DiogoJ42 said:
Put simply, the negativity comes from those of us that have watched the park go from being a wonderful day of fun and escapism, to a soul crushing rip off that's falling to pieces.
I have to agree with the right honourable pirate.
I disagree with some about the magic also
- there have been times the park has got it right, I have tried to highlight some of these. The thing is, Alton Towers was here long before Merlin, and in my opinion they're the present custodians of a really rather unique and magical place. The challenge to create imaginative world class rides, the beautiful setting, and the loyal fan base - that on the whole, regardless of issues turn up year in year out and spend money in the thousands.
Yes they bought the parks out, and we all want them to be successful and turn a profit of course! What many of us object to however, is the many points raised above.
If we didn't care about the place doing well, we'd all just start following another park.
I'm afraid this year, the negativity is deserved, and much of what is written is purely frustration. I also believe, if some of the individuals were more closely listened to by the park, they could actually make some relatively easy improvements that would lead to a higher satisfaction.
It isn't just these boards, they only reflect a presently wider view, that has reached the General Public. Trip advisor and Facebook are getting panned with complaints.
I think it's also fair to say, that many of us understand that much of this is out of Alton Tower's managements hands unfortunately, the gripes with the GP may be the experience at the Park - but a great many on here see the problem originating from higher up the chain.
In my own complaint about the park, I separated the corporate issues, to that of some of the wonderful staff etc, that still go out of their way to bring you a good day. When the public aren't happy, they will bear the brunt of it too - and that's not really fair either.
Good post though Emily, well put across. Not afraid to address a more potentially contentious topic, I like it! ;D
This is just my opinion of course, but it's a pleasure to share it in a considered thread such as this.