Alton Towers Discussion Thread

[BkkMan13]

Ihope they take off the age ban. I doubt it will cause people under the age mental scarring. And I hope they take off the one ride per day thing, seems kinda like a ripoff to do that.

[Dobba]

Ihope they take off the age ban. I doubt it will cause people under the age mental scarring. And I hope they take off the one ride per day thing, seems kinda like a ripoff to do that.

It's marketing, simple as. There won't be an age or ride limit on the ride once it opens in March, it's a easy way to get into the papers.

[StealthFan]

The ride will most likely have an advisory age restriction like Saw: The Ride does.

 

The ride board will say something along the lines of "Warning young thrill hunters, it is not advised you test yourself on this ride if you are under the age of 14"

 

-Craig

[Steelinwood]

This is just screaming illegitimate brain child of Darkastle. But in regards to bans on age, I've seen something like that for Black Mamba. Does this tend to happen in the UK and surrounding countries often?

[-lofty-]

No it doesn't.

 

To be honest, the only reason they have released this 'information' in the Press Release is to conjure up some wild rumours so they can promote the ride further due to WOM (Word Of Mouth).

 

A lot of attractions and parks do this, I mean that's what teasers are for, they are there to give a little tiny section of information but leave the rest to your own imagination.

 

So yes, I wouldn't expect you to sign a disclaimer, be over the age of 18 or only ride once per day, it's just marketing and publicity for Thirteen.

 

Mark.

[Steelinwood]

It almost seems like a little too much, hope they don't make it overrated.

[-lofty-]

I totally understand where you're coming from. They're on a fine line with what they're saying, extremely bold statements. It wouldn't surprise me if they try and enforce at least one of the three tules at the beginning of the season, or at least on the Thirteen Weekend.

 

But hey, you know what they say 'Even bad publicity is good publicity'.

[Dobba]

Few updates from the park today

 

Sonic's Arrival 100% Confirmed:

Though it had been spotted on promotional materials for the 2010 season, the park officially confirmed (via the official site) the Spinball Whizzer retheme to become "Sonic Spinball" and released the ride's new logo. A new themed suite will also open in Alton Towers Hotel and the partnership with Sega is for 3 years - fuelling the recent speculation that the ride is set for a move within the resort in the future.

New theming, sound effects and a car design are expected for the new season. Sonic Spinball is due to open for the Feb Half Term event which begins on 13th Feb.

 

 

More 13 related PR BS:

The Daily Star are running a story about a construction worker who is so scared by Thirteen he has stopped work. He has supposedly been breaking out in cold sweats etc...

BRITS scared of number 13 will be offered therapy so they can try out a new £15million rollercoaster.

 

It comes after builder Paul McNichol, 44, had to stop work on the scary new Th13teen ride at Alton Towers Resort, Staffs. He was so paralysed by his fear that he broke out in cold sweats.

 

But after sessions with top hypnotherapist Bonita Rayner-Jones, he was able to conquer his terror. Bonita said: “Fear of the number 13 is common. But we were able to tackle the problem once and for all.”

 

The ride starts on March 20. To find out more about hypnotherapy at Alton Towers Resort, contact phobia@alton-towers.com

Link to full "story"

 

2010 Promotional Image

Though the image had been spotted in a brochure and scanned online this past week, a higher quality version has made it's way online.

[Ed]

You have to hand it to Alton Towers / Merlin. They know how to get attention!

 

Oh and this must be played whenever a car leaves the Sonic Spinball station!

[robbalvey]

Here is the latest construction showing off some of the building theming...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here they are having a bit of fun in the snow!

 

[Griffonluv]

Thisis looking reallywell themed. Awesome car too!

[Steelinwood]

Spinball was a great game, and the music from it was great. Can't wait to see how this works out. These are some huge changes on the parks behalf!

[maverickpoint]

this ride had better give me nightmares for the hype they are making it out to be. cant wait to see the final result! looks superb!

[the ghost]

Just a random question, but what the hell is the blue thing supprting the red thing in the background. It looks like spinball's horseshoe, but its too tall for that. I thought Alton cant build tall rides.

[atem122]

I believe that's the catwalk to access the top of the horseshoe since Spinball has stalled there

[Sammy08]

Just a random question, but what the hell is the blue thing supprting the red thing in the background. It looks like spinball's horseshoe, but its too tall for that. I thought Alton cant build tall rides.

 

That is indeed Spinball Whizzer's/Sonic Spinball's horseshoe immelmann turn! It does look quite tall from the image, but I believe that is mainly down to the angle the picture is taken from. It's been taken from near enough ground level on the main lawns at Alton towers looking up, making Spinball look taller than it is!

 

And you are right, Alton Tower's can't build really tall rides, the restriction is that they are not allowed to build above tree height, anything that can be seen from outside the park must be painted to blend in. Hence why the tops of Rita and Air's Lift Hill are painted Green .

 

Sam

[WFChris]

Ok, is 'word of mouth' even worth abbreviating? Come on now...remember English, people!

[SharkTums]

Looking forward to the Sonic retheme...poor Jeff will miss this ALL NEW CREDIT!!!!

 

Any further information on the Rita retheme?

[Wes]

 

Sonic can't afford a mobile phone? Can't he just run around and collect some more coins?

[kidcoaster 2]

 

Sonic can't afford a mobile phone? Can't he just run around and collect some more coins?

 

I think he is just old fashioned...

[freekeee]

I think he is just old fashioned...

 

My theory is that he keeps getting attacked and mugged after the sonic heroes thing...

[SharkTums]

Wes, this is England...they're a little behind in the technology!

[CocaColaBoy]

Wes, this is England...they're a little behind in the technology!

 

 

I like how the telephone is like, tiny, compared to Sonic's big head. Perhaps a circa 1980 mobile phone would of been better suited to his head?

[SharkTums]

^Like this?

[StealthFan]

As long as they play all the songs from the first Sonic game in the queue line, i'm happy!

 

-Craig

 

Edit: They should also play this very informative and educational video in the queue line.