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The Alton Towers Dungeon

This is absolutely the last thing the park needs right now, but the evidence seems to point to it happening in one way or another so we might as well look at the best possible outcome for this situation. In an ideal world, it's just a scare-maze for this years Scarefest; one that appeals to all the family due to it's relatively tame theme in comparison and dark humor that often accompanies the other dungeons attractions. Worst case scenario, it's an up-charge attraction that re-uses a previous ride building such as CATCF or N:ST and is shut down after a year due to staff costs and a lack of interest, once again leaving a husk of a show-building. I very much hope that it tips towards the former.
 
I think this could be a hit, people love the Dungeons brand, I don't get why they wouldn't like it if it came to Alton Towers. Plus, I think it could be done in a way that doesn't harm the Midway brand in the same way that the Sea Life brand hasn't been harmed in the UK by its use at Alton, Chessington and Legoland - the effect is probably positive.

I don't think it will be an up-charge, I just don't see it - particularly because it's in the park. I think that makes it a tough sell. Gardaland's Sea Life centre only works as an up-charge because of where it is positioned.

As enthusiasts we look at an addition and compare it to what could have been built in its place or compare it to other rides that utilise the same hardware. I think the bulk of visitors to a park turn up and experience the new attraction and decide whether it was fun or not. It's rarely "It was fun but I wish they had built something else instead".
 
Rick said:
I think this could be a hit, people love the Dungeons brand, I don't get why they wouldn't like it if it came to Alton Towers. Plus, I think it could be done in a way that doesn't harm the Midway brand in the same way that the Sea Life brand hasn't been harmed in the UK by its use at Alton, Chessington and Legoland - the effect is probably positive.

I don't think it will be an up-charge, I just don't see it - particularly because it's in the park. I think that makes it a tough sell. Gardaland's Sea Life centre only works as an up-charge because of where it is positioned.

As enthusiasts we look at an addition and compare it to what could have been built in its place or compare it to other rides that utilise the same hardware. I think the bulk of visitors to a park turn up and experience the new attraction and decide whether it was fun or not. It's rarely "It was fun but I wish they had built something else instead".
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To be honest I wish they would use the money to make sure the coasters work properly.
 
Rick said:
I think this could be a hit, people love the Dungeons brand, I don't get why they wouldn't like it if it came to Alton Towers. Plus, I think it could be done in a way that doesn't harm the Midway brand in the same way that the Sea Life brand hasn't been harmed in the UK by its use at Alton, Chessington and Legoland - the effect is probably positive.

I don't think it will be an up-charge, I just don't see it - particularly because it's in the park. I think that makes it a tough sell. Gardaland's Sea Life centre only works as an up-charge because of where it is positioned.

As enthusiasts we look at an addition and compare it to what could have been built in its place or compare it to other rides that utilise the same hardware. I think the bulk of visitors to a park turn up and experience the new attraction and decide whether it was fun or not. It's rarely "It was fun but I wish they had built something else instead".
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I can’t see it being a free attraction if they do it, dungeons are too staff heavy to operate for free (unlike sealife).
 
Dave said:
I can’t see it being a free attraction if they do it, dungeons are too staff heavy to operate for free (unlike sealife).
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I think this would be built on a much smaller scale than a regular dungeon, like Sharkbait Reef vs. the standalone SL attractions. That would make sense on all fronts. That area isn't huge, the budget wouldn't support it, plus guests wouldn't be looking for an hour - 90 min long experience.

Descend in the elevator, boat ride, court scene, drop tower, ascend in the other elevator.
 
Suppose we will see, not getting a huge amount of enthusiasm for the project from within the resort so I’m not holding my breath if it does happen.
 
Mixed feelings for me on this.

Firstly, turning an abandoned Charlie building (if this is indeed what’s happening,) into a functioning attraction is obviously a positive. A lot was said in 2016 when a number of rides were closed, but to Merlin’s credit they have reopened, or replaced them one by one (ripsaw being the exception,) and we now have just Charlie and Sub Terra remaining. It would seem given recent developments that something is indeed being done with that as well.

Onto the proposition of the dungeon. If the plan is to plonk a clone of other dungeon experiences in the middle of Alton Towers, with no explanation, then I can’t see this being much of a success, especially if they do charge for the priveledge. However, as others have said, so far it’s simply an IP and a name which has been patented; the path the park chooses to take it is presumably open for consideration.

Those that have said that the dungeons operate to educate are wide of the mark, the Sweeney Todd, for example probably never existed and their version of the ripper stuff is mostly at odds with historical fact. That, hopefully, leaves the door open to artistic license. If it was me I’d build an extension to the towers themselves, or what looks like an extension at least, so as to be in keeping with planning permission, and house the dungeon in there. What is done then is fairy limitless, but I’d like to see Alton expand on their already impressive ability to generate their own IPs and begin a story of some sort. If the ride is based in the Charlie building, then the extension suggestion is obviously void, but it could still be themed as the dungeons of the towers, as it isn’t far from the actual building.

What does concern me with using the Charlie building, is that the Charlie ride was pretty poor. I can’t see it magically becoming exciting, even with the best IP around (which this probably isn’t,) and the kind of investment that would be needed to make it exciting would likely exceed the costs of a new ride all together. But we’ll have to wait on that one I guess.

As a final suggestion, this could always be housed outside of the park but within the resort, adding a little more depth to the offerings outside of the park perhaps?

What I will say is that I am a big fan of dark rides, probably more than most people, and I sincerely hope that if this is done and we get a Charlie level dungeon attraction (which I’m not against totally,) that another, much more sizeable investment is made still with another dark ride of some sort, as I feel Alton could do with another, perhaps a water dark ride?
 
Even though CCL would be a slightly strange area to put a Dungeons into, CATCF rethemed to a Dungeons-style experience could be quite atmospheric! Merlin have proven that they can do excellent things with a boat ride system with Gruffalo at Chessington, so I have high hopes for a retheme of Charlie. Besides, it's another support attraction to soak up queues on those busy days!

Although they could also potentially do it within N:ST, as a tent was spotted next to that today, which would imply some sort of development is coming.
 
Rick said:
I think this would be built on a much smaller scale than a regular dungeon, like Sharkbait Reef vs. the standalone SL attractions. That would make sense on all fronts. That area isn't huge, the budget wouldn't support it, plus guests wouldn't be looking for an hour - 90 min long experience.

Descend in the elevator, boat ride, court scene, drop tower, ascend in the other elevator.
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Could you imagine if it was an hour - 90 min attraction!? With the way operations and queues are at the moment Trip advisor would have "We only got on 2 rides!!" instead of "We only got on 3 rides!!" posted on the first 5 pages...
 
I have joked about a Dungeon (and a Madame Tussauds, not so unlikely now) coming to Alton Towers in past years. There was always a massive chance of it happening, as there is a Madame Tussauds in future.

The Dungeon at Warwick is one of the best ones in terms of atmosphere, because of its environment. A clever use of the Towers, with local history and theme, could be a great addition.

I think a paid-for attraction inside the theme park itself would be a significant change of direction. I don't expect it to happen, but I would also not be gobsmacked if they tried.
 
Done the Blackpool Dungeon. Thought it was well themed and interesting, but when you've done it there is little to be achieved from doing it again. It is clear that Merlin are not prepared to cought up the funds to support actor led or staff intensive rides at AT. It is also clear than upsell attractions such as Treetop Quest have failed, yet Ape Escape is always thriving. Seriously who wants to pay to climb a tree when there is a huge and exciting theme park 200 yards away. These things work on their own, but have far less appeal than the theme park itself.

NST, Ice Age 4D, Galactica, DBGT. The money that Merlin have wasted over the last few years is staggering.

We don't want gimmicks. We want exciting, fun filled experiences and plenty of them to occupy a full day.

Come on Merlin. For the money you have spend on Tat you could have had a new flume (agree with Log Flume Dennis, we really need one), a dark ride with an actual transit system and an increase in the frequency of the SW series.

Tayto have shown we could have a sizeable flume in a mid investment year Would be a good investment, still running in 25 years time, not SBNO in 2 years.
 
Perhaps Towers should take a leaf out of Drayton's book- their high-ropes course (Vertigo) does really well as it a) is right next to one of the park entrances and b) costs only £2 per person. :)
 
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