The summer holidays are upon the park once again and so join TowersTimes for a leisurely look at what we have to look forward to over the coming months.

Transport news first, with the sixth new monorail making its debut on track last weekend. Following on from the Celebration Train earlier in the month, the brand new Daisy Train has blossomed onto the system. This flower themed train looks at the park from an insect’s point of view, and is sure to leave you… umm… buzzing with excitement!

In related news, following on from this season’s successful monorail re-theme, of late a new Skyride car has been spotted on park. Could this be a sign that the dated Skyride system is next in line for a bit of a refurbishment for 2009? Stick with TowersTimes over the coming months for more news as we get it.

Elsewhere at the Towers, the park’s entertainment has had a bit of a makeover for the parks longer Summer opening hours (7pm ride close until September 1st). The Pirates of Mutiny Bay show has now moved one hour later in the day with the first show at 11:45 and the last at 17:30. Meanwhile over in Cred Street, The Wonders of Alegnon’s Attic has gained an extra show per day for the duration of the Summer Holidays, with the first show now starting at 12:00 and the last at 16:30. Check out their attraction pages for more information.

Preparations are now well underway for the 2008 Scarefest. As previously reported the corn field has already been planted for Field of 1000 Screams: The Aftermath and is growing nicely ready for its debut on 17th October. All the new monorail trains are now advertising the event as guests leave the park, and the traditional Halloween hearse has already made an appearance at the foot of Towers Street. Posters have also appeared around the park advertising Alton Towers as “The Place to be Seen this Halloween”.

Also new for Summer, for the first time since 2004 guest are able to obtain Fastrack tickets for individual rides, as opposed to having to buy them in a bundle. A Fastrack One Shot can now be bought for £3 from the Sales and Information booths and are available for Nemesis, Oblivion or the Flume. Also the Fastrack Rita ticket can now be added onto any Fastrack Package when previously it could only be purchased with Fastrack Thrill.

It’s not all good news from the park however. As previously reported, just one month into the season, the adult ticket prices took a 12% rise to £35. At that time the price rise was restricted to just the adult ticket band, however since then almost all other ticket prices have gone up as well with Child, Senior, Disabled and Family tickets all having received significant increases. On a brighter note however, you are in luck if you choose to buy an open dated adult ticket over the internet, as your price has recently fallen… by the princely sum of 5p, to £29.95. Small mercies, eh?