Alton Towers Resort have today released the first details for The Curse at Alton Manor, the new for 2023 attraction that is said will be the Resort’s most immersive dark ride to date when it opens this Spring.
Although the Resort has announced the name of the attraction and released a promotional visual, it is otherwise keeping ride details, including the backstory of the Manor’s sinister past, under wraps for now. However, it has said that it will be a haunting ride which will frighten and excite both brave youngsters and adults, as it takes them on a hair-raising journey through the spectacular twists and turns of the cursed manor.
Despite only limited information around the strange goings-on inside the house being revealed, the image released is stated to offer clues about what’s in store for those who dare to ride… Most notably the visual features a young girl covering her eyes – when taken alongside the Resort stating that the ‘countdown has begun’ and using the phrase ‘coming, ready or not’, could she perhaps be playing a game of hide and seek with guests? Although the identity of this girl has not been confirmed, this furthers the speculation that the character of Emily Alton will feature heavily in the attraction. Other details include numerous dolls, children’s building blocks and spider webs. Those who look closely will also be able to spot a ‘For Sale’ sign that lists ‘Sparks Estates’ as the selling agent – this is assumed to be a nod to one of the original designers of the Haunted House, Keith Sparks of the Sparks Group who were also responsible for other 90s Tussauds Group projects such as Bubbleworks at Chessington World of Adventures.
Creators of The Curse at Alton Manor are said to have found new and unimaginable ways to scare and surprise fans, with special effects and visuals that have never been seen before from a UK theme park. In an interview with Stoke Sentinel at the start of the month, Merlin’s retired Chief Development Officer, Mark Fisher, teased how the new ride would utilise traditional techniques and see it become more akin to its original incarnation. Merlin Magic Making (MMM) also recently shared a photo on their Instagram of John Burton, MMM Creative Lead for Resort Theme Parks, and John Wardley outside of the attraction building. They noted that John Wardley has been supporting MMM with incorporating classic effects and state-of-the-art technology in upcoming projects at Alton Towers. In addition to The Curse at Alton Manor, this is understood include Nemesis’ track replacement and Project Horizon (which John Wardley has directly referenced as being Secret Weapon 9).
Kate McBirnie, Head of Product Excellence at Alton Towers Resort, said:
“Let the countdown begin! The Curse at Alton Manor is no ordinary dark ride. It has all the components of a supernatural tale – it’s dark, compelling and promises some thrilling and scary moments along the way. Fans of eerie rides will certainly appreciate this one.
“More details on The Curse at Alton Manor will be revealed next month, so stay tuned for what’s to come.”
The ride will replace Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back, which was only officially confirmed to be closing on 23rd August 2022, upon 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. 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. During Scarefest, the possession of the building grew, with walls going up featuring peepholes that provided a hint at some creepy goings-on inside and posters urging guests to call a phone number for more information. The eagle-eyed also noted that they contained the phrase ‘I want to play’.
With attention then shifting to the closure of Nemesis at the end of the season, it has not really been until this week that activity picked up once more. On Monday, journalists began to post photos of packages they had received in the post from the Resort. These contained a creepy dolls-head jack-in-the-box along with an image of the visual for the attraction.
Are you excited to learn more about what awaits inside the historic Manor? Are you pleased to see the attraction return to its Haunted House roots? Let us know your thoughts on today’s announcement via our social media channels.
