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The World of David Walliams: General Discussion

Doublethink said:
Hopefully 0, the park already has enough dark or spooky areas. There are plenty of more interesting and unique themes out there
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Its one of the worst features of AT, the obsession with dark themes. Hex knew how to use a dark theme properly, but would Wickerman have been any the worse for a Steampunk theme, or 13 with an Indiana Jones treasure hunter theme would have been an even better package IMHO.
I'm hoping the new owners look at how to make the AT offering something that aims to pleases all ages again.
 
TheBolt said:
Its one of the worst features of AT, the obsession with dark themes. Hex knew how to use a dark theme properly, but would Wickerman have been any the worse for a Steampunk theme, or 13 with an Indiana Jones treasure hunter theme would have been an even better package IMHO.
I'm hoping the new owners look at how to make the AT offering something that aims to pleases all ages again.
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Yep, Dark themes are a bit of a merlin cliche these days but lots of people love it and clammer for more. In my opinion it's just lazy at this point and an excuse not to need to keep things looking pristine.

I would take even a lightly themed ride like Helix or hyperion over another dark themed ride.
 
I don't think people clammer for them, I think they're just easier to maintain because as they rot it just looks more authentic!

I don't mind dark themes, but there's something about the way Merlin does them that makes them seems overly oppressive. Taron/Klugheim is a dark theme, but the theme is consistent and the area itself is fairly pleasant to be in. Compared to the smiler that can't decide if it wants to be oppressive, fun and sinister, or just plain sinister!

I could see an omnimover-style ride doing well in CCL, plenty of bright colours and fun animatronics to go with a bright, happy soundtrack and story
 
I think the obsession with the dark themes come from the amount of trees in the park and the towers themselves - gothic they are and all that.
 
Jb85 said:
I think the obsession with the dark themes come from the amount of trees in the park and the towers themselves - gothic they are and all that.
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They do. And to be honest the themeing of Hex is spot on. I just think too many dark areas makes the park a bit drab and depressing to walk through. Reality is drab and depressing enough as it is!
 
Merlin always say their market research say people want dark themes. However most parks abroad don’t do dark themes! Look at some of the latest major coasters abroad and they don’t have dark themes. Or if they do they aren’t done in a dark and rotting theme. Like untamed, baron, Valkyria, Helix, Taron, etc.

Smiler is the only exception we’ve had, that’s a dark theme done to a colourful more jolly theme, but it’s so badly made and cut that it now just looks tired and dirty.
 
The only reason M£rlin like dark themes is because they can leave them to rot and become overgrown. Dark ''Forest'' is a perfect example with the moss covered tracks and weeds everywhere.

The whole park seems pretty depressing in it's current state IMO whether it be dark themes or areas that need serious TLC due to neglect.
 
What's the substance behind this "No more dark themes" debate?

If I think back over the history of the park, the coasters generally land in two camps when constructed - "dark themes"; Nemesis, Oblivion, Th13teen, Smiler, Wicker Man or "no themes"; Corkscrew, Beast, Mouse, Air, Rita. I guess RMT, Black Hole and Octonauts slightly shift from that, but not much. There's something about Alton the "gothic wonderland" that lends itself to darker themes, the house, woods and scale.

What would be the go to themes that people are pining for? In terms of big coasters I'm not looking for the Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows Express. I do like a Wild West theme, but I'm not sure it would play that well outside of a wood coaster and old time picture house.

If I look further afield, particularly in the States, at parks with equivalent scope and attendance I still don't understand what people are chasing. Superheroes? Weather related names (almost always themed around destruction), motor racing, random folklore?
 
Rick said:
What's the substance behind this "No more dark themes" debate?

If I think back over the history of the park, the coasters generally land in two camps when constructed - "dark themes"; Nemesis, Oblivion, Th13teen, Smiler, Wicker Man or "no themes"; Corkscrew, Beast, Mouse, Air, Rita. I guess RMT, Black Hole and Octonauts slightly shift from that, but not much. There's something about Alton the "gothic wonderland" that lends itself to darker themes, the house, woods and scale.

What would be the go to themes that people are pining for? In terms of big coasters I'm not looking for the Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows Express. I do like a Wild West theme, but I'm not sure it would play that well outside of a wood coaster and old time picture house.

If I look further afield, particularly in the States, at parks with equivalent scope and attendance I still don't understand what people are chasing. Superheroes? Weather related names (almost always themed around destruction), motor racing, random folklore?
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Completely agree about the towers lending themselves to a dark theme
 
djtruefitt said:
Merlin always say their market research say people want dark themes. However most parks abroad don’t do dark themes! Look at some of the latest major coasters abroad and they don’t have dark themes. Or if they do they aren’t done in a dark and rotting theme. Like untamed, baron, Valkyria, Helix, Taron, etc.

Smiler is the only exception we’ve had, that’s a dark theme done to a colourful more jolly theme, but it’s so badly made and cut that it now just looks tired and dirty.
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Smiler is more sinister than dark, but I get your point.
 
Also overgrown or wild themeing doesn't need to be dark- look at the wildenres area that walibi have done for untamed. Looks modern and quite refreshing.
 
I don't think people are specifically referring to new coasters with the 'no more dark themes' argument but new developments in general.

An intimidating coaster should have an intimidating theme granted, but when family friendly attractions are in such short supply they need to think more creatively (looking at you Dungeon).

Merlin are capable of creating interesting themes for bigger attractions without being dark and oppressive (Oblivion: the black hole being one example), it just seems to be an obsession at Alton Towers.
 
@MaxPower I think I follow, a bit. Oblivion:TBH is a good ride, but ultimately it's quite a sinister message with a load of white paint to take the edge of it. It looks great in the Italian sunshine... Perhaps a personal opinion but I think the vibe of the original ride works far better in a bleak valley in the Staffordshire moorlands.

I'm not sure the Dungeon is a good comparison. When they decided to install a dungeon you have to work within the brand. It is what it is and it's not what it's not.

Cbeebies Land + hotel and next year's attraction will be a better measure of what Merlin do in that scenario.
 
Rick said:
I'm not sure the Dungeon is a good comparison. When they decided to install a dungeon you have to work within the brand. It is what it is and it's not what it's not.
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Ultimately it shouldn't have been built at all as it's not what the park needs, regardless of it's limitations.

Merlin once again forced the parks hand and left them no choice.
 
MaxPower said:
I don't think people are specifically referring to new coasters with the 'no more dark themes' argument but new developments in general.

An intimidating coaster should have an intimidating theme granted, but when family friendly attractions are in such short supply they need to think more creatively (looking at you Dungeon).

Merlin are capable of creating interesting themes for bigger attractions without being dark and oppressive (Oblivion: the black hole being one example), it just seems to be an obsession at Alton Towers.
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Sorry for the double post but Merlin didn’t great the Oblivion the black hole theme they merely stole it!
 
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