• ℹ️ Heads up...

    This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks.

2017: General Discussion

Status
This topic has been locked. No further replies can be posted.
I'm surprised at the complete lack of flats at Alton at the moment.

Whats the problem here? I'd imagine they are relatively cheap to purchase, only need a couple of staff to run and don't take up a heap of space. Also - aren't they all "off the shelf" so don't even incur lot of R&D costs. Perhaps I'm wrong though?

I'm really missing them. They are a great way to fill time between the big coasters.
 
I think its down to personal opinion. Personally I don't think they want to invest the money
 
James564 said:
I've had both of them, I've got the empty bottles on my kitchen windowsill - it was a few years ago that I had them but I remember them being pleasant. Oblivion was very hoppy and very golden but I can't remember much of Nemesis. If you're in the same situation again with having to drive, you can just buy them and take them away, they'll let you take them away if you ask rather than having them in the bar.

Peakstones Rock also have bottled ales called Black Hole, Chained Oak and Submission but they've never been sold at the hotels. http://www.peakstonesrock.co.uk/products.htm
Click to expand...

Sorry for taking the topic back to this, but I was given a bottle of Black Hole for Christmas. I aren't particularly an aficionado when it comes to ales but it was certainly very nice! And a quirky bit of Alton Towers(ish) memorabilia to add to my collection!
 
Towerslover said:
Totally agree but this is Merlin we are talking about, earliest we will get a flat is looking 2019...
Click to expand...

Merlin will never install a flat ride at Alton Towers.

In a decade of ownership they haven't installed a single one at any of the UK theme parks save from small ones for very young children.

As far as they are concerned they are too costly to repair and maintain and do not fit with their marketing "killer image" focussed business strategy.

I would bet money we will never see one again.
 
Kobra was installed by Merlin, but aside from that you're right...

It's daft really because I remember bloody Submission getting nationwide advertisement...
 
Heave Ho, I'd say, is still kind of for young children. Not on the level of the new flats opening at CBeebies, but I'd still classify it as a children's ride. And Dodgems are just dodgems.

I think Chris is right, Merlin just don't see the effort of installing and maintaining a flat ride as being worthwhile.
 
Ohh Look what I found whilst searching the web
A job app has opened today called a Scenic Production & Installation Specialist has opened up last month.
I think it could be generic text but it could be about Scarefest and/or SW8 (And some reason ''World Class Shows'' :D)
Anyway I'l put the job description here...
In this role you'll play an important role in our Entertainments Construction team. We are recruiting for someone to help us build theatrical and immersive sets, paint scenery, make props and install these within our various diverse venues to deliver world-class shows and themed walk-through attractions across the Resort. This is a really broad role touching on all aspects of scenic production and installation and would suit someone with a varied skillset along with a speciality in one of the above, with a positive hard working attitude. We are looking for people with impressive creative ability along with a brilliant work ethic who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty!
Click to expand...
I don't think it will be anything to be getting our hopes up though. :rolleyes: Doesn't sound like Merlin to be honest either.
 
jon81uk said:
Dodgems at Thorpe Park.
Heave Ho at Alton Towers.

Yes they aren't thrill rides but they are solid family rides, not young children.
Click to expand...

Heave Ho is a kiddies ride - who on earth is going to ride that apart from parents and sad fanboys?!

I do not consider dodgems as a flat ride really.

Benzin said:
Kobra was installed by Merlin, but aside from that you're right...

It's daft really because I remember bloody Submission getting nationwide advertisement...
Click to expand...

I had forgotten about Kobra! Well asides from that then....

Kobra though was really the centrepiece of the Wild Asia area as a substitute for a new coaster and is the biggest thing CWOA has had in 13 years (Zufari is pants). The point is Merlin never install flats as support rides for bigger attractions which is the main problem.

What I really meant was thrill flat rides.

Also, that "hang in there!" Submission advert was great, possibly the only time a marketing campaign cost likely more than the actual ride it was promoting!!
 
Last edited:
Kobra is terrible, it is the bad version of a bad ride type. Regarding installations, why do you think Thorpe have limped Slammer along? And Samurai? It is because they won't get anything to replace them
 
Changing the subject direction. I was at Blackpool pleasure beach yesterday, what can I say. For £16.25 I bought a wristband got there for 10am Wristband on 10:30 and gates open 11:00am prompt what organisation and what a ride offering!!! Streak, Order up, Airbender (2 rides!!) what a ride puts Cobra at cwoa to shame, Wallace and grommit, Avalanche, Steeplechase, Infusion, Rivercaves, Derby Racer (blimey it was fast!!) Flying machine, Grand national, Big dipper, Infusion again, Avalanche again, Revolution and Skyforce and one last go on airbender . What a day, and what a ride line up!! 11-5pm non stop and still didn't fit in Big one, and Ghost train!! Perhaps some Merlin top brass need to visit and get some ideas how to offer a ride line up and get people through gates!!!
 
Status
This topic has been locked. No further replies can be posted.
Top