Is Nostalgia KILLING the UK Theme Park Industry?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

We try to balance the negatives and positives of having nostalgia influence your decision when driving a park forward. Would love to hear your thoughts below!

[@mrjdainsworth]

Any news on the cable car system?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@mrjdainsworth No news I’m afraid

[@missmoonpenny9369]

I think a healthy balance of nostalgia AND moving forward/changing things up is the way to go. But then again, change costs money and needs imagination and guts. So nostalgia is sometimes a lazy excuse. But people can tell if nostalgia is done tasteful or just left there out of laziness.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Agreed, I've mentioned this in the article (in the description) there needs to be a balance instead of entirely relying on refurbishing old rides / resurrecting rides and then rebuilding old rides

[@jamez123123]

For me, the fountain "effect" is what made ripsaw. I love that extra element of "risk" ... I only got to do it once as a kid before it was removed, but I remember loving it. Every top spin I've done around the world that has NO effects feels so pathetic.... so I really hope this has some decent effects that take it to the next level!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I'm sure it will, it's in a wonderfully themed area so needs to blend in with the atmospherics and theatrics of it all

[@similarart1074]

Ripsaw used to actually waterboard you back in the day. It was awesome 🎉🎉

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@similarart1074 It did!

[@xsm5525]

Don't worry if Blade goes, they'll bring it back in 15 years! 😆 you're right, the Worlds gone nostalgia mad lately.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Blade: Even Sharper coming 2034

[@TheOfficialSmudgy]

@@LiftHillsandThrills There’s only one blade there’s only ever gonna be one blade 🤣🤣🤣

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@TheOfficialSmudgy Just wait till even sharper comes.... sponsored by Gillette

[@origithegoat2165]

so glad you made this video as I've been thinking the same, all the "new" towers rides recently have just been reimagenings or reopenings. Nemesis, curse, sub terra and now this. If someone came to the park that hadn't visited in let's say 10 years, they wouldn't notice that any of those rides are "new" and were once ripped out. I wouldn't be surprised if the toxicator name and branding was a last minute scramble when they started to realise they're just going back to the past..

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Appreciate you watching!

[@CatsnCoasters]

As i always say, nostalgia is one hell of a drug... but, there are other drugs available that have longer lasting effects.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

That's a good saying!

[@FairGround7DeLorean]

Nostalgia is great for those who remember it but the majority of theme park goers are not old enough to know about it that's the issue.

[@davesteele6154]

@@FairGround7DeLoreanwell then it would make that a brand new experience would it not ??

[@owenstreet7]

This seems to be the case for Towers at the moment with relying on nostalgia. It wouldn't surprise me if Towers adds in Tuk Tuk Turmoil in that arcade or somewhere else and Monkey Swinger somewhere in the park when Chessington starts to redevelop Wild Asia into Minecraft land.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

That wouldn't surprise me either to be honest

[@atimeformemories]

22K subscribers... just noticed that. Nice work!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@atimeformemories 78k to go!

[@similarart1074]

We've come a long way in 2024!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@similarart1074 78k in 2025 would be nice haha or just regular views on every video instead of the picking and choosing. I need to be more consistent in the type of content being delivered but appreciate every view!!

[@Stuntman707]

We critique because we care. Towers if you’re reading, please sort out the rubbish food outlets. ❤ Maybe forward thinking is a better approach. Even a re-theme that’s different enough from the original could be successful like Alton Manor.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

We do! and my decision to not VLOG next year is merely because I've lost that enthusiasm of my home park, doesn't mean I hate it or I don't want it to do well, I just need some time away to come back in a year or more to vlog it and appreciate it more

[@TheKnexMaker]

Nostalgia is definitely at least preventing maximum potential when it comes to pushing the boundaries and bringing new experiences to the uk theme park industry. its one things that thorpe has done quite well with hyperia and I think they will continue with it. I can see colossus and Stealth going before 2030 or at least the announcement that they will go. other parks could learn a lot from thorpe. could have better theming of course though

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Motto of the story is, don't get too attached, things can easily be replaced. There just needs to be a balance.

[@Judventures]

Nostalgia is a powerful draw, but the thing is, it's effect doesn't last long. While visitors may flock to the park on opening day, eager to see the return of Ripsaw, this feeling of nostalgia won't last forever. Once the initial excitement buggers off, Ripsaw Reborn will become just another attraction. The key question for the park is whether a Huss Top Spin, on its own merit, will be sufficient enough to drive high visitor numbers to a remote theme park once the Ripsaw novelty wears off.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Very true!

[@joecandish3923]

I say you need a mix of both Nostalgia Helps Keep older fans happy and New stuff to bring in new guests having a mixture and balance is the best way to do it. Same with Thrillseekers, Familes and Kids you need a complete balanced park with rides for all types to get people to come and maximise guests

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

100% agree Joe, we've dived into this more in our article (in the description)

[@bane5921]

You’ve hit the nail on the head, and tough decisions have to be made, and in fairness they have been made before in the UK, Bubbleworks was absolutely beloved and that was replaced for Gruffalo’s river ride years back, and again they did this with Ramses Revenge with the Croc Drop. and I think Nemesis should’ve had a similar thing but obviously more drastic, I really do believe a new attraction was needed. I genuinely don’t understand why people want another top spin. Or why Alton Towers thought that this was the answer. Universal just need to come along and push Merlin into taking drastic action, like Hyperia as magnificent as it is so terribly and poorly themed? Because there is no competition and they can be as lazy as they want in terms of themed experiences the same goes for Mini-figure Speedway at LEGOLand, good ride no theming.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

None of it makes sense because it's all pretty lazy and dull aside from Forbidden Valley and then you have the potential Minecraft plans released today which look INSANELY detailed with an indoor coaster and an indoor immersive experience. It's very pick and choose and unfortunately for Towers, I don't think they'll be chosen much anymore

[@gamingandcraftswithlogan8714]

To be fair, with nemesis reborn, they couldn’t do much, the space was made specifically to fit nemesis, trying to fit something else in a space which was made for nemesis would mean terraforming or a ride similar to nemesis.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@ We were shown a concept at the VIP event for Nemmy which showed a ride perfectly worked into the space but then branching out over into forbidden valley more, it was rather impressive!

[@gb9727]

Parks have to move on, and older rides eventually reach the end of their lives

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It's always nice to have a balance and I think Pleasure Beach Resort are doing that. It was a bold move to get rid of Grand Prix and I hope they next coaster will reap the reward for them

[@shaunpayne81]

Some good points. The GP who haven't been to Towers since the removal of Ripsaw are going to visit again for the first time in years and think "ah I see Nemesis has been given a coat of paint, and they moved and painted up Ripsaw too". They really should have pushed the boat out with a ground breaking new flat ride.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Appreciate you watching! I always try to do my videos from a GP angle because so many of us get stuck in the 'THEY NEED TO BUILD THIS BECAUSE WE SAID SO' mentality and it just isn't like that at all... well... until this decision as I can't for the life of me think why they'd want to bring this ride back for any other reason than we regret closing Ripsaw and Sub Terra during a rough patch of our history so let's just bring them back mentality aha

[@shaunpayne81]

@@LiftHillsandThrills which would have been perfectly acceptable and absolutely brilliant, had they also have brought in a couple of new rides at the same time. We forget that they also did the same with Alton Manor and Hex, to the GP again just paint jobs.

[@cobitwo138]

Nostalgia is a mind field, and unfortunately is incredibly subjective. When it comes to theme parks, with such a small theme park community (especially in the UK) i do believe we are lead with nostalgia primarily in mind. Of course Nemesis is an incredibly special ride and I completely agree with what they have done, especially as they’ve built upon the theming. But if they were to bring back “ripsaw” for example, it dismisses any new creativity the theme parks have. I mean take Curse at Alton Manor for example, that was brilliant and the creativity behind that was next level and i wish that was the focus for parks to do similar things to old rides. But as someone who doesn’t have the nostalgia a lot of people have in the community, i think it’s easy for me to feel this way. Nostalgia in some cases needs to stay nostalgic, and new rides need to be explored.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

There has to be a good balance that way you can appease those who will treasure and appreciate the history whilst also driving forward with new rides and experiences to capture new audiences. I think what Towers have done over their last few rides is just going around in circles. I look forward to their next new and unique experience. It's a balancing act for sure!

[@Visualeuphoriastudio]

Wasn't expecting praise for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. I wish they do well and move forward and speakto people, so people can get a excited about pleasure beach.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Any park that is consciously making an effort to move forward, no matter how long it’ll take will always get respect from me

[@Visualeuphoriastudio]

@LiftHillsandThrills let's hope they announce something to get the public excited.

[@HushHushFamily]

Blackpool pleasure beach is top of this list for this one I’d say! However Ripsaw should never have left and a top spin return to the UK is a massive plus point for towers, they have to be one of the best flat rides and I can’t wait to show Gio what it’s like

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

They’re good rides 😊

[@tayo0404]

I partially agree. Does the country need a top spin? yes. Does Merlin need to start actually put more effort into their parks? Hell yes.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

For sure!

[@FairGround7DeLorean]

We have a traveling top spin we don't "Need" a Top spin.

[@tayo0404]

You have a really good point. Nostalgia hold UK parks back a lot. There needs to be more newer guests than older ones.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Appreciate the comment!

[@LeetheLank]

Spot on, as long as parks give notice to get final rides in, new generates more buzz than refurbished

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Exactly, balance nostalgia with new properly not resurrect everything you used to have because you can’t think of anything better 😮‍💨

[@CFCDanielS20]

Universal can't come quick enough we need the announcement now from them all this waiting is annoying us all. Standards need raising and we need a World Class Park here.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I think that could be the best news this country has heard for its attractions industry in decades!

[@FairGround7DeLorean]

YES! It's stupid throwing back to a ride that the majority of people didn't even ride when it was there anyways. 😅 plenty of other newer machines (KMG lunarix) merlin could have installed.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Funny you should mention that model, it’s already being eyed up by another park 👀

[@FairGround7DeLorean]

​@LiftHillsandThrills ow iv heard that a few times. Be great to see one. Your 1000 correct about the r-cade tho I heard SBF not HUSS.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@FairGround7DeLorean It just makes sense and the 3 ride deal with Huss definitely has legs and Toxicator is proof of that, we’ve said Huss since the 3 ride deal was spoken about doing the rounds at IAAPA

[@AlsArachnids]

Absolutely bang on. I didn't get the whole new ripsaw. I would rather have had a well themed zamperla Nebulaz or Huss Jump2 maybe themed around the tentacles instead of a rebrand of a removed ride. The new ripsaw "intoxicator" will not made me want to visit Alton Towers any more than I have over the past through years.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@AlsArachnids Appreciate the comment, seen it go up today and people are going nuts over it saying it looks amazing…. It’s as plain as they come currently 😂 some people man 😂 I respect everyone has a different opinion but the ass kissing is legit

[@AlsArachnids]

@LiftHillsandThrills yeah that's why I normally come here rather than others who just say everything is amazing so that can stay on Merlin's good side. Just be honest it's what people deserve. 👍

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@AlsArachnids I really appreciate that! It's a reason why certain parks are very keen to work with us in 2025 and by work I mean just have me there and me say my spiel and leave haha

[@JDcowboy1978]

When you’re an old man, you’ll have a stick and you’ll be poking people and having a moan… 😅

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

When people realise that valid points are opinion instead of moaning that’ll be a brighter future not just for my old ass, but humanity 😊

[@86wellacre]

AT is definitely living on too much nostalgia. That’s why I’ve not been in over 6 years, there’s nothing radically new that’s drawing me back.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

The thing is if you haven't been for that long when you get back you won't even notice anything new, that's the entire issue! Duel is now Curse that's the only change you'll really notice there unless you missed Wicker Man too, Ridiculous though really isn't it

[@CoasterRob]

You definitely raise some interesting points I agree to a degree they need to install newer rides instead of bringing some modern similar rides even though you're not visiting throughout 2025 I'd love to see more of these sit-down videos of what the park is getting up to throughout the upcoming season

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Whilst I won't be vlogging the park I'd still be happy to do a discussion video or two now and again!

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Great points as always Sean.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Love a good debate me

[@DJWezzyK]

Efteling showed the whole world how to ride the nostalgia train with Dance Macabre. A better example can't be given.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I feel as though Danse Macabre isn't even a ride, it's an experience that blends you and music together beautifully, it's something rather special!

[@DJWezzyK]

@LiftHillsandThrills And yes a lot of old animatronics re-used from Spookslot. And Dance Macabre runs in B-mode and the ride isn't fully up to speed but Intamin will be at Efteling for a year to fine tune the ride.

[@rollercoastermad1238]

I think towers will most likely not put a flat in the arcade building because there’s really not a lot of queue space around the building and would make the surrounding area to compact

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It won't be any time soon if it happens that's for sure.. pennies going elsewhere!

[@natsirt0088]

Sean, splash's backlash will be a footnote compared to the battle at helms deep to defend Muppetvision. The industry in the UK was killed by merlin "standing still" following swarm compared to everywhere else in Europe. However Paultons and Universal will cause big changes in the UK or I feel more parks will go under!!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Haha I want Muppetvision to go just to see the outcry 😂 I’m a bit sadistic, I must be aha Paultons are redefining what a family park should be in the UK. I have so much respect for them! They even got rid of their beloved log flume for new developments. Yes it was basic but people loved it but Paultons know what’s replacing it will be loved even more so!

[@emmamorrison6033]

I am honestly expecting the next “big” announcement from Alton Towers will be that a “new” HUSS spinning wheel attraction will be built and located in X-sector.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I was thinking Flume: Arisen

[@madmike6266]

It's a tough one. I think what is 'killing' UK theme parks is lack of investment. Yes Alton Towers have invested in Nemesis and the new flat ride but look at the rest of the resort. Most rides are in desperate need of TLC. I think deep down they know rides like Rita are well overdue a removal. The hotel needs a lot of attention and the monorail is basically falling apart. Just to mention a few. Chessington is another prime example. The park is an outdated mess. Merlins portfolio is massive, costs are increasing for everything across the world so budgets are getting smaller. I think this has a lot of impact on what is 'killing' UK parks. I think if Bianca had an open cheque book we'd seen a massive overhaul of somewhere like towers. This then has a knock on affect. The older the rides, the less reliable, so the more maintenance they need. But they are reducing their costs so therefore they cut staff. New rides need less maintenance so less staff, but they don't have the budgets to invest in the new rides. It's a vicious circle. And then because operations get worse and events like Scarefest don't get the investment they need because they don't have the budgets then this has a negative impact on customer experience and therefore people do not return to the park which again reduces revenue for the park which equals less profit which equals less budget. The only way I see things improving is if Merlin sell of some of their assets, freeing up more money to be put into their 'larger' investments like Alton Towers. If not the decline will continue until there is nothing left.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It's crazy though isn't it because like you say our parks are falling apart and then out of nowhere despite OBVIOUS UK budget cuts there's now an £80M spend on Minecraft IP with one coming to the UK. I think it's a great move to have an IP as big as this come to the UK and to a southern park which needs investment to compete but... Towers... once again... goes hungry. Whilst AT might be the most profitable or on paper might be hitting those KPI's its consumer feedback is suffering and the park is visually declining. It's sad to see.

[@rainbowsandunicorns9196]

Let's see what the new ride brings!! Im so exciting for alton towers new huss spin

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@rainbowsandunicorns9196 glad you’re looking forward to it

[@jonathonpotter1059]

Whats killing UK theme parks are high ticket prices, poor operations, poor opening hours and a generaly lack of investment. Im glad Towers is getting a new gen topspin, it shouldn't be the only flat ride, we need new flats in x sector and dark forest

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@jonathonpotter1059 We do need new flats but business plans looking backwards instead of forwards don’t help matters either

[@andyfirth5931]

Maybe Towers will surprise everyone. Perhaps Toxicator is a Huss break dance that will be in the arcade building and ripsaw revenge will be the top spin, with both opening next year. But after Towers this year, probably not!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

That would be great, if only for me to message those who doubted it with a big, fat HA! haha

[@DavidDakota]

I'm sure that we wouldn't be having this discussion if, as we all expected, this Top Spin was a mid-season addition. For this to be the big attraction for next season should be a source of embarrassment. This is Merlin in panic mode; they've abandoned hugely profitable attractions, taken advantage of consumers and loyal enthusiasts and now suddenly found themselves in the position of potentially losing what is their effective UK monopoly.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Well said! And you’re right this will be marketed as the next big thing… good luck with that one!

[@MatthewRambles]

I feel like older rides add a lot of character to a park. Particularly rides that are 25 years plus tend to not need a massive dollop of theming because they already have character, whilst newer rides whilst smoother and probably more thrilling tend to look quite dull. A bit like new trains and cars compared to classic ones and 1933 King Kong compared to modern King Kong. Despite that, maybe one or two things need to give at Lancashire Pleasure Beach Blackpool Resort, and Grand Prix is a start. But I feel like Grand National and Big Dipper are the bedrock of the park, a bit like Nemesis and Oooblivion at Towers and Colossus at Thorpe. But maybe that’s not what drives in the crowds. I think a mix is good. I think adding a new Ripsaw is taking it a bit far though. Alton Towers generally seems to have a very narrow frame of reference to me, I wish they’d mix it up a bit.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

there has to be a balance but dragging up the past to pave the future just isn’t it

[@MatthewRambles]

@@LiftHillsandThrills Indeed

[@leesmaling8582]

I was so disappointed to see a topspin coming back. I thought it very backwards looking for Alton Towers.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Yeah, it’s a shame, they’re great rides but it just feels like more $$ wasted 😢

[@leesmaling8582]

@LiftHillsandThrills I also think they bought Talocan from Phantasia land. It was fenced off completely in September. Would love to see a report on whether it's still there or not.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It reopened recently, it’s all good 😊

[@patsprankcalls]

Nemesis had reached the end of its service life and removing it was never an option, so a complete retrack was the only choice, with such an iconic coaster like that. Sure, many people think it has just been painted,but I'm sure the money they spent on the Nemesis retrack was budgeted for years in advance. It's not like they could put anything else in it's place, because of all the landscaping work that they've done.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It was never an option? Merlin wanted it gone and even had a replacement drafted up (which arguably looked better) which incorporated the pit and surrounding terrain. If it wasn’t for Bianca and John B campaigning to keep the ride Nemesis would have been scrapped so whilst fans may be happy about that I’m always curious as to if they felt they made the right decision from a return on investment standpoint

[@WhitneyAstley]

It’s Merlin trying to be cheap. If they closed ripsaw, they should of replaced it straight away with a new gen. But years later hey guys we got a new ride and get enthusiasts to be excited. When it should be a new flat ride with also the new gen top spin that should of been built when ripsaw was closed.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

👏

[@carlrobinson4843]

Great debate , I wouldn’t fully say nostalgia but that and a lack of investment. Having been to Disneyland and seeing the likes of Matterhorn still fantastic and on the flip side BPB some of them rides just need scraped

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Pleasure Beach are definitely changing their mindset and approach but naturally it'll take much longer due to the finances of the company and them being an independent park

[@Balootoyoutoo]

I think uk parks aren’t anywhere near as immersive and enchanted as they used to be.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I can’t remember the last time a UK park was ‘enchanting’ although Sundown Adventureland is pretty incredible for young ones!

[@Balootoyoutoo]

2:16 not really, they got rid of it because of political reasons and it was actually pretty much their own fault, they forced themselves into a corner with that one at the time when these types of issues were at the centre of public attention. Comparing what Disney does today in the state they’re in with anything is already a bad meter-stick, their current philosophy is flawed - watch any Disney parks commentator and they all say the same thing. Universal are going to come over and do their thing and people will eat it up, but in my opinion we should really be looking to recreate and improve the quaint whimsical British feeling THEME park that a lot of us grew up with. The degradation of quality standards, absence of the classic tussauds British design caveats and a company like Merlin that doesn’t think a theme park needs good immersive theming or original characters is why we will never get a great dark ride like bubbleworks, toyland tours or terror tomb again. Alton manor was an example of them trying to recreate such things without as much effort put into the execution. IP is a whole other issue as it creates a perceived standard for what to expect, which more often than not is a disappointing experience in comparison to what it’s sourced from that the customer is familiar with.

[@Balootoyoutoo]

@@LiftHillsandThrillssundown is a great example of a quaint enchanted British park, and it isn’t exactly a far cry from how chessington towers and Thorpe used to be.

[@leonhutchinson8264]

i agree with everything you say your spot on and the uk theme park industry needs to get the finger out now while they still can ....... however i am a massive enthusiast and absolutely live for nostalgia and i love that they brought back my 2 favourite rides from towers nemmy and ripsaw it would of crushed me if they got rid of nemmy but i do see it from both sides. come on towers lets have the flume and toy land tours back next haha.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

There was has to be a balance, that's all. I'm happy to have certain rides back but retheming and reimagining and resurrecting old ones all the time without anything new is just stupid. There's got to be a balance

[@euanlatchie1453]

I think the worse part about nostalgia for the general public who only once a year if that, when operations are so poor they may not want to come back. Alton towers focusing on nostalgia will end up with a park with no new attractions = no reason to go back to the park as much.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Exactly this

[@geordielad82uk]

100% agree, although I enjoyed Ripsaw the new one doesn't excite me enough. Also Huss Top spins are nataurious intense rides & not as many people like them. Either way you look at it any decision can always look to be a wrong one like closing parts Merlin people losing their jobs, then next day announce £85m investment for Minecraft. Merlin seem to be relying on IP and they have quite a few now. Disappointing

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@geordielad82uk They put a lot of people off riding as they’re very intense. Minecraft is a solid choice for an IP, it’s well known and still very popular I hope that one pays off for them

[@simonritter47]

Does seem strange that they removed Ripsaw due to long term development plans and that they were struggling to maintain it and keep it running to then 9 years later put the same ride in. With the cuts to maintenance and ride engineers will they find themselves with the same issues with this version??!!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It feels like the park is going in circles but whilst we do have some great additions along the way (Smiler, Wicker Man) they always dive into the past, a better and more magical time for the park that it has never ever been able to replicate since

[@simonritter47]

@ - would be great to see some major investment. Get project Ocean built and then Replace Galactica with a duelling multi launch coaster Phalanx v Nemisis theme.

[@bjoe385]

I think it's cool that it happened once with Nemesis Reborn, and if there's any uk ride that deserved such a treatment, it's that one. However, it shouldn't become a trend, especially when bigger and better things are sure to come.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Curse reimagined, Sub Terra revived, Nemesis reborn, Ripsaw returns... the trend is well and truly in the thick of it

[@joshslater2426]

I would like for Oblivion and Air to get the same treatment as they’re classics. They deserve a re-track to survive for future generations.

[@IslaAlton]

The yellow black warning stripes remind me heavily of ripsaws old theme which makes me think it will definitely have something to do with it, wether it’s called something like ripsaws revenge or even toxicator: ripsaws return, and it would make a lot of sense since it’s the exact same ride (apart from the model) in the exact same place, and it could be something like nemesis reborn where they bring back ripsaw but give it more story relating to these toxic themes they are clearly going for In my opinion it would be a good idea

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Definitely has a similar pattern :)

[@TheOfficialSmudgy]

Maybe if they’d have left nemesis say, 10 years before rebuilding, focused on horizon, focused on a adventureland retheme, replaced galactica with a blitz or stryka, AND THEN, put back Nemesis, the GP would be far more interested. Like, imagine the hype from the GP if Towers went to Vekoma for a modern take on the Corkscrew. Not saying I would want that, but put it like that. With that being said, I love Huss Breakdances so I would love a ‘Dynamo Repowered’ Huss Breakdance 5 in R-cade 😂

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I'd love for that three ride deal coming to Towers that was doing the rounds at IAAPA from Huss to be true! aha

[@CoasterJames]

It was a sad day when corkscrew was removed. But understand it had to be done. However it is a shame what replaced it isn’t great. With ripsaw 2, ripsaw 1 was good. I guess the younger audience for Alton towers probably haven’t ridden the old ripsaw given the old one was yanked out 10 years ago. So I guess it will be something new for a large amount of visitors. I do think Alton towers has a lot of coasters that might be end of life and they are going to have some horrendous bills to replace them

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It's always good for new audiences who are already visiting but how many will go out of their way to visit this attraction, that's the question! AT will always get crowds, that's a given but I'm really curious as to why they're so reliant on dragging up / reviving past rides

[@erolhuseyin6460]

I mean Universal did take down Hulk and rebuilt it. Disney do the same with Space / Thunder Mountain. Not entirely sure I agree with the comparisons as I do believe that Ripsaw was a huge spectacle and it will be once again. We have to understand that Towers has a new audience - we see it changing over the years and this will be something relatively new (to them) so lets see. I think it might work. Yes, I'd have liked to see one of those mad Res Rides thingies, but to get this type of kinetic energy back to Forbidden Valley without much thought delivers just that and I'm happy enough to let this one slip.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It’s more the comparison of tearing down nostalgia to make way for forward thinking rides / experiences. Maintenance / reimagining is a different kettle of fish entirely. Whilst Towers has a new audience the video isn’t highlighting that it won’t be popular (it will) it’s looking into the past and recycling old ideas, reopening SBNO old rides and using that as a model to push the park forward, I just don’t see how it’s feasible and if I was in charge of Merlin I’d be stepping away from that sort of investment moving forwards and focusing on the southern parks

[@OllieCoaster]

A top spin will be great but it just won’t generate much money for towers from the GP, for all they know it’s just been ‘repainted’ like nemesis reborn was according to them

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

For the generation old enough to remember Ripsaw then absolutely, for a younger audience it’ll be a fun new ride

[@simonb5592]

Good video. I just cannot understand why they went with the topspin after doing the new, old ride of nemesis. No doubt it will be popular for a while but it isn't the right long term direction. What next, pirate ship/blade being replaced with a new Space Boat? Anyway, I hope they will change direction in the coming years. We will still attend a lot but not 35+ times a year like we normally do.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@simonb5592 short term it’ll be great it’ll have hype for the audience it’s intended for but then it’ll just become part of the furniture as it’s not a unique new ride.

[@eventpromotionservices4109]

I think nostalgia is killing Pleasure Beach Resort as they are relying too heavily on old rides which they are struggling to maintain. River Caves SBNO, Big Dipper now closed as both trains out of service, Nick Streak only one train, Grand National needs total new electric brake sections as only ever on 2 trains, Revolution was closed last weekend and Big One on one train. A Gyro Swing has been done before and will not push 500k extra visitors into the park but put a 250ft dive coaster in and they have a chance if they can afford it.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I agree that a gyro swing won’t really help their appeal no matter how tall it may be, I personally just don’t think any sort of flat is appealing unless it breaks some sort of record so you can then market it better. But the cost to maintain some of these old rides must be ridiculous. Theyre paving for a very different future in just curious which one will go next and with how Grand National has been lately I wouldn’t put it past PBR to make a very tough decision on one of its iconic rides sooner or later

[@eventpromotionservices4109]

@ 100% Grand National seems to be having a lot of downtime lately and to say the Big Dipper had such a lengthy refurbishment last year for its 100th opening late in the season lost a train to maintenance a number of weeks ago running on one and to be closed now for winter weekends they must be costing a fortune to maintain. Still my favorite uk park though when everything is operating.

[@leesmart2157]

I think the uk parks hate uncertainty. They have a ride line up and they can confidently say we will get X amount of ppl per year and work to that. They worry that if they spend 15 million on a new coaster they wont see a return so dont try and when they do try they do it on the cheap look at hyperia. I think the days of uk parks having significant world 1sts like AT or Pleasurebeach did have gone. I wouldnt be surprised if smaller parks like paultons take the lead and try to make a mark on the uk landscape with innovation and risk.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Paultons are already taking the lead in the family theme park realm and Ghostly Manor will further add to that. Their Viking part of the park though will open Paultons up to a slightly older thrill audience than what they're targeting now so that excites me!

[@joshuaharrison1]

Our parks need to invest heavily in new exciting rides in order to survive especially when going up against universal studios otherwise they will close left right and centre because universal studios is very appealing to the public in terms of theming ride experiences etc

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Can’t argue with that 👏

[@SJPERCY74]

Yes Universal is incoming, however, what you're not addressing is pricing. I'm going to Pleasure Beach Resort, on 30th November for season close, Amanda Thompson OBE wants us to call it that so I will, £35.00 all in Disneyland Paris same day £106.... these mega parks can replace rides as they Have the Money, it's not an issue. I will only visit universal uk once. I'll keep going to Pleasure Beach Resort 4/5 times a year it's my home park and I'll continue to support it.😊

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Whilst Pleasure Beach don't have the $$ Merlin do but they're cost cutting when it comes to Towers specifically and focusing their attention on more important developments

[@SJPERCY74]

@LiftHillsandThrills I can see a good 5 years for pleasure beach lots is happening lots of rumours, just hope the Thompsons will take the full gamble 👍

[@SJPERCY74]

@@LiftHillsandThrills I gave up with towers and all merlin 10 years ago with the ques.... and especially towers due to the public transport offerings.

[@andyhanson7963]

Nemesis was such a classic ride and been the 1st SW to be built needed to be re-tracked but ripsaw in its final years wasn’t that popular. Will it have the water feature back as that was the best bit. The only park that needs a big dark ride again is Drayton Manor as that’s the most missed ride of the last 10 years.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Watch this space, some boats from Pirates were over in Germany recently back with Mack... I'd keep an eye out on Drayton and that building that's for sure!

[@MH_ZeR0]

I was thinking exactly this when the rumblings started about Ripsaw coming back. It's Nostalgia bate and lazy on behalf of Merlin! They could have gone for something innovative and new but nope. Put back a ride they removed a while back. Get ready for Enterprise and Submission to come back to X-Sector next XD I liked your analogy of removing Swarm to put in another Swarm but I think Thorpe would put an exact replica of Loggers Leap over there and call the area "New Old Town" ;)

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I think they have other water ride ideas in mind ;) the less said about that one the better at this stage or they'll batter me

[@MH_ZeR0]

@@LiftHillsandThrills ah yes. Rumba Rapids 2.0. it's gonna get it's Ribena sponsership back and the tunnels gonna have a new spotlight which will never be turned on.

[@owenjohn1192]

No idea what thought process they went through to get another Top Spin!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Thousands of hours spent, thousands of $$ spent to end up with what they had in the first place no doubt

[@chrisjohnsonadventures]

Oh I not heard of that saying? Or no what it means but heard what u said good video mate

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

haha this comment was read multiple times, I'm still slightly confused, but thanks for leaving it! aha

[@joecandish3923]

And certain rides will have to remain Skyride for example is really necessary we have seen the past 2 years hos difficult navigating towers is without it makes me appreciate Skyride even more

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Oh absolutely, Sky Ride is VERY important for many many people and this period without it has been tough for many

[@rainbowsandunicorns9196]

Totally agree with you

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Many thanks for watching!

[@JD-wn3cc]

Alton towers hoping the new ripsaw brings in the crowds in 2025, so by mid-season, they can then have that ride as none-operational for 40% of the time as well

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Hmmm... I'm hoping that's one thing they do fix this off-season... maintenance has been atrocious in 2024

[@CoastersandPop]

Nostalgia is great and works well if it’s marketed right, however it’s not a good route to keep people returning to a park, it will lose you customers. Once universal arrives it will and should send a shockwave through the European industry.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I agree with this, nostalgia is great in small doses, not as a sole reliance upon which AT seem to stuck in a circle with lately

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Nostalgia is defo KILLING UK theme parks, We are so stuck in the past it is unreal. Euro parks are miles ahead of us nevermind the US. Towers 1996 coaster just does not stand up to to the best coasters of 2024. BPB it's time for the Big One to go... but will they? Or will they hang onto it for another 30 years.

[@nightmarefuel4936]

Give an example of how Nostalgia is killing UK parks. Shouldn't we factor in more credible concerns such as the cost of tickets and how expensive the theme park experience can be for families in the UK?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Attractions industry has proven time and time again that spend is higher than ever before for going out and doing activities. People are willing to pay for quality and new experiences, it's hard to do that when you're being served up the same thing over and over and over and over again and then question why people are choosing to even go overseas for their theme park fix. Something has to change otherwise we'll quickly see a lot more parks than just Flambards closing.

[@simonwillder]

nemisis is probably the most iconic ride in the U.K , so I was glad that they have preserved it's shelf lifre . Pleasure beach on the other hand has a very small amount of space to work with , so lesser rides would have to go to create space . I also think that they would keep the BIG ONE , GRAND NATIONAL , and VALHALLA operational for as long as possible [ as evidenced by recent retracks and refreshes ] , making the other rides more of a target for removal , for another project . interesting vlog , keep up the good work .

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I'm glad its preserved, of course but at the same time it's a LOT of $$ spent on a ride that I'm still very curious to know how well it has been received / if they feel it has increased attendance etc is it as big of a success as they wanted it to be, is my question.

[@WelshGuitarDude]

Nemesis is still objectively a good ride by modern standards so it makes sense to keep it, the same can not be said by some of the rides at BPB however lol.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@ Can’t argue there in many cases but history is important Pleasure Beach just need the balance to increase with modern whilst preserving some of their golden oldies

[@WelshGuitarDude]

@@LiftHillsandThrills History is important to enthusiasts not business & profits. There is no history to Universal but people will flock to it in droves with the right marketing and the brand alone - reality is most people don't care about history unless there are good rides. The issue they run into is people might just see it as the park has old rides and won't justify travelling that far to it so BPB loses market access to the southern population, which is a big chunk. It will still do well with locals and northern cities simply because it's closer and will be cheaper.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@ Nail on the head and any park that is catering to enthusiasts specifically and not the general public is a park destined to fail

[@Aphisics]

Almost Every company and brand with a public presence these past few years have been focusing of nostalgia- like Pepsi and mostly drink brands. It can’t last forever- it defeats the point of nostalgia!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Reminding people of the time when they used to give a crap and instead reminding us all that they’ve run out of forward thinking ideas although Pepsi etc exceptions can be made because Pepsi is always going to be Pepsi, know what I mean? Aha

[@Aphisics]

@ I am studying business and I’m currently going over decision making- from what I’ve learnt Merlin almost allways use data driven decision making. In the interview with the ceo about the Minecraft deal he specifically says they made the decision using AI tools to predict the outcome of the investment. The opposite of data driven is gut feeling and they need to use some of that to bring in what we really want!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@Aphisics I saw that interview too and using AI to influence ANYTHING seems suspect. I want to believe that he meant they used AI to see alternative views / approaches as opposed to listening and acting upon AI input

[@beca198]

100% AGREED

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

:)

[@WelshGuitarDude]

It's killing Blackpool pleasure beach. So many old rides which are objectively bad. The big one isn't a good ride, rough and no air time. RMC that thing and even casuals will say its a lot better and will travel to go re-ride a monster RMC. Steeplechase, whilst rare belongs in some quirky museum now, its low capacity and its not that fun. The river ride needs refurbishment for modern animatronics and scenery. The ghost train is reasonably okay imo, but you see them at funfairs with similar style theming, for a park like BPB it needs to be much better. Alice ride is a bit dated and borderline creepy imo compared to Disney's versions. Grand National needs a full modernisation and retract its rough but it's actually decent ride if it wasn't rough. Even Valhalla has a some outdated scenery near the end even though its great themed ride, probably the only ride that actually feels like it belongs in a theme park. Infusion can die in a ditch that thing is trash and rough, the log flume was better. Everything else is reasonably good imo at the park, so its like 5 or 6 rides that just need to be modernised or replaced entirely. Thing is BPB wants to build a new hotel instead which it doesn't need...people will not travel all the way up north for that park if Universal happens and Thorpe are both down south unless BPB builds seriously modern rides.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It’s a longer process for Pleasure Beach but with a new flat / coaster on the way they’re stepping in the right direction

[@modgetall]

Were clearly not getting a Talacon standard with this!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@modgetall We never were 😅

[@Coaster_Matt]

I recon towers are trying to get the park back to the point when it was in its prime in the late 2000's early 2010's. Hence why bringing back the topspin and retheming nemesis. I know this is probably wrong but it's just a thought

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Of course it is... no new ideas so looking into the past when the park operated better and felt more like a proper well-run park in the 90s. It might work, it might not.

[@Coaster_Matt]

@LiftHillsandThrills I wasn't around in the 90's so I don't know about that I only remember it from like 2006 when I was 2 😂😂

[@sarahsthemeparksandattractions]

Will have to see what happens. Xx

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

We shall!

[@sarahsthemeparksandattractions]

@@LiftHillsandThrills 👍

[@GigaChaadam]

I like when you say Hallicopter

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@GigaChaadam 🚁

[@karlsaxton6384]

Project horizon needs to be done to a very high standard to get the footfall of a new exciting ride. I’m sure Thorpe parks numbers from Hyperia will give them food for thought. Well let’s not get onto the food talk 😂

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

We'll avoid food talk but Horizon really does need to be something entirely unique and not the space / Black Hole wink and nod that it's been linked to for a while. Let's hope Towers and Intamin smash it outta the park

[@karlsaxton6384]

@ definitely mate. Love the videos of you waffling keep them coming

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@ People do! I dunno why! Little effort high reward with these, ever so strange, the second I put in effort with a really well edited vlog it does shit 😂😂

[@ToastGhost]

So much for no more Towers content eh. Thing is with Towers it's revamping old rides or we get nothing so if I can have Duel, Nemesis & Ripsaw back but improved I'll take it. Having said that I haven't been to Towers since ScareFest 2022 cuz nothing much has changed for the better at least.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I think you need to re-watch that video. I said no Towers vlogs from the park ;) press and coverage via discussions will continue as normal as per a statement I sent to the park agreeing the fact :)

[@TheRealJamoShingo78]

You aren't going to replace Nemesis with anything better, especially in that space. It's a world renowned rollercoaster. They've put many coasters up since then and whilst they're great, they're not as good. It's been that way for 30 years. I get it, people want new experiences. In the 60's, brutalism destroyed countless gaudy Victorian buildings. Now those modernist structures are seen as bland and drab and everyone thinks Victorian buildings are fabulous. Now when most of these 60's buildings are gone, they will be appreciated. Things move on much quicker in rollercoaster land. In 30 years, when all these unique Arrows and early B&M coasters are gone, people will be like, "damn, why did we do that?"

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

The coaster they showed at the VIP event manufactured by B&M looked like it included all of the best bits of nemmy within the pit but stretched over FV as a whole. Aside from the vested restraints it looked pretty damn special. It's great to appreciate what we have in the now and celebrate our history but we also have to surely balance that with something new otherwise parks like Towers will just be recycling old ideas for years to come

[@SkogenWhisper]

You think removing nemesis is going to help AT? Thats at the very bottom of the things they need to address tbh. Some things should be held sacred, and I don't think nemesis is the reason AT is failing. If anything its the reason why people decide to go back.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Oh no I don’t think removing Nemesis is going to help AT but spending the stupid amount they did when a new ride was cheaper (mentioned during the VIP event) seems suss. They need big draws not reworked classics and whilst for me personally I’d keep nemesis for my own personal nostalgic reasons the business sense would say otherwise. Nemesis isn’t the reason AT is failing nor was that said in the video at any point but relying on nostalgia and looking into the past for inspiration instead of adding new refreshing and exciting attractions for people to visit and enjoy is one of many issues

[@jasonmadgwick6682]

Nostalgia won't cut it when universal arrives. All the merlin parks are going to pull it together quick.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Oh I can't wait...

[@TheOfficialSmudgy]

No. They won’t pull it together. They have to pull it together to compete, but I doubt they will.

[@another_day4783]

Nemesis needed to stay its the most famous and best ride for many people at towers but air or oblivion or any other main ride should be replaced with something better.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@another_day4783 I agree, I mean I love Nemmy and it needed to stay I’m just not entirely sure how that decision has affected subsequent ones… it was a shiiiitttt tonne of money spent

[@symoneP]

I also wonder if they think that the guests who went on ripsaw the first time round are not their target audience anymore so bringing a similar ride back will be something ‘new’ for their new target audience who are a younger generation, don’t know but it did make me wonder. I could understand if they were bringing in a new generation of Huss topspin but to bring back the same and just put it on a platform isn’t really that exciting

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It'll of course attract the audience who didn't get to experience it but the grand scope is, why bring back ANOTHER old ride unless Nemmy was a roaring success and I'm still not entirely convinced that it was

[@carmenparker1880]

Cool ❤

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Very

[@spldan]

How do you know that Grand Prix will be a new coaster ? You got any concrete evidence to confirm that ?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Sadly no written concrete evidence to prove it to your face right now, but I was in the wrong place at the right time. It’s a coaster 😊

[@jamesansell007]

I’m not worry it being top spin but mainly if they theme aswell with overtop effect but think Huss ride will want push back in to uk again and but dont want zamperal more concerned reliability more thrill flat ride in alton tower because of their own issue reliability hoping

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@jamesansell007 let’s hope they look after it better than they did the RetroSquad

[@jamesansell007]

@ have seen photos new breaker dance at liseberg it called kraftverket (the power plant) would seen something like that in x sector would amazing

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@ It’s beautiful

[@fam_ventures1]

Ive missed a top spin hated it when they got rid of rameses revenge for another drop ride their everywere there wasn't many top spins in the country

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Great rides, just not sure it’s a great decision for the park personally

[@nightmarefuel4936]

I would rather nostalgia than have soulless Hollywood and video game brands flood our parks. At least things like Nemesis, Ripsaw are original IP's.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

That's a fan perspective though, naturally we're bias when we think of things from that perspective but how does recycling these rides help a park to grow and financially improve?

[@CaptainCharismaY2J]

Universal have a Harry Potter issue.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Haha they do love the IP but going off their research they know how much $$ it makes and there’s constantly a demand for it because it’s still relevant even to this day. Can’t blame them for leaning into it that’s for sure

[@Kyle-Russell]

It’s just theme parks being lazy

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It could be that or it could be a strategy of diving into a more successful past to deliver a more successful future albeit I can't really see the logic of that personally

[@sarahmorris7978]

Do you think AT could get a breakdance ?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I do :) I have a feeling we'll be seeing a couple more flats on the way over the next few years

[@xsm5525]

Sean: I'm not doing anymore AT content: this video: 😆😛

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

This shows that you weren't listening, or reading. I won't be doing anymore AT VLOGS, all press / discussion content remains

[@STEVENSPURR.1]

Hello

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Howdy

[@STEVENSPURR.1]

Come Up New Will Be A lot Better More Theme To It New Name

[@STEVENSPURR.1]

I Did NEMESIS

[@neilcarter9576]

I think it’s a bit different with Nemesis to be fair. If it had to go or be replaced there probably wasn’t anything better for that area than just replacing it. It’s an unbelievable layout you aren’t going to improve upon within that space. It sounds like even John Wardley was surprised with how it rode that first test ride. Ripsaw should have just been replaced when they removed it. The fact that people are excited now, just shows how far AT have fallen away. I don’t think nostalgia would be a problem though if they ripped out Galactica or Rita and replaced with something new. They won’t though.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

The B&M we were shown at the VIP event to replace Nemesis in my opinion (and a few others I was with) was a MUCH better looking ride apart from the vested restraints. People are getting excited over smoking barrels, I mean... the bar isn't too high here for us! aha

[@jackgrace3132]

WE WANT MORE RANTS LIKE THIS! 🎉😂

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Oh no this isn’t a rant… not even close… 😂 more a welcoming debate for people to chat

[@Bnkl-f2h]

Shit take, disney taking out old rides and replacing them with awful slop is doing irreversible damage to the parks. Just look at what theyre planning to do to the rivers of america at disney world, and ripping out muppet vision, and what they did recently with splash mountain, the great movie ride, and future world in epcot. Everything new they make is garbage and it will take decades before they replace it with something else that will probably also be slop.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

By irreversible damage you mean increased profits and sustainability? There has to be a balance between nostalgia and new additions otherwise you won’t have a park to go to. Controversial take but Tiana’s is better than Splash….. 🤷‍♂️

[@badmoonrising7795]

It’s not nostalgia, it’s absolutely essential, regardless of coasters, AT needs as many flat rides as possible and this is essential and a step in the right direction, nemesis was a rare occurrence that needed doing. ,, it would have been park suicide losing nemesis as this is the only world class coaster and the ride is still a massive draw. I love your channel bud , but you hate on alton waaay to much.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@badmoonrising7795 Right… whilst I agree that they need flats. Did it really have to be the same one they’ve already had thus alienating an audience who was around when Ripsaw was built? Losing Nemesis at Towers isn’t a big of a deal as every enthusiast makes it out to be, it’ll be a sad day if it went but for the most part, the general public would attend in their droves if another big new ride came to Towers hence why now they’re not too bothered as to them it just looks repainted completely ignoring all of the other work gone into the ride that only us fans invest in and care about. If you’re happy with how the park is run and the direction it’s going then you’re in the minority as it’s going in a very worrying direction with zero signs of recovery on the horizon. Alton gets more hate because it’s the worst of the lot currently and that speaks volumes considering how much I used tk love it, Thorpe always used to get the stick and even Pleasure Beach but at least they’re both making a conscious effort to preserve their future. What are Towers doing?

[@glennlewis8141]

The 'general public' stuff is crap mate, come on. People who like rollercoasters are not special, they aren't separate to the 'GP', give it a rest.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I think you're missing the point entirely when it comes to the GP comment and their perception of 'new' vs 'old' additions. At the end of the day most GP couldn't give a flying fuck about a piece of metal just like most members of the public didn't realise Nemesis has had way more than just a 'paint job'. People who are enthusiastic about these things fail to see that the GP couldn't care less as they're too invested in their own passions of parks / rides. There is a VERY clear separation between the two and that's why parks should be catering to a large portion of the public as opposed to enthusiasts which lets be honest, if they did we'd have about 10 RMC's in the country by now. Of course there's a separation between the two and it's quite narrow minded to think otherwise.

[@Joshua_arthur]

Nostalgia is the death of most company’s / products , they end up copying and pasting items and ideas to get those people back from years ago to become more relevant and interested in the brand / items once again 🤔🥲

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

This is very true. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. They’ll learn the hard way

[@davesteele6154]

It’s nostalgic for people from that era. For them who don’t remember it wouldn’t that make it a new experience for them ?? For us with the nostalgia yes I agree it’s getting a bit too much. Alton has lost its way abit. I see they are trying to bring back the magic. Hopefully horizon will push towers into the right direction and bring some magic back

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Of course it's a new ride for that audience, my point really is diving into the past to resurrect old rides just wreaks of laziness. Diving into the past to plan for a future is a very strange way of working with things. Revamping curse was cool, Reviving Sub Terra was questionable, Reborn back is more a fan / park decision than a GP catered one and now Ripsaw back (essentially). We haven't really had anything REALLY new to get excited about since Wicker Man.

[@davesteele6154]

@ honestly I agree. It is lazy. I also think the people in charge really don’t know how to move forward. They are clutching at straws. Hoping the past will kick start everything for them. Yes the rides they are bringing back are good rides and the theming nowadays is so immersive and sucks you right in. Look at reborn, that is literally world class theming with a great storyline to back it up. It’s clever. But it’s still just a less intense version of nemesis. I would miss it if they got rid though. It’s one of their signature rides. I personally think towers has the most potential for building rides with themes also in an amazing setting probably the best setting in the uk. Why they invest more into the London parks I do not know. Alton towers is special when it’s done right

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@davesteele6154 London investment is purely because of competition about to arrive down south that’s going to directly affect those. Even in the planning documents for the new land at Chessington it says that Paultons and even The Crystal Maze are considered competition for Chessington! They also mentioned Disneyland Paris which is a strange one aha

[@davesteele6154]

@ i suppose your right there mate. I don’t know it just feels like Merlin are neglecting their possibly best chance of a uk theme park competing with universal. Which for a lot of reasons is towers. I don’t mean the rides at this point. I mean the potential and of course the setting. I understand Alton have well peed you off this season me too if I’m honest. The future just isn’t looking good for towers under Merlin entertainment. They are blowing their money on the London parks that much so that towers may not be here in ten years time. I do have a question. Do you think Merlin could potentially sell towers ?? I’m not sure they see it in their future judging recent events. Maybe looping group would take them

[@davesteele6154]

@ also thanks for responding to some of my rediculous messages i actually appreciate it

[@davesteele6154]

Going on the money subject. Merlin every now and then invest a lot of their money into stocks and shares. That’s what they are doing now. Hence the cuts. Well that’s what my source says. The last time they did that they came out with a lot more money

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

After splashing the cash on this potential Minecraft area (which looks insane on the plans) they have the $$ it's just they're being far more savvy about where it's going