Alton Towers Apr 2010

On our very last day, we were able to visit Alton Towers. The power was having problems for a few days, so we were given head of line passes that allowed us to skip queues! We missed early entry due to the power problems, but we at least managed to play mini golf.

we eventually were able to take the monorail to the park. When we got there, I was pleased to see a tribute to the old COrkscrew, my first inversion on a coaster ever. I miss it.

It was freezing, and power was out in half the park. So we headed to Hex. I was impressed my little ones did not get too scared. I was a proud dad of my emerging gothic kids! Then onto Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I did not know what to expect as Merlin dark rides vary so dramatically. But this one was awesome, and followed the book nicely - a boat ride through the factory and a very cool glass elevator ride. Superb.

The kids enjoyed the driving school, and then off to the Cookoo Land show - aimed at little kids really, not bad, but not great. The kids enjoyed it though.

We hopped the cable car and enjoyed a spot of BBQ food and Chilli in the Smuggler's Inn. Then off to the Sea life Aquarium of Mutiny Bay. Very similar to all their other outlets, in other words, very good. WE enjoyed being touched by the shrimp, looking at the monster spider crabs, sharks and octopus. Very cool. Mikey was worried that one of the Spider Crabs was trying to get out.

Then we headed to Katanga Canyon. It was sooooo cold, the idiots on the water rides were standing up! Unbelievable. Skipping the hour wait for the mine train, we had a blast. The kids wanted to ride again, but our passes were good for one turn only. Lol. They pretended to still be on the ride as we walked through the park.

Next off was the old Haunted House, now called Duel, where you shoot the zombies and ghosts with lazer guns. I felt they ruined this ride, just like they ruined Terror Tomb at Chessington (damn l;azer guns seem to ruin every park). Mikey loved it, Jess was a little scared, but took comfort that she could shoot the dead guys.

Next it was to Forbidden Canyon. I met my goal of being able to ride Nemisis after losing 70 lbs. It has been 9 years since I have been able to ride this one, one of my favorites in the world. Pure class! Sadly I could not yet fit on Air, so that is the next goal.

The park was closed at this point, so we took the cable car back to the entrance, the monorail back, and chilled out with some entertainment and a drink at the Alton Towers hotel before returning home. So much for getting home early, it was nearl midnight by the time we got back.

We had been skipping Alton Towers as it is not great for little ones, but ours had a great time. So did their parents.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Alton Towers
• Davewasbaloo
• Cable Car
• Mutiny Bay
• Duel
• Hex
• Gardens
• Nemesis
• Air
• Slide Show
• Monorail