Alton Towers have today officially opened their doors for the 2012 season with several new attractions and updates to the park. After a misty start the sun soon broke through to the delight of guests, who had turned out in good numbers creating a nice buzz in the park for the opening weekend.
Nemesis: Sub-Terra, opened a little later then expected, and seemed to be experiencing technical difficulties throughout the day, including some effects appearing to not be working at all. The ride received mixed reviews from the general public and enthusiasts alike, and we can only recommend you experience the ride for yourself before passing judgment, as it seems to have real divided opinion of park guests today.
Ice Age- The 4D Experience on the other hand opened to glowing reviews all round. The film is of a good quality with some nice effects and the park has gone above expectations on the interior theming of the theatre. Much of the external theming is also very well done, with the attraction fitting into Cloud Cuckoo Land much better then many had expected.
The new show in the Courtyard, Curse of the Red Skull, carried on the precedent set by the previous Pirates of Mutiny Bay shows as a fun show for the family and a pleasant distraction as you enjoy your lunch.
Other new and refreshed entertainment offerings saw the return of last season’s pirate training academy, having now found a permanent home next to Sharkbait Reef and renamed as Fin’s Pirate Academy. Over in Storybook Land saw the addition of another new attraction for younger guests, in Squirrel Nutty’s Storytime, a joint storytelling and photography opportunity. Both of these attractions are scheduled to perform on weekends and school holidays only.
In other news, new shopping opportunities have opened in Mutiny Bay and Forbidden Valley, with Unit NS-Topening near Sub-Terra offering branded merchandise and Landlubbers Loot opposite Battle Galleons, offering personalised jewellery amongst other items.
Other random updates we noticed around the park today, included a colourful update to the Enterprise cars, new queue line arrangements for Congo River Rapids, a new Sales and Information Booth in Dark Forest and an addition of Sid’s Snowball Toss, a new games stall in the Ice Age area of Cloud Cuckoo Land.
