Everyone seems to be going on about Alton Towers at the moment in the closed season 2021 so I thought it would make sense to have it’s own separate chat
Alton used to do 2 for 1 offers with stuff like chocolate brands and cereal (not sure if this still exists). You could also pay from things like supermarket loyalty cards.
I agree on the travel part, it seems like its in middle of nowhere which is odd considering its proximity to fairly major towns. Getting there via public transport, while it can be done, is far more awkward than somewhere like Thorpe park (I think you have to go via Peterborough or something?).
Despite this I still try to go as often as possible because however much we like to (justifiably) bash Merlin and their frankly moronic direction as of late, the place has a charm that you just don't get from other parks in the UK. The first time I walked through the entrance and set eyes on the lake and towers, I was hooked.
Sure, not all of it is good: Rita can die in a hole as far as I'm concerned, that new Gangsta Granny (or whatever it is) ride looks bloody awful and they have an enterprise as their only 'thrilling' flat ride, However, for me at least, Nemesis frankly blows everything in the UK (including my beloved Stealth) out of the water. It does the same to Black Mamba at Phatasialand and Oziris at Parc Asterix (the only other inverts I've been on in Europe thus far) as well in my opinion. If you factor in things like Oblivion, Galactica, the Smiler, Wicker man, Hex and the atmosphere of most of the park in general on top of this, it is well worth a visit. You just have to visit at the right times when queues (not accounting for COVID) are better. In March and April before Easter on midweek days, I've rarely seen queues exceed 30 minutes. Sure, its not Europa park, but the operations are usually sufficient enough to keep queues moving quickly. After Easter, there tends to have more in the way of school trips and obviously the Easter holidays are a no go.
Never been to Alton Towers, too expensive, to far to travel, can't take time off work, can't be arsed to make the effort. lol plus hours in a queue for a 20 seconds ride is a bit off putting. Just thought id share, 😋
Alton used to do 2 for 1 offers with stuff like chocolate brands and cereal (not sure if this still exists). You could also pay from things like supermarket loyalty cards.
I agree on the travel part, it seems like its in middle of nowhere which is odd considering its proximity to fairly major towns. Getting there via public transport, while it can be done, is far more awkward than somewhere like Thorpe park (I think you have to go via Peterborough or something?).
Despite this I still try to go as often as possible because however much we like to (justifiably) bash Merlin and their frankly moronic direction as of late, the place has a charm that you just don't get from other parks in the UK. The first time I walked through the entrance and set eyes on the lake and towers, I was hooked.
Sure, not all of it is good: Rita can die in a hole as far as I'm concerned, that new Gangsta Granny (or whatever it is) ride looks bloody awful and they have an enterprise as their only 'thrilling' flat ride, However, for me at least, Nemesis frankly blows everything in the UK (including my beloved Stealth) out of the water. It does the same to Black Mamba at Phatasialand and Oziris at Parc Asterix (the only other inverts I've been on in Europe thus far) as well in my opinion. If you factor in things like Oblivion, Galactica, the Smiler, Wicker man, Hex and the atmosphere of most of the park in general on top of this, it is well worth a visit. You just have to visit at the right times when queues (not accounting for COVID) are better. In March and April before Easter on midweek days, I've rarely seen queues exceed 30 minutes. Sure, its not Europa park, but the operations are usually sufficient enough to keep queues moving quickly. After Easter, there tends to have more in the way of school trips and obviously the Easter holidays are a no go.
Never been to Alton Towers, too expensive, to far to travel, can't take time off work, can't be arsed to make the effort. lol plus hours in a queue for a 20 seconds ride is a bit off putting. Just thought id share, 😋