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I'm not sure if it was around SW8’s time, but there were rumours of a stand-up coaster in KC years ago. Jumanji wouldn't have been so bad as an IP for that area. Personally, though, I am happy that Merlin/Towers has always ended up with custom themes for Alton Towers SW projects. It’s what...

If I remember rightly, the original plan was an IP, Halo, I believe. I think it fell through in the early stages.

They expected rock work like the Nemesis pit. I think the ride ended with far more supports than originally anticipated. The concrete jungle was not anticipated and skyrocketed the budget. Hence, there was no plaza, which is probably why the building is in its state, with supports cutting...

The ‘floating door’ goes into the baggage area. It originally had stairs. I assume it was welded, as staff likely went through it into a live ride/area. The whole building is such an odd design.

The washing machine element never existed. Towers Times seemed to believe it was real, and their reporting of this is what made enthusiasts aware of and talk about it a lot (at the time, they were adamant that it was real and happening). I think this was fueled by those 'in the know' being aware...

These 3-month passes are available for all Merlin parks, which suggests an issue with MAP sales rather than a decline in visitor numbers at Alton Towers.

It looks like two trains met and stopped before the vertical lift on The Smiler today, resulting in some downtime. Has anyone seen this happen before? It's not something I've seen happen before, and I'm not sure how the block sections work on The Smiler.

As far as AI goes, it could be worse.

I'm still of the opinion that the Towers should be open for all (included in your theme park admission), with a variety of signs in each room explaining its original purpose/history, maybe go the extra step and have staff (could be volunteers) dotted around to give guests a bit more information...

Oakwood was my childhood theme park, so I have a soft spot for the place. However, I feel it's likely Aspro is in the process of stripping the place, so even if it is possible to take ownership, you're looking at an insurmountable investment to get a running theme park unless you strip it back...

I agree. This has been the first series in a very long time where I've enjoyed every single episode. It’s a shame that there are rumours that Disney will not renew their deal with BBC, and we’re likely looking at at least a two-year gap before any new Doctor Who. It feels like the show has...

The only thing I would note is that the Fireworks at Alton Towers are a yearly three/two-day event. They're grander in scale and a concentrated display. Disney and Universal fireworks are embedded as part of your daily (nightly) entertainment. They're entirely different things. - To stay on...

I have a soft spot for Sub-Terra, but I can't say I like the current iteration or the batching. Staff were very efficient on my rides last season, but when the batch host briefs you that you may be moved around, and in the chamber, there’s a game of musical chairs… It breaks away any immersion...

Both seasonal job adverts mention “during the Halloween and holiday seasons”, indicating they cover event-only entertainment. I'm not expecting anything beyond events at the moment. I think at worst we’ll see the same stuff from last year. Beyond that you're likely to see improvements. Scare...

Even if they had that many trains, the current batching procedures would lead to long stacks of trains, which would not benefit throughput.

Goose on SW9. Looks slow!

Is this greenhouse 200 feet in the air, moving, and has its windows open (because why are they closed)? - Skyride has operated in hot weather before. While these next few days are forecasted to be warm, it's not exactly a freak heatwave.

I remember the queue snaked up/down the length of the facade at the front (which CATCF did not due to the glass elevators/exit), maybe that's what you're thinking?

Merlin doesn't need to spend hundreds of millions, but it will need to invest to get its current parks back to an acceptable standard. Alton Towers probably needs the most work out of all the parks, with a severe lack of flat rides and multiple areas that need major work. I can see the primary...

Grafitti is not a new concept in theme parks. Guests have done it in the past, do it now, and will continue to do it in the future. It's more about how Towers/Merlin/other parks can put deterrents in place, punish those who are caught and keep on top of upkeep so areas always look fresh. As...