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2015: Alton Towers Enchanted Village
- Thread starter Ian
- Start date
AirFAN
TS Member
I'll try to keep this as light as possible. I'm unsure why people are becoming so defensive when responding to posts which highlight more negative views towards this development? I haven't once mentioned/referred to/berated anyone for their opinion which obviously they're entitled to have. Everyone has a different perspective/varying standards etc.
The only redeeming feature for me are the lodges themselves when looked at in isolation, but for the most part I really do think the area as a whole is a disaster - but that's fine, I don't have to visit. But I'm allowed to give an opinion, just like you're allowed the freedom to spend your money there and enjoy yourself.
Rob
TS Team
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
Whilst at Towers yesterday we had a good look around the Enchanted Village as well as lunch in The Crooked Spoon. My overriding opinion is that photos do not do the development justice and it is indeed a really nice addition to the resort. There are several flaws which I will come on to but let's start with the positives.
The Crooked Spoon was one of my biggest concerns initially. The interior looks pretty awful in photos however it is much nicer once you are actually there. The theming is not massively extensive but it all looks really nice and is complemented by the brilliant IMAscore soundtrack (please release this Towers)! I'm still not a fan of the seating arrangements and I'd imagine it can get quite noisy in there when it is full. We ate from the lunch menu and the food was very good, especially the chips! Nice range of drinks at the bar too. Toilet enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the toilets are quite lovely.
The lodges themselves are all in clusters of between six and ten (I think, I didn't actually take much notice of how many). The clusters towards the back of the site are by far the nicest. In some of them you really would not know that you are at Alton Towers; all you can see are views of the development and surrounding trees. The clusters towards the front of the site are more open and therefore less immersive. Some of the clusters also features lodges at different elevations which makes for some nice variation.
We had a wander past the tree houses which look good but are possibly a little bit close together. As with much of the development they will look better with a little bit of age - for me the wood all looks a little bit too new. The same goes for the main reception/restaurant building. The wood should all age slightly differently and this should add some extra detail to it all.
Now for some of the downsides:
- Tarmac. Unfortunately the roads throughout the Enchanted Village are all just tarmac and it really does not look good. Paving may have cost more but it would have been worth it in my opinion.
- The whole development does not look good at all from the outside. It is completely surrounded by fencing (even though the fences have now been covered by wood/sticks or whatever you call that material). And of course all of the lodges face inwards so all you can see is the back of lots of lodges hidden behind an ugly fence. The main building also looks a bit underwhelming from a distance. For me this downside is the biggest.
- Signage - there are too many cheap looking 2D signs. I know Towers love Leek Signs and probably keep them in business but some higher quality signs for some of this development would have been welcome. The once exception to this is the sign for The Crooked Spoon which is great.
- It's hard to know without actually staying but I'd imagine the whole area is lacking slightly when it does come to magical/enchanted feature. I have a feeling that this would only be worse at night as the lighting looks like it could be poor.
Pretty much all of these downsides could be sorted out relatively easily. Here are my suggestions:
- Replace all tarmac with nice block paving. If they want to save money then do this along with SW8 developments when no doubt they will be purchasing a fair amount of paving. They can probably get a good deal!
- Build an impressive entrance feature for village. This would help with how it looks from the outside and help give the village a sense of identity. Something like a nicely themed archway surrounded by some more substantial theming and some quirky welcome signs. It could be done as a welcome from the Fable Folk.
- Music playing quietly around the village would really help with the atmosphere, along with some 'background noise' sound effects. Have it play between say 10am and 8pm then no-one can complain it is disturbing their sleep. A speaker outside of The Crooked Spoon would also be useful so that the music here plays outside.
- Investing in some atmospheric lighting for the whole village. It's not so much of a problem at this time of year when it stays light until late but they could create a really magic environment with some sensitively placed coloured lighting around the place.
I hope that gives a fair reflection. I don't think they will but if Towers did want to invest a bit more they could make it something extra special, all the foundations are in place.
The Crooked Spoon was one of my biggest concerns initially. The interior looks pretty awful in photos however it is much nicer once you are actually there. The theming is not massively extensive but it all looks really nice and is complemented by the brilliant IMAscore soundtrack (please release this Towers)! I'm still not a fan of the seating arrangements and I'd imagine it can get quite noisy in there when it is full. We ate from the lunch menu and the food was very good, especially the chips! Nice range of drinks at the bar too. Toilet enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the toilets are quite lovely.
The lodges themselves are all in clusters of between six and ten (I think, I didn't actually take much notice of how many). The clusters towards the back of the site are by far the nicest. In some of them you really would not know that you are at Alton Towers; all you can see are views of the development and surrounding trees. The clusters towards the front of the site are more open and therefore less immersive. Some of the clusters also features lodges at different elevations which makes for some nice variation.
We had a wander past the tree houses which look good but are possibly a little bit close together. As with much of the development they will look better with a little bit of age - for me the wood all looks a little bit too new. The same goes for the main reception/restaurant building. The wood should all age slightly differently and this should add some extra detail to it all.
Now for some of the downsides:
- Tarmac. Unfortunately the roads throughout the Enchanted Village are all just tarmac and it really does not look good. Paving may have cost more but it would have been worth it in my opinion.
- The whole development does not look good at all from the outside. It is completely surrounded by fencing (even though the fences have now been covered by wood/sticks or whatever you call that material). And of course all of the lodges face inwards so all you can see is the back of lots of lodges hidden behind an ugly fence. The main building also looks a bit underwhelming from a distance. For me this downside is the biggest.
- Signage - there are too many cheap looking 2D signs. I know Towers love Leek Signs and probably keep them in business but some higher quality signs for some of this development would have been welcome. The once exception to this is the sign for The Crooked Spoon which is great.
- It's hard to know without actually staying but I'd imagine the whole area is lacking slightly when it does come to magical/enchanted feature. I have a feeling that this would only be worse at night as the lighting looks like it could be poor.
Pretty much all of these downsides could be sorted out relatively easily. Here are my suggestions:
- Replace all tarmac with nice block paving. If they want to save money then do this along with SW8 developments when no doubt they will be purchasing a fair amount of paving. They can probably get a good deal!
- Build an impressive entrance feature for village. This would help with how it looks from the outside and help give the village a sense of identity. Something like a nicely themed archway surrounded by some more substantial theming and some quirky welcome signs. It could be done as a welcome from the Fable Folk.
- Music playing quietly around the village would really help with the atmosphere, along with some 'background noise' sound effects. Have it play between say 10am and 8pm then no-one can complain it is disturbing their sleep. A speaker outside of The Crooked Spoon would also be useful so that the music here plays outside.
- Investing in some atmospheric lighting for the whole village. It's not so much of a problem at this time of year when it stays light until late but they could create a really magic environment with some sensitively placed coloured lighting around the place.
I hope that gives a fair reflection. I don't think they will but if Towers did want to invest a bit more they could make it something extra special, all the foundations are in place.
Scott
Former TS Team Member
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
Now I've seen it in person, I think the Enchanted Village looks really nice. There's definitely elements of it that could do with more work but equally I found it far more pleasant than expected.
My biggest issues are really echoes of what has already been said. That is mainly that the entrance (or lack of) is poor, the Crooked Spoon could do with being bigger, the Tarmac is far from ideal and the lodges nearest ATH could do with being screened from the rest of the resort much better.
The whole area itself is very pleasant though and the groups of lodges towards the back of the development are very well hidden and definitely the best of the bunch because of this.
The food in the Crooked Spoon was great and the service from the staff was fantastic. The decor inside is simple but pleasant and I also like the soundtrack. The major issue though is the size. The tables are very close together and on a busy evening will make the entire place feel very cramped. It also could really have done with a separate bar or entertainment area - though I assume this is because Towers are presuming that lodge users will prefer to buy alcohol from the shop and enjoy it in their room/on their patio.
One thing that also struck me (positively) was just how many trees have been planted on site. It's not very apparent in pictures but they are everywhere! In a few years when fully grown I think the whole thing will look truly enchanted - as every lodge will almost be hidden from one another with the amount of tree growth planned!
Overall I think it looks great - though just has areas which could be much improved. The food offering was better than expected and the entire feel was rather pleasant. For what you get though, I don't think the price range is anywhere near right.
Can't comment on the lodges inside as I haven't been inside one
My biggest issues are really echoes of what has already been said. That is mainly that the entrance (or lack of) is poor, the Crooked Spoon could do with being bigger, the Tarmac is far from ideal and the lodges nearest ATH could do with being screened from the rest of the resort much better.
The whole area itself is very pleasant though and the groups of lodges towards the back of the development are very well hidden and definitely the best of the bunch because of this.
The food in the Crooked Spoon was great and the service from the staff was fantastic. The decor inside is simple but pleasant and I also like the soundtrack. The major issue though is the size. The tables are very close together and on a busy evening will make the entire place feel very cramped. It also could really have done with a separate bar or entertainment area - though I assume this is because Towers are presuming that lodge users will prefer to buy alcohol from the shop and enjoy it in their room/on their patio.
One thing that also struck me (positively) was just how many trees have been planted on site. It's not very apparent in pictures but they are everywhere! In a few years when fully grown I think the whole thing will look truly enchanted - as every lodge will almost be hidden from one another with the amount of tree growth planned!
Overall I think it looks great - though just has areas which could be much improved. The food offering was better than expected and the entire feel was rather pleasant. For what you get though, I don't think the price range is anywhere near right.
Can't comment on the lodges inside as I haven't been inside one
Rob
TS Team
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
I think the major problem with this so far is the price. It is quite simply overpriced. I suppose there is a chance that this is down to it being new accommodation - naturally there is more demand initially therefore there is a higher price. The price may come down after a year. I really hope so anyway.
Rob
TS Team
- Favourite Ride
- Steel Vengeance
That demonstrates well what I previously said - it does look poor from the outside, especially the very front of a the village. Some more trees shielding the front (so that you don't see the backs of lodges) and an nice entrance feature are badly needed.
James
TS Founding Member
Yeah that doesn't look at all inviting.
Why not have a grand entrance arch that side, then a map of the village near it so guests walking from the rest of the resort can see what's there and where they can go to eat, shop, walk around, check in etc...
Then in addition to that make a duplicate grand entrance arch near the main reception. Then why not go a step further, get rid of that cheap Treehouses sign on a plank of wood and build an arch entrance there too.
I hate to be such a moaner although for a one off project that has presumably cost millions upon millions of pounds it's a shame to see a lot of details missed out and in some cases (like the signs) they've gone for the cheap option, for a one off project.
I'm hoping, just like the hotels there will be changes made over the years.
Why not have a grand entrance arch that side, then a map of the village near it so guests walking from the rest of the resort can see what's there and where they can go to eat, shop, walk around, check in etc...
Then in addition to that make a duplicate grand entrance arch near the main reception. Then why not go a step further, get rid of that cheap Treehouses sign on a plank of wood and build an arch entrance there too.
I hate to be such a moaner although for a one off project that has presumably cost millions upon millions of pounds it's a shame to see a lot of details missed out and in some cases (like the signs) they've gone for the cheap option, for a one off project.
I'm hoping, just like the hotels there will be changes made over the years.
djtruefitt
TS Team
From where you are meant to park waking down to the reception area is a bit crap. You walk past the back of the lodges and then the back of the crooked soon, with air con and fridge units.
It needs a proper big sign and entrance feature, at the moment it has nothing, which is probably why when I have visited most cars are parked on the grass rather than the proper car park.
The only thing I can think is towers are planning on doing phase two in the next year or two which would probably contain a proper entrance and maybe even a new building that will have a bar or another restaurant. And then they will also sort the car park out as well.
It needs a proper big sign and entrance feature, at the moment it has nothing, which is probably why when I have visited most cars are parked on the grass rather than the proper car park.
The only thing I can think is towers are planning on doing phase two in the next year or two which would probably contain a proper entrance and maybe even a new building that will have a bar or another restaurant. And then they will also sort the car park out as well.
funstie161
TS Member
So, our first stay at the village was at the weekend. We stay at the Alton Towers hotel about 3 times a year and we were a little worried that we would wish we had booked the hotel. However, everything went brilliantly. The check in is small but efficient, breakfast booking was made there and then (the Crooked Spoon was chosen although you could book into either of the hotel restaurants if you wanted.......I've not seen that mentioned before). The car park is a little far away and the drop off area needs to be better managed as people just left their cars there but literally that is my only gripe. So we came back at around 2:30 and our lodge was ready. The actual lodge areas are lovely and the play equipment, flowers, young trees and wooden mushrooms do create a magical atmosphere. The rooms have a great outside seating area and are big enough (my daughter loved her special room with enchanted tree wallpaper and picnic flooring). The beds are VERY comfortable and I stay in a lot of hotels……the whole place is great. We went for dinner at the Emperors Grill in the hotel but back to the Crooked Spoon for drinks. The crooked spoon was vibrant, had a good atmosphere and was very family friendly. The one thing that struck me was the number of children playing outside and creating a lovely atmosphere around the village. I saw a number of kids seeing their room for the first time (including my own daughter) and the sheer excitement and wow factor was clear to see……..maybe us ‘grown ups’ should take a leaf out of their book before coming on here and moaning. So, will we be back…..yes we will. I will continue to use the hotel facilities but the enchanted village is our new found accommodation of choice at Alton Towers. A worthy addition and I would suggest everyone try it before complaining that it’s not enough. After the park closes this place comes alive and the wishing tree is stunning in the dark.
Unicorns_are_lovely
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- nemesis
Fresh back from our very first AT stay this weekend and we were really impressed with our lodge and the enchanted village the check in was smooth, the fixtures and fittings in the lodge were great, with lovely little touches (cute fairy door on the wall, forest floor effect in the little bedroom and a rather nice view of the woods and a happy pheasant from the tiny square window!)
We got a good b&b deal online and it cost less than a premier inn for the night ... can't argue with that!
The food in the Crooked Spoon was good but our one (and only!) complaint would be the lack of an "adults only" seating area in there ... the design of the room seems to keep noise in on a grand scale and we can't enjoy a meal when surrounded by shreiking and screaming children ... we ended up moving tables in order to enjoy our food in some peace. I know it's a family place, but the noise was horrendous! using the small seating area to the right of the door for adult only groups would be a nice touch for those of us who don't have little 'uns.
Before anyone jumps on me for being a miserable moo, it was lovely seeing the kids playing out on the seesaws, swings etc ... I just wanted to enjoy my meal in (relative) peace
On the whole I was really impressed and would definitely book again next year ... yes, it's not perfect (distance to car park etc) but on the whole it's a positive thumbs up from me and it was nice to stay on resort rather than heading home as we usually do
the check in was smooth, the fixtures and fittings in the lodge were great, with lovely little touches (cute fairy door on the wall, forest floor effect in the little bedroom and a rather nice view of the woods and a happy pheasant from the tiny square window!)We got a good b&b deal online and it cost less than a premier inn for the night ... can't argue with that!
The food in the Crooked Spoon was good but our one (and only!) complaint would be the lack of an "adults only" seating area in there ... the design of the room seems to keep noise in on a grand scale and we can't enjoy a meal when surrounded by shreiking and screaming children ... we ended up moving tables in order to enjoy our food in some peace. I know it's a family place, but the noise was horrendous! using the small seating area to the right of the door for adult only groups would be a nice touch for those of us who don't have little 'uns.
Before anyone jumps on me for being a miserable moo, it was lovely seeing the kids playing out on the seesaws, swings etc ... I just wanted to enjoy my meal in (relative) peace
On the whole I was really impressed and would definitely book again next year ... yes, it's not perfect (distance to car park etc) but on the whole it's a positive thumbs up from me and it was nice to stay on resort rather than heading home as we usually do