Theme Park Fanatic

Does anyone know when Mr Monkeys Banana Ride will be repaired? The ride has been non operational for the whole 2023 season.

Does anyone know when Mr Monkeys Banana Ride will be repaired? The ride has been non operational for the whole 2023 season.

@Trooper Looper I know that all the incarcerations of the Haunted House have a place in your heart. I recall reading that Alton Manor disappointed you. Since Alton Manor’s initial opening in March has your opinion changed? I must admit I think Alton Manor is largely an improvement over Duel. Despite this one a scene is a definite downgrade. This scenes namely the blank hide and seek area are namely the blank scenes following the Vortex Tunnel. @Trooper Looper do you know if Alton Towers has plans to change this season during the next closed season? Another thing I disapprove of is the removal of some of the amazing animatronics. The animatronics I mourn are the smaller Spiders in the Hall Of Spiders and the Undertaker in the Goolish Garden. 

 
Upon the opening of Alton Manor the Park were asking for riders opinions. I presume this was so Alton Manor could be refurbished to guests satisfaction. 

Personally I think this post is a waste of time as I knew Alton Manor will be overhauled over the closed season. Despite this I wanted your views. Lastly you are a frequent visitor to Alton Towers, so could have overheard conversations regarding Alton Manor or you could have asked these questions yourself.
 
Any information or opinions you could provide me with would be greatly appreciated.

@Matt N I’d have to disagree with you for once. Vampire is extremely iconic even more than Nemesis at Alton Towers. Vampire was the Rollercoaster that made Chessington the success it is. Without Vampire Chessington would be nowhere on the scale it is. Although iconic Nemesis doesn’t represent the success of Alton Towers. Nemesis is purely iconic as it was the first Rollercoaster in the U.K to have more than one Inversion (Loop). Both rides were created by the highly successful John Wardley. In some respects Vampire was the prototype for Nemesis. Vampire is like a toned down and simplified version of Nemesis. 
 
If Vampire left Chessington it wouldn’t be the same Theme Park. Vampire is the beating heart of Chessington. Not only is the ride iconic in the success of the Theme Park but it’s definitely Chessington’s most popular ride. The standard que time for Vampire is at least an hour. Compare this to the other Rollercoasters that normally have ques under half an hour,and it becomes apparent just how beloved Vampire is. Personally Vampire is my favourite Rollercoaster at Chessington.

I know I’m probably dreaming beyond reality,but I hope a tracked ride system has been installed. I was looking on Interlink (a website for second hand rides). The ride was a Ghost Train. I would say the quality of the carriages and track is on par with Alton Manor. A proper Dark Ride is just what Thorpe Park needs. Thorpe’s had multiple walk through attractions. In over 40 years Thorpe has only had one proper Dark Ride. The Dark Ride was the ill fated Wicked Witches Haunt that burned down in the year 2000.

You’re exactly right @MattyMoo!! Yesterday I predicted that my housemates favourite Football Team would lose the match at Wembley. Moreover Alton Manor is exhibiting the same problems present when Nemesis Sub Terra opened in 2015. Alton Towers’s response was to close  Nemesis Sub Terra for 2 weeks and fix and add effects.

I’m happy to say I watched a POV of Alton Manor and noticed the wheel on the hurse is spinning 

I’m happy to say I watched a POV of Alton Manor and noticed the wheel on the hurse is spinning 

Personally I think the rumours about the Duck from The Flume being used in Alton Manor are quackers. Realistically I don’t think the Duck was remotely scary nor can I think of a scene it would be suitable for. I must congratulate whoever started this rumour as it’s got massive. I hope I’m proved wrong and The Flume Duck does feature in Alton Manor. The Duck was hilarious and would soften a ride that is primarily scary. I loved The Duck. Personally I think he’s been wasted by continuing to reside in the SBNO indoor section of The Flume. I’m surprised Alton Towers don’t sell soft toys of this legendary animatronic. The Duck is as probably as symbolic to Alton Towers as Henry Hound was in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Personally I think the rumours about the Duck from The Flume being used in Alton Manor are quackers. Realistically I don’t think the Duck was remotely scary nor can I think of a scene it would be suitable for. I must congratulate whoever started this rumour as it’s got massive. I hope I’m proved wrong and The Flume Duck does feature in Alton Manor. The Duck was hilarious and would soften a ride that is primarily scary. I loved The Duck. Personally I think he’s been wasted by continuing to reside in the SBNO indoor section of The Flume. I’m surprised Alton Towers don’t sell soft toys of this legendary animatronic. The Duck is as probably as symbolic to Alton Towers as Henry Hound was in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

@Benin your spot on, I noticed the Spider scene. I’m glad the Hall Of Spiders is still there. Those animatronic Spiders were cute and funny,unless your arachnophobic. I’m also pleased the Dinning Room has also survived the refurbishment. In actual fact I think the Dinning Room has been massively enchanted,with extra theming and more appropriate lighting. Finally I’m elated that the transit system and carriages are the same. Note the carriages have had slight changes,for instance the boos that were on the back have been removed.
 
 I wonder if the original Emily Alton scene in the drawing room will remain. I wouldn’t be surprised if the dolls house is relocated incorporated into the Attic scene. As for the Emily Alton and Snowy peppers ghost I think it’ll be incorporated into one of the new scenes. I really hope the iconic Emily Alton and Snowy soundtrack that has played in the ride for 30 years is made the soundtrack of a scene.

Is it only me who thinks they’ll be an oversized kids bedroom containing some of the theming From Toyland Tours?Much of the theming in Toyland Tours was toys.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the Toyland Tours theming has been stored in a staff only area. I can see in my head Emily Alton’s bed with the Elecoptor or one of the massive Teddy Bears from Toyland Tours on it.
 
I think the scenes Alton Towers have realised photos of are the Grand Hall,former skeleton hall and the hideously bad Zombie Lab final. I hope The Grand Hall,Hall Of Spiders and the Goolish Garden remain with slight theming modifications. These scenes would be applicable to a Dolls House. I wouldn’t be surprised if the photographed Attic scene leads into the Hall Of Spiders. I won’t be at Alton Towers on Saturday however I’ll be glued to the internet. I’ll certainly watch any POVS that are uploaded. I expect Theme Park Worldwide will upload a POV if Alton Towers allows. 

Yesterday Alton Towers dropped part of the storyline for Alton Manor into the world. Judging from the plot of the Ride Snowy could be involved. The plot could be that due to Emily Alton’s loneliness her Parents bought her a Cat which she named Snowy. I’d love to see both Emily Alton and Snowy appear as animatronics. I get the feeling Emily’s Parents will be in the narrative. Should this be true could Sir Henry Alton (Emily’s Dad) return to the ride. 
 
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjWvPXG2NL9AhWehP0HHXxyDWEQFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.altontowers.com%2Fexplore%2Ftheme-park%2Frides-attractions%2Fthe-curse-at-alton-manor%2F&usg=AOvVaw1ix3JpsoUHAQBLbTnGgw8Q
 
 
I hope the original  effect of Emily Alton in the Dolls House is retained. This effect has been consistent in both the original Haunted House and Duel. Without this effect the seemingly sweet Young Girl we love wouldn’t exist. 

I read the following post on Instagram. Note it was posted by another enthusiast and not officially by Alton Towers. It appears that after 7 years the Fountains are returning to Congo River Rapids.

Theme Park Guide have issued a Closed Season update on Chessington. There’s a massive Theme Park wide refurbishment happening. In particular The Rainforest is receiving drastic changes. Jungle Rangers has had an additional Car added in addition it appears more animals will be housed around the circuit. My evidence is a new indoor enclosure in the building. Finally the building is getting further enhancements. Most wouldn’t find this exciting but I do. A new Fire Exit sign has been installed. I have long thought the indoor section of Jungle  Rangers is a bit bare and desperately in need of further  Theming. I have said this since 2020 but the addition of animatronics,smell pods and smoke would be exhilarating. With the changes made in the building could my ideas have become a reality? The best piece of The Rainforests radical refurbishment is the retheming of the old Toytown buildings. These buildings were wrecked by the awful African Theming installed in 2012. I cannot express my happiness at the removal of the African Theming. With the refurbishment the buildings are more like they were in the days of Toytown. The only difference is that the buildings have been themed into the Rainforest. I think we’ve finally seen the back of Africa. This section of Chessington hasn’t made sense since the addition of The Rainforest in 2020. Chessington classed these buildings as part of the Rainforest despite them being outside of the entrance portals. With the area having  a major refurbishment I hope a large entrance portal is installed to replace the smaller pair.
 
I'm literally shocked and pleasantly surprised by the extent of the changes being implemented this Closed Season. Tiger Rock one of Chessington’s signature and unreliable rides is being overhauled and repaired. Hopefully this means Tiger Rock will be at Chessington for future decades. I must say from Closed Season Updates Tiger Rock looks the best it has in years. It’s out of view from the photographs so I’m hoping the Cave you go through has returned to being a Dragon as originally intended.
 
Even Shipwreck Coast is receiving upgrades. The location of Trawler Trouble is undergoing massive maintenance. It appears that the foundations and surrounding scenery is being changed. It’s thought that the foundations for Trawler Trouble are being completely remade. It sounds like the practicality of the rocks at the base of Trawler Trouble was overlooked by the designers. Apparently the reason Trawler Trouble is docked adjacent to Wild Woods is because of the cramped foundations. Although cosmetically pleasing the installed rocks don’t give enough room for people to perform maintenance with the ride in place. I think the rocks are probably being removed. I wouldn’t be surprised if in thier replaced by a small pond/water feature. Rides like Trawler Trouble have ponds around them. As ponds can be drained during closed season people can stand in them while maintenance is performed. Key examples of rides like Trawler Trouble that utilise ponds are The Jolly Rodger at Crealy and Heave-Ho at Alton Towers.   
 
Please click the link below to see the Closed Season update. The update is very detailed and includes too many changes for me to mention. In analysis 2023 is looking to be Chessington’s best year. There hasn’t been the level of work currently being done at Chessington since it opened in 1987. https://themeparkguide.co.uk/news-page/Chessington-2023-Closed-Season-Preparations-Continue

Please can we all be serious for a second. No sarcasm,unrealistic statements or jokes. 
 
Does  everyone think the animatronic Duck from The Flume will be incorporated into Alton Manor? When the Duck was first mentioned I thought people were mad. The Duck was far from scary. My then 4 year old Sister rode The Flume in 2014. She was not intimidated or scared. Trust me had this piece of Theming been remotely sinister my Sister would have been prettified. My Sister hated and still hates anything scary. 
 
Since the hints of Ducks appeared in Pop Up Dolls House event my views have reversed. I now think maybe the duck will be utilised. It’s an impressive animatronic that has been concealed in an SBNO building for the best part of a decade. Many Manor Houses have Duck ponds within the grounds. In the original version of The Haunted House there was a swamp scene. This scene featured a troll that rose from a bog. Creating a Pond would be a subtle acknowledgement to this scene. Additionally it would make Alton Manor more realistic. You could be chased around the Garden by Emily Alton and pass a pond. The Duck could then rise up from the water. This would provide an amusing jump scene for the whole Family. I have been to many Manor Houses/stately Homes. My Parents were members of the National Trust. Most of these have Duck Ponds. I can imagine the Goolish Garden seeing modifications. As the canopy that sheltered The Grim Reaper was sighted in the queline for The Invitation I think a Pond could be located here.
 
I wouldn’t be surprised if the undertaker from this scene is redressed too look like a butler. If this is the case I think he’ll be relocated to the walk through preshow before you board the ride. the butler could be beckoning you into Alton Manor. 
 
Please reply with your actual thoughts and not the jokey posts that are strewn through this thread.

@Hethetheth I am beginning to think I’m psychic. I’ve predicted 3 events that have happened. 2 of which involve Theme Parks. Firstly I foresaw that Project Amazon at Chessington would be related to Jumanji. Obviously months ahead this new area for Chessington was declared to be The World Of Jumanji. Secondly I immediately had a premonition that the refurbished Duel would grant Emily Alton and Snowy bigger roles. Thirdly about a year ago I sensed that a particular Carer of mine would be pregnant by the end of 2022. To the amazement of myself and my Carer she is now Pregnant. @Hethetheth you should apologies. Your refusing to admit your wrong as your freaked and jealous of my psychic abilities. If your sceptical about my insight into the future explain how I could know the outcome of a couple of Theme Park developments and a pregnancy. Even some of my Carers believe I have been gifted powers.

@MattyMoo I get visions that Ghost Train will open on the 23rd of March. I predict the ride will be a total failure and the least popular ride at Thorpe. I think Ghost Train will have a Network Rail sponsorship attached. Finally I sense unlike Alton Manor Ghost Train will not last long. My instincts tell me that Ghost Train will be totally removed for the 2025/6 season. Whereas I expect Alton Manor at Alton Towers will last 30 years.
 
I don’t have any insider knowledge yet I think Ghost Train is opening as a filler attraction. Basically so Thorpe Park can advertise a new ride and retain interest from visitors. 
 
On a slightly different subject I wouldn’t be surprised if the props from the gift shop make the journey to Staffordshire. To be precise I think these props will be located in Spooks’R Us or whatever the Alton Manor gift shop will be called. 

@Hethetheth I am beginning to think I’m psychic. I’ve predicted 3 events that have happened. 2 of which involve Theme Parks. Firstly I foresaw that Project Amazon at Chessington would be related to Jumanji. Obviously months ahead this new area for Chessington was declared to be The World Of Jumanji. Secondly I immediately had a premonition that the refurbished Duel would grant Emily Alton and Snowy bigger roles. Thirdly about a year ago I sensed that a particular Carer of mine would be pregnant by the end of 2022. To the amazement of myself and my Carer she is now Pregnant. @Hethetheth you should apologies. Your refusing to admit your wrong as your freaked and jealous of my psychic abilities. If your sceptical about my insight into the future explain how I could know the outcome of a couple of Theme Park developments and a pregnancy. Even some of my Carers believe I have been gifted powers.

Can everybody who was dubious about my hunch apologise? I have been saying for months that Emily Alton and Snowy have “repossessed” The Haunted House and ended the Duel. I am elated to hear Emily Alton has evicted the Zombies but I am proud to have proved the vast majority of the Thorpe Park Mania members wrong. In my soul I always knew Emily could conquer the Zombies it was only a matter of time. I cannot begrudge Emily for turning evil. I would be less than pleasant if some Zombies with guns broke in and squatted in my abode for 19 years.
 
On a serious note which scenes do you expect to remain from the original Haunted House/Duel? I am expecting the Dining Room,Hall Of Spiders and Gholish Garden to be part of The Curse At Alton Manor. I think the Duck from The Flume may be included maybe they’ll be a pond in the Garden with the Duck on. Manor Houses do have ponds and very often Ducks inhabit them. I can confirm the carriages and ride system is 100% the same. If your being pedantic the Carriages have had the guns and scoreboards removed..
 
@Trooper Looper I think the ride will start of as Emily Alton being a sweet girl then she’ll turn sinister than at the last minute become nice. @Trooper Looper do you share my excitement on Alton Towers dedicating a ride to one of their best and underused characters. 

As the date of Emily Alton’s housewarming party nears it appears she wants to play hide and seek. I cannot wait to enter Emily’s Dolls House and explore its eerie rooms. @Trooper Looper from what I’ve heard/been told it’s likely both the Dining Room and Hall Of Spiders will remain. I am eager to see the refurbished Carriages I bet they look wonderful. 

@Trooper Looper I also got this reply “Can certainly say the spiders scene will be staying,but I’m not allowed to say anything else regarding the ride. The vehicles have been sent away for 2 reasons 1)to have the guns fully removed 2) a refurb with a paint up and a slightly different design,but again that’s all I can say unfortunately.
 
@Trooper Looper does it give you comfort that a percentage of the original Haunted House/Duel will live on in Alton Manor?

I read the following on a Facebook Group I belong too “I can confirm cars are back on site, and also can co firm that set pieces from duel will be staying”. The same person confirmed the same ride system and carriages will remain. According to my source the Cars have had a lick of paint and the guns and scoreboards removed. Finally my source said the Spider Scene has been kept. @Trooper Looper I know how passionate you are about The original Haunted House/Duel so I thought I’d share this information. I’m relieved the ride system,arguably the best in the world, will be part of Alton Manor. It’s brilliant that Emily Alton has let the spiders reside in her Dollshouse. The Spiders are amazing. Despite this I bet people with arachnophobia won’t be so pleased. 
 
Let’s hope Alton Manor enables the ride system to survive another 30 years. @Trooper Looper do you look forward to seeing the carriages minus the guns and scoreboards?

I expect to see Rocky Express refurbished and relocated to Amity Beach. To be precise I think Rocky Express will be located in the area formerly occupied by Wet Wet Wet. I also expect to see some track that has arrived for Project Exodus. This is unlikely but I hope Slammer would’ve been removed. Slammers been SBNO for over 5 years.

@JoshC. Rocky Express could reopen at Ride Heaven