Old Rides VS New Rides & Experiences Poll

[TheMan]

OK - this is roughly based on calculations *yawn* I did. The format is simple. We will take, not perfect, but relatively decent estimates of attractions VS price based on what can be called an older ride up, against the new rides.

This is not to debate how accurate the estimates are, this isn't scientifically accurate, but it is not so far off as some of may imagine, it's also not based on filler attractions.

Vote for your most likely to visit:

PARK1: OLD ALTON TOWERS - Circa 1994

Approximate ALL IN cost: £24 (That's in todays value)

LINE UP: Nemesis (spanking new!), Thunderlooper, The New Beast (Outdoor bigger version of Black Hole), Corkscrew, The Black Hole.

PARK2: NEW PARK - Circa 2012

Approximate ALL IN cost: £50 (Not including discounts, contrary to conversations I've had today, discounts were available in '94 from my own recollection)

LINE UP: Nemesis, Oblivion, Th13teen, Rita, Air.


Also, consider queues today, fast track, and all the other rubbish presently being shoveled at us by Merlin - and put that up against, a more open park, a better atmosphere (arguably), and the ability to re-ride without getting off multiple times!

Nostalgic it may be, but my vote is obvious.

Park 1: Having experienced it, and watched Alton change, I would take park 1 all day long - Oblivion I would miss, I admit - but Thunderlooper would more than make up for that!

So - cast your vote, and share your memories folks

Remember - this is not about the finer details of accuracy (it's generally pretty correct), or arguing over a few pence, find another thread for that please.

ENJOY!

 

[Jono]

Really Great and interesting topic! I had no choice but to vote for park 2 as I have never visited the park in 1994, but would've loved to.

Ride wise, i think park 2 would win, but the 'magic' in the atmosphere was ,as i can imagine, greater in park 1. Hope that makes sense!

 

[Nick]

I'm not sure exactly how people can go with park 1 just for "the magic". Definitely park 2, the rides, theming etc. is a different class completely.

 

[TheMan]

Really Great and interesting topic! I had no choice but to vote for park 2 as I have never visited the park in 1994, but would've loved to.

Ride wise, i think park 2 would win, but the 'magic' in the atmosphere was ,as i can imagine, greater in park 1. Hope that makes sense!

Yes, it makes sense and it was much better. You got to enjoy the ambiance of the park more, it felt less cramped in places, and when you hit that music on Towers Street it just gave you that little buzz of excitement. It was way more relaxed then, and so much less to focus on (bombardment) that meant you really could get completely lost in your day.

It was much, much better. Not impossible to bring back either. For me they were the golden years of the park.

 

[TheMan]

I'm not sure exactly how people can go with park 1 just for "the magic". Definitely park 2, the rides, theming etc. is a different class completely.

Having experienced both, I disagree. Nemesis? Black Hole? How is any theming better or more immersive than that now exactly? My only disagreement with my own post, is Oblivion - that stands unique and is just superb, but the rest? Seriously?

Not having to get off rides, no fast track, no endless marketing in your face everywhere, lovely staff still, better atmosphere, and some fantastic rides - equal in their days equivalent to what is there now, for HALF the price?

I would pay 24 quid, and go to Old AT rather than 50 for the new one, if they existed as two separate parks. Park 1 is way better value for money, and arguably more pure fun.

EDIT:
PMSL at the one vote for None, I hate Alton Towers! - Other than that, it's pretty split right now, and considering many won't have experienced it's former glory, I'm quite impressed!!

Enjoying this, thanks for your input so far.

 

[Nick]

Firstly, with the number of offers, the MAP and pre-booking online, I reckon that tickets can be gotten for as good a value as before.

On theming, the difference is huge. Except for Nemesis and the Haunted House, there was absolutely none. Black Hole wasn't themed, it was just a tent. The rest were all car-park attractions. Today, we have Thirteen, Hex and Oblivion, especially, that are fantastically well themed.

It's fair to say that Rita, Air, Sonic Spinball, Thirteen and Oblivion are much, much better than their equivalents back in the day. Thirteen definitely trumps Corkscrew, Air beats Thunder Looper and the Beast and Black Hole were nothing too interesting in themselves. What we have now are interesting, and revolutionary, coasters, which are crucial in the theme park industry as a whole. Added to the other rides we have now, Hex, N:ST and Ripsaw standing out a lot.

Even with the attraction of "the magic", still I would much prefer a money-grabbing Merlin ownership, with the rides put out. After all, rides are the most important part of any theme park- and you have to agree, the rides today are much better.

 

[TheMan]

After all, rides are the most important part of any theme park- and you have to agree, the rides today are much better.

Actually I don't agree, blivvy aside I agree there. Rita, Th13teen, Air?

I don't like AIR, it's force less boring pointless and uncomfortable, Rita is Stealth's painful cousin, and Th13teen is a gimmick. I would take Thunderlooper, Corkie, and Black Hole back no questions.

Firstly, with the number of offers, the MAP and pre-booking online, I reckon that tickets can be gotten for as good a value as before.

I said I won't go into the finer details, as it is general - and perhaps there are times you can get as good a value, but I comparing an Apple, with an Apple.

Black Hole wasn't themed, it was just a tent.

What? Go to Towsure mate, that is just a tent. Resplendent it wasn't, just a tent though? Hardly. I bet if I put a poll up of just "one coaster you could bring back" and my beloved Thunderlooper wouldn't stand a cat in hells chance against that "tent".

£24 all in? - I'm visiting Park 1, you visit Park 2 at £50 I'm fine with that, because less queues at Park 1 and more goes for me ;D - Enjoy your £5 pay per ride, being shouted at, and having cash hoovered out of your pockets at every turn...

(Alton Towers, is still there under the surface by the way, if I didn't care about the place, I wouldn't be on this forum).

 

[Adam]

1994, without a shadow of a doubt!

Firstly, nowadays there are only 2 coasters I class as thrilling (Nemmy & Blivy), compared to Nemmy, Thunder Looper, The Beast and Corky in 94. Secondly, the value for money now the park's owned by M£rlin is pretty Eartha Kitt* in my opinion, and then you've got all the bloody upselling, fastrack & stuff to put up with...

So yeah, 1994 for me.

* As in the rhyming slang meaning, not the singer.

 

[TheMan]

1994, without a shadow of a doubt!

Firstly, nowadays there are only 2 coasters I class as thrilling (Nemmy & Blivy), compared to Nemmy, Thunder Looper, The Beast and Corky in 94. Secondly, the value for money now the park's owned by M£rlin is pretty Eartha Kitt* in my opinion, and then you've got all the bloody upselling, fastrack & stuff to put up with...

So yeah, 1994 for me.

* As in the rhyming slang meaning, not the singer.

Good man good man!! That's what I'm talking about ;D

UPDATE:
94ers take the lead!! With "Oh no not another stupid poll" bringing quickly up the rear.... oh er missus! - serious point being made here though. Loving the feedback and banter too

 

[Danny]

I don't like AIR, it's force less boring pointless and uncomfortable,

It's a good step up ride for people who aren't yet brave enough to do Bliv or Nemesis. It isn't pointless, it was designed at the time to give you an incredible experience of flying, which it was the first B&M to do and does quite well. Without Air, Tatsu and Manta would not exist, and they themselves are two brilliant coasters. It also certainly isn't the most uncomfortable ride in the world, and you hardly notice when on the ride circuit and not waiting in the station or on the breaks or lift.

Th13teen is a gimmick

It's a great family coaster. Aside from the let down in the marketing department, it's fun, offers air time and the backwards section is brilliant.

I would take Thunderlooper, Corkie, and Black Hole back no

You say you'd take Black Hole back, but you haven't even had the chance to try SW7 yet. I'd much rather take the much needed thrill coaster we've been waiting 14 years for than have Black Hole back. Although I'd love to see Looper still at Towers as I never got the chance to ride it.

 

[Nick]

Air is not meant to be forceful, it's meant to be enjoyable and relaxing- ie. like you're flying. I'm not sure how it's uncomfortable, but I guess that's just your opinion- quite a lot of people find some coasters comfortable, others don't.

If you are calling Rita painful, and Corkscrew, Black Hole and Thunder Looper aren't, then that's a little bit strange. Remember, Rita is actually heartlined, and the restraints don't even hurt. Corkscrew (the only one that I've experience of the above) had issues with head-banging from the restraints much, much more than on Rita. If you are calling Thirteen a gimmick, then what is Thunder Looper- it's only a launch and a loop. Thirteen brings in a brand-new experience, and the inside is very exciting (for first time riders especially).

And I would much rather have SW7 than Black Hole.

And in 1994, where would you go for castrations? Only the doctors. Now there's Submission. Cased closed.

 

[Scott]

How anyone can seriously argue that they would rather have the 1994 park line up than the 2012/3 park line up is beyond me... If this is a topic about which rides are/were best then the price shouldn't even come into it. On a purely ride related basis the park of today easily beats the park of 1994 and I seriously don't think anyone can come up with a convincing argument otherwise.

Nemesis. Air. Oblivion. Th13teen. Rita. Hex. Sub-Terra. Spinball. SW7. Ripsaw.

I could go on with detailed explanations but I just do not comprehend why this is even a discussion! 2012/3. Hands. Down.

 

[TheMan]

The only people saying the price isn't relevant are the ones in favour of the modern park.

I have said on this many times, this is not just about the steel crammed into the park, it is about the whole experience as value for money.

I have also said, it is going to take something special to replace the Black Hole area, but that I feel SW7 may well do that (different thread I think), but guess what? It isn't here yet, so it isn't a 2012 discussion.

It is about the whole feel of the park, and the value it gives you, and how you left the day feeling. Now, how many nay sayers actually went regularly around '94? I'm not saying that doesn't entitle you to an opinion, of course I'm not, however, I went an awful lot back then and the park was a much, much more pleasant place to be.

Now, if they get the attitude and atmosphere of '94 back today, we are going to have a different debate - but boiling this down to 20 years advancement in ride technology, is simply not part of the debate (hence it seems pointless to some).

Th13teen has some great effects, agreed. AIR however, is rubbish, and do I care if we get loads more coasters across the other side of the world because Alton experimented with one? Do I balls quite frankly. As for the step up coaster, are you kidding lol? I get people on nemmy before AIR, because it's more comprehensible in terms of what the ride experience will be.

Yes, it is my personal opinion, but one I certainly am not alone in thinking!

Thankfully with Oblivion I still believe they got the best of all the Dive machines.

Alton '94 all in was a better day out, and way better value. I like the way the "magic" is used as a lesser important topic to suit in here, yet most of us agree, it is the core ingredient missing right now from the Towers!

WHY? Because, it has become form/money over substance, and this was not the case back then.

 

[VickyLeigh83]

I would take 1994. I would give anything to be able to ride Thunder Looper again! (Although I would miss Blivvy )

 

[John]

For a quick comparison:

Rides from 1994 that have since been removed:

Black Hole
Corkscrew
Thunder Looper
Mini Apple
Beast
Beastie
Dynamo
1001 nights
Toyland Tours
Swans
Bouncing Bugs/Ug Bugs
Railway
Vintage Cars

Current rides built after 1994:

Oblivion
Air
Spinball
Rita
Thirteen
(SW7)
Ripsaw
Submission
Hex
Sub Terra
Charlie
Squirrel Nutty
Battle Galleons
Driving School
Heave Ho
Frog Hopper
(let me know if I've missed any)

To be honest I don't think there's an obvious winner, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. I never went on Beast or Thunder Looper, so I can't really comment.

 

[Scott]

The price truly isn't relevant if this is a debate on the ride line up of 1994 versus the line up today/next season. A debate about value for money would cover that - and I'd still sit firmly on the 2012 side of the fence for that too.

Purely on the line up of rides and experiences available in the park, and don't segue off onto other subjects such as atmosphere, magic, price, upselling, Merlin, Tussauds, value for money etc, the park is surely better in 2012? We have more rides that cover more bases for different audiences. Air is not crap, it is the truest form of the B&M flyer and provides a unique experience for riders. Th13teen is a solid family coaster. Rita, although unoriginal, provides a thrill for many. Spinball is not the greatest ride in the world, but again provides another experience on park. Hex is a world-class dark ride. Sub-Terra is a stellar dark ride thanks to the tweaks across the season.

1994 ride lineup versus 2012 ride lineup?

2012. Like I keep saying.

 

[delta79]

I have been mulling over this question and decided how about a mix park.

How about the magic and attention to detail (and maintenance) of theming from 94.

with the rides on the park now, just think what th13teen would be like with theming elements in the wood, e.g dive though a towers style window of a ruin wall. Air with the theming they were planning for it?

but also remove the unused Ice show tent, dig down and place the black hole there, with the square part under ground and the round tent bit the covering the bit that sticks up.

you could even of moved the thunderlooper next the the monorail maint building and dug it down to hid it more from view, just think of the new dynamics that give it

Well it an idea.

 

[TheMan]

The price truly isn't relevant if this is a debate on the ride line up of 1994 versus the line up today/next season. A debate about value for money would cover that - and I'd still sit firmly on the 2012 side of the fence for that too.

It's not a ride line up poll - how can you compare coasters of 20 years ago, Nemmy the exception that proves the rule of course lol? It says Park, not Rides. It's the whole package. What it felt like.

I have been mulling over this question and decided how about a mix park.

How about the magic and attention to detail (and maintenance) of theming from 94.

with the rides on the park now...

...you could even of moved the thunderlooper next the the monorail maint building and dug it down to hid it more from view, just think of the new dynamics that give it

Well it an idea.

Yeah I said a few posts ago, if you take the feel and the best of 94 and add some of the rides today, you have a fabulous park, totally different question then I agree lol!

I would take 1994. I would give anything to be able to ride Thunder Looper again! (Although I would miss Blivvy )

This is how I feel, imagine if they bought TL back! I too though, would miss Blivvy - it's a hard call between those two isn't it?!

To be honest I don't think there's an obvious winner, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. I never went on Beast or Thunder Looper, so I can't really comment.

John, thanks for putting that list up mate, adds nicely to the debate I was a bit busy to go into the full line ups. The New Beast was a kool ride, but nothing spectacular, though I believe at the time it actually had the UKs steepest drop believe it or not! So it was no slouch, and it packed some G, it was basically a bigger Black Hole outside, so you got a better sense of height and at times speed. Thunderloooper however, that is in a league of its own - and you can tell by other comments, how fondly it is remembered. How I imagine Blivvy will be when that's eventually had it's day. I'm sure there are versions still operating somewhere, but I'm not entirely sure, and if so I doubt they still have lapbars lol!!

Launch (no slouch I tell you), loop intense, up a vertical hill and straight back down again in reverse, flying back through the station lol, thin metal lap bars.

I don't anyone who rode it, that does not really miss it, and who wouldn't welcome it back even now!

All those rides, back then, for that price, in a picturesque, friendly park with lovely touches like the railway and stuff, without adverts and upselling everywhere. One thing is correct on both sides of this debate, they are like two completely different parks.

 

[Scott]

The price truly isn't relevant if this is a debate on the ride line up of 1994 versus the line up today/next season. A debate about value for money would cover that - and I'd still sit firmly on the 2012 side of the fence for that too.

It's not a ride line up poll - how can you compare coasters of 20 years ago, Nemmy the exception that proves the rule of course lol? It says Park, not Rides. It's the whole package. What it felt like.

"Old Rides VS New Rides & Experiences"

Whatever

 

[Alastair]

Had to go with 2012. The price would be pretty much the same with BOGOF and the ride lineup is much better today IMO. It's not a difficult call in terms of what I'd take between Thunderlooper and Oblivion - they're both one trick but let's face it, we all know which was the superior one trick. The only ride I'd rather didn't go was the Black Hole - but that's just an unfortunate sacrifice which, let's face it, is being replaced in spectacular fashion anyway.