Benin Posted April 2, 2013 Report Posted April 2, 2013 The soil being different to the expected was the issue, hence the concrete walls that suddenly appeared unexpectedly... Either that or Merlin are following other trends, as the UK is rare in that majority have their rides open with the parks themselves... Europe and USA don't tend to do this for major rides... Quote
Mark9 Posted April 3, 2013 Report Posted April 3, 2013 I expected it to be open on time - do you realise how long they've taken? Nearly a year since they took the Black Hole Tent down. You've got the next 20 years to get on the thing, I'm not bothered about a 2 month further wait when Nemesis and Oblivion are still roaring away in all their brilliance. MikeC 1 Quote
MikeC Posted April 3, 2013 Report Posted April 3, 2013 You've got the next 20 years to get on the thing Yes, but such positive viewpoints don't ensure scraps and animosity Mer 1 Quote
MikeC Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 I'm sure everyone's heard that The Sanctuary will be leaving the park on April 14th. It's a shame, as I loved it to bits, but can understand why Alton have chosen to do away with the maze. There's a huge cost involved with running such an attraction (especially for free). Fingers crossed we'll see The Sanctuary return for Scarefest. Quote
Benin Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 And the fact that the ruins have to be open for a set amount of days throughout the year might have had something to do with it, as you can't access them at all atm... Quote
pluk Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 Thought they'd be hanging on to it until The Smiler actually happened. Sure it'll be back for scarefest though. Quote
Coaster Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 A poor show - it should be open until The Smiler opens. Quote
Fred Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 It costs them over a grand a day to run. That's more expensive than running the entire forbidden valley. Its understandable. Quote
pluk Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 It costs them over a grand a day to run. That's more expensive than running the entire forbidden valley. Its understandable. Really?? When you add all the staffing for Nemesis, Air, Ripsaw, Blade and N:ST (with its own little maze) I don't see how that is possible. Like you say though, however it is worked out it is understandable. Quote
MikeC Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 Really?? When you add all the staffing for Nemesis, Air, Ripsaw, Blade and N:ST (with its own little maze) I don't see how that is possible. Like you say though, however it is worked out it is understandable. I don't know, it soon adds up once you take into account the lighting, effects, odour system and actors themselves. Quote
Benin Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 Actors cost at least £2 more an hour than ride staff... Terry only has about, 2/3 actual actors right? Hell the ones who let you off the lifts are probably used in the actual corridor itself, saves money (and lots of people in one area)... I guess Sanctuary might have at least double that, and as mentioned, the other costs such as lighting and other effects will make a difference... But the main cost is definitely the actors... In addition, what with the low attendance so far, one could say it's the extra fat being trimmed off as well to save some money... And as I said, they need to have the Towers opened up as an agreement with the council, hence it was never going to be permanent... I really couldn't care less mind... Never interested me... Quote
Marc Posted April 5, 2013 Report Posted April 5, 2013 In addition, what with the low attendance so far, one could say it's the extra fat being trimmed off as well to save some money... And as I said, they need to have the Towers opened up as an agreement with the council, hence it was never going to be permanent... Its disappointing they wont keep it open till the new ride actually opens, but lets face it, this is ultimately the reason. I'm sure if the park was busier, it would be remaining open till The Smiler opens. Quote
Coaster Posted April 6, 2013 Report Posted April 6, 2013 That's fair enough then, I never realised that it cost that much to run Quote
RideAddict Posted April 8, 2013 Report Posted April 8, 2013 Of all the years I've visited the park, I've never eaten in the Woodcutters Bar and Grill near Hex, and this year I intend to. I've looked at the menu when passing before and I've forgotten the offerings. Is it basically the same as Bar 360 or BBQ at Thorpe? Quote
Fred Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 It shares similarities to Bar360, but that's it. Actually, the website has menus. Here you go, lazy boy : http://www.altontowers.com/uploadedFiles/Page_Content/Events_and_Info/Food,_Shopping_and_Photos/Woodcutters-main-menu.pdf#PremiumDining Quote
RideAddict Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 Ahh, lovely. I didn't realise they had menus on their website. Quote
stretchy Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 The food is not bad at Woodcutters. My preference order for eating at Towers is Piza woodcutters BBQ World of Chicken Anywhere else Burger Kitchen Quote
Fred Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 On food offerings, mine goes like this: Woodcutters (that minute steak is absolutely gorgeous!) FCC Pizza Pasta Mexicana BBQ Anything else Burger Kitchen. Quote
Dan9 Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 So, The Sanctuary in a group of 3 is pretty great. Quote
Coaster Posted April 10, 2013 Report Posted April 10, 2013 Yeah it is, I was in a group of 3 yesterday for (I think) the last go of the day. My family didn't want to on again so I was on my own and got put with two other people. Quote
Fred Posted April 10, 2013 Report Posted April 10, 2013 I've done a group of 4 a couple of weeks ago after waiting 10mins for the group to two to join us! It was literally amazing. Literally. Girlfriend shat it. Which was a shame, as I just wanted to re-ride and re-ride. No chance now, thing closes on Sunday and not available before then Quote
pluk Posted April 10, 2013 Report Posted April 10, 2013 If this is how it's been then no wonder they've closed it now rather than waiting until Smiler opens! Quote
Dan9 Posted April 10, 2013 Report Posted April 10, 2013 If this is how it's been then no wonder they've closed it now rather than waiting until Smiler opens! There was actually about 7 or 8 people waiting in the next group, but we asked for it and we got it. Kudos to that staff member. One of us was seperated and chased around the final room for quite a few minutes before being allowed to leave. Quote
ProjectX Posted April 11, 2013 Report Posted April 11, 2013 The park was hit by another region-wide powercut today. All rides took ages to re-open with some of the big ones taking forever it seemed. Would hate to be working on guest services today! Quote
RideAddict Posted April 11, 2013 Report Posted April 11, 2013 Smiler opening late. Snow. Power cuts. What's next on the list of bad things? Oh well, at least it's not as bad as Chessington's! Quote
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