Alton Towers Monday 22/09/2014

balletshoes

~Beanie~ wrote: »

Oblivion isn't really a roller coaster in my opinion, its just one drop and its all over in about 20 seconds.

Nemesis is my favourite although the Smiler is close behind.

I agree - Smiler is the new coaster, so possibly best to head for that one first. Nemesis is a great coaster, and Air is cool too.

captainbeaker

if you have prebooked tickets online, you can get in for the early ride time at 9am, not all rides are open this early but you can get on Are Nemesis and Blade.
Air is a good starter rollercoaster for someone that hasn't been before.

allybee101

Park Gates (main park, not car park) typically open at 9.30, rides open at 10. There is early opening, but limited to a few rides nearest the hotel - usually for hotel guests and early bookers. It'll take 20-25 mins to walk from main entrance up there so I wouldn't be too fussed about banging on the shutters at 9.00!
It should be lovely and quiet midweek, end of September.
I used to work there and Bank Holidays were usually v quiet (everyone thought everyone else will be there). I heard from a friend who still works there that this August BH there were approx. 9,000, the Wednesday after August BH (whilst schools still shut) there were 23,500!

mew

owlovethbl wrote: »

Which ride would be best for someone who's never been on a roller coaster before? I'm thinking oblivion.

Oblivion, seriously? Yes it's a pretty rubbish ride but I know people who will do Rita & Smiler etc. but not Oblivion because of the fear of 'looking down' at the top.


Personally depending of their fear, I would try either Runaway Mine Train or Thirteen (as long as you mention the drop) or if they were feeling braver Air or Rita. If they want a brilliant thrill rush, then just send them on Nemsis, regardless of Alton Towers marketing of Smiler, nothing (at Alton Towers) beats Nemesis.

deanos

Nemesis in the rain on the back seat, you cant beat that !

**Patty**

It's also worth noting that the Flume & the River Rapids don't start til 11.....so don't waste valuable ride time queueing up for those until then.

zagfles

Tip - if you're not bothered about sitting together use the Single Rider queues. We went on a weekend in Sept last year, there were 1-2 hour queues for some of the rides but we got on most in about 10 mins using the single rider queues.

Tigsteroonie

zagfles wrote: »

Tip - if you're not bothered about sitting together use the Single Rider queues. We went on a weekend in Sept last year, there were 1-2 hour queues for some of the rides but we got on most in about 10 mins using the single rider queues.

We went in August (school holidays). Queue an hour long for Sonic Pinball. I walked straight onto the ride via the Single Rider queue, Marley didn't even have time to get the camera ready :rotfl:

I'd forgotten that they let people in from 9:30 onwards, just not onto the rides. I remember that we had to show our tickets again to get down to the X-Sector at 9:15, and that we saw the staff holding back a queue of people just before 10am.