As expected, Tuesday 6th September 2022 saw Duel – The Haunted House Strike Back operate for the final time at Alton Towers Resort. Following the attraction’s closure, notices have appeared stating ‘Property Repossessed’, hinting towards its expected overhaul.
Although rumours that the attraction would receive a significant reworking and refurbishment had been circulating for a while, it was only last month, on 23rd August, that a sign appeared in the attraction’s exit stating “06 + 09 = The Duel is over. This is my house.” This was interpreted to mean that the attraction would close for the final time on 6th September 2022. It was also thought that the message of ‘This is my house’ could be coming from the ghost of Emily Alton who lives within the haunted dolls house in the queue line, potentially alluding to the ride’s updated theme and storyline.
Sure enough, on 7th September 2022 people woke up to the news that the property had been repossessed, with signs appearing around Duel stating as much, along with the message: “Strictly no unwanted visitors. Due to unnatural displays in the area.” Similar also appeared on the Resort’s app and website. The choice of wording with the use of ‘repossessed’ clearly appears to be intentional, as it can be seen to have ghostly undertones. Again could this suggest that a phantasmal entity, such as the spirit of Emily Alton, will take possession of the house in 2023?
With the attraction being closed ahead of the end of the 2022 season, this suggests that it will be at least a 6 month project to overhaul the ride. This certainly implies that the works will be more extensive than just the touch-ups that the attraction has been given over prior closed seasons. Indeed, it does not seem as though Merlin Magic Making will be waiting around to get started, with Creative Lead John Burton also tweeting on 6th September to acknowledge Duel’s closure!
Given the rumours of the impending closure, earlier in August 2022, TowersTimes were granted permission by Alton Towers Resort to complete on ride filming, enabling us to capture the attraction in its final form ahead of its doors closing for the last time. Both a standard on ride POV and a 360° VR POV are now available on the Attraction Source YouTube channel, for anyone who wants to re-experience Duel – The Haunted House Strikes Back.
What will you miss most about Duel? What do you think the future has in store for the attraction? Let us know your thoughts via our social media channels.
