Archive for October, 2008
October 30, 2008 at 11:23 pm · Filed under Alton Towers News
Alton Towers are known to have had a few bizzare news reports throughout 2008 but this latest could possibly top the list. If you happen to be one leg short and have taken a spin on Corkscrew in your time then do read on!
The owner of a prosthetic leg found beneath an Alton Towers rollercoaster is being sought by the amusement park.
The leg was just one of many bizarre items found near The Corkscrew, which is to be dismantled after carrying 43.5 million people since it opened in 1980.
Staff clearing the site also found underwear, a diamond wedding ring, 53 non-matching shoes and 604 watches.
Other lost property items included 800 pieces of jewellery, 237 mobile phones, thousands of caps and a prosthetic ear.
The ride, which reaches speeds of up to 44mph (70km/h), opened on 4 April 1980.
Riders are turned upside down twice within three seconds - which probably explains the large amount of lost items found below.
The Staffordshire amusement park said it was used to dealing with more than 5,000 items of lost property, such as car keys, money and mobile phones.
Russell Barnes, divisional director, said: “As the Corkscrew is the oldest rollercoaster in the park, we were expecting to find some strange items when we started clearing the Corkscrew area but a prosthetic leg definitely tops the list as the most bizarre.
“If anyone has any information on the missing leg, we would be keen to hear from them.”
The rollercoaster, which was the first double-looped ride in Europe when it opened, will run for the last time on 9 November.
Looks like good old Russell Barnes could resist one last cheap marketing ploy before he packs his bags. I mean come on, if you lose a leg you’d sharp know about it. Whilst I’m not doubting that there are numerous items within the footprint of Corkscrew, I can’t for one second believe that they’ve only just managed to find this prosthetic leg after what I assume has been a long time. Surely maintenance would have came across this during the annual winter inspection? Surely it would have been reported and returned to its owner as soon as possible? This is quite clearly another cheap way of promoting Corkscrew’s departure.
I know people “fall to bits” on thrill rides but this is just taking the peas.
October 23, 2008 at 8:08 pm · Filed under Alton Towers News
The Source, Alton Towers’ staff newsletter, has recently confirmed that the resort’s Divisional Director, Russell Barnes, will be leaving Alton Towers at the end of the season.
So what does this mean for the theme park? Well, it leaves a job open for the most important position at the park and we can only hope that whoever takes the reigns is full of imagination and ideas that will fully restore the magic at Alton Towers!
As for Russell Barnes, it is rumoured that he will be remaining within Merlin and will be taking charge of the SEA LIFE chain. I don’t quite know what to make of Russell Barnes to be honest. It would be fair to say that in his time he has introduced some good stuff and made changes for the better, but looking back on the years he has been manager, things don’t look so good in comparison to the previous tenureship. Since Ralph Armondo left and Russell came in, the magic that made Alton Towers seems to have faded and tarnished with lacklusture additions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Dung Heap, inferior music changes and the decline of decent events for gimmicks such as the Gnome Day and Sound of Music event.
On the other hand, I am somewhat dissapointed to hear of Russell Barnes’ departure. Just as Alton Towers has been finding its feet for the first time in many years, just as the resort is being refreshed and many areas renewed, he leaves. I hope whoever comes on continues the good work that is being done across the resort!
October 22, 2008 at 7:48 pm · Filed under Construction Updates
Following the announcement that Alton Towers Resort had applied for planning permission to construct an aquarium at the park only weeks ago, the first few concept images of the attraction are starting to filter through. For those of you who thought this was simply going to be some tacky addition with SEA LIFE branded all over it, then think again!
As you can see, the attention to detail on the attraction’s entrance looks fantastic and we can only assume that the interior theming will follow suit. The entrance will be near Mutiny Bay Shoppe, with the aquarium itself situated behind the current facade following the removal of the current 3D Cinema tent.
On a more interesting note, the planning application refers to inside as a boat ride? Surely a mistake, or is this what Russell Barnes meant when he was referring to Alton’s magic touch to the SEA LIFE centre? Again, it could simply be a mistake but we can hope!
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As ever, make sure you stick with Alton Towers Blog to keep up to date with this development!
October 17, 2008 at 7:44 pm · Filed under Alton Towers News
Today marked the beginning of Scarefest 2008 at Alton Towers Resort! To celebrate the start of 17 day event, Alton Towers Blog will be giving you a run down of all the additional and updated attractions that you can enjoy throughout Scarefest!
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Terror of the Towers - The Towers
The most horrifying maze yet! Watch your backs as the Master gives chase to those who dare to invade his mansion. This is the park’s signature attraction throughout the event and it is highly recommended! Make sure you don’t miss out even if you’re a little scared - you won’t regret it!
Scare Factor: 5/5
Open 12-9pm. Not suitable for children under 14. No separate entrance for guests with a disability. A limited number of Fastrack tickets will be available for £4 – available from the Sales & Information team.
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Haunted Hollow: Live! - Gloomy Wood
The spooky short-cut through Gloomy Wood will become inhabited by some extra special guests just for Scarefest. It is recommended that you walk through Haunted Hollow after it gets a little dark to have the full experience of what promises to be the longest shortcut of your life!
Scare Factor: 3/5
Live from 2-9pm
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Duel: Live! - Gloomy Wood
Have your wits about you as you’re joined by some extra ghosts and ghouls – they might even join you on the ride! If you wish to ride Duel using the guns then please do so before 3pm as it is rumoured that they will deactivated thereafter as the ghosts and ghouls enter!
Scare Factor: 3/5
Live from 3-9pm.
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Trick or Treat Doors - Near Hex
Surprises lie behind these spooky doors. Little ones can join in the outdoor fun and receive either a trick or a treat. A nice little attraction that the children are bound to enjoy!
Scare Factor: 1/5
Show times: 12.30-1pm; 2.30-3pm; 4.30-5pm; 6.30-7pm; 7.30-8pm.
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The Haunting of Algenon’s Attic - Cred Street Theatre
Dare to join Lucy as she investigates what is causing those strange bumps in the night. An indoor show suitable for under 10’s although adults will also find it very entertaining! Don’t miss it!
Scare Factor: 2/5
Show Times: 12:30pm; 2:00pm; 3:30pm; 5:00pm.
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Meet the Halloween Characters - Towers Street & Cred Street
Meet Patch, Franklin, Skelvin and Phil, the park’s resident Halloween spooky friends. Look out for them between 10am-9pm in Towers Street and Cred Street. Feel free to ask for a photograph, they love having their picture taken with park guests - and ghouls!
Scare Factor: 2/5
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The following attractions are open 5-11pm and can be found outside the theme park. Please note that they both have a separate charge. Tickets cost £5 on the day and are available from the Sales & Information team or the Hotels’ ticket booths. A combined Boiler House/Field ticket is available for £8 on the day, or by booking in advance online together with a theme park ticket.
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The Boiler House
Discover the dark and sinister history of this ancient furnace located in the field adjacent to the Alton Towers Hotel. Join the caretaker as he investigates reports of strange noises coming from the plumbing and the mysterious disappearance of an employee!
Scare Factor: 4/5
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Field of 1000 Screams
An outdoor horror in the shape of a Maize Maze! Resident zombies return on a mission to terrify those entering the cursed grounds next to the Alton Towers Hotel. We recommend that you leave this until after dark to help crank up the fear factor.
Scare Factor: 4/5
October 15, 2008 at 9:17 pm · Filed under Alton Towers News
It has been confirmed that Alton Towers Resort are indeed looking to open an aquarium next season. After weeks of speculation and rumours, BBC News have came out with this latest report confirming the park have applied for planning permission.
Alton Towers theme park is planning to open an aquarium next year.
The Staffordshire park wants to open a Sea Life aquarium when the new season begins in March.
A planning application has been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, a spokeswoman for Alton Towers said.
The family attraction said it would be the 30th Sea Life centre in the world, including one already in Birmingham city centre.
Russell Barnes, divisional director, said: “The plans promise an attraction that will be a very special experience that all the family can enjoy together.
“We’ll be adding our own unique Alton Towers touch to Sea Life’s excellent reputation and expertise in marine conservation, education and awareness.”
The park recently announced that its 28-year-old Corkscrew rollercoaster would close next month.
In addition, the planning application states that the existing 3D cinema building will be demolised in association with the proposed development of a replacment indoor attraction. So that does suggest that the centre is going be purposefully built rather than worked around the 3D cinema building in Mutiny Bay as rumoured originally. Expect to find out the outcome of the application by at least the end of November.
So what are your thoughts? Would you like to see an aquarium open at Alton Towers next season?
October 13, 2008 at 10:36 pm · Filed under Whispers & Rumours
Rumours are circulating that Submission has been been sold following the park’s decision to put it up for sale and the ride will be removed at the end of this season.
There are also rumours that the park intend to sell Enterprise in a few seasons time - thus making room for a new development in X-Sector following years of neglect in terms of additions and changes.
And finally there also rumours that Bouncing Bugs and The Beastie will also be vacating Alton Towers this season as the management look towards shuffling the pack and replacing tired rides at the park. Ug Swinger is also set to move to the new children’s area replacing Cred Street in 2009.
So as you can see 2009 closed season looks set to be a busy one. My only concern is that perhaps there a few too many rides leaving all at once?
I must say I’m surprised at Submisson’s apparent removal. Surely the park could have hung onto it for another season just to boost the ride selection whilst a replacement was identified and installed the following season? But hey, let’s not forget that these are just rumours.
Whilst I’m certainly not disappointed that the ride is leaving, afterall I’ve never even gave it a courtesy ride as I just know how bad it will be, it leaves the park a bit short on attractions compared to normal and the sudden loss in overall park capacity will have knock-on effects elsewhere.
Would you be glad or sad to see Submission leave the park? Please leave your comments.
October 4, 2008 at 6:22 pm · Filed under Thoughts & Ideas
Sentiment - a thought, view, or attitude, especially one based mainly on emotion instead of reason.
This has no place at Alton Towers in my opinion and the recent news that Corkscrew is to be removed from the park after 28 years of magnificent service just shows that park management don’t believe it has either.
It is indeed sad to think such an iconic structure is to leave the park after what seems an eternity - afterall, the ride has been standing on a lot longer than most park fans have been alive! I admire Alton Towers for the decision that must have been a tough one with the ride’s history and all that goes with it. But to stay on top of your game you have to move on and give the public new and improved rides or else you end up going backwards. You can never stand still in the theme park industry and you can’t let something like sentiment get in the way. We all have to say goodbye to things we cherish and love one day.
I can’t say I’m Corkscrew’s biggest fan in all honesty, I’m not too sentimental about it all really and the sheer state of it at the moment totally warrants its removal. The ride has become rough with age and fell down the pecking order as new thrill machines were introduced to the park. Corkscrew barely had a queue over 20 minutes on most days in recent seasons - a stark contrast compared to the 5 hour queues back in 1980.
The decision to remove it has hardly came as a shock to the system either. Rumours of the ride’s removal have been rife for well over a year now and following the closures of other iconic rides such as Black Hole and Swan Boats, you knew Alton Towers had it in the them to call it a day on such classic attractions should the day arrive.
I’m pleased that the park are holding a special event to see the old girl off though, it’s only fitting to allow people to say thanks to ride that has given so many people, over 45 million infact, some fantastic memories over the years but it’s time for it to vacate the park and allow a new ride to take its place. People will find it difficult and slightly odd to visit Alton Towers without Corkscew standing strong as per usual but I’m sure Alton Towers have something up their sleeve that will leave us standing in awe and thus making Corkscrew’s removal all the more important. However, it would be nice to see Alton Towers implement the two corkscew inversions somewhere in the resort - perhaps just as theming near the entrance or even over Rita’s launchway?
I certainly won’t miss Corkscrew because in all fairness it really isn’t an all exciting ride, but I will certainly miss the whining of the lift chain motor as I walk across the valley gardens.
So thanks for your service old girl, but it’s time for you to go up to the theme park in the sky.
October 2, 2008 at 8:01 pm · Filed under Alton Towers News
The time has finally come.
After 28 years of service, Corkscrew at Alton Towers will be no more come the end of 2008. In a press release today, Alton Towers Resort confirmed that the park’s most iconic rollercoaster will be removed at the end of this season in preparation for a new development, rumoured to be opening in 2010.
Over the 28 years, Corkscrew has carried 43.5 million riders and has travelled over 820,000 miles to date - the equivalent distance of travelling to the moon and back nearly four times.
Russell Barnes, Divisional Director at Alton Towers Resort had the following to say…
“The corkscrew has played a key part in the heritage of the Alton Towers Resort, and I am sure millions of our guests will look back with fond memories of the first time they were inverted upside down, twice within three seconds.
“We are extremely proud to have hosted Europe’s first double helix rollercoaster, but it is now the right time to say goodbye to the attraction as we look forward to continuing to pioneer fantastic family entertainment of the future.”
For those who want to see the ride off and have a ride for the very last time, Alton Towers have announced that they plan to hold a special “Goodbye Corkscrew” event on Sunday 9th November. A number of attractions will be open including Oblivion, Rita - Queen of Speed, Nemesis, Air and of course Corkscrew!
Be sure to check out the link below as there is some excellent footage of Corkscrew back in 1980 - the year it opened. And be sure to visit Alton Towers Blog tomorrow when I’ll be giving my views on this breaking news!
altontowers.com/corkscrew
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