Just got back from an awesome day at Alton Towers.
Firstly, I have to say that the entrance procedure was really well managed and seemed to flow amazingly - much better than when I visited towards the start of the season. There were plenty of staff in and around the Plaza, which helped make the flow of guests much more structured. They were actually checking for ERT tickets, the ERT shutters also opened earlier today, so you could actually get to the ride for 9:30am, unsure how long this has been going on for. I'd go as far to say it has to be one of the easier admissions to a Park, especially Alton, in a long time.
ERT selection was good, but I now definitely see the problem with Staggered Openings - there's just not enough to do for an hour and a half before the rest of the rides open - we managed to get through the ERT selection (minus Wickerman) in around 20 minutes. I'd love to see either Dark Forest or Forbidden Valley added to the ERT lineup, or even perhaps the Smiler.
Oblivion definitely seemed to have a bit of trouble today, we were in the station and they had to clear the ride vehicle we were on, seemed really disorganised and most of the guests ended up leaving because they didn't know what was going on - felt that this procedure needed tidying up a little. What was nice to see, was that the staff were red-hot on recording, they warned riders later in the day who were recording when they got off the ride. Another ride which kept breaking down was Rita, we got to the loading bay once, and it was evacuated because harnesses on the previous train would not release (they had to bring some device across to release them, not sure what it was, looked like a battery). We then went to Rita again and it had just gone down, presumably due to the same issue as the battery device was back out.
I was also glad to see some welcomed improvements on the Smiler, with the Marmiliser Screen being repaired, as well as most of the effects (minus mist), but there was mist on in the station (which I've never seen before), and all four projectors were running (not seen in a long time). The Smiler was definitely improved. Throughput wasn't great, we saw a distinct difference in throughput when the operator changed - there was one point where there were two trains in front of us to be cleared and refilled. Another ride which stood out was Duel, I feel that this has again improved with time compared to the start of this season, although that Trommel fix still hasn't arrived and I haven't forgotten about it!
We all found the staff to be really friendly and attentive throughout the park, and I thought the park had a really nice atmosphere - which is something I've missed seeing at Alton for a long time. I will be returning in the near future and have a much more positive outlook compared to my previous visit at the start of the season - would just love to see a little more TLC around the park and perhaps some adjustments to Staggered Openings. Adding the additional time from 5pm to 6pm was great, although I feel this should still be standard.
EDIT 1: World Cup arrangement seemed to work well, four TVs in each corner of the Courtyard Awning, was packed and seemed to be going well - no trouble I could see.
Firstly, I have to say that the entrance procedure was really well managed and seemed to flow amazingly - much better than when I visited towards the start of the season. There were plenty of staff in and around the Plaza, which helped make the flow of guests much more structured. They were actually checking for ERT tickets, the ERT shutters also opened earlier today, so you could actually get to the ride for 9:30am, unsure how long this has been going on for. I'd go as far to say it has to be one of the easier admissions to a Park, especially Alton, in a long time.
ERT selection was good, but I now definitely see the problem with Staggered Openings - there's just not enough to do for an hour and a half before the rest of the rides open - we managed to get through the ERT selection (minus Wickerman) in around 20 minutes. I'd love to see either Dark Forest or Forbidden Valley added to the ERT lineup, or even perhaps the Smiler.
Oblivion definitely seemed to have a bit of trouble today, we were in the station and they had to clear the ride vehicle we were on, seemed really disorganised and most of the guests ended up leaving because they didn't know what was going on - felt that this procedure needed tidying up a little. What was nice to see, was that the staff were red-hot on recording, they warned riders later in the day who were recording when they got off the ride. Another ride which kept breaking down was Rita, we got to the loading bay once, and it was evacuated because harnesses on the previous train would not release (they had to bring some device across to release them, not sure what it was, looked like a battery). We then went to Rita again and it had just gone down, presumably due to the same issue as the battery device was back out.
I was also glad to see some welcomed improvements on the Smiler, with the Marmiliser Screen being repaired, as well as most of the effects (minus mist), but there was mist on in the station (which I've never seen before), and all four projectors were running (not seen in a long time). The Smiler was definitely improved. Throughput wasn't great, we saw a distinct difference in throughput when the operator changed - there was one point where there were two trains in front of us to be cleared and refilled. Another ride which stood out was Duel, I feel that this has again improved with time compared to the start of this season, although that Trommel fix still hasn't arrived and I haven't forgotten about it!
We all found the staff to be really friendly and attentive throughout the park, and I thought the park had a really nice atmosphere - which is something I've missed seeing at Alton for a long time. I will be returning in the near future and have a much more positive outlook compared to my previous visit at the start of the season - would just love to see a little more TLC around the park and perhaps some adjustments to Staggered Openings. Adding the additional time from 5pm to 6pm was great, although I feel this should still be standard.
EDIT 1: World Cup arrangement seemed to work well, four TVs in each corner of the Courtyard Awning, was packed and seemed to be going well - no trouble I could see.
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