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2019: General Discussion
- Thread starter WL18
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AT86
TS Member
A host meeting the group from the bookcase in Hex has been happening since the start of the season. No idea why though, it seemed to work fine for the last 19 or so years.
I can’t see this just being a change from some over enthusiastic host. I imagine any changes on what hosts/ops do, where they stand, the load unload process etc are set in place by management for elf and safety and wouldn’t be easy to change.
I can’t see this just being a change from some over enthusiastic host. I imagine any changes on what hosts/ops do, where they stand, the load unload process etc are set in place by management for elf and safety and wouldn’t be easy to change.
Definitely nothing to do with the ride hosts - that has Marketing / Merlin Studios written all over it (or on the back of the sign!)
bluesonichd
TS Member
Tuggerz
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Man Demz
The Nemesis sign was completely restored by members of the Rides Team.
MellowPasta
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
They should let people volunteer to clean the place up. I’d quite happily give the grubby slabs around the oblivion hole a good clean with a pressure washer. Things like that bug me haha.
djtruefitt
TS Team
I’ve seen the hex staff so his most of the season (not always though), however I would say it’s pointless and ruins anything that is meant to happen.
On most occasions the staff member shines the light in to the vault before the audio has even finished or it’s said “a vault sealed...” often just shouting “follow me”, etc. Yet to see any of the staff be in any kind of character.
On most occasions the staff member shines the light in to the vault before the audio has even finished or it’s said “a vault sealed...” often just shouting “follow me”, etc. Yet to see any of the staff be in any kind of character.
D4n
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Zadra
To be clear, the in character bit started before (and continued throughout) the usual Octogan pre-show as well as going through the bookcase and into the vault. It was a clear attempt at a storyline, and was much more significant than just the torch and the "follow me" than has been fairly consistent this season (the torches / hard hats were still used though).
ChristmasPud
TS Member
The more I hear about this new staff position in the Octagon the more cringey it sounds.
I know it was suggested years ago on forums, 'hey they should have restoration staff showing you where to go' but it's just not Hex's style at all.
Most the creepiness was feeling alone in the building. One of the reasons I dont think The Haunting was ever as good as Hex (despite it being a perfectly fine haunter originally) was the staff always being there.
Also, enthusiastic teenage staff "Acting" is a trope that just makes me groan now after Sub Terra, Derren Brown, Saw Alive... I'm sure they're trying their best, but please no more Merlin!
I know it was suggested years ago on forums, 'hey they should have restoration staff showing you where to go' but it's just not Hex's style at all.
Most the creepiness was feeling alone in the building. One of the reasons I dont think The Haunting was ever as good as Hex (despite it being a perfectly fine haunter originally) was the staff always being there.
Also, enthusiastic teenage staff "Acting" is a trope that just makes me groan now after Sub Terra, Derren Brown, Saw Alive... I'm sure they're trying their best, but please no more Merlin!
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Steve74
TS Member
That's what I thought. I saw tweets from one of the ride team talking about it. Obviously got management permission to do it but did it all themselves off their own back - fair play to them. Shows that the ride ops do care for the ride they're operating.
Steve74
TS Member
I've often thought that, I'd probably volunteer over the Winter period on weekends or something. In return just keep us fed and watered!
I doubt it would happen due to the H&S rules and probably insurance too.
They'd never allow you near ride infrastructure
Rick
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Crux
Plastic Person
TS Member
I fear this might be controversial, but the only thing more depressing than ride operators being the only people at Alton Towers who care enough to make a sign presentable, is the idea that enthusiasts would, given the opportunity, work for free to keep the park looking clean, rather than that being the responsibility of Merlin. I remember this also happened a decade or so ago, when people were genuinely looking into some sort of early version of crowdfunding to fix some effects within and across Duel. It's reminiscent of the power dynamics in some abusive relationships!
AT86
TS Member
Ah if only the park were owned by a global multi billion pound organisation that could easily afford to PAY people to undertake basic maintenance and upkeep of the park.
Bert2theSpark
TS Member
So I have done Hex twice this year, the first time the octagon room played as it always had with the generator working.
The second time the generator was switched off and when the preshow went pitched black it remained dark until a staff member in costume with a torch and exclaimed “The power has gone out, this way everyone; Can we have the power back on please?” and which the generator came back on.
So it seems like the preshow program has been subtly changed to accommodate this host speech. I think it’s a nice little touch but I guess it makes the preshow dependant on how enthusiastic the ride host is.
The second time the generator was switched off and when the preshow went pitched black it remained dark until a staff member in costume with a torch and exclaimed “The power has gone out, this way everyone; Can we have the power back on please?” and which the generator came back on.
So it seems like the preshow program has been subtly changed to accommodate this host speech. I think it’s a nice little touch but I guess it makes the preshow dependant on how enthusiastic the ride host is.
Plastic Person
TS Member
It doesn't sound like the pre-show programme has been tweaked? Unless I am mistaken, there has always been an extended pause after the power goes off and the room plunges into darkness and before the generator powers back on. Incidentally, this is one of the eeriest moments in the ride (and the generator sound effect is brilliant), so while the change doesn't sound terrible, I could do without a staff member doing some theatrical shtick. If somebody in a hi-vis needs to be present to shine a torch, though, so be it. I have witnessed some pretty dense guest reactions when the curtain has lifted in the past.
bluesonichd
TS Member
Staff are there as people in general are plain stupid and stand and wait at the bottom of the stairs even when the curtain lifts
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