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  1. James

    Ride Availability/Operations 2022-25

    Given the effort they've put into a themed sign, could this suggest that it will become more the norm for the remainder of the season?
  2. James

    Monorail Refurbishment

    Ripping out the existing trains and refurbing them sounds realistic. But then, are the trains the issue? The track? The entire system? It depends on what part of it is dying. I know buses and land trains have been suggested. I suggest something cheaper that would align with Merlin's thinking...
  3. James

    Ride Availability/Operations 2022-25

    I usually avoid this thread, so it was surprising to see a few pages of actual discussion here. 😂 I won't bother writing an essay since many good comments have been made. It seems clear that ride reliability is more linked to staffing issues in technical services (given the constant advertising...
  4. James

    Monorail Refurbishment

    They have a plan. Wait for it to break down completely, then keep it closed for ‘essential maintenance’. That's the plan. Unfortunately, unlike the Skyride, I doubt Bianca or any other resort director can magic money up for this one.
  5. James

    Quick Questions

    Plus, they simply cannot cope with the crowds they once did due to cuts in food outlets, rides, and attractions. I think there were a few years when the crowds during Fireworks were unbearable. It’s not unusual now to see Scarefest days as the busiest days of the year due to their higher...
  6. James

    2024: General Discussion

    I'm unsure if there was a limit to the number of noisy events that halted concerts. We've had three years under Merlin, with concerts and fireworks running during the same season. 2010: 80s/30th Anniversary concert, Pink concert and three days of Fireworks (5 days of 'noisy' events). 2011...
  7. James

    Scarefest 2024

    I haven't done Daz, but I wonder if they could use the technology there with a different overlay/theme. That said, it's more than likely going to stay in 2025 as Attic and Mines need replacements.
  8. James

    [2025] Toxicator: New Forbidden Valley Suspended Top Spin

    I was sure the planning application did mention a top spin ride. I just did a quick check, and it's mentioned on the noise impact assessment:
  9. James

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

    The permission expires in June 2026 (and they only have to begin work by then), so there is plenty of time for this project to still happen. They could push this opening as far back as 2029. They could even get the building up by then and put the ride in even later. Given the difficulty of...
  10. James

    [2025] Toxicator: New Forbidden Valley Suspended Top Spin

    You also have the arcade in FV, which can be suited to family members not quite tall enough for Nemesis/Galactica. If they threw in an outdoor play area near the Galactica plaza, you would have a really well-rounded area that suits a variety of guests.
  11. James

    Scarefest 2024

    Haunted Hollow with some extra lighting and smoke/mist effects could work after dark. It would be great to see actors there, but I think the previous attempt was a security nightmare. It's quite a large path, so it's harder to control over a structured scare zone such as Burial Grounds.
  12. James

    Hotels General Discussion

    According to the website, there is no luggage storage for pod guests. https://support.altontowers.com/hc/en-us/articles/12498408284957-Checking-in-out However, given there are storage facilities at the resort, I don't see why they couldn't make an exception since you’re not travelling in your...
  13. James

    Scarefest 2024

    It sounds like Sub-Species 2.0 to me (which is good). Multiple routes, intense and the possibility of being split up. I guess they have a specific wheelchair-friendly route to avoid any issues. I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like! Regarding the age rating, I assume they will tailor it...
  14. James

    [2025] Toxicator: New Forbidden Valley Suspended Top Spin

    I don't disagree, but the point I was making was, is this over-engineering worth it when the park is desperate for multiple flats rather than one extravagant one? If we see multiple flats alongside this one in Forbidden Valley over 2025/26, then hey, I'm all for Towers doing something unique...
  15. James

    [2025] Toxicator: New Forbidden Valley Suspended Top Spin

    They would surface it as it will need access at some point in the future anyway. Either way, there's nothing to prove whether or not it was intended to be a maze this year. This seems like a pointless debate. Maybe everyone should disagree and move on.
  16. James

    Christmas Season 2024

    I feel there's potential in an expanded winter event for day guests, but given the issues during the main season, it’s best they concentrate on that before exploring new endeavours. It feels like they want to keep playing it safe. An expanded event comes with costs and risks that current...
  17. James

    [2025] Toxicator: New Forbidden Valley Suspended Top Spin

    I think if we only see a flat in Forbidden Valley next year, instead of multiple flat rides. It’s fair to question whether this over-engineering (and likely high cost) for the sake of one flat ride is worth it. They could have easily placed a new top spin on the existing site with minimal work...
  18. James

    Oblivion: General Discussion

    I'm inclined to agree with Matt. This is a bit of a controversial opinion, I've never liked the theme of Oblivion. The theme has aged very quickly, and not in a good way. It's in dire need of a refurb. My only concern with Oblivion/X-Sector is that if they went down the route of keeping the...
  19. James

    2024: General Discussion

    Alton Towers would be more than capable of creating a light trail in the gardens. Once you go past the cost of setting it up, it costs little to run and adds something extra to the event. The rapids being closed from 14th October is very poor. Closing after dark is fair enough, but for it to be...
  20. James

    Your predictions - 2025 > 2030

    I think this year was the year to show where things are going, and unfortunately, it's more of the same: a shiny new ride alongside a park with rotting infrastructure and cuts everywhere. This season started off very promising; however, that has dwindled quickly, and it's clear Alton Towers...
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