Matt 236 Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 It has now been confirmed that Flume has indeed retired after 35 years at the park. Sources Ride Rater & Towers Street. Whilst it was never an amazing flume, it's a shame the park have lost a notable family attraction especially since parks out there are still operating their flumes which are over 40 years. Kerfuffle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieN Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 Don't kill me here but I preferred it to Loggers. I never got to ride LL with the enclosed drop but I loved the flumes enclosed drop, it was actually quite exciting. I also liked the fact that the majority of the ride was in the air which just gave it an exciting feeling that I feel Loggers didn't have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian-S Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 I agree, I know a lot didn't like it but it was a fun little ride that even grandparents could go on, not something you could say about Nemesis or Oblivion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 Sad news, I really enjoy log flumes and The Flume was one of the best standard ones IMO. Â I do think that a bit more care could have kept it running for longer, the trough looked very tired in its last few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mer Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 More info on their blog here. It also seems pretty much confirmed that Hex, Charlie and Driving School are closed for TLC! Exciting developments for our 2016 season! Preparations are now well underway for the start of the new theme park season which is just three weeks away and we are delighted to bring you the latest news on our new attractions and Towers Loving Care programme. Hot off the press today we can bring you the opening date for our out of this world new ride experience. Blasting into space on 24th March is Galactica, a brand new ride experience that will launch our guests into space. As the first rollercoaster in the world fully dedicated to virtual reality, Galactica transforms riders into astronauts, plunging them into outer space with a g force more powerful than a space shuttle launch! The exhilarating new ride experience uniquely combines the physical exertion and adrenaline rush of Alton Towers Resort’s iconic flying rollercoaster, with the breathtaking emotive experience of travelling through space. Cutting edge technology launches riders into a different world, complete with virtual space suits, stunning visuals and an exciting space adventure. The visuals have been perfectly synchronised to the thrilling twists, turns and loops of the rollercoaster to recreate the sensation of hurtling through space. Goodbye to some old favourites As the Resort prepares for even more exciting new developments, this means we do have to say goodbye to some classic rides. After 34 years of soaking our guests, it’s time for The Flume to retire. It is never an easy decision to take out rides, however, as we look to our long term future, it is essential that we continue to invest in thrilling new attractions and experiences and we’ll keep you posted with news of what will replace The Flume as soon as we can but for now, our exciting plans for the site are still top secret! We would like you to share your memories of The Flume with us so send us your pictures and memories using #goodbyeflume. As Forbidden Valley gets a makeover with the arrival of Galactica, Rollercoaster Restaurant and a brand new coffee shop, we will also be saying goodbye to Ripsaw. As we look at a complete regeneration of this area, we are extremely excited about the new developments coming to the Valley. Towers Loving Care update Last year we brought you news of our new initiative which is being rolled out during the season. We are committed to providing our guests with the best possible experience which includes continued investment. We have been around the Resort with a fine toothcomb, reviewing areas where investment is needed and putting our guests at the heart of this. We have an extensive plan of work to complete including revitalising areas such as the Dark Forest and Cloud Cuckoo Land, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to all the areas that need a bit of TLC. We are well underway with a complete re-paint of the Nemesis track. We have brought in a specialist company who were able to shot blast the whole track, right back to the base metal. An anti-corrosion paint was first applied before we then gave Nemmy a further two coats of specialist track paint to get her looking as good as new! Meanwhile, we have commenced with the first stage of a two year station monster refurbishment, with the front elevation of the station being restored to its original themed concept. Follow @AltonTLC for all the latest updates on Towers Loving Care and we’ll bring you pictures and news of how it’s progressing. Source: https://www.altontowers.com/useful-info/blog/exciting-developments-for-our-2016-season/ pluk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamminGamer Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 That's disappointing I hope Loggers doesn't suffer the same fate. Only got to ride The Flume around 3 times. Definitely not enough and now I won't get to try it again.... Â Still, they say they have plans for replacements so I look forward to that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt 236 Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 That's disappointing I hope Loggers doesn't suffer the same fate. Only got to ride The Flume around 3 times. Definitely not enough and now I won't get to try it again.... Â Still, they say they have plans for replacements so I look forward to that Logger's is planned to be reopened in 2017 hopefully. Whether that will actually happen is not 100%.Only did Flumey once, and though it was nothing amazing, I recall memories of singing It's A Small World with the Tpmers I rode with. Hopefully Towers will get a new flume next year. One along the lines of Chiapas would be nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pluk Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016  it was never an amazing flume  It really was. It went to crap many years ago now, but what it was in it's time can not be judged by what it was allowed to become.  The flume site will clearly never be used for a new water ride. It's a 'natural' lake, ie it's not a closed water system, so could not be reused in the same way again, as new water rides can not use untreated water. The same issue Thorpe have with loggers if they close it. SteveJ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Han30 Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 That's disappointing I hope Loggers doesn't suffer the same fate. Only got to ride The Flume around 3 times. Definitely not enough and now I won't get to try it again....  Still, they say they have plans for replacements so I look forward to that  Yeah I only rode it twice I think and gutted I didn't go on it more. I do prefer Loggers however The Flume was that bit longer and I liked how you could see the final drop whilst watching the ride (which you can to an extent on Loggers although there is a lot of foliage there). The first time I rode it I nearly soiled myself after hearing the loudest quack ever - I wasn't expecting it and think I may have screamed  Never got to ride the original before the boats were re-done so can imagine it was a lot better in its time.  I guess we all knew this was coming - so they have confirmed closure/removal of Ripsaw and The Flume but I wonder how long they will wait to announce further closures - methinks there are going to be some very disappointed people out there - some who perhaps might not have purchased an annual pass had they known for sure of ride closures before now.  I will still visit and will miss Ripsaw and The Flume - will be properly gutted if Hex is shut for the entire season but again, with all the rumours flyiing around, won't be particularly surprised Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mysterio Ka Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I am passionately upset by the loss of Ripsaw. Probably my favourite UK flat.  As with the flume, I was never around to see it when it was any good. I only rode it twice and both times were last year, and didn't really think much of it. Understandably it's a hit for the park's family section, however with cuckoo cloud land, katanga canyon and cbeebies land there's still a lot for young families... Not so many generation rides left?  So how many flats outside of the kiddy areas does the park have now? Enterprise, maybe blade... and is that it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Han30 Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I'm still upset that they removed submission - I quite liked it!  Yes Alton Towers do for sure need more flat rides. I've never bothered with Blade or Enterprise but I've ridden similar elsewhere. Find it interesting that Blade was meant to go last year but they had a change of plan at the last minute - so wonder how long that will last? Would love to see them get a top scan or maybe a drop tower (even though I hate them) - they have a fab selection of coasters but theme parks, for me at least are not all about coasters - you need a good selection of coasters, flats, water rides and dark rides Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benin Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 I'm sure with a bit of effort they could create a water ride that can use the natural water after a tonne of treatment... Or just create a reservoir somewhere... Â If Flume's removal means either a coaster or a Chiapas style water ride, no tears will be shed here... OldFarmerDean 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slendercat Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 I've just had a notification on Facebook saying that "Nick Tarbard cancelled the event "Alton Towers Open Day" " Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroDan Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 It is just delightful to see Alton Towers refer to Nemesis as 'Nemmy', in that blog post.  And this. Just this:  https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcNiVR6WwAA-Q9J.jpg:large Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt 236 Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 I'm absolutely loving the work they're doing round the park at the moment. Hopefully this will result in many areas looking the best they have ages. Then again, the areas should've never got to that state in the first place, but least they're sorting it. Typical that the Smiler is their newest large ride yet it will be in the worst state of the coasters (at least the big six anyway). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexander Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 Mixed feelings on that one. Is it just me who feels log flumes are one of the most signature rides for a theme park? Especially given it's aimed at the entire family. Shame really but saw it coming for Flume. Really hope Loggers doesn't follow suit. pluk, Han30, Ian-S and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Han30 Posted February 28, 2016 Report Share Posted February 28, 2016 Mixed feelings on that one. Is it just me who feels log flumes are one of the most signature rides for a theme park? Especially given it's aimed at the entire family. Shame really but saw it coming for Flume. Really hope Loggers doesn't follow suit. Totally agree with you - I was quite shocked when I went to Adventure Island to discover that they don't have a log flume and that is technically a fun fair. Log flume a are just great all rounders and I will be gutted if Loggers doesn't return. Hopefully Towers will replace the flume with something even better, fingers crossed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Posted March 10, 2016 Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 Hi, we are as keen as you to announce a fully confirmed 2016 line-up. As soon as any information is available, any necessary updates will be made to our website, and we will confirm accordingly here on Facebook. Our apologies that information has not been available as soon as we would have liked. This is completely unacceptable, the park opens in less than two weeks. Â There is no way that those in charge don't know what is going to be open by now. Â They are misleading the public which will only create further bad PR if people turn up to find lots of rides closed on opening day without having been warned in advance by the park. I actually think this is quite underhand, they are leaving it to the last minute so that people will have already decided to visit, instead of being honest and announcing the ride lineup well in advance. Â This announcement was promised for January. TraX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted March 10, 2016 Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 ^ Will you be visiting? Matt 236, ImLucifer, MattyMoo and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Posted March 10, 2016 Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 ^ Will you be visiting? In what way does that post contribute towards the topic title "Alton Towers General Discussion?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fin The Human Posted March 10, 2016 Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 sorry ard... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkC Posted March 10, 2016 Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 Jamie we could all say that about most of your posts. Stop trying to create arguements with every person as all you will get is hate. slendercat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Posted March 10, 2016 Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 Jamie we could all say that about most of your posts. Stop trying to create arguements with every person as all you will get is hate. If you go back to page 71 and read onwards you'll see that Tommy is trying to create arguments by making a dig at me over daring to express a negative opinion... again. Â I don't go around causing arguments with people who express an opinion I don't agree with, nor do I make digs at people for that - everyone is entitled to an opinion. Â Debating is a part of forums and is completely different to arguing, making digs at people (no matter how small) shouldn't be. Â Also, which posts of mine aren't on topic? OldFarmerDean 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshC. Posted March 10, 2016 Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 Let's move back to generally discussion Alton Towers... Â Alton Towers is the most visited theme park in the UK. Â Yay. Â Go them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt 236 Posted March 10, 2016 Report Share Posted March 10, 2016 I like fresh paint as it makes things look nicer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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