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Opening Day at Alton Towers

 So last Saturday, the 19th of March, I headed to the opening day of Alton Towers to get back on some of my favourite rides as well as trying out a couple that I haven't done. The park was advertised as a sell out so large queues were expected but the weather was nice and the enthusiast community was excited to get back to a special park. 


We arrived about half an hour before park opened and got straight in and went to Nemesis to start the day, even if it will be shut for a year for the retrack, it still rides incredibly well. We then ticked off the Runaway Mine Train where the ride op was throwing the iconic 'Choo Choo' out left, right and centre. With the rapids not open yet we headed to X-Sector. The Smiler had a large queue but luckily the single rider line was available so it took us just over half an hour to get on and gave us just enough time to look down on Oblivion.


At this point I had a meetup with my fellow finalists of the KA Coaster Quiz where the trophy presentation occurred and some people went on Oblivion and then we all got some food at Just Chicken and had some nice chats.


I then quickly did the rapids that had since opened and was convinced with only 3 of us that it would be a dry experience. I was wrong. We were grouped with a family of 4 and my back got soaked in the end so I kept my hoodie on despite the warm weather for the rest of the day. 


I then met up with some more people, this time being Parks & Pints, I braved my fear of literally everything by going on Duel and score wise I left a lot to be desired but I was just trying to survive in all honesty. We then did the blade which I had never done before and I can confirm it is a pirate ship. Then a lovely ride on the Skyride and then back on The Smiler which I was so happy to see open again after all the down time it has had. We then did Duel once last time where I actually got a decent-ish score and have now set the aim of the Ghost Train at Blackpool! After waiting for my friends in the quagmire that was the Wicker Man queue for 40 minutes, I decided to dash to Nemesis with a walk on queue for one last ride and after literally running, I made it so I started my day where I finished it. 



But wait, there's more! After accidentally walking away from the taxis we ended up outside Splash Landings and then due to train delays it took us 5 further hours to get back which was not great. But I did finally grab the shot glass set which I had eyed up for a while so they've been added to my collection.


Not sure which one to use first lmao


The highlights were definitely the 2 rides on Nemesis and Smiler, I love both those rides and can't wait to get back soon on a quiet day and get a huge ride count and hopefully check out Festival of Thrills. We are now well and truly in the theme park season and hopefully lots of trips will be coming up over the next few months for us. It is exciting times and I look forward to sharing a few more of these trip report style posts during the season. 



As always, thanks for reading and let me know when you'll next be at Towers!

Take care and see you in the next post.

Tom ✌



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