Alton Towers

Just had a coupla days in Alton Towers with the family, stayed at the hotel (surprisingly nice, if a tad Disneyesque) but anyway, had to show you these.

First I rode "Air", which was truly amazing as it actually feels like you're flying, Superman stylee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQD9bw3c41w

Then "Rita", surely the most uninspiring of coaster names but sweet Jiminy Jeebus it's fast - 0-60 in 2 seconds - completely badass and terrifying. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07no_0BGjuc

Went on plenty other stuff, but honourable mention goes to the white water rapids ride, for soaking the missus and giving me a jolly good giggle. Good times were had by all.

Anyone got any fave thrill rides?

I've always enjoyed Disney's Twilight Zone Tower of Terrors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1J_c1EkKzQ

Quote: Aaron @ June 6 2009, 3:14 AM BST

I've always enjoyed Disney's Twilight Zone Tower of Terrors.

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I lived 10 miles from Disneyland and rode that ride often.

Lucky! I'm hoping they might one day open one here...

Quote: Aaron @ June 6 2009, 3:20 AM BST

Lucky! I'm hoping they might one day open one here...

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Better than France, right?

I grew up about 100 miles from Disney World in Florida. I've probably been there a hundred times. Not as magical as the first times back in the 60s and 70s, but still a fun way to spend the day.

I think I'd have exploded with excitement, if I'd been taken to Disneyland/Disneyworld when I was a kid.

As for Alton Towers, my favourite ride was always A Thousand and One Nights. I used to love the way it took you up above the trees, and made you feel weightless, when you went down. Apparently it was one of the first big rides at the park, making it's first appearance not long after the famous Corkscrew first opened. Apparently it was taken out of the park in '94. There was a mini version of it called The Magic Carpet, which used to be next to it.

I don't do rides. Phobia.

Quote: Lee Henman @ June 6 2009, 1:19 AM BST

First I rode "Air", which was truly amazing as it actually feels like you're flying, Superman stylee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQD9bw3c41w

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I absolutely loved that when I went on it! Only once so far though.

I didn't think I'd like the Pepsi Max Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, but I loved it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1HHQfuVJNg

I've also got a soft spot for Nemesis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Z77jidZTw and the Runaway Mine Train at Alton Towers, even though the latter is probably aimed at 10 year olds.

Quote: DaButt @ June 6 2009, 3:30 AM BST

Better than France, right?

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Undoubtedly!

Quote: catskillz @ June 6 2009, 4:15 AM BST

I think I'd have exploded with excitement, if I'd been taken to Disneyland/Disneyworld when I was a kid.

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You were deprived!

Quote: JuliaC @ June 6 2009, 11:01 AM BST

I've also got a soft spot for the Runaway Mine Train at Alton Towers, even though the latter is probably aimed at 10 year olds.

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Sounds like a rip-off of one of the rides at Disney.

When I was much, much younger and living in America, there was a theme park in Virginia called King's Dominion which had some great rides - The Rebel Yell, the Grizzly, the Bezerker, etc.

My favourite was the Time Tunnel, a circular room that span with enough centrifugal force that it stuck you to the walls and then the floor would drop away.

We were on it once and somebody threw up, but thanks to gravity, the puke flew forward and then back against the wall and stuck next to the pukee. Ah good times.

BTW movie buffs, the Rebel Yell can be seen in 70's crapfest Rollercoaster.

Quote: Aaron @ June 6 2009, 11:04 AM BST

Sounds like a rip-off of one of the rides at Disney.

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Quite possibly, but it's unsurprising that theme parks copy successful ideas.

Quote: Renegade Carpark @ June 6 2009, 11:13 AM BST

My favourite was the Time Tunnel, a circular room that span with enough centrifugal force that it stuck you to the walls and then the floor would drop away.

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A staple at every British funfair!

Quote: Renegade Carpark @ June 6 2009, 11:13 AM BST

We were on it once and somebody threw up, but thanks to gravity, the puke flew forward and then back against the wall and stuck next to the pukee. Ah good times.

BTW movie buffs, the Rebel Yell can be seen in 70's crapfest Rollercoaster.

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I've seen that film an embarrasing number of times.

No one could get me anywhere near these things.

Quote: Aaron @ June 6 2009, 3:14 AM BST

I've always enjoyed Disney's Twilight Zone Tower of Terrors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1J_c1EkKzQ

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Looks good. They had a similar ride in New York

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMibXJjx_DE&feature=related