't wait to see part 2! Thanks for finding ways to keep the channel going !

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jamie!

@Glitzygamergirl 4 жыл бұрын

Love this!! What a great idea for a series. Can’t wait to see the end result 🤞🏻😊

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@edmundandlucy 4 жыл бұрын

This is absolutely amazing, thank you so much for saving and restoring a piece of theme park history, cant wait for the next episode

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@marshsgames7414 4 жыл бұрын

Well done Shawn can't wait to see what it looks like fully restored

@Rachael8989 4 жыл бұрын

Such a fantastic video, made me very emotional though! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@andrewcb9255 4 жыл бұрын

I can’t wait for more episodes of this! After hearing stories of amusement and theme park props getting scrapped, it’s very relieving to see conservation of pieces like this.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@TheJackSilkstone 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Shawn, it's great to see the level of care you are putting into maintaining this iconic piece of theme park history!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jack. The start of a big project!

@lolabelle222 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing! Can’t wait for episode 2!! 💕

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lola!

@jasonrossborough8634 4 жыл бұрын

This video is well put together, looking forward to seeing it when its finished.

@x_xjoe 4 жыл бұрын

Wow the quality of the start is amazing with the detail keep this up Shawn hop your staying safe

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joe

@ChloeClements34 4 жыл бұрын

Great video and thak you for helping to preseve this wondeful peice of themeing and keeping a little bit of the magic alive.

@oscarhickman1870 4 жыл бұрын

Loved that video! The start was really well done! Loved the programme style of it.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@TMsimonW 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing video cant wait for episode 2!! Great work so far on the restoration.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Simon

@GirlWhoLovesStrangerThings 2 жыл бұрын

2 years on and I still love watching you restore the bookworm with your dad. It looks like you worked hard towards restoring it.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@MitskulpCh36 4 жыл бұрын

These kinds of videos are my favourite... Time to binge!

@sanctuarynurse 4 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you got this piece, i have faith that you'll definitely look after it well.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@kaymarich831 4 жыл бұрын

This is a great vldeo, have so many happy memories of storybook land. I loved the worm.

@ken.f.c.1977 4 жыл бұрын

Come here for theme parks and now restoration projects, great stuff shawn , looking forward to the second one

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ken!

@edtechmusician 4 жыл бұрын

Very well done. Looking forward to part 2!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andrew

@mischiefmanaged5757 4 жыл бұрын

That was brilliant Shawn. You can tell what a labour of love this project is for you from the reverential tone of your voiceover. It’s such a wonderful thing to do and lovely that you can work on the restoration with your dad. Looking forward to the next chapter - pun intended.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

It sure is a fun, but challenging project!

@openroadtravels181 4 жыл бұрын

Wow. This was put together so well. I can not wait for episode 2!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@flufmyhamster 4 жыл бұрын

I have very fond memories of the Book Worm! I'm so glad that you are taking care of it!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ryan, it’ll look amazing when it’s done!

@el752 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely loved watching this!! It really shows how much effort you put into everything ! Incredible!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, episode 2 is now available to watch!

@kblb2 4 жыл бұрын

this is so cool! made me really emotional, well done TPW!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your support!

@davidmoore1462 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fantastic work shawn! Top quality video!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks David!

@ReviewTyme 4 жыл бұрын

This is a spectacular video Shawn, what an awesome story! I look forward to seeing the rest of the series. Keep up the great work on the channel, especially during these difficult times!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

@derekbrown6832 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Shawn, and backstory. Looking forward to part 2.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@connortwigg5282 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing video was great to see original footage of storybook land. This is a great restoration project series!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@olivor_h 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing. I have a really vivid memory from when I was very young of my uncle teasing me because I was terrified of this thing. Awesome to see this.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@DisneyMarkUK 4 жыл бұрын

Omg this is wonderful!! Can’t wait for part 2!!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark!

@CreateOrHate 4 жыл бұрын

Very wholesome video. Glad to see such an iconic piece of history be taken in to good care.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m glad I managed to save it

@georgehopkins9980 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! This is awesome. Love the effort in attemptiong to save something that eminates such nostalgia for so many people, myslef included. Great to see this and looking forward to seeing more 👍

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks George!

@simonmayes7074 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video absolutley love it. Very well put together and voiced over 😁 cant wait to see 2nd episode.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@flatcapmachine 4 жыл бұрын

I had completely forgot about the book worm until watching this and all the memories came flooding back, looking forward to seeing part two!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@Travelwithkade27 4 жыл бұрын

Looking good can't wait to see the progress x

@gryffindork83lou 4 жыл бұрын

Love all the effort you’ve put in to the background story of the bookworm for this video! Really enjoyed watching it! Good luck with the restoration!👍🏻

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@tagonkillick2270 4 жыл бұрын

This is brilliant Shawn! Really coming up with some great ideas to keep us all entertained during lockdown!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, that’s my aim!

@mrgipersakadan6323 4 жыл бұрын

This is absolutely fantastic Shawn!! Brilliant work!!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

@bradleydeeming9439 4 жыл бұрын

You should make your own documentary/overview series about Alton towers! You have so much knowledge off the the best theme park in the uk! Some subjects could be the ruins , scarefest, gardens, ride history etc!

@jonnywilkinson3319 4 жыл бұрын

Great video and great restoration work. Looking forward to the 2nd installment.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jonny!

@tattie.b8594 4 жыл бұрын

This is incredible!! I didn’t even know that this section of the park existed - so it’s amazing to be able to learn about it

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@claytonbaker2237 4 жыл бұрын

Well done on this video Shawn. Very nicely put together and looking forward to the next episode already. 👏👍

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@themeparkbot5909 4 жыл бұрын

Wow you have done the right thing, preserving this iconic animatronic for all the community to enjoy, great video and series you have going, great job Shawn

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@prettypinkwitchlaura9213 4 жыл бұрын

Love this! Can’t wait for episode two!!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@angellewis3131 4 жыл бұрын

This gave me goosebumps. So glad you got to cherish your childhood in this way 🥰

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@khesora9579 4 жыл бұрын

I love it when heritage is preserved and can’t wait to see the final outcome!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

It’s going to be a fun, but hard project!

@AudreyMealiff 4 жыл бұрын

Well done on your amazing dedication to this piece of Alton Towers history.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@rachelh1268 4 жыл бұрын

Love it- look forward to the next episode

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@RobertRothman_ 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! This is a fantastic video... I can't wait for the next episode!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@stevenhunter3928 Жыл бұрын

Wow. This is like something you’d see on TV. Looking forward to seeing the rest of this series. You should do more of these type of videos!

@ThemeParkWorldwide Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Disneythroughourveins 4 жыл бұрын

oh wow I loved that worm and the Squirrel Nutkins ride xx thanks for sharing xx we enjoyed watching- stay well xx

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed watching!

@cameronclarkhull 4 жыл бұрын

The opening video is really interesting. Love the archive footage. All the best with restoring the bookworm and I can't wait to see the final product

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@beetlefly9718 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing, can’t wait to see more

@Jack0Pearce 4 жыл бұрын

Great video can’t wait to see part 2.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@altonalex1235 4 жыл бұрын

AMAZING VIDEO. Shawn you are amazing and my whole family love u to pieces. Keep going with your amazing stuff in this hard time. It's just incredible. Outstanding vid shawn. Stay safe x

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alex

@The_book_wizard86 4 жыл бұрын

Wow!! What a story!!! I found this fascinating, what a labour of love! The editing and production on this video is outstanding and really helped set the scene Well done Shawn!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@HellOnTheAir 4 жыл бұрын

Shawn, We Need More Awesome videos like this, the backstory build up introduction is a big YES in all departments, I'd Love to see more of this in future videos

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@HellOnTheAir 4 жыл бұрын

@@ThemeParkWorldwide The Book Worm Plays A Huge Part In Our Hearts, Any thing for my favourite theme park tuber, to use our more than a tuber, your like a friend to us all.

@MatgoStyles 4 жыл бұрын

This morning I was literally just watching your previous videos that mention the bookworm, and now this!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

It’s great to be able to put together a piece all about the history of this iconic animatronic

@CoasterCreditsCymru 4 жыл бұрын

Loved this new style of video, very professional and enjoyed seeing the old towers footage. You should definitely make more like this, well done!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@VloggStarADJ 4 жыл бұрын

When I saw the nutty squirrel ride I shouted out NUTTY SQUIRREL and then my dog looked up and I realised that I’d said squirrel and she loves to watch them in the garden😂

@davidbanford8705 4 жыл бұрын

Been waiting for this, and even better its just part one, hopefully it will get me into gear to finish some of my projects :)

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you David

@MattyPlays06 4 жыл бұрын

Very good! I remember when I went there for the first time when I was 5 and saw that and immediately loved the area because of it, but when Alton Towers got rid of it I was devastated but I’m so glad you trying to get it working and can’t wait to see it back in order!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@rc_smarti7647 4 жыл бұрын

I've never been to Alton Towers myself, but just from hearing you speak so fondly of this bookworm, I already feel attached to it. I'm really excited to see what it looks like now in detail :)

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jackdaniels6382 4 жыл бұрын

Wow the quality of this video is amazing well done Shawn!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@attractionshubno1 4 жыл бұрын

Great first episode of your restoration of the classic Alton Towers Bookworm

@benbaker192 4 жыл бұрын

I never saw the worm in person as i didn’t first go to Alton tower’s until 2016 Can’t wait for part 2!!

@sportsygirl8 4 жыл бұрын

This was awesome! I loved it and it's pretty cool that you and your dad worked on this together and working on it again, you both have great ideas for the restoration as well, can't wait to see the final touch!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@sportsygirl8 4 жыл бұрын

@@ThemeParkWorldwide You're very welcome!

@liam_fulton 4 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see more documentary style content like this Shaun. So interesting and you have a nack for building a captivating narrative.

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@BillBuchananFtw 4 жыл бұрын

Man, these review and documentary type videos are absolutely superb. You've taken the limitations of the lockdown and really excelled. Well done to everyone at TPW! Also, thanks for saving the bookworm!

@ThemeParkWorldwide 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for your kind words and support!