[202X] Project Horizon (SW9?): Planning Approved

[Bert2theSpark]

I don't know if it's already been discussed or not, but I have a feeling that the total lack of any updates on the attraction are because it was supposed to be an RMC Wild Moose (the national rollercoaster day vid they put out in front of oblivion) and they weren't happy with the product. I'm really keen to see what we do get for Horizon, assuming it still goes ahead.

Pretty sure that was a throwaway joke and not meant to be taken too seriously. Both MMM and RMC have joked about working together because of how much it gets yapped about by nerds. RMC has tendered bids in the past (eg Wicker Man) but when it comes down to choosing business partners, you don’t choose it out of what 1% of visitors would like, they choose the one that’s the most appropriate for the aims of the contract.

This whole Wild Moose thing has been talked about to death across the wider enthusiast community, and I think it shows where enthusiasts are a bit disconnected by industry expectations to be honest.

Bringing it back around to Horizon, they’ll likely tendered the contract with a history of building family-thrill coasters, such as their ongoing work with ART, Zierer and Intamin. Out of those three, I think Intamin is the most likely to create something compelling that the public will be “Ooh look what Alton Towers have built” and the park already has the first Multi-Dimensional model so staff have experience working on a similar product. Recent Merlin coasters have also seemed to have been brought in bulk over the past few years and Chessington’s MDC for Minecraft next year sticks out from that trend so far, so it’s possible that Horizon could be another MDC.

 

[TowersWarlock0110]

Pretty sure that was a throwaway joke and not meant to be taken too seriously. Both MMM and RMC have joked about working together because of how much it gets yapped about by nerds. RMC has tendered bids in the past (eg Wicker Man) but when it comes down to choosing business partners, you don’t choose it out of what 1% of visitors would like, they choose the one that’s the most appropriate for the aims of the contract.

This whole Wild Moose thing has been talked about to death across the wider enthusiast community, and I think it shows where enthusiasts are a bit disconnected by industry expectations to be honest.

Bringing it back around to Horizon, they’ll likely tendered the contract with a history of building family-thrill coasters, such as their ongoing work with ART, Zierer and Intamin. Out of those three, I think Intamin is the most likely to create something compelling that the public will be “Ooh look what Alton Towers have built” and the park already has the first Multi-Dimensional model so staff have experience working on a similar product. Recent Merlin coasters have also seemed to have been brought in bulk over the past few years and Chessington’s MDC for Minecraft next year sticks out from that trend so far, so it’s possible that Horizon could be another MDC.

ah i see, apologies; i've been quite out of the loop with the wider enthusiast community for a while so was only going off of what i last remembered being theorised lol. An MDC would be a really good family/thrill addition though! It would certainly be in the right location

 

[Skyscraper]

Today is the "Determination Required" date for Towers' discharge of conditions application for Project Horizon. However, one of the agency comments mentions that there is another condition (5- an "archeological watching brief") that is still outstanding. I assume that will also need to be discharged in order for construction to begin.

 

[Benjsh]

They really need to get this project back up and running ASAP.

1. A new coaster is overdue now. Technically Nemesis Reborn was new I know but many wont count that.

2. The park needs more indoor attractions to combat the bad weather and an indoor coaster would be something weve not had since the Black Hole.

3. Universal is also looming and is sure to have lot of indoor attractions so Towers need to be able to offer an alternative. An indoor thrill coaster is a rare thing these days too, especially in the UK.

4. Indoor coaster could be open during the out of main season events such as February half term and Christmas which could increase footfall / profits

5. Durability. Indoor coasters can last longer due to being protected from the bad weather.

 

[Hid]

They really need to get this project back up and running ASAP.

1. A new coaster is overdue now. Technically Nemesis Reborn was new I know but many wont count that.

2. The park needs more indoor attractions to combat the bad weather and an indoor coaster would be something weve not had since the Black Hole.

3. Universal is also looming and is sure to have lot of indoor attractions so Towers need to be able to offer an alternative. An indoor thrill coaster is a rare thing these days too, especially in the UK.

4. Indoor coaster could be open during the out of main season events such as February half term and Christmas which could increase footfall / profits

5. Durability. Indoor coasters can last longer due to being protected from the bad weather.

Would it be cool for this to be themed to Black Hole as that was Steampunk theme could tie the whole area alongside it. And reopen Dungeons Boat Ride as a main ride

 

[tayspru]

At best I can imagine them building “the shed” and then adding ride hardware at a later date. It’s clear Horizon is not a priority, nor is adding what would be the parks 12th coaster. They would be foolish to allow the planning to lapse entirely

 

[Quantum]

I do wonder if the Fate of Walliams world is tied to this project. The hopeful side of me says they may be looking at the area as a whole though it still doesn't make sense for letting planning expire unless plans have changed.

That whole side of the park is becoming a major issue

 

[AT86]

They aren’t letting planning expire? They are actively working to get the conditions signed off, presumably because they are forging ahead - otherwise why would they bother.

 

[Maelstrom]

Would it be cool for this to be themed to Black Hole as that was Steampunk theme could tie the whole area alongside it. And reopen Dungeons Boat Ride as a main ride

I don’t want them to just keep using old themes/ride styles from closed rides. Needs to be something new- steam punk fine but no mention of the black hole. I would actually like something a bit more fun than Alton usual go for and theme and random sound track similar to guardians of one galaxy style at Epcot but harder to do as an original theme to get right.

I am fairly sure that Alton will be the Merlin property to get the next major capitol project in 2028. Think 2027 was unlikely with Chessington getting the major expansion. I think the original plan of 2025/2026 was pushed back in end as Merlin couldn’t justify the cost having spent similar to a major one attraction on Nemesis.

Just hope in 2027 we see either a few new flats or a phase 1 of project horizon with a retheme of dungeons and Williams world. If not can imagine it being other way round with the coaster phase 1 in 2028 and 2029 being the retheme of the dungeons and etc.

I

 

[Alfredo]

Black hole doesn't have to be exactly like the original ride, it could be astronaut themed for all we know

 

[Benjsh]

Just to add to the 'no more dark themes' debate....

Maybe a multi dimension coaster with Sir Algenon as the main character as he travels through various terrains (Arctic, Jungle etc).

I think that would work really well for this attraction if it ever goes ahead. As we know Towers dont like to use outside IP's for their coasters so to tie it in with the Alton Towers Hotel and Sir Algenon would actually make a ton of sense.

Id be happy with a Black Hole reboot though too and brought into the 21st century.

 

[jon81uk]

Just to add to the 'no more dark themes' debate....

Maybe a multi dimension coaster with Sir Algenon as the main character as he travels through various terrains (Arctic, Jungle etc).

I think that would work really well for this attraction if it ever goes ahead. As we know Towers dont like to use outside IP's for their coasters so to tie it in with the Alton Towers Hotel and Sir Algenon would actually make a ton of sense.

Id be happy with a Black Hole reboot though too and brought into the 21st century.

Sir Algenon's voyage to the Black Hole?

 

[Skyscraper]

Just to add to the 'no more dark themes' debate....

Maybe a multi dimension coaster with Sir Algenon as the main character as he travels through various terrains (Arctic, Jungle etc).

I think that would work really well for this attraction if it ever goes ahead. As we know Towers dont like to use outside IP's for their coasters so to tie it in with the Alton Towers Hotel and Sir Algenon would actually make a ton of sense.

I know one or two people have suggested having ITHOTMK as the onboard soundtrack... a Sir Algenon-themed ride with that could be pretty cool actually.

 

[BSwiss]

I know one or two people have suggested having ITHOTMK as the onboard soundtrack... a Sir Algenon-themed ride with that could be pretty cool actually.

Could they embed ITHOTMK into AT theming even more with PH (or other) ride called The Hall of the Mountain King?

Possibly too on the nose, though.

 

[Ash]

Given:
- The gaping hole in the lineup for a family thrill indoor coaster
- The lack of indoor attractions as a whole
- Their recent experience with the ART coasters in the US
- The first use of new space in the park in decades
- The challenges in getting planning in that area
- The ability to spread people around the park and draw people to a hugely under utilised area

I will be astounded if they let this lapse. Genuinely one of the stupidest things I’d ever seen Merlin do.

I just wonder given the recent Walliams news, if this area could be in for something bigger given the potential of:

- A large quick service restaurant
- Family indoor boat ride requiring re-theme or reuse
- Family indoor dark ride requiring re-theme or reuse
- New coaster building
- Unused theatre building
- Various other unused buildings

Given the recent investments we’ve seen, where lands and IP have been key, I can’t help but think this may be earmarked for something more substantial.

Lego Harry Potter anyone?

The setting would work and could be used to repurpose most of things mentioned.

If not I truly start to question any appetite to maintain Alton at the top of the UK market, or is it destined to become a bad Drayton Manor impersonator which seems far more attuned to the market Merlin is playing in.

 

[Bowser]

If not I truly start to question any appetite to maintain Alton at the top of the UK market, or is it destined to become a bad Drayton Manor impersonator which seems far more attuned to the market Merlin is playing in.

Looking back at the start of this thread we're now into the 4th calendar year of speculating on this attraction since the consultation was announced. It pre-dates me becoming an enthusiast!

The very earliest this can now realistically open is 2028 meaning it will be at least 10 years between new major attractions opening at the park. That must surely be a record and by a sizeable margin at that?

That to me speaks volumes. I enjoy a fantasy planning session as much as anyone but i think the notion of a completely revamped World of Walliams/Dungeons with multiple attractions and facilities on top of a Secret Weapon level rollercoaster bearing in mind the neglect elsewhere in the park is borderline preposterous unfortunately.

 

[Bert2theSpark]

Looking back at the start of this thread we're now into the 4th calendar year of speculating on this attraction since the consultation was announced. It pre-dates me becoming an enthusiast!

The very earliest this can now realistically open is 2028 meaning it will be at least 10 years between new major attractions opening at the park. That must surely be a record and by a sizeable margin at that?

That to me speaks volumes. I enjoy a fantasy planning session as much as anyone but i think the notion of a completely revamped World of Walliams/Dungeons with multiple attractions and facilities on top of a Secret Weapon level rollercoaster bearing in mind the neglect elsewhere in the park is borderline preposterous unfortunately.

I completely get the need to balance this out with new additions across the rest of the park but since Walliams was introduced we’ve seen the refurbishment of one corner of the park for one audience and a refresh of the opposite corner of the park for the other audience, with minimal overlap between.

Maybe if they had Horizon and a refresh of CCL for 2028, followed by something else completely different in 2029 and then a medium-scale investment reopening the boat ride in 2030.

 

[Maelstrom]

Given:
- The gaping hole in the lineup for a family thrill indoor coaster
- The lack of indoor attractions as a whole
- Their recent experience with the ART coasters in the US
- The first use of new space in the park in decades
- The challenges in getting planning in that area
- The ability to spread people around the park and draw people to a hugely under utilised area

I will be astounded if they let this lapse. Genuinely one of the stupidest things I’d ever seen Merlin do.

I just wonder given the recent Walliams news, if this area could be in for something bigger given the potential of:

- A large quick service restaurant
- Family indoor boat ride requiring re-theme or reuse
- Family indoor dark ride requiring re-theme or reuse
- New coaster building
- Unused theatre building
- Various other unused buildings

Given the recent investments we’ve seen, where lands and IP have been key, I can’t help but think this may be earmarked for something more substantial.

Lego Harry Potter anyone?

The setting would work and could be used to repurpose most of things mentioned.

If not I truly start to question any appetite to maintain Alton at the top of the UK market, or is it destined to become a bad Drayton Manor impersonator which seems far more attuned to the market Merlin is playing in.

while I very much doubt it would happen outside a Lego park -Lego Harry Potter has crossed my mind and would fit very well into the location. Windsor would be the obvious choice but might not be possible due to Warner brothers studios and maybe what deal universal have for the UK park (maybe nothing) being much closer to Legoland. Although could be a no to any UK park using the Lego HP IP. if Merlin can use the IP it would make sense to use In the UK even if they are unable to do so at Legoland. It would require heavy investment which not sure they will give Alton (although seem happy enough to do for Legoland Germany and this years space coasters at lego Florida and California. It would also give them something very strong to help market especially as Universal enter the market.

 

[Benjsh]

Sir Algenon's voyage to the Black Hole?

Im sold. Take my money

 

[JAperson]

I think, somewhat sadly, this is highly likely to be an external IP of some form. Merlin have made it clear they feel there way forward is with IP's, and even if that wasn't the case coming up with something very compelling with an indoor attraction could be very hard, and marketing that would be extremely difficult.
Now I have nothing against IP's on principle but I would prefer that they were not part of Towers set of coasters, because it allows them to have there own identity, which I actually think sets them apart from Universal. Basically, they can't out universal universal, and now that is going to be a factor here in the UK. I do think this means they have to be incredibly likely what IP they pick (although this would have already been selected obviously) as it needs to be something that's going to be able to last and stay popular, while being easily marketable, and lending it for a huge audience, including those who have no actual interest in said IP.

Honestly, I thought this project was dead, but it appears not, and rather was just a delay. I'm not sure how I feel about that, as I was never convinced this was the exact right approach to take at the right time, and I'm still really not convinced. I do however think an indoor coaster is a great addition for Towers, and helps with there out-of-season operations a lot, giving them more possibility to earn more money. If I was choosing how to use this building and coaster, I think I would take a non-IP approach but perhaps using another pull, some have mentioned some black hole or steam punk kind of thing and I do believe incorporating an already known Towers IP, perhaps something that evokes nostalgia could work but they'd need to come up with an incredibly compelling ride and story. Perhaps there's also capacity to use a legend of some form, perhaps something King Arthur themed (as this is no longer something offered in the UK theme park scene), or really any well known legend, tale or myth. With Universal coming Towers need to focus on the domestic market, and this is an easy way to do that.