bluesonichd
TS Member
But how many maps would pre book and then not turn up. Better they sell out and close.
Least next year people will get here earlier and towers may introduce Friday show again
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Fireworks 2016
Least next year people will get here earlier and towers may introduce Friday show again
Better for who? Certainly not the guests, but I guess for Merlin fat cats yeah. More payed for tickets equals more profit, but never mind the MAP second class citizens.
If that's the reason they've done it the way they have then shame on them. They need to be winning people over, not sending people away fuming.
Merlin need to build bridges here, but they seem intent on blowing them up instead!
Partaking in geekery since 1985
I think what people fail to understand here is once there is no where else available to park cars... then people are turned away. I would look at this as more of a car park capacity issue as opposed to a park one.
Also... being a MAP holder doesn't give you any more right or privilege over other guests. By you guys basically inventing that notion you have in turn angered yourselves.
MAPs are a benefit FOR YOU. Not Merlin. If anything the majority of MAP holders are a total headache for the parks so go figure. When a decision is made on who to stop allowing entry first, I'd pick the self-entitled, arrogant lot over paying guests ANY DAY.
Anyway... fireworks were great last night.
Also... being a MAP holder doesn't give you any more right or privilege over other guests. By you guys basically inventing that notion you have in turn angered yourselves.
MAPs are a benefit FOR YOU. Not Merlin. If anything the majority of MAP holders are a total headache for the parks so go figure. When a decision is made on who to stop allowing entry first, I'd pick the self-entitled, arrogant lot over paying guests ANY DAY.
Anyway... fireworks were great last night.
kris3012
TS Member
MAPS clearly are a benefit for us but they clearly have a huge appeal to merlin else they wouldn't push them so hard
I get that it doesn't give u more rights or whateva but to be push in a position where having a MAP is worthless is disappointing and wrong imo
Everyone should have to prebook that's the fairest way for everyone and once it's gone it's gone.
Yes your gonna get MAPS who book and don't turn up but that's better than hundreds of people being left disappointed
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I get that it doesn't give u more rights or whateva but to be push in a position where having a MAP is worthless is disappointing and wrong imo
Everyone should have to prebook that's the fairest way for everyone and once it's gone it's gone.
Yes your gonna get MAPS who book and don't turn up but that's better than hundreds of people being left disappointed
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Sku
TS Member
I think it's fair to say the Friday show will be back next year. It was cut simply because attendance has been so disappointing, and last year the Friday show was not very popular. Based on this years much improved firework attendance, it will certainly be back next year. Towers were taken by surprise in my opinion after another poorly attended season, they didn't expect such a turnout yesterday. The Saturday actually falling on the 5th should have maybe alerted them that it could get a little bananas, with dry weather boosting numbers further.
It's pretty difficult to cater for just one busy day a year, especially with the criticism of food provision, and the operational issues. I'm not sure what they can do about this... hire temp staff just for 1 day? Unlikely. The park needs to perform better overall, or it will continue to perform poorly on the odd busy day when the low level of staff are put under enormous pressure.
It's pretty difficult to cater for just one busy day a year, especially with the criticism of food provision, and the operational issues. I'm not sure what they can do about this... hire temp staff just for 1 day? Unlikely. The park needs to perform better overall, or it will continue to perform poorly on the odd busy day when the low level of staff are put under enormous pressure.
I feel sorry for the staff yesterday. Speaking from experience, being under staffed on hugely busy days is never fun. I'm sure most of them did the best they could.
For me, the blame would lie solely at Merlin's door. It was them who limited the budget the park had severley, leading to ride closures, F&B closures, less days open all year round etc. Towers management get criticism, and I get why, but I think they were doomed from the start here. Next year, I'd say will definitely see the return a three day event.
For me, the blame would lie solely at Merlin's door. It was them who limited the budget the park had severley, leading to ride closures, F&B closures, less days open all year round etc. Towers management get criticism, and I get why, but I think they were doomed from the start here. Next year, I'd say will definitely see the return a three day event.
Dinosaur Jetpack
TS Member
Making my first ever visit to Alton Towers today 
It's freezing cold, it's now raining, and we can't get there until around 5.00pm.
I have a feeling that this isn't going to be the best introduction to the park, but we'll just have to see how it goes.
It's freezing cold, it's now raining, and we can't get there until around 5.00pm.
I have a feeling that this isn't going to be the best introduction to the park, but we'll just have to see how it goes.
StrictlyAl
TS Member
Well hopefully it will not be your last...
Towerslover
TS Member
I'm not a map holder but would have been very annoyed if I was and was denied entry.
I would have come just for the fireworks, why would I want to come for the whole day to stand in 90 minute queues when I can come any other quiet day and virtually walk on all the rides? After paying all that money aswell.
A simple way of avoiding this mess again is to offer a opportunity for pass holders to pre book on very busy days.
I would have come just for the fireworks, why would I want to come for the whole day to stand in 90 minute queues when I can come any other quiet day and virtually walk on all the rides? After paying all that money aswell.
A simple way of avoiding this mess again is to offer a opportunity for pass holders to pre book on very busy days.
VerticalLoop123
TS Member
I did have a good time yesterday at the Fireworks!
As a MAP holder I did arrive early as I expected it to busy! I did loads of rides in the morning, it wasn't too badly busy.
As for the fireworks I thought they were really good! The finale was very good and the storyline was really creative. The only thing was the graphics on the screen were really poor! It was really basic animation that looked pretty rubbish! They could've used with some more speaker behind and around the audience, (maybe use the towers street ones?) but I can imagine the locals may moan!
Though the security was managed well. When X sector reopened there was a big swarm of people but we were all lead around a certain way. Staff had megaphones to guide people in X sector and tell people the approx queue time in SRQ and where to go.
It was chaotic at the F&B outlets! Corner Coffee was heaving and I had a massive queue out the door! Really needed more places selling hot drinks, food and warm places to sit! It was freezing!
I do think a pre booking system for annual pass holders, at least then they can predict numbers better. Overall a great (cold!) day.
As a MAP holder I did arrive early as I expected it to busy! I did loads of rides in the morning, it wasn't too badly busy.
As for the fireworks I thought they were really good! The finale was very good and the storyline was really creative. The only thing was the graphics on the screen were really poor! It was really basic animation that looked pretty rubbish! They could've used with some more speaker behind and around the audience, (maybe use the towers street ones?) but I can imagine the locals may moan!
Though the security was managed well. When X sector reopened there was a big swarm of people but we were all lead around a certain way. Staff had megaphones to guide people in X sector and tell people the approx queue time in SRQ and where to go.
It was chaotic at the F&B outlets! Corner Coffee was heaving and I had a massive queue out the door! Really needed more places selling hot drinks, food and warm places to sit! It was freezing!
I do think a pre booking system for annual pass holders, at least then they can predict numbers better. Overall a great (cold!) day.
James
TS Founding Member
Watching some YouTube videos and the show looks great, really well done. Sure it had the usual pop songs thrown in although it didn't seem to last that long and all the song choices complimented the show. The video served a purpose (unlike that awful water screen a few years back), and the entire rig they set up was used effectively for lighting and pyrotechnic effects. Towers have really done well at improving fireworks year on year. Gutted I couldn't see the fireworks in person!
Please carry on story driven shows for 2017 Alton Towers!
Please carry on story driven shows for 2017 Alton Towers!
jon81uk
TS Member
Just got back to the hotel after a day in the park , the hotel fast track we had said valid 6 & 7 November on it (although park closed tomorrow). So they didn't need to give you ticket for the next day, as the one ticket is valid both days of your hotel stay.
jon81uk
TS Member
The music seemed a lot better timed and synced in the pop music parts. I guess that Jubilee do better with pop rather than original.
Personally I liked the show, the finale, Life on Mars and pop sections being best in that order. But last years was maybe slightly better.
Had no issues with queues, capacity or food today (Sunday). Queued 40 minutes for rollercoaster restaurant but was warned it was 1hr15. Did Galactica first at 10am, 5min queue then didn't queue more than an hour for anything, but we did skip the Smiler this time as we aren't that bothered about it.
Miss Hex being open and they need more non-thrill attractions that aren't kiddie rides! Other than Sharkbait Reef and Duel we did want something else to do that wasn't a coaster!
PeteB
TS Member
Yeah, but they wouldn't give me ANY fastrack tickets at all. Add to this I was given a disabled room which I didn't ask for, and had I been told about this at checkin I would have refused it because my partner likes baths. Couldn't change the room once we found out about it because no others were available. And then to top it off, when we went back to the room after dinner and drinks we found it was freezing cold. Heater broken. Maintenance person came out and said it couldn't be fixed. The only thing they could offer us was an extra blanket. FFS! £200 a night for this crap!
Needless to say, we chose to stay at a different hotel for fireworks because the 20% (lame) discount voucher I was offered after making a complaint wasn't valid for 5th and 6th November. Bed, breakfast, lovely clean modern room (with heating) and fantastic service for £85. Boom! This is the first time in 15 years I've stayed off-site when visiting Towers. I will never stay in their hotels ever again.
jon81uk
TS Member
Okay that does sound like a really rubbish hotel stay. If they can't move you to a room somewhere on site with a working heater that is super poor.
But did they not give you the hotel fast track ticket on check in? That's the only reason I checked in this morning, to get fast track before going to the park.
We got an accessible room at Disney recently and had to switch to a standard as just didn't like the bathroom too.
PeteB
TS Member
Nope no fastrack at all, and when I enquired about it later as to why I wasn't given fastrack ticket they said the tickets were only valid until 12pm so they were no use to me.
Had a lovely couple of days on the Park.
Yes very busy, but I manage to get on all the rides I wanted to. Yes people were turned away, but this has happened in the past with previous fireworks events and it was clearly posted on their website that anyone who has not pre-booked their tickets would not be guaranteed entry after 3pm. I even copied and posted it on here a few weeks ago.
IMO this year Fireworks were the best that they have put on ever, (however you still couldn't beat last year's ITHOMK/Hex mash up finally).
The rapid was closed after dark and what I've been told, the rapids will not open again for any after dark events. Next years dates have not been finalised and is a long way off, so anything can happen, but there is not any reason for the fireworks event not to return as it is a very popular event and they are very hopeful for the return of it as a 3 day event.
Like me did anyone stay at Flood landings over the weekend? Was any one affected by the burst water pipe which happened around 9.30 Sat night and again Sun 7.30 morning on level 4? It was raining into a few rooms and from the corridor ceiling. Our room was far away from where it happened. So we were not affected apart from walking down the corridor and the water pressure in our room was very poor.
There were a lot of meets up over the weekend and I bumped into the FB MAP holder group, roller coaster club forum thingy, themepark would wide group, Tower Times, but the only Tower Street that I had the pleasure to meet was Delta79.
Yes very busy, but I manage to get on all the rides I wanted to. Yes people were turned away, but this has happened in the past with previous fireworks events and it was clearly posted on their website that anyone who has not pre-booked their tickets would not be guaranteed entry after 3pm. I even copied and posted it on here a few weeks ago.
IMO this year Fireworks were the best that they have put on ever, (however you still couldn't beat last year's ITHOMK/Hex mash up finally).
The rapid was closed after dark and what I've been told, the rapids will not open again for any after dark events. Next years dates have not been finalised and is a long way off, so anything can happen, but there is not any reason for the fireworks event not to return as it is a very popular event and they are very hopeful for the return of it as a 3 day event.
Like me did anyone stay at Flood landings over the weekend? Was any one affected by the burst water pipe which happened around 9.30 Sat night and again Sun 7.30 morning on level 4? It was raining into a few rooms and from the corridor ceiling. Our room was far away from where it happened. So we were not affected apart from walking down the corridor and the water pressure in our room was very poor.
There were a lot of meets up over the weekend and I bumped into the FB MAP holder group, roller coaster club forum thingy, themepark would wide group, Tower Times, but the only Tower Street that I had the pleasure to meet was Delta79.
Rob
TS Team
The season is longer than just three days. Up until the last week of Scarefest and Fireworks the park has still been far quieter than normal. I'd be surprised if they've had more than 2 million guests throughout the year, it is probably far less.
I disagree totally with this. Yes in theory an MAP guarantees you entry on any day of the season but if the park is at capacity then the park is at capacity. They know exactly how many pre-booked tickets have been sold therefore know exactly when to stop letting anyone else in. It's fair enough.
You can't start turning away those that have pre-booked a ticket for a specific date - that would be woeful customer service and make a mockery of pre-booking your ticket (which Alton Towers would rather you did as they then have a better idea of guest numbers for any given day). Annual pass holders have no more rights to entry than those that have paid money for a ticket.
I'm confident that this problem will be solved next year by making all annual passholders pre-book tickets for fireworks, at a small cost to ensure people don't book just incase they decide to go. I am also confident that people will moan about this!
In hindsight not having the Friday night was a huge mistake. However when Towers made the decision it was somewhat justifiable. Guest numbers had been down massively ever since The Smiler incident and the Friday of fireworks last year was dead. It was probably only during the last two weekends of Scarefest when they suddenly realised that they were in trouble and needed the Friday night, by then of course it was far too late. If you take yourself back 12 months could you have imagined 27,000 or so people turning up at Alton Towers? I certainly couldn't!
Anyway, my thoughts. First of all on the fireworks themselves.
The show was okay, fine, nothing special but not bad. Towers have done better and Towers have done worse. For me the main problem was that they weren't overly memorable and took a very long time to really get going. On the whole the music was poor and very samey.
The story was very cheesy but I am glad that they're sticking with these for now as they do make the shows more interesting and unique. Having said that the story this year wasn't overly imaginative and very predictable - I think traveling through space and visiting various desinations would have worked better. Then you land back at Alton Towers for the ITHOTMK finale.
Speaking of the finale it was again the highlight of the show, I particuarly liked the 8-bit ITHOTMK section at the beginning. I know some would like to see a change but for me the Alton Towers fireworks just have to end in this iconic manner.
Away from fireworks the park was very busy on Saturday and it did not cope at all. I didn't mind long queues for the rides, this is to be expected on any busy day at any theme park. The major issue was F&B, or more the lack of it. Queues across the park for any sort of food, from Woodcutters to snack kiosks, were massive. Some of our group attempted to eat at the hotels but were turned away as they did not have a hotel reservation, this is despite there being plenty of empty tables in the restaurants. Food outlets that have been opening during the season were closed (Dark Forest eateries bar hot dogs).
Alton Towers is simply not in a position to cope with capacity crowds at the moment. The park has been set up in 2016 for small crowds, so as soon as you get the numbers that were there on Saturday then there is no hope.
Hopefully lessons have been learnt for 2017 and the Friday will be brought back. A lot of the locals as well as MAP holders would usually come up on the Friday yet many of these came on the Saturday instead this year. This of course was not helped by it being Saturday 5th November.
At least we know fireworks at Alton Towers are still popular though!