2026: General Discussion

[Benzin]

"Pay Range - Competitive" rings so many alarm bells.

I'm almost tempted to apply just to find out how much they're offering.

Most companies have a number of project managers to pick from. We've got 2 cos only small, but other places can go into double figures.

 

[djtruefitt]

I wonder what happened to Neil Walker (Wicker Man project manager) and Dave Taylor (Toxicator project manager)

Are they still at Alton Towers?

Are these new vacancies to replace them, or to assist them?

I’m sure the guy involved with Toxicator was also involved with Bluey.

 

[AT86]

The planning application lodged yesterday was in the name of Mr D Taylor, so presumably they are still involved in new projects at the park.

 

[Call_um]

The app has been updated to show the Runaway mine train will open this Saturday, May 2nd!

 

[DiogoJ42]

"Pay Range - Competitive" rings so many alarm bells.

I'm almost tempted to apply just to find out how much they're offering.

Most companies have a number of project managers to pick from. We've got 2 cos only small, but other places can go into double figures.

I was recently asked, off the record:
"Hypothetically, if [company] were to get a permanent head of department staff member for my role, (rather than rely on freelancers), would I be interested?"
A vague wage range was mentioned. I sipped my pint and replied,
"Well mate, every man has his price. And that's nowhere near mine."

Taking such a job would enrage my fellow freelancers and burn a lot of bridges. What they were offering would not compensate for that. Companies have no idea what experience is worth!

 

[AltonLover123]

They’ve just announced “Twilight at the towers”.

Opening until 8pm during May half term!

 

[Hid]

They’ve just announced “Twilight at the towers”.

Opening until 8pm during May half term!

Good to have more time to ride, 10:00 to 18:00 is a struggle on busy days usually have to leave a thrill coaster for another visit.

Holidays should always have longer hours,

 

[Mattie boy]

Luckily it falls on the fri 22nd too the day most schools break up so get extra time as we are going then

 

[Steve74]

They’ve just announced “Twilight at the towers”.

Opening until 8pm during May half term!

This is a great decision, now they just need to heavily promote this over social media to get people to stay late to make it economically viable. I guess if this is a success then we may even see this happening for some or all of the summer holidays - maybe summer holiday weekends?

 

[Secret Weapon]

A word of warning to anybody planning on going to AT today:

There has been an accident on the M6 northbound after Junction 14, which is causing major delays

I have unfortunately been caught in this

The annoying thing is that my pass expired and, instead of renewing it, I stupidly bought an advance ticket and so I now can't even change it until another day

(I'm guessing that AT won't exchange it, as they'll probably say that traffic delays are not their problem)

 

[AT86]

No harm in asking. The worst they can say is no.

 

[Secret Weapon]

No harm in asking. The worst they can say is no.

True, but the risk is whether to go and use the ticket, or turn around and hope that they exchange it

I can try to phone them en route if there's time

It doesn't help that it's a 4 p.m. finish today

Maybe it's my fault for not using my phone's satnav (which has traffic alerts), or staying the night before

You live and learn!

 

[havaska]

I’d give customer services a call and let them know your situation. They’re usually very good so I can see them letting you change it for another day. They’ll know it’s not been scanned in.

 

[Call_um]

That’s really good to see the extended hours.

Friday 22nd was scheduled as a 4pm close so that’s a 4 hour extension that day.

I hope it’s successful! Should have the minetrain and water rides open by then, and hopefully the sky ride too!

 

[rob666]

...I have unfortunately been caught in this...

Unlucky mate.
Nothing worse than a closed M6 on a Towers day.
Traffic looks awful still, M6 north closed until 3.30 earliest.
Trentham roads are a bit niffy as well.

 

[Secret Weapon]

No harm in asking. The worst they can say is no.

I’d give customer services a call and let them know your situation. They’re usually very good so I can see them letting you change it for another day. They’ll know it’s not been scanned in.

Merlin agreed to change the ticket, but (A) they took nearly 20 minutes to answer the phone and so I was already nearly there by the time they answered, and (B) I had used an old 2025 Kellogs voucher code*, meaning that I could only rebook as far June 2026 (which is no good, as we're about to hit bad weather + school trips)

At least the person I spoke to was friendly, though

(*I tried buying a new Kellogs code yesterday - which would have been valid until June 2027 - but the local Sainsbury's didn't have any in stock)

Unlucky mate.
Nothing worse than a closed M6 on a Towers day.
Traffic looks awful still, M6 north closed until 3.30 earliest.
Trentham roads are a bit niffy as well.

The sad part is that I normally take the bus, but the X41 no longer operates, and somebody else wanted to come along as well

 

[owenstreet7]

This is a great decision, now they just need to heavily promote this over social media to get people to stay late to make it economically viable. I guess if this is a success then we may even see this happening for some or all of the summer holidays - maybe summer holiday weekends?

Wishful thinking but they could always call D&G buses and add a bus at 8.30pm

Pigs might fly 🪽

 

[Steve74]

Wishful thinking but they could always call D&G buses and add a bus at 8.30pm

Pigs might fly 🪽

Well in fairness, only 6 hours ago it was wishful thinking that they'd open till 8 in this half-term, but they've surprised us all today

This is what I'm saying, make it popular for this half-term, get the crowds in to prove its what people want and then that may encourage them to do something in the summer holidays.