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2019: Speculation

WL18

TS Member
As the 2018 season draws to a close and 2019 season passes begin to be advertised for sale at £55, I thought it would be time to start looking ahead to 2019 and what we’re likely to see.

Will Spinball Whizzer be removed to make space for a Cbeebies land expansion with locals and councils pushing for it to go due to noise and height and Alton Towers outlining it to be gone by 2019 in their long term development plan?

Will Cloud Cuckoo Land see a refresh as the dungeons start to seem set to occupy the old Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ride? I don’t think we will see a full retheme as the 2019 pass seems to clearly depict the Cuckoo Cars Driving School on the bottom right of the pass. I think it seems likely that we’ll see a TLC project on the Twirling Toadstool and perhaps new experiences to occupy the old Ice Age 4D cinema and Wobble World buildings.

Will the Dungeons feature a drop tower? I’ve noticed advertising on the park’s queue time boards asking guests “how do you plead?” followed by “Guilty” with a picture of a swinging noose which appears to be in line with the theming and advertising of the Drop Dead ride at the London Dungeons.

Will the Blade and/or Galactica VR be lost to budget cuts or will the Galactica queue line be reworked to allow VR and Non VR riders to separate earlier?

Will Nemesis: Sub-Terra reopen or be refreshed after the appearance of the old Nemesis creature egg randomly in the Project 42 maze without any link to the story showing that it has not been removed?

If the Twirling Toadstool and Dungeons are being funded by TLC and Midway budgets, will we see any new developments from Alton Towers’ own CAPEX budget in 2019 such as flat rides, or will the CAPEX funding subsidise the Dungeons and TLC funding instead as both seem pretty extensive projects?

I’m interested to see what everyone else thinks about all of these possible 2019 developments - even if it seems likely currently that we will be limited to the Dungeons and possibly Twirling Toadstool developments next year.
 
When the ‘TLC programme’ was announced at the end of 2015 it was stated as a 3 year project. Therefore that would cover the 2015/6, 2016/7 and 2017/8 closed seasons.

So in theory, TLC is done and dusted so any work not complete may well never materialise.

I’d be surprised if TLC didn’t continue even if just to a smaller extent like them showing where they’ve jetwashed and what signs they’ve replaced. I also think TLC will continue as it has in the last few years as surely a park growing as fast as alton finishes a list of tasks and then starts over again due to the time it will take them to complete the entire list.

I think I remember seeing a Facebook message of alton promising the toad stool to be finished for 2019 as they are working with a major ride company to refurbish it. I could be wrong.
 
I’d like to see CCL get a refresh (reopen Twirling Toadstool, get something in the theatre) and just general maintenance around the park

I think they should definitely do something with all the disused space in CCL. I do wonder if they’ll look at fitting a coaster similar to the runaway mine train up there within the next decade as they seem to have the space.

It’s odd to see the rumours about CCL - first david walliams land, then the Dungeons were rumoured to have the CATCF building, then last week I heard whispers of the CATCF building being a peter pan walk through (apparently from somebody who knows someone doing the interior design but I personally don’t believe this) and then they went and stuck the Cuckoo cars on the 2019 season pass which makes me think we’ll see a couple new attractions open up there but no new retheme. It will be interesting to see which (if any) rumours materialise.
 
For me there will be no change on the park, other than the return of Twisted Toadstools and the Dungeons, can't see anything much else happening, it's not a big investment year. And that's ok. From what i've heard the visitor numbers were up a fair bit this year, so a consolidation year this one.
 
From what i've heard the visitor numbers were up a fair bit this year, so a consolidation year this one.
You’ve got to ask yourself though, how many of those visitors will have been put off from returning next year by having bad experiences at the park this year? It’s all good them getting more visitors one year, but when the park is operated the way it is, it’s going to be very difficult getting them to return again and again. At some point they’ll hit a brick wall... a little bit like Thorpe have.

Anyway, as for what I think we will be getting in 2019, obviously we know we’re getting The Alton Towers Dungeon, and I can see Twirling Toadstool returning (with the possibility that they’ll give it a minor retheme so they can advertise as new...). I also think there is a slim possibility that Nemesis: Sub-Terra could reopen, and that The Blade could close if that happens. And finally, I also think there is a possibility that there will be an actual new ride, which will hopefully be a flat (that isn’t just a CBeebies expansion). Plus there was that SeaLife expansion on the cards too (either penguins, otters or jellyfish).

I think in terms of operations (assuming a small budget increase), that the staggered opening times probably won’t return, or if they do, they’ll be reduced to only off peak days (i.e., midweek days were the park was closed this year, or just quieter days in general). I’d like to think they’d extend opening times too, but I’m not overly hopeful tbh. Single rider queues are another thing that I’d want to see return, but I’m not exactly hopeful of that either. I can’t really see baggage holds for The Smiler and TH13TEEN returning at all tbh, but I think Wicker Man’s will stay.

Galactica VR removal seems logical, especially with it being out of action completely on peak days this season. I also think we’ll se some thematic adjustments made to the CCL Burger Kitchen to fit in with the nearby Alton Towers Dungeon. And hopefully they’ll continue working on Duel (or get some actual specialists in to take a look at it) ‘cause it’s still a load of crap, from a technical perspective that is; the ride is still quite charming in a way, despite its many, many flaws.

So overall, I don't think next year is going be a bad year, I think we’ll hopefully see some improvements on the operations side of things at least. Although, the only things we really have confirmed are The Alton Towers Dungeon and the Stargazing Pods, both of which are a load of sh!te. So I guess it really remains to be seen as to wether next year will be an improvement on this year; if it’s not, I think I’ll finally have given up on the place completely.
 
You’ve got to ask yourself though, how many of those visitors will have been put off from returning next year by having bad experiences at the park this year? It’s all good them getting more visitors one year, but when the park is operated the way it is, it’s going to be very difficult getting them to return again and again. At some point they’ll hit a brick wall... a little bit like Thorpe have.

Anyway, as for what I think we will be getting in 2019, obviously we know we’re getting The Alton Towers Dungeon, and I can see Twirling Toadstool returning (with the possibility that they’ll give it a minor retheme so they can advertise as new...). I also think there is a slim possibility that Nemesis: Sub-Terra could reopen, and that The Blade could close if that happens. And finally, I also think there is a possibility that there will be an actual new ride, which will hopefully be a flat (that isn’t just a CBeebies expansion). Plus there was that SeaLife expansion on the cards too (either penguins, otters or jellyfish).

I think in terms of operations (assuming a small budget increase), that the staggered opening times probably won’t return, or if they do, they’ll be reduced to only off peak days (i.e., midweek days were the park was closed this year, or just quieter days in general). I’d like to think they’d extend opening times too, but I’m not overly hopeful tbh. Single rider queues are another thing that I’d want to see return, but I’m not exactly hopeful of that either. I can’t really see baggage holds for The Smiler and TH13TEEN returning at all tbh, but I think Wicker Man’s will stay.

Galactica VR removal seems logical, especially with it being out of action completely on peak days this season. I also think we’ll se some thematic adjustments made to the CCL Burger Kitchen to fit in with the nearby Alton Towers Dungeon. And hopefully they’ll continue working on Duel (or get some actual specialists in to take a look at it) ‘cause it’s still a load of crap, from a technical perspective that is; the ride is still quite charming in a way, despite its many, many flaws.

So overall, I don't think next year is going be a bad year, I think we’ll hopefully see some improvements on the operations side of things at least. Although, the only things we really have confirmed are The Alton Towers Dungeon and the Stargazing Pods, both of which are a load of sh!te. So I guess it really remains to be seen as to wether next year will be an improvement on this year; if it’s not, I think I’ll finally have given up on the place completely.

I see what you’re saying about people being put off by bad experiences this year, but I think the park will see similar numbers next year. Only because the season pass is advertised as £55 again for 2019 from what I’ve seen. I think the whole “pay for a day come back free all year (Other than all the days in scarefest, all the days in fireworks, all the midweek days the park is shut, all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in August and all of the closed season - so not all year)” branding has paid off this year and will again next year.

The cheaper passes and clever wording to make people think they’re getting a good deal seems like it’s going to keep working.

I am surprised however that the 2019 pass isn’t slightly more - I would have expected them to start lower to get numbers and then creep up to £65 and then £75. Maybe it’s due to an up charge dungeon attraction coming so they don’t want to be seen to be rising prices and adding an upcharge all at once.

Unrelated now - does anybody think that maybe project 42 is the prequel to SW9 and so could return next scarefest? I’d expect SW9 to go either over the Blade, Ripsaw, Nemesis sub-terra area due to the phased removal and apparent consensus that the blade’s days are numbered so maybe they’re adding the maze there now before demolition whilst they actually have a building near where the new ride will go to house the maze? It seems that in the alternating thrill-family cycle, the next rollercoaster will be a thrill, thus meaning that forbidden valley seems the ideal place? I know there are weak rumours that due to Galactica’s technical challenges due to the charging rail and weight of VR equipment on the cars that would be next to go but it seems as they are clearing the site at the top of FV for a new attraction.

Finally, how does everyone think that they’ll separate CCL, Dark forest and the dungeons this year? I think they have 2 options:

1) Do nothing- leave the dungeons opposite to CCL as present and leave the enterance to dark forest alone. I’m not keen on this idea at all. But it might work as the dungeons are a family thrill attraction, so in theory placement of them between the two areas and accessible from both areas could work for towers. This method seems much more likely as it is much cheaper.

2) Move the Dark forest enterance signage into fountain square to make thirteen, rita, the dungeons, the burger kitchen, toilets and sky ride station all in the area. Do the branding for the burger kitchen up on the inside (as Nemesis sub terra is still on the wall) and outside and get new skyride signage and add a few props to the area to link it to dark forest theme. Add a large themed fence along where House of Monsters (Old wobble world building) and Twirling Toadstool site, effectively separating the family and thrill areas. Add a new CCL entrance arch near the arch in the towers where the Driving School is next to. Use this as the entrance to CCL. I like this idea of giving clarity and separation of the areas as it also works to free uo space for SW9 (if they don’t build it in FV) or SW10 as they won’t need the huge outdoor section of the Charlie queue line for the dungeons, have plenty of space next to the queue line currently for storage and could also use grass areas where the water balls are currently to build a small to medium sized compact coaster.

Sorry for the long post!
 
I see what you’re saying about people being put off by bad experiences this year, but I think the park will see similar numbers next year. Only because the season pass is advertised as £55 again for 2019 from what I’ve seen. I think the whole “pay for a day come back free all year (Other than all the days in scarefest, all the days in fireworks, all the midweek days the park is shut, all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in August and all of the closed season - so not all year)” branding has paid off this year and will again next year.

The cheaper passes and clever wording to make people think they’re getting a good deal seems like it’s going to keep working.

I am surprised however that the 2019 pass isn’t slightly more - I would have expected them to start lower to get numbers and then creep up to £65 and then £75. Maybe it’s due to an up charge dungeon attraction coming so they don’t want to be seen to be rising prices and adding an upcharge all at once.

Unrelated now - does anybody think that maybe project 42 is the prequel to SW9 and so could return next scarefest? I’d expect SW9 to go either over the Blade, Ripsaw, Nemesis sub-terra area due to the phased removal and apparent consensus that the blade’s days are numbered so maybe they’re adding the maze there now before demolition whilst they actually have a building near where the new ride will go to house the maze? It seems that in the alternating thrill-family cycle, the next rollercoaster will be a thrill, thus meaning that forbidden valley seems the ideal place? I know there are weak rumours that due to Galactica’s technical challenges due to the charging rail and weight of VR equipment on the cars that would be next to go but it seems as they are clearing the site at the top of FV for a new attraction.

Finally, how does everyone think that they’ll separate CCL, Dark forest and the dungeons this year? I think they have 2 options:

1) Do nothing- leave the dungeons opposite to CCL as present and leave the enterance to dark forest alone. I’m not keen on this idea at all. But it might work as the dungeons are a family thrill attraction, so in theory placement of them between the two areas and accessible from both areas could work for towers. This method seems much more likely as it is much cheaper.

2) Move the Dark forest enterance signage into fountain square to make thirteen, rita, the dungeons, the burger kitchen, toilets and sky ride station all in the area. Do the branding for the burger kitchen up on the inside (as Nemesis sub terra is still on the wall) and outside and get new skyride signage and add a few props to the area to link it to dark forest theme. Add a large themed fence along where House of Monsters (Old wobble world building) and Twirling Toadstool site, effectively separating the family and thrill areas. Add a new CCL entrance arch near the arch in the towers where the Driving School is next to. Use this as the entrance to CCL. I like this idea of giving clarity and separation of the areas as it also works to free uo space for SW9 (if they don’t build it in FV) or SW10 as they won’t need the huge outdoor section of the Charlie queue line for the dungeons, have plenty of space next to the queue line currently for storage and could also use grass areas where the water balls are currently to build a small to medium sized compact coaster.

Sorry for the long post!
A good post!

I didn't "think" i was getting a good deal though, my visit count was well into double figures, so the £55 season ticket is a total bargain. I remember going to Towers years ago when it was £4 to get in. It hasn't really cost me anymore than that - parking charge excepted of course.
 
A good post!

I didn't "think" i was getting a good deal though, my visit count was well into double figures, so the £55 season ticket is a total bargain. I remember going to Towers years ago when it was £4 to get in. It hasn't really cost me anymore than that - parking charge excepted of course.

Good point! I think most will buy the pass on the first day they visit and then perhaps return with it in a seasonal event such as scarefest or fireworks where there is something different going on. It was very good value if your number of visits was double figures! Although, I guess they get people with the £10 extra days and the price of foods and drinks (and next year they will with the dungeons upcharge).
 
I think next year:

  • Car parking charge to increase by £1
  • Entry prices to go up as usual
  • Season pass price will increase once prices go up
  • Blade will be removed and either Sub Terra will reopen or a new flat ride where Ripsaw was
  • Complete closure of CCL area (frog hopper, driving school, carousel) to allow more focus on the Dungeons. The flats may be relocated to another part of the park perhaps
  • More work to take place on Duel
  • Sub Species wont appear for Scarefest and will be replaced with something else
  • I'm gonna stick my neck out here and say that Fireworks will return to 3 days next year due to the past 2 day events always being a sell out.
  • Treetop "go ape" thingie will reopen
  • Oh, and in addition to the enchanted sheds, Alton will introduce premium star gazing "greenhouses" which actually have a glass roof to allow customers to see the stars
 
I hope blade doesn't close

If it does that's a full area that won't have a ride for under 1.4 which is no good for families like mine with 2 children of different ages/sizes who split up and use parent q share

That goes for enterprise too
 
I can tell you, it won't happen

A two day event means that they can put on a better quality display than a three day event.

I agree I think they will run scarefest again all they way up till Fireworks and keep it as a two day event.
Will probably generate more income than that was as I think most Fridays when they did Fireworks were low gate figures
 
Apparently the last Friday fireworks event was 75% pass holders and staff so it didn’t actually generate much revenue, hence why it was cut.
 
It actually wouldn’t surprise me if the entrance price doesn’t change for 2019 given the dungeons is an extra fee. So £55 for the theme park and £65 with dungeons is possible (and of course 2for1s and online prices)
 
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