Alton Towers Discussion Thread

[jedimaster1227]

^Add another 7 seconds for the photos that show you just about the same amount of detail, if not less.

[phantomfan93]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7238666/Squirrel-banned-from-riding-rollercoaster.html

 

The rodent was said to be causing headaches for operators at Alton Towers by getting in the way of improvement work on an attraction at the resort. Workers noticed it riding the revamped Sonic Spinball roller coaster as it was tested in the mornings and joining visitors who were offered an early go on it before the official opening. The grey-haired animal was also caught stealing food from the workers.

 

A spokesman for the Staffordshire theme park said: ''It was getting in the way of builders who were painting. ''They couldn't carry on because they would end up with paw prints in the paint. ''And we can't have anything on the track when the roller coaster is going round.''

 

Alarms were installed that emit a warning noise inaudible to human ears but designed to ensure the squirrel, nicknamed Sonic, avoids the ride in future.

 

Morwenna Angove, sales and marketing director at the Alton Towers resort, said: ''Unfortunately Sonic's behaviour is a danger both to our guests and himself and so we're doing all we can to ensure that he stays away from the ride. ''Banning a squirrel from a roller coaster is certainly unusual but I suppose there's a first time for everything.''

 

The Sonic Spinball ride officially opened to the public yesterday to coincide with the start of the February half term.

 

I guess Coaster Enthusiasts can come in all shapes and sizes! lol

 

ADMIN EDIT: I have gone ahead and quoted the story and have added the photo as well. In the future, feel free to utilize our quote function so that others may read the stories without having to leave the forums.

[SharkTums]

^I fully approve of the rodent riding the roller coaster!

[the ghost]

^^ Lol. That reminds me of the waterskiing squirrel scene from Anchorman for some reason.

[snoflake15]

Surely Sonic doesn't meet the height requirements?

[monkeyoverlord71]

^Off-topic, but I LOVE that movie.

Who doesn't?

 

I imagine they will add more to Sonic Spinball in the way of theming during the closure between the half term opening and the main season opening. Or I hope at least.

[StealthFan]

What fool decided to call it Sonic, I would have called it tails!

 

-Craig

[SharkTums]

^A PR person that probably didn't know any better!

 

My press release would have been so much better...something about Tails getting jealous of all of the attention Sonic was getting etc.

 

Or perhaps they don't have the rights to even mention tails?

[phantomfan93]

I thought it could have been funnier if the squirrel was a hedgehog.(Yes I know a hedgehog has spikes and could hurt someone, I have experience with one.)

[freekeee]

^ you make it sound like alton planned the whole thing, besides a real hedgehog is no way agile enough to get onto a coaster.

 

(oh,and I think that genetically squirrels probably have more in common with hedgehogs than foxes (could be wrong though)

[dr.gumbo]

^ Knowing Merlin and its recent publicity stunts, it probably was 'partially' staged. Got to give them credit for being entertaining about it though.

[snoflake15]

Wow - nearly a page discussing a squirrel and no nuts jokes yet.

[B&Mmmmm]

(Not my video), but we finally have some testing footage... THROUGH THE TREES.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hNEnVnKYzE

[themeparkman25]

Deleted by author

Edited January 20, 2011 by themeparkman25

[CorkscrewFoley]

It looks like it does. Maybe it's just the trees...but some wicked air would be great.

[matteocrepaldi]

I remember seeing in the Big Brother guy's video that there are wheels at the bottom of the hill so I'm pretty sure it does accelerate!

[StealthFan]

Okay as its now 3 weeks until the TH13TEEN weekend can I ask if anyone else besides myself is going? If so contact me so I can sort out meeting up and ensure you are all in the most awesome, sexy, scary and slightly erotic video/photo trip report of TH13TEEN the world will ever see!

 

-Craig

[ColinM]

at £400 I decided it a bit pricey Craig, so I'm highly envious you're going, have a great time.

 

You can publish pics from that weekend on the 20th March when the ride opens - look forward to a TR

[StealthFan]

The pics will be up and ready at 12:01am on the 20th March

 

I got quite a good deal for 4 of us it came to about £140 each and as I organised it everyone im going with is buying all my drinks! Woooooh!

 

-Craig

[ColinM]

YAAAAY!

many thanks to those that voted, I got through & cant wait for boot camp next week!

[coasterguy4]

Congrats! Looking forward to the TR, Colin.

Edited February 23, 2010 by coasterguy4

[SharkTums]

^^That's awesome Colin! Make sure to post a report here please!

[ColinM]

you got it

I can't wait & will probably be on about this for weeks...! LOL

Sadly though, "cameras & camera phones are prohibited at boot camp"

 

The finalists now appear on Alton's website, where you can follow the events. Takes place next week, 2nd & 3rd March, will keep ya posted.

www.altontowers.com/thirteen/volunteers/

 

There's 27 volunteers, to be eliminated down during the process...

Survivors take the 1st ride on 3rd March.

 

Wish me luck! I have to admit I'm biased right now, but what a great run-up campaign.

[SharkTums]

^Make sure to say hi to Chris Sawyer when you're there! He's another TPR Member who does trips with us!

[Steelinwood]

YAAAAY!

many thanks to those that voted, I got through & cant wait for boot camp next week!

 

I knew you would dude, all that stuff you collect is sweet!