2017/18: SW8 Speculation

[Rojo]

I would have normally said 2017 is too ambitious but with the new mid week closures there may be a chance, if it is not subject to permission.

I seriously doubt it though Merlin/AT has enough on its hands getting existing rides back for 2017 and further TLC.

 

[JB1985]

So the "whack to save the park" is to put in another massive project in even less time than they had for The Smiler? They're stupid but I don't think they're that stupid.

I am prepared to be wrong

 

[Rob]

Mark my word this is 2017 as part of a two ride two year deal running alongside tlc and the new lodges. I have no evidence just a feeling the smiler incident gave the management and merlin the whack they needed to save the park.

Well the first lot of the new lodges aren't due to open until 2019! The 'new' hotel/ATH extension is however due to open at some point in 2017.

Don't forget that Alton Towers were originally planning this for 2017. Unfortunaltely the original document that Towers submitted is no longer online, but the response from SMDC is. As we know though, it was a woodie in and around Forbidden Valley. Planning of it was a long way down the line; as you can see the knew details of heights, areas and number of trees that would need to be removed. Then 6th June 2015 happened, and yeah, this is another what if for now!

Have they managed to draw up completely new plans for a different site for a 2017 coaster since last June? Of course it is possible but the timescales would be unbelievably tight. Any problem or delay would set a 2017 coaster back to very late in the year.

 

[EuroSatch]

Given the current track record of Merlin and their opening dates for new rides, this could very well be 2017. October 2017.

The banner is enough to suggest it could be Mutiny Bay themed, although nothing is set in stone. However it's clear that the site will be used in such a way that it will be accessed from Mutiny Bay - and not Katanga Canyon, which could have been an option with a reconfiguration of the area the flume occupied - so the odds are there it will be pirate themed.

I hope this is 2018. Too often lately we have seen a rushed job. Take the time needed to ensure a good quality build and theme.

 

[JB1985]

Were all assuming planning is needed for this. Perhaps its not. Perhaps its a planned project bought forward. Time will tell

 

[EuroSatch]

My understanding is the SW8 on ripsaw site was happening right up until June 2015. So I highly doubt that this is a project that's well underway

 

[Ben]

I think whatever goes there will drop into the MB theming, remember there was even a tongue-in-cheek poster about Captain Black determined to take the space from the Duck.
Id like to see the entrance of the ride shifted bit closer to the Battle Galleons too, and utilise the space better - less vending machines and tat more theming!

Its not news this has been a complete change of plans, with the FV plans being scrapped, although now with the complete mash of theming and closed rides in FV I'm happy to see that ignored until it can get a whole area theme and be more coherent.

Back to this ride, id be gobsmacked if its 2017. Ill also be gobsmacked if its 2018 and they still don't have to rush it.

 

[James]

The Flume has always felt secluded in its own little area. It worked well for the Mutiny Bay retheme, since there wasn't this eyesore of a duck themed ride in the middle of a pirate area. However I would like to see the design of the paths in that area changed a bit, and the new ride designed to interact/feel a part of Mutiny Bay.

Given that they're using the SW title for this project, it must be a major one, and for that to happen in 2018 then we should see an application by the end of the year. I know some areas fit within the GDO, although I have a feeling it will be a bit like The Smiler, and a planning application will have to be put in for buildings and maybe some theming elements.

Isn't this the second time the coaster for Forbidden Valley has been scraped/shelved over the past few years. It's almost like nature doesn't want a third coaster in that area.

 

[JB1985]

The Flume has always felt secluded in its own little area. It worked well for the Mutiny Bay retheme, since there wasn't this eyesore of a duck themed ride in the middle of a pirate area. However I would like to see the design of the paths in that area changed a bit, and the new ride designed to interact/feel a part of Mutiny Bay.

Given that they're using the SW title for this project, it must be a major one, and for that to happen in 2018 then we should see an application by the end of the year. I know some areas fit within the GDO, although I have a feeling it will be a bit like The Smiler, and a planning application will have to be put in for buildings and maybe some theming elements.

Isn't this the second time the coaster for Forbidden Valley has been scraped/shelved over the past few years. It's almost like nature doesn't want a third coaster in that area.

Plenty of rumours of a car park coaster but never any firm plans as far as I know

 

[MattyH]

Didn't they announce when Ripsaw was removed about Forbidden Valley being re-done? I reckon we could see a medium sized investment in that area in 2019.

 

[evilcod]

My understanding is the SW8 on ripsaw site was happening right up until June 2015. So I highly doubt that this is a project that's well underway

This is using the assumption that theme parks only ever work on 1 future ride plan at a time, which is obviously incorrect. This could easily have been another in planning attraction where work has just advanced at a quicker pace. Maybe due to the technical issues in the FV project but that's just me speculating.

On a separate note, do we really think it's entirely by chance that the closure of tavern, pirate show, Lego store, Mexican, ben&jerrys and the flume means that the construction fences could easily be moved to surround a larger area (shown in red) without any further closures?

maybe but seems unlikely.

 

[tayspru]

Isn't at least some of the Courtyard listed building? Even if not, I can't see them removing a lot of amenities so close to a big new ride, as removing the building would mean finding somewhere to build new toilets, a new show venue, and a new food area ! I've thrown this together to show possible sites for the project (green is most likely, down to red as least likely)

Plenty of room for a nice big project, especially if the designers get creative with what they have! I would love this to be an RMC project , leaving Coaster Corner to get a new water ride!

- Tayler

 

[evilcod]

Not saying the attraction itself will take any of that area but a new ride often comes with themed shops, themed food places, photo locations etc....

 

[Burbs]

Isn't at least some of the Courtyard listed building?

I'm sure the front bit is, not sure about the rest of it.

 

[JB1985]

RMC woodie would be ace... Still hoping B&M mainly for nostalgia purposes but expect an intamin

 

[DoubleOh7]

Jumping on the SW hype yippee!

This is my favourite time in coaster planning and construction, all the hints and marketing intrigue.

So it seems the 'newspaper' about Captain Black seems to be coming true. How far do we read into that? "Blacks Mauraders" instantly made me think was a it a nod to B&Ms initials?

 

[Alastair]

Jumping on the SW hype yippee!

This is my favourite time in coaster planning and construction, all the hints and marketing intrigue.

So it seems the 'newspaper' about Captain Black seems to be coming true. How far do we read into that? "Blacks Mauraders" instantly made me think was a it a nod to B&Ms initials?

That letter was just an isolated teaser for enthusiasts years ago. It has nothing to do with SW8, and at least in my opinion it will not be either a B&M or even a steel coaster (not counting RMC's here as steel)

 

[JB1985]

Steel wouldn't fit to be fair....it may not even be a coaster. Just because we assume it is because its got the sw tag it may be a dark ride. Personally if its a coaster I feel they will be building one for the sake of it. There range of coasters is pretty good atm, only a woodie is missing. As I said l want a B&M but I reality its not right for that site so expect an inverting woodie. Would love a wingrider though

 

[DoubleOh7]

That letter was just an isolated teaser for enthusiasts years ago. It has nothing to do with SW8, and at least in my opinion it will not be either a B&M or even a steel coaster (not counting RMC's here as steel)

Oh I don't know.....it's pretty specific to a secret weapon on the flumes site so we should give it some credibility surely? I'm sure the SW won't have been planned all on the back of playing a joke on a bunch of enthusiasts?

Didn't another one allude to MOJ's take over of X sector?

Who knows? I just love all the mystery of the SW's at this stage in the game and look forward to all the clues and teasers AT give us

 

[phildenholm]

Maybe there is something in it especially if it was right about the moj