Towers Times Forum member, LiamSAFC, recently asked the question - what do you think was Alton Towers’ biggest mistake?

What immediately springs to mind for many park enthusiasts is the removal of Black Hole, the addition of Spinball Whizzer or the re-theme of Haunted House to Duel. I thought quite differently.

I honestly think the lure of the corporate and resort aspect of the theme park industry lead to the loss of the old Alton Towers magic and thus became Alton’s biggest mistake in another sense of the word.

Before things such as conferences, spas and what not, Alton’s sole priority was the theme park. They took every opportunity to theme rides in each and every corner and left no stone unturned in their quest to create one of the world’s best theme parks. It was their only child and they made sure it was spoilt rotten!

For the past few years, particularly during the Tussaud’s era, this looks to have been lost and Alton Towers have pushed and pushed the resort side of the business and kind of left the theme park to run itself - that once spoilt rotten child is now grown up and can live on its own. The days of parenting are over. From around 2003 onwards they have kind of taken their foot of gas by believing that side of the business is done and dusted and just needs “something new” to keep it ticking over. The public will visit Alton Towers regardless of what Merlin do or don’t do. Alton Towers is Alton Towers - the public’s number 1 theme park. Sure we’ve seen good attractions added to the park such as Mutiny Bay and Rita: Queen of Speed, yet neither of which hold the same x-factor that the likes of Nemesis and Oblivion do. That’s what made the park special, their knack of going one step further than you thought possible. That very same step is no longer taken today.

Now it is time nurse their new child and its friends - people with money in abundance who are willing to pay the going rate of a magical overnight stay at the resort or looking to make use of the conference centre, spa or any other luxury of life available at Alton Towers Resort. The day visitors to the theme park have their treat, it’s now time to pamper the upper class.

I can hardly blame Alton Towers though. I’m sure all these corporate events and the like are highly lucrative. I know Drayton Manor’s corporate events equivalates to 30% of their annual turnover!

It’s just a shame that the magic which made Alton Towers what it is is no longer produced in the same fashion due to a change in priorities. Would we still love and admire Alton Towers in the same way we do today if all the attractions built in the 90’s were stripped of their theming and magic? You’d have to think about it!

What do you think Alton Tower’s biggest mistake was? Please leave your comments.