1985 Alton Towers Guide Book

[TomW]

I recently picked up this little gem of a book for my collection, printed in 1985 and a pretty comprehensive view of Alton Towers at that time. I couldn't find any scans of this online anywhere (other than the cover) so I thought I would scan in a few of what I think are the most interesting pages for you guys to see! Hope you enjoy. (picture heavy!)

EDIT: I've now uploaded the full booklet to photobucket at the link below:
http://s809.photobucket.com/user/tomwells182/library/Alton Towers Guide 1985?sort=2&page=1

 

[DiogoJ42]

Fascinating read, thanks for posting!

Have to laugh that even back then, the park was comparing itself to Disney. And as for explaining to guests that they might have to queue, that just seems so odd. Like warning people that a plane won't take off the moment they sit down just for them! I have a Chessington guide book from the same era, and it never said anything as patronising as that. Still, at least they made an effort to educate guests about the ride mechanics.

Cheers!

 

[bluesonichd]

Omg 1985. The year of my first visit. Ahhh the magical memories

The park seemed so huge back then with so much to do.

 

[Craig]

Well since I only visited for the first time 20 years after this guidebook, this is a really interesting read! We've seen plenty of old photos of books etc in the past, but these are really good quality. The ride descriptions really are a world away from how theme parks describe their attractions these days, they're quite technical in comparison to the marketing hype we see nowadays!

 

[rob666]

Being cheeky,
any chance of the other pages being scanned.
Please and thank you.

 

[TomW]

Glad everyone's liking this! I've uploaded scans of the full booklet to a photobucket album here:
http://s809.photobucket.com/user/tomwells182/library/Alton%20Towers%20Guide%201985?sort=2&page=1

Enjoy!

 

[rob666]

Nice one,
thanks.
That's tonight's reading sorted while the mrs watches crap murder mysteries on the box.