TowersStreet have received an email which suggests a number of rides and attractions will be opening later than the normal park opening in the 2014 season. These changes, which are believed to be due to cost cutting, will affect a number of rides in Forbidden Valley and in other areas across the rest of the park.
In 2012 a number of rides including Air, Th13teen, Duel, Skyride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wobble World, Battle Galleons and the Driving School began opening late due to cost saving measures, but the decision was reversed around a week after TowersStreet first broke the news. However, the reduction in the 10am opening ride lineup is said to be mostly different to the rides cut in 2012 and do not include any roller coasters.
The decision on these cuts comes months after Merlin Entertainments (plc) received an injection of investment after successfully floating on the London Stock Exchange. These cost saving measures also follow on from the recent controversy due to a change in how Merlin Annual Pass drinks quenchers operate, meaning they will now cost regular visitors more money than the old system did.
A spokesperson for Alton Towers Resort provided the following statement to TowersStreet:
“The Alton Towers Resort represents excellent value for money for a unique short break for the whole family. With the investment in two major new attractions over the past two years, The Smiler and CBeebies Land, together with a host of other exciting world class thrill rides and unique experiences, we continue to reinforce our position as the UK’s favourite Theme Park.
Our operating season remains amongst the longest of any similar attraction type in the UK, running as it does for the half term week in February and then from 22nd March until the 9th November this year, and we’ve always adopted a flexible approach to ride opening and closing times throughout the season. We have for example always closed earlier during our shoulder periods of March, April, May and September when the weather is usually poorer and guest demand, and throughput, is therefore far lower.
Our busiest times are still during the October half term when we are open until 9pm. Our incredible Scarefest event brings in hundreds of thousands of families from across the UK, as do the end of season Firework Spectaculars. This year will therefore be no different to any other and all rides will be subject to variable opening and closing times which will be confirmed on the day. We believe any changes we may make will have minimal impact on the overall guest experience but of course we will monitor guest feedback on a daily basis and review all of our operations regularly as appropriate.”
Although unconfirmed by the resort the above suggests that any ride opening changes will be subject to guest numbers and reviewed regularly.
In previous years there have been threats to cut Submission and Enterprises opening hours due to The Smiler construction, but the decision was reversed. Widespread 4pm ride closes during off-peak days was also suggested, but was reversed after a number of complaints hit Alton Towers Resort communication channels. These latest rumours come alongside the loss of Submission, which has been retired this season by the resort.
How do you feel about cuts to ride and attraction operating hours, even after the ticket price is set to rise once again this season. Let TowersStreet know on Facebook, Twitter and on our Talk forums.
