What Next?

[MrCoaster]

Over the years Alton Towers have introduced a range of new rolercoaster types to the world (Oblivion in 1998 being the first drop, Air I believe being the first B&M flying, TH13TEEN with its drop track etc) but what next? It feels as if all the 'simple' ideas have been taken, so whatever they do, it'll be much more complicated. But what? Speculate below!

 

[Burbs]

Perhaps you would like to start the thread off by providing your own opinion on what might be next for Alton Towers?

 

[Bowser]

The days of Alton Towers being innovators of rollercoasters in the theme park industry are long gone.

Look to Universal/Disney, the Middle East parks and Germany for that.

 

[Jb85]

The days of Alton Towers being innovators of rollercoasters in the theme park industry are long gone.

Look to Universal/Disney, the Middle East parks and Germany for that.

I dunno I’m not so sure on that either Merlin’s thirst for world firsts. That all said though, in terms of elements I can’t see anything ground breaking that hasn’t already been done. It will just be bigger better faster more inversions if anything, all of which Merlin can’t do in most of their parks

 

[Mick]

I don’t think it has to be a worlds first or anything of the kind. I think anything with a unique layout and some memorable elements, combined with reliability and an overall quality ride experience, is what’s required.

 

[Bowser]

I dunno I’m not so sure on that either Merlin’s thirst for world firsts. That all said though, in terms of elements I can’t see anything ground breaking that hasn’t already been done. It will just be bigger better faster more inversions if anything, all of which Merlin can’t do in most of their parks

The “firsts” of the past 15 years have all been gimmick branding rather than true innovation. WickerMan is brilliant but also the pinnacle of style over substance in terms of marketing.

The last true Alton Towers prototype was Thirteen in 2010 right? I’m sure some will argue for The Smiler but i don’t personally agree.
There’s absolutely no indication they have the appetite or motivation to do anything innovative in the world of rollercoasters and arguably that’s way down the priority list for them at this stage anyway.

Times have changed and the pioneer era ended a long time ago.

 

[MrCoaster]

I agree with pretty much all of the above. Some ideas, partly mine and partly AI:
1. There's been rollercoasters where you sit above the track, and some where you sit under. What if there was one where you sat to the side of the track? As in the track is tilted 90° from the 'normal' angle, with trains clinging to this track and seats at a normal angle. There have been similar ideas but this would be a proper layout.
2. Pendulum Coaster
A Pendulum Coaster focuses on huge swinging motion before the main ride begins. The train is launched back and forth on a curved track like a giant pendulum, each swing climbing higher until it eventually goes over the top. Riders sit facing outward on both sides of the track, making the motion feel very exposed.
After the pendulum section, the ride continues into fast elements such as rolls, spirals, and diving turns close to the ground. The repeated changes in direction create unusual forces compared to a normal coaster.
3. Split-Track Coaster
A Split-Track Coaster features sections where the track divides into different routes. Switching mechanisms send trains down different paths, meaning riders could experience different elements each time they ride.
For example, one path might include loops and corkscrews, while another takes a low, twisting route with near-miss moments. The tracks later merge again before possibly splitting once more, making each ride slightly different.

 

[JAperson]

I don't think Towers are not going to be involved in innovation, I just think as @Jb85 says, lots of things have already been done. I think we can see types of coasters not seen in the UK, or not seen in this country for a long time. Particularly things like B&M's surf coaster model for example, would make a lot of sense, with there only currently being one in the US, it would similar to Nemesis in this regard. A unique launch coaster is something I feel Towers are missing at the moment. This has been my headline prediction for a few years now, we know Merlin are keen to work with B&M, Towers will be due a major thrill coaster, it would be marketable and they could get a package to put on in Heidi or Gaurda too, both of which will be due for major unique coasters.
In addition, there's no telling what Project Horizon might innovate with, there's endless effects, illusions and other clever things you can work into indoor coasters that have yet to have been done.

 

[Adam H]

I've mentioned in the comments on a couple of YouTube vids today that they should get an Intamin launch coaster. The rapids are old and probably don't have many years left, so I think in its place an Intamin launch is perfect. Doesn't need to be high (tree line issues) and can use a lot of the landscaping already in place for the rapids. The waterfall themeing could stay and the coaster passes through, as well as the tunnel also used by the RMT. I just think that area is so well suited for one.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

I've mentioned in the comments on a couple of YouTube vids today that they should get an Intamin launch coaster. The rapids are old and probably don't have many years left, so I think in its place an Intamin launch is perfect. Doesn't need to be high (tree line issues) and can use a lot of the landscaping already in place for the rapids. The waterfall themeing could stay and the coaster passes through, as well as the tunnel also used by the RMT. I just think that area is so well suited for one.

You know they've already got one of those, right?

 

[JAperson]

I've mentioned in the comments on a couple of YouTube vids today that they should get an Intamin launch coaster. The rapids are old and probably don't have many years left, so I think in its place an Intamin launch is perfect. Doesn't need to be high (tree line issues) and can use a lot of the landscaping already in place for the rapids. The waterfall themeing could stay and the coaster passes through, as well as the tunnel also used by the RMT. I just think that area is so well suited for one.

As much as I would love this, I think it's really not very marketable, and would cost a huge amount. Also I think whatever replaces the rapids needs to be family friendly. and a major Intamin launch probably wouldn't be that, although they do make more family friendly versions so maybe I'm wrong.