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2015: Tree Top Quest

I remember as a kid the excitement of going into the hotel room having to find the hidden 'treasure chest', then finding it and opening up to see an activity book, a 3D buildable flying car and other little goodies. Then the adults got a set of one time use Fastrack tickets, with coupons for food, drink and merchandise. The beauty of these kind of deals really is that it promoted guests to use the on site facilities more, take advantage of the restaurants and shops on offer. Even beyond that having exclusive access to the waterpark and ERT (when it was truly limited to hotel guests and annual pass holders) made you feel like a premium guest.

Now kids get an activity book. No coupons or Fastrack tickets exist. Waterpark is for everyone (I like your suggestion Gary of the waterpark being for hotel guests only at night). You still get ERT, but the amount of people you see on park now during it you don't feel so privileged.

I remember when I went to Alton with my parents last year, we went through to ERT (as hotel guests) and my dad asked "all these people aren't hotel guests and annual pass holders surly" when I told him it is open to those that book online too he replied "so it's a free for all then, hardly a perk if you're in the hotel".

Having been a hotel guest since I was in a pram you certainly lose out a lot now. There's no feeling of being a premium guest and no feeling that you've spent a fortune and you're getting your monies worth in return.

But I don't know, maybe that's just me looking through rose tinted glasses and the excitement of my childhood at Towers.
 
No I don't think it is.

What Alton Towers are doing is offering "Premium" and "Exclusive" perks that are not actually premium or exclusive anymore. Far from it.

They like to tell you it is, and deliver something sub-par.

I don't think anyone here thinks this ropes idea is a BAD one, it just seems a bit of an odd addition given all the other things that need addressing.

The balance now has gone. I have said it would reach a tipping point where even the GP would realise it's money grabbing over service and doing what Towers has managed in the past so well, making you feel a little bit like you mean something to them - rather than just your wallet.

It's reached that point most definitely. Merlin AND Towers are responsible for this. It's poor form.
 
I never understood as to how Cariba Creek seems to be closed early for the majority of evenings. When I first went to Alton in 2008, the park had a 6PM closure (on a weekend in May BTW) and me and my friend who I was with headed down to the water park which wasn't closing until 8. It's okay when it does close at 8PM, but that isn't consistent throughout the entire year. Even during the Summer it closes at 6 when the theme park can be busy, it gives hotel guests nothing to do after they've had what could have been a busy day where they may have hardly got to ride anything. The only time this is excusable is Scarefest and Fireworks since the theme park closes late anyway, and most people would probably be tired.

My suggestion is that the 8PM closure is mandatory in off peak days, and during the peak season, it closes at around 10PM. Wouldn't it be great if you could do some late night swimming, or am I the only one who thinks this?
 
James, your certainly not alone in your thoughts, yes, staying in the hotels did feel like a premium product, you did feel special and you did exclusive benefits of staying in one.

I remember the extra goodies in the rooms, the discount books, when the waterpark was only for hotel guests, and the fun staff led walks through Woodland walk only for hotel guests to get their ERT.

And TheMan I think has hit the nail on the head by saying "They like to tell you it is, and deliver something sub-par."

Thats spot on with Alton these days. Reading their website and marketing spin, it sounds amazing. The tropical waterpark with over 100 activities, water cannons etc. The reality is the water is freezing, the outside seems to open when staff feel like and the watercannons have less pressure than a hole ridden hose pipe.

The hotel rooms are ok but in need of refurb (ongoing I know). The entertainment is hardly "fantabulous". The restaurants are ok, Secret Garden is certainly much better than it was years ago (remember in the early days the staff dressed as gardeners?), while Flambos is ok but not worth the £20 price tag.

I guess thats my whole complaint with Alton. Yeah I love going there and yes it does have a vibe that no other theme park creates - but, its just "OK". It could really be amazing, but they always seem to stick with "OK". Getting back on track with the high ropes course (seem to have lost our way here a bit) - yes, it will be a good addition, but, we all know, despite all the marketing spiel.... its just going to be another "OK" attraction....
 
My suggestion is that the 8PM closure is mandatory in off peak days, and during the peak season, it closes at around 10PM. Wouldn't it be great if you could do some late night swimming, or am I the only one who thinks this?

It's not just you. In fact between 2003-5, the waterpark was open until 10 every day. I think maybe they want to keep people there another day, though?
 
I can't imagine it's the water park is cheap to operate...

For anyone who finds this post cynical, refer to the F&B thread.
 
I do agree with what has been said about the opening times of various attractions within the resort and how these need to be looked upon.

I think things are coming together slowly but surely for the non-theme park attractions though and that the plan is coming together.

I mean, they are sticking pretty close to the revised long term plan and even this rope course was kind of mentioned in it, along with the farm

Zone 10 New Development Area
Maximise use within this zone before development within Zone 11 is considered.

There is potential in this area for the following: Improved parking and advanced structural planting; and
Hotel and lodge developments

In addition, within this zone is a derelict farm (Nicklin Farm) which may be suitable for re-use as an entertainment area however development must be sensitive to the heritage of the site. Consideration should be had for tree coverage and particularly the screening that trees offer along the southern and eastern edge of this zone. Trees on the northern edge provide an important break in views from the north. Consideration should be had for the heritage asset of the boundary ditch, bank and wall.

I think the Alton Towers that we will see in 10 years time will be very different to the one we see today.
 
There is an (what looks like) a old farm animal shed and house up near the hotels

But it should be a good investment for towers just hope they re invest back into mini golf soon
 
The new Alton Towers advert for 2015 confirms (in the small print) that the high ropes course will be named "Tree Top Quest" and will open in May. :)
 
Page is now up on the Alton Towers website, featuring the Tree Top Quest logo and a promotional image.

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10835174_10153028924918185_8599793022532813038_o.jpg


Alton Towers Resort is launching a brand new attraction for 2015, with the opening of the Enchanted Forest Tree Top Quest. A fantastical high ropes course set within the captivating woodland of the brand new Enchanted Village; the Tree Top Quest will feature both an adult and junior course.

"fantastical" - Please stop using silly words AT marketing.
 
I am really liking this.

The Enchanted Village already floats my boat and the Tree Top Quest adds a bit of ammo to the resort line up.

It's certainly more of a resort than the likes of LEGOLAND, Chessington or Thorpe!

It sounds quite good really...

2 Hotels
Enchanted Village
Waterpark
Spa
Treetop Quest
Extraordinary Golf
Theme Park...

:D
 
I am really liking this.

The Enchanted Village already floats my boat and the Tree Top Quest adds a bit of ammo to the resort line up.

It's certainly more of a resort than the likes of LEGOLAND, Chessington or Thorpe!

It sounds quite good really...

2 Hotels
Enchanted Village
Waterpark
Spa
Treetop Quest
Extraordinary Golf
Theme Park...

:D
Shame they can't grasp the simple concept of running them though. :(
 
Quite excited for the tree top quest. Must give it a go some point on a quiet day when there's no queue, although I assume there'll be some sort of booking system, as these things can't take that many people at a time from experience. (Don't quote me!)

Also interested to find out the prices and how many goes around the course yiu get. It's good to have around 3 or 4, as the first couple of times you're still adjusting to the course, but after that you get more confident and attempt different challenges for yourself, such as going iver a certain bit of it without holding on, kr hanging upside down etc.

:)
 
There may be flaws with some of the offerings although there's no arguing it's an impressive line up. At least Alton Towers is worthy of the 'resort' title.
 
Tom b, I was half expecting you to come out with the idea of a forum tree top quest challenge.
 
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