2023: The Curse at Alton Manor

[Earthwürm]

Is this the coffin in the hearse or located elsewhere ?

In the hearse. Best run through I've had yet today, can't think of anything I've seen before that didn't work, projection mapping was better aligned and the new effects worked well and it was nice to have even more to spot after a fair few runs through.

 

[JakeDLP]

Is this the coffin in the hearse or located elsewhere ?

Likely. This is what someone told me I haven't seen it myself yet

 

[Dave]

The blank sections are meant to be on purpose though, no?

I do think improved audio with Emily Whispering would work really well there.

I think the “hide and seek” scene is meant to be dark, it doesn’t to my mind work.

 

[Rick]

Anecdotally, there seems to be a growing consensus in more casual visitors (trying to avoid the dreaded the 'GP' moniker) that removing the blasters is construed as a downgrade, no matter how good the new theming aspects are.

I can see how that comes around.

 

[Zeock]

Anecdotally, there seems to be a growing consensus in more casual visitors (trying to avoid the dreaded the 'GP' moniker) that removing the blasters is construed as a downgrade, no matter how good the new theming aspects are.

I can see how that comes around.

I think I understand why some people would think this. Also, those non-enthusiasts were probably too busy shooting those lights which ruined the ride to realise how bad of a state Duel was in before it closed.

 

[JakeDLP]

I think the “hide and seek” scene is meant to be dark, it doesn’t to my mind work.

It might work with improved audio which allegedly is in place now

 

[Connor98]

Another factor is that most paying guests in the UK haven’t experienced any high class dark rides in their lives unless they have maybe visited Florida or Paris for Disney/Universal (not that TCAAM is anywhere near that level) So they arent going to be overly critical. The shooting aspect was a fun family/friends activity and it was great to challenge your group to a high score so it’s understandable why some will be disappointed.

 

[Rick]

I think I understand why some people would think this. Also, those non-enthusiasts were probably too busy shooting those lights which ruined the ride to realise how bad of a state Duel was in before it closed.

Which was essentially my point for 101 pages in the Duel thread.

 

[RIPCorky]

Another factor is that most paying guests in the UK haven’t experienced any high class dark rides in their lives unless they have maybe visited Florida or Paris for Disney/Universal (not that Alty Mans is anywhere near that level) So they arent going to be overly critical. The shooting aspect was a fun family/friends activity and it was great to challenge your group to a high score so it’s understandable why some will be disappointed.

People born 90's and earlier have experienced high class dark rides.

 

[Tom]

Generally quite significantly negative comments (just a boring ghost train, etc.) on the infamous Merlin pass-holder Facebook group that I've seen.

Took me by surprise a little bit at first but on reflection it probably shouldn't have.

 

[Connor98]

People born 90's and earlier have experienced high class dark rides.

I’m sure they have. Being a late 90’s child I can’t really comment too much. It is sad to see the decline from attractions like Bubbleworks, Toyland Tours and Haunted House. But I’d say people like me in their mid 20’s who make up a big part of the demographic of theme park visitors haven’t experienced them in this country, most either missed out or were too young to remember like myself.

 

[RIPCorky]

I’m sure they have. Being a late 90’s child I can’t really comment too much. It is sad to see the decline from attractions like Bubbleworks, Toyland Tours and Haunted House. But I’d say people like me in their mid 20’s who make up a big part of the demographic of theme park visitors haven’t experienced them in this country, most either missed out or were too young to remember like myself.

Pirates adventure at Drayton as well. The main issue with these rides is that they were brilliant but were not maintained well or refreshed after say five or six seasons. Toyland Tours in pristine condition would easily hold up in todays world, would be miles better than Granny ride

 

[Rick]

I am not sure I agree.

Certain themes are timeless - I think Alty Mans is a good example of that. Even by the end Toyland Tours felt like a trip down nostalgia canyon, irrespective of its condition.

 

[RIPCorky]

I am not sure I agree.

Certain themes are timeless - I think Alty Mans is a good example of that. Even by the end Toyland Tours felt like a trip down nostalgia canyon, irrespective of its condition.

What I mean is if they built it today I believe it would hold up well, although it was in a deserted corner of the park.

 

[Ash]

Managed to finally ride this Monday, and after being anxious to what I might find here’s my thoughts:

External:
Gloomy wood looks as good as it ever has, smoke is good, snack shop looks great and you actually want to spend money their now. As others have said the only very minor point is I don’t think the Emily Alton silhouette works in broad daylight, could do with netting in front of the window maybe. The Alton Manor signs on the HH path (3D printed I think?) looked great along with the new gates and arch.

Queueline:
This will be a familiar theme but again added to what was there before, which is no bad thing. Smoke really adds to the mood so hope it’s stayed, refilled and kept stocked up. New music is good, if a little short but good.

Pre-show:
I thought this worked really well, set the mood for the ride. Another nice bit of back story and tied in to the rest of the ride. The “reveal” element worked well, although it would be nice to see a little less of this writing throughout the ride.

Station:
Fine, nice additions for story purposes.

Ride:
I’m sure there’s a reason but wasn’t quite suited what the “curse” effect on the maintenance door was for. Banqueting hall was fine with the new additions.

Flying demon worked fine. I liked the footprints effect here, maybe a few more props needed.

The trommel entrance looked a little unfinished and I believe there is a smoke effect or something due here which is needed as the entrance looks a little “exposed”. Great to have the trammel back, maybe the clock could be a little bigger so it fills the end of the trommel and can be seen even if another cars in front.

The Emily demon transformation effect is great.

The pitch black sequence others are moaning about I thought was fine, maybe the speakers could work a little better but you’re playing hide and seek so that’s the point.

Going into the attic there’s the 2+2 board that I couldn’t quite piece together what it meant. Again the jump scares here are fine when triggered correct.

The new corridor seen is great, I don’t think we got the screen jump scare on both my rides. The then mirror + Emily + empty car + broken mirror sequence was fantastic, but people need to know to look for it. Even if it’s just a “Don’t look right” and the flash at the end comes to soon.

Garden scene, again props wise great but a flat 5-10 seconds, perhaps the most on the ride for me. Something on either side happening here, even audio from Emily, would be an improvement. Something on the coffin or a jump scare on the right would do. The reimagined crazy monk needs some audio/lighting and the swing effect needs repositioning as too many people don’t see it as it’s a great effect.

Finale is good, I think the timing here needs to be tweeted and things feel a little late. The hand grabbing is ok, I think it needs some lighting tweaks though. The effect at the end is great, and the ending showing the clock is a nice touch.

I think the text in the exit corridor should reveal on a timer along with some jump audio “You’ll never escape” or something like that.

Gift shop:
Again a tidy refresh, great to see the Duel books back. Just what was needed.

Overall a great interpretation of a European standard haunted house, a welcome addition. I’m not sure what the budget was but if it was £5m ish they’ve done a great job. Especially as it seems so much was done in house. I hope Merlin see the benefit of this and keep it up.

Seeing how the team have progressed from Gangsta Granny to this is really interesting. Both decent rides for their markets.

Whether they’re quite ready for a Symbolica I’m not sure. It will be interesting to see how Valhalla compares and also what changes are made to N:ST, hopefully the team can kick on again and make N:ST the ride it could be (more intense with changes in the pit). More moving props/animatronics in the future please!

Hopefully in the not too distant future they could “plus” Hex as I’d love to see how they’d refresh it along with bringing the 4D cinema back in too use.

Now I’m sure it’s time for them to turn their attention to finishing Jumanji, N:ST and Nemesis Reborn along with Project Horizon. It’s great to see MMM Developing more and better in house capability, and even local capability with Garmendale. Long May it continue! The team should all be very proud, like Wickerman they’ve got something a bit special on their hands and the talent behind it needs to continue to push management, standards and boundaries.

 

[Trooper Looper]

Pirates adventure at Drayton as well. The main issue with these rides is that they were brilliant but were not maintained well or refreshed after say five or six seasons. Toyland Tours in pristine condition would easily hold up in todays world, would be miles better than Granny ride

Golly, I just about remember riding Pirate Adventure when I was 7, the only time I ever rode it. I acted all scared, but deep down, I loved every second of it!! The props of the pirates looked really silly and worked for me personally with their limited movement, it gave the ride a lot of character for me. I still remember the end part of the ride where you'd come across the galleon attacking the village and the Giant skull embeded in the cliff face before the cave! It was awesome, and the skeletons in the caved creeped me out then! It would've been great if they managed to maintain the ride and make it safe for modern standards! It was pirates of the Caribbean, but with a sense of British character and cheese on it, a great mixture personally! Shame I didn't get the chance to ride it when it was in its prime back in the 90s when everything worked and was maintained.

Anyway, sorry for getting off topic!

 

[JakeDLP]

Managed to finally ride this Monday, and after being anxious to what I might find here’s my thoughts:

External:
Gloomy wood looks as good as it ever has, smoke is good, snack shop looks great and you actually want to spend money their now. As others have said the only very minor point is I don’t think the Emily Alton silhouette works in broad daylight, could do with netting in front of the window maybe. The Alton Manor signs on the HH path (3D printed I think?) looked great along with the new gates and arch.

Queueline:
This will be a familiar theme but again added to what was there before, which is no bad thing. Smoke really adds to the mood so hope it’s stayed, refilled and kept stocked up. New music is good, if a little short but good.

Pre-show:
I thought this worked really well, set the mood for the ride. Another nice bit of back story and tied in to the rest of the ride. The “reveal” element worked well, although it would be nice to see a little less of this writing throughout the ride.

Station:
Fine, nice additions for story purposes.

Ride:
I’m sure there’s a reason but wasn’t quite suited what the “curse” effect on the maintenance door was for. Banqueting hall was fine with the new additions.

Flying demon worked fine. I liked the footprints effect here, maybe a few more props needed.

The trommel entrance looked a little unfinished and I believe there is a smoke effect or something due here which is needed as the entrance looks a little “exposed”. Great to have the trammel back, maybe the clock could be a little bigger so it fills the end of the trommel and can be seen even if another cars in front.

The Emily demon transformation effect is great.

The pitch black sequence others are moaning about I thought was fine, maybe the speakers could work a little better but you’re playing hide and seek so that’s the point.

Going into the attic there’s the 2+2 board that I couldn’t quite piece together what it meant. Again the jump scares here are fine when triggered correct.

The new corridor seen is great, I don’t think we got the screen jump scare on both my rides. The then mirror + Emily + empty car + broken mirror sequence was fantastic, but people need to know to look for it. Even if it’s just a “Don’t look right” and the flash at the end comes to soon.

Garden scene, again props wise great but a flat 5-10 seconds, perhaps the most on the ride for me. Something on either side happening here, even audio from Emily, would be an improvement. Something on the coffin or a jump scare on the right would do. The reimagined crazy monk needs some audio/lighting and the swing effect needs repositioning as too many people don’t see it as it’s a great effect.

Finale is good, I think the timing here needs to be tweeted and things feel a little late. The hand grabbing is ok, I think it needs some lighting tweaks though. The effect at the end is great, and the ending showing the clock is a nice touch.

I think the text in the exit corridor should reveal on a timer along with some jump audio “You’ll never escape” or something like that.

Gift shop:
Again a tidy refresh, great to see the Duel books back. Just what was needed.

Overall a great interpretation of a European standard haunted house, a welcome addition. I’m not sure what the budget was but if it was £5m ish they’ve done a great job. Especially as it seems so much was done in house. I hope Merlin see the benefit of this and keep it up.

Seeing how the team have progressed from Gangsta Granny to this is really interesting. Both decent rides for their markets.

Whether they’re quite ready for a Symbolica I’m not sure. It will be interesting to see how Valhalla compares and also what changes are made to N:ST, hopefully the team can kick on again and make N:ST the ride it could be (more intense with changes in the pit). More moving props/animatronics in the future please!

Hopefully in the not too distant future they could “plus” Hex as I’d love to see how they’d refresh it along with bringing the 4D cinema back in too use.

Now I’m sure it’s time for them to turn their attention to finishing Jumanji, N:ST and Nemesis Reborn along with Project Horizon. It’s great to see MMM Developing more and better in house capability, and even local capability with Garmendale. Long May it continue! The team should all be very proud, like Wickerman they’ve got something a bit special on their hands and the talent behind it needs to continue to push management, standards and boundaries.

This is a random thing to latch on from your review but I've heard it mentioned before. You say the theme is similar to something else and I heard someone else a while back say that it was sampled from something else. What is it? haha I want to hear it

 

[Danscott22]

Garden scene, again props wise great but a flat 5-10 seconds, perhaps the most on the ride for me. Something on either side happening here, even audio from Emily, would be an improvement. Something on the coffin or a jump scare on the right would do. The reimagined crazy monk needs some audio/lighting and the swing effect needs repositioning as too many people don’t see it as it’s a great effect.

I believe from what's been said today that the coffin now does have an effect on/around it (as of today) Also sounds like audio is clearer and effects have been slightly re-worked to stand out more.

 

[Zeock]

I think that Towers should try to put more effort into the entrance to the trommel if what people have said about it being unthemed is correct. Why did they remove the face in the first place?

 

[Jb85]

Generally quite significantly negative comments (just a boring ghost train, etc.) on the infamous Merlin pass-holder Facebook group that I've seen.

Took me by surprise a little bit at first but on reflection it probably shouldn't have.

I've been seeing these comments as well. I havent risen it yet but I'm shocked by them.

Seems that people always have to be doing something these days over and above just enjoying the moment