2023: General Discussion

[AT86]

Good to see them spend money on things like this.

It wouldn’t have surprised me if they had let the old one rot until the point it had be replaced and then just pulled it off and stuck some cheapy felt tiles on. So fair play.


From: https://twitter.com/masterthatcher2/status/1624745186742964224?s=46&t=8qB8SFlgzalUG_70vVmhgw

 

[George W]

From: https://fb.watch/iG8LU0hNuM/

2023 TV advert

 

[Trooper Looper]

From: https://fb.watch/iG8LU0hNuM/

2023 TV advert

Definitely a nice improvement to the ones of the last 3 years! The editing is much better personally, really like the CGI segment at the beginning and end of it being a mystical book.

I recently noticed as well that most of Alton Towers Adverts since 2020 are playing a different version of ITHOTMK. Maybe that's why the adverts aren't hitting anymore and feel more commercialised if we separate the lazy shots and over-promotion of their IPs. This version of the Theme seems less orchestral and less grand, very quiet, and less magical...

I watch the older adverts and whenever the Iconic version of ITHOTMK gets going in the background, I get a feel of great excitement. I just don't seem to get that with the adverts of lately.

 

[Skyscraper]

A heads up for anyone who's planning to get to Towers by rail on opening day;

There are strikes on March 16th, 17th and 18th.


From: https://twitter.com/DemonP0T/status/1626633142504226816?t=liIsLDvcwtIRyJqEzWJDAQ&s=19

 

[RyanUK]

I’m not, but which station would one travel to in order to get to the park? Besides, I’ll be a lot further north than Alton Towers that week!

 

[Thameslink Rail]

Your best bet is the X41 operated by D&G buses which starts at Stafford (fast, frequent services from London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and more besides) and calls at Uttoxeter (local station with services from Crewe, Stoke, Derby and Nottingham). Timetable here: https://www.dgbus.co.uk/assets/x41_2023-03-18.pdf
What surprises me is that there is usually no bus service from Stoke station which has similar intercity links to Stafford but is closer to Towers (although there is a service from Hanley bus station which is only useful for Stoke residents).

 

[rob666]

I would love to know the actual percentage of Towers punters that visit by rail.

 

[BarryZola]

Approximately not many.

 

[rob666]

Na, less than that.
I would guess half of a few.

 

[Blackhole_Sun]

Next time the RMT breaks down they need to get some big strike boards up and picket lines and say they are on strike.

 

[RyanUK]

I do love this bit of theming in the reception which is on the rear of a Towers Street building. It’s a nod to a certain coaster that won’t be open this year.



Can also be seen online on Google Street View. https://goo.gl/maps/dm1RWmZCVVE4Z2Ag7

 

[Ash]

I would love to know the actual percentage of Towers punters that visit by rail.

Sadly not as many as should, if the Stoke to Leek line is ever reopened it could be a real game changer. Also once the new leek terminus is up and running extending the railway from Oakamoor to Alton is a real possibility only about 2 mile

 

[MaxPower]

Nice to see that the reception theming is just as neglected as the rest of park.

 

[AT86]

Nice to see that the reception theming is just as neglected as the rest of park.

I have often thought that given the state of the on stage part of the park that back stage must be particularly grim.

I mean fair play to the gardener for making an attempt with those flowers at the rear of Towers St, but polishing a turd springs to mind.

 

[onair]

A simple pot of their purple paint leftovers would have helped. Watching these drone clips the back areas of park seems to be one big rubbish tip pretty shocking for such a big park.

 

[ChristmasPud]

Almost like you're not supposed to see those areas and people constantly flying drones everywhere is spoiling the fun.

No idea how it ended up on Google street view either!

 

[AT86]

Almost like you're not supposed to see those areas and people constantly flying drones everywhere is spoiling the fun.

No idea how it ended up on Google street view either!

Of course guests aren't supposed to see those areas, but employees and visitors do. I am not expecting themed environments, but rotten woodwork and windows, dangling cables, peeling paint, rusted stairwells and so on is pretty grim, certainly for a business the size and scope of Merlin.

It's not exactly a surprise, considering the budgets that are allocated to maintaining assets on stage that those back stage are in such a state. But some pride in their appearance for the sake of their employees and visitors wouldn't be too much to ask for.

 

[evilcod]

Of course guests aren't supposed to see those areas, but employees and visitors do. I am not expecting themed environments, but rotten woodwork and windows, dangling cables, peeling paint, rusted stairwells and so on is pretty grim, certainly for a business the size and scope of Merlin.

It's not exactly a surprise, considering the budgets that are allocated to maintaining assets on stage that those back stage are in such a state. But some pride in their appearance for the sake of their employees and visitors wouldn't be too much to ask for.

To be fair Magic HQ whilst basic looks much nicer than the admin building and I kind of appreciate management spending money on the building more staff use rather than the one they use.

I have also spent most of today in the staff areas of a very large airport and it was far scruffier than Towers backstage.

 

[djtruefitt]

I think you’ll find most backstage areas tend to look not amazing, it’s always done cheaply and it’s always somewhere companies don’t spend on.

Loads of places I’ve worked at or visited behind the scenes have always been a bit naff.

 

[nathw92]

Clearly not being permanently replaced this season, so if it’s nothing or a retro squad ride, I’ll have something temp in that space for one season and one season ONLY because of this seasons dire line up

Personally I would but spin jam where enterprise was and put a pendulum flat ride for the season where spin jam is now. X sector would be buzzing for thrill seeker's.