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2017/18: SW8 Speculation

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James said:
Several things just never materialized (mainly down to the disastrous ground-works). I can't blame them in one way, although I wish Merlin pumped more money into it so the theme could be fully conceived... and that's where the problem lies with Merlin, they just couldn't care less about creating an experience and don't invest enough in that area, it's all market market market, sell sell sell, money money money.
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Bingo!
 
Jordan said:
Merlin optimise their organisation towards capex, so MMM don't have the incentives to think longer-term when building attractions.

I remember an interview with Nick Varney where he said that any new attractions have to be pitched with a "killer image". Basically if it can't be made to look sellable, it won't get off the starting block, and a scary, dark "world's first" is far easier to sell than something that has much greater lasting appeal.
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"Killer image" and "compelling proposition". ;)

Regardless of what SW8 turns out to be, I hope that the overall quality of the whole attraction and experience is high. When you look at the current coasters on park the two that look in the worst state at Thirteen and The Smiler, the park's newest major coasters. That says something.

I do hope SW8 is somewhat unique as well though. Alton Towers are known wordwide for being more innovative than some other parks when it comes to their new coasters. As has been pointed out even Nemesis could have been seen as a gimmick at the time, gimmicks are not always bad things.

:)
 
The difference between "Nemesis" being a gimmick and "The Smiler" being a gimmick is that nemesis was a HUGE risk and paid off. They are playing it way too safe.

Also I agree the out and back bit on Thirteen annoys me. It could have gone on a little bit longer so felt like the ride when entering the crypt was complete... Would it really have cost that much more to have it go a little further?

That said... I was so disappointed with my first ride on it... Down to the marketing... Now it really is up there in my top 3 coasters at Towers. It's so smooth and just FUN.


What were the original plans for the smiler regarding the mezzanine level?
 
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I like Thirteen how it is. It's a cool experience falling while on a roller coaster. As long as there isn't a big queue I will go on it. When the forest starts to grow around the track, I think it can only get better in time.
 
... and the charity is for "ill, disabled and disadvantaged children"

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I've been a towers fan since 88, I've seen it develop and at times watched it fall but all in all I've been happy with their choices. The flume was the 1st ride I went on, I'm now 42, its crazy to think its lasted this long so I'm happy to finally see a replacement. My choice? An RMC woodie making use of the terrain and diving underground for much of its journey. Ground breaking? I hope so.......as in tunnels not gimmicks.
 
I would like to see Alton Towers move away from a worlds first, which has shown can be problematic (yes Thirteen/Smiler I,m looking at you), and try and build the best of a tried and tested established ride type.
Like Flip said, a quality woodie (RMC/GCI etc) that delivers a complete ride experience. They have an opportunity to create something special with the old flume site.
 
Agree completely with you two. Towers has been the testing ground for these and America go the next step. Surely it's towers turn to make use of other people's teething problems.
 
If the coaster section was better. Lovely theming tho, would look amazing but that Efteling for you. I'm still hoping for a woodie.
 
TH13TEEN was quite limited in planning I believe due to local Iron Age? remains.

DVH is very, very pretty and well executed.....but the coaster bit. That is not very good and lets down the ride.
 
Poisson said:
TH13TEEN was quite limited in planning I believe due to local Iron Age? remains.
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Yeah, that's right. There is/were/are remains of an Iron Age Fort on Bunbury Hill which is/was/near where Dark Forest and Th13teen now is.

I'm sure @BarryZola would know more on this.
 
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