The History of Secret Weapon 8: Wicker Man - A Coaster of Fire & Wood | Expedition Alton Towers

Join us as we head back to Expedition Alton Towers and look at the history, creation and story of Secret Weapon 8 - Wicker Man. The first wooden rollercoaster in the UK for over 20 years. Replacing the closed Flume Log Flume at the Park. Wicker Man is one of the world's best themed rollercoasters in the United Kingdom.
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Make sure to check out part 1 of The Flume. The ride Wicker Man replaced here - • The Closed History Of ...
Special thanks to
Super Enthused - / superenthused
ParkSpill - / @parkspill
Alton Towers www.altontowers.com
John Wardley www.john-wardle... A must read is his book Creating My Own Nemesis. www.amazon.co....
More information on the Cross-Valley Coaster - www.themeparkt...
Check out the amazing soundtracks by Imascore - www.imascore.com
Theme Park World Tour / @themeparkworldtour
Credits
Theme Park Review - • Megafobia Roller Coast...
Theme Park Worldwide - • Megafobia - Oakwood Th...
Lightning Bolt - • The American Adventure...
LADventure - • CROSS VALLEY WOODEN CO...
Theme Park Worldwide - • Alton Towers Wicker Ma...
Coaster World - • Wicker Man Pre Show - ...
Towers Street - • Wicker Man Alton Tower...
Theme Park Review - • Wicker Man Roller Coas...
www.kylelambert...
Hall of the Mountain King Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
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[@ExpeditionThemePark]

What would you like to see for Secret Weapon 9?

[@doopy6123]

I honestly don’t know

[@lewis2524]

Intamin Blitz that interacts with the terrain.

[@sxg0017]

I think you can just do a Prediction. i think SW9 is gonna be BIIIG

[@MrCollerRoaster]

An S&S axis coaster or Mack extreme spinner

[@JamesMusicCovers]

I’d say a mack Big Dipper

[@louckykoneko]

"they are not marketable" says Alton Towers, which can market and theme literally everything

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Right ha!

[@fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20]

lol

[@Croissant_Tortilla]

Merlin: The only company that can get away with trying to kill the guests

[@sarahwalker268]

@@Croissant_Tortilla if this is about the smiler, that wasn’t the ride’s fault. It was the operator’s who I’m pretty sure got fired after the incident

[@Montu-pc5gp]

@@sarahwalker268 Probably

[@Beeimus]

Just about all the coasters at Alton Towers have such ominous themes to them. May as well make the whole park a psychological horror themed.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yrssss

[@Oodelally]

Air was marketed more as a “hero”, does Galactica still count as a “hero” ride rather than a “villain” (i.e. Nemesis is marketed as a villain).

[@melisaxo1199]

I would LOVE this! I loved the horror of nemesis sub terror.. i love the creepyness of nemesis.. 13 is terrifying and i never thought id be scared of a tree but HEX did that! They do horror so well!

[@chanel113]

Yea this would never fly in America. Everyone is too offended by things like this

[@georgebarker1599]

What about galactica

[@DBTGAMER]

In the final tunnel they should have included a giant creepy yellow duck. Something you would never expect. Also a nice memorial to the log flume ride. 🤔

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That would of been amazing ha

[@OliverChannelURL]

Maybe don’t make it so obvious but just hide it somewhere

[@thomaszinser8714]

Nah, hopefully they save the giant yellow ducks to be the central theme for SW9.

[@snocelot4lyfe]

That duck made me shit bricks the first time I went on that ride, I straight up jumped like a foot in the air 😂😂😂

[@sandy_carpetsthesecond5013]

@@snocelot4lyfe LMAOOO saaaame. I was a kid when I first rode it, I burst out into tears when I heard the loud ass quack. Since then I've just never got over my fear of the ride-

[@jackmarshallD9525]

During Scarefest, when its gone truly dark and the wind is right, the level of immersion on this ride is glorious.

[@hypnopyr9084]

LITERALLY, ITS SO INTENSE/SCARY

[@clock4143]

This may be controversial, but Alton got the wicker man marketing right. What an expedition!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed!

[@brodiechewstuna9663]

True they need to go back to scary instead of child friendly because it was more popular when it was scary

[@elllyth6054]

I completely agree! The pre-show was suited so well to the marketing!

[@Todd21212]

I agree with you on that.

[@dennismartin5821]

Yeah, it worked on me. Looks cool, I'd like to give it a try.

[@RolyWestYT]

So I was one of those people when I first heard about this who said “oh wooden coaster? Yawn” I was wrong! It’s my second favourite in the park! 🥰

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Woodies are my fav rides! :D

[@carolbaskin6073]

I didn’t expect to see you here! 😝

[@RolyWestYT]

@@carolbaskin6073 Anything to do with theme parks I AM THERE ;P

[@minicloud737]

Oh hi Roly!

[@KavanderFinstere]

I sadly didnt like it at all... but i'm also more of a extreme type

[@craft7185]

wickerman: the first ride to combine wood, fire, and most importantly *bees.*

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Beeeeeees

[@abv4718]

NO NO NO NOT THE BEES !!

[@LeganArabach]

Certainly the wood and fire, but not the bees. That honor goes to the Comet at Hershey park. There is a hive that's been in the coaster for years. Every time you ride it, you'll likely hit a bee or two going around the first turn after the first hill.

[@laurenwarner3531]

What do you mean by 🐝

[@snailbulldogandmorefriends7405]

How’d it get burnt? NOT THE BEES tHe CrOwN mUsT dIe

[@Onoitsbroko]

Out of all of the coaster and amusement park channels, you provide the most entertaining documentary style videos by far. You deserve waaaay more subscribers than you have. Every video is incredible!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much

[@Onoitsbroko]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Absolutely. You deserve it!

[@MagicKillerClub]

It's my favourite ride at the park. Not the most thrilling, but it's the best all-round experience. I just can't wait for the trees and woodland to engulf the ride as it gets older!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I agree!

[@champagne_papiiii]

Ngl mines oblivion but wicker man is great

[@paigex4x]

I've only been on Wickerman once but it doesn't disappoint, especially at the end of the day; it really whips you around the track! Definitely worth the 90minute wait!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed!!

[@jtfgamer8832]

The next expedition might be “The unbuilt rides of Alton towers.” However you might want to look into the deep history of Knobles, a once coal mine turned into the biggest free admission park in America.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Soon

[@jtfgamer8832]

Hhmmmmm 🤔

[@Croissant_Tortilla]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Which one?

[@welcometomylives]

Seriously Alton Towers. You clearly don't want to be a theme park. Just make that horror movie you've been wanting to make.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That would be awesome

[@Oodelally]

Alton: Terror at the towers

[@lpsftw8572]

They defiinetly could if they tried. The smiler's theme of a dystopia society would be an amazing psychological horror film. The wickerman would be a beast of a fantasy film.

[@soysaucegalaxy]

You shod go it change you

[@deejasart7766]

COME ON SMILER HORROR MOVIE

[@charliefidelia]

This ride is insane at night! The steam limits your vision so all you see is ‘smoke and fire’ and makes it appear so much faster. Definitely worth a visit during Scarefest!

[@mistamemewide]

Honestly, Alton Towers should straight up make more horror themed rides. When they land, they land hard.

[@a_09.7]

On a side note they do need a better line up of flat rides like the ones at Thorpe park

[@xPartyHeartyx]

Literally obsessed with that clip of the person riding 13 and screaming. I want to have that replay on repeat in my mind.

[@crustycolin]

Pretty sure that was part of a BBC News show when Thirteen first opened, so they went and did a story about it.

[@theexchipmunk]

@@crustycolin This channel also never forgets to add it if Alton Towers is mentioned in any way.

[@that_girl_roo]

I’m just gonna come right out and say it. NO ONE does theming and stories like Alton. The storyline and general lead up to this ride was absolutely insane! Same with the smiler! Let’s just have a round of applause for Alton’s storyboarding team. Because they do their work fabulously.

[@XIIIthProductions]

I was actually there on the original opening date when the weather was just too bad for most of the park to operate. AT hired all these actors who tried to guide us to the Wickerman, despite it being very closed. Such a surreal day, but we got our entry tickets refunded!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

what a unique experience!

[@awood667]

I was there when wickerman was about 3 days old i had to wait 4 hours just cuz it was new and it would break down alot

[@ChristopherSadlowski]

I'll give Alton Towers this, they really aren't afraid to do some truly odd things. Who would have ever thought The Wicker Man would make good theming for a roller coaster? Even their advertising is really well done. It just goes to show that playing it safe and designing by committee all the time doesn't always pay off, and constantly chasing "market trends" leads everyone all having the same stuff. Do I want to ride a roller coaster through a dead alien or a wicker man? Yes, I do, because no one else has that for me to do!

[@pencil7314]

I love the marketing for Wicker man, but I have to say, 'the first rollercoaster to mix wood and fire' is an absolutely hilarious idea. Join us next year when we create the first rollercoaster to combine water and electricity! Or maybe they could add real gunpowder to the spinning barrels. Who knows what disasters Merlin's hunger for gimmicks will cause. xD

[@lucasm7177]

Seriously after the accident on smiler, seems pretty ballsy to mix fire with an attraction made of wood. Just seems like an accident waiting to happen.

[@liamcollinson5695]

Big Bob is actually made out of metal so the fire isn't a problem

[@Upsetkiller456]

The smiler wasn’t even the fault of the ride. Virtually all modern coaster accidents aren’t the rides, these things are designed down to the millimeter with safety in mind. It’s human error

[@mekhakreature]

It sounds dramatic, but yup, that's just how they chose to market the gimmick. If they were saying it straight, it'd be "family thrill level wooden coaster with a lot of water mist, a big ol' statue, some neat lights, and metal and cement that we made look like wood that does a cool little fire trick!"

[@Kabaladamawomasp]

I had the joy of riding Wickerman this year. Not ridden many woodies but my god is this one of the most intense and forceful rides ive ever been on, absolutely brilliant!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

So fun

[@G_Force-cx2mr]

Alton CEO: so what should we theme our new family coaster Producer: so picture this *snoorts coke* Producer: WE tHeME It To a CUlt BurniNG PEoplE alIvE Alton CEO: Perfect! The little kids will Love It!

[@til2896]

Accurate. I was eleven-ish when it came to Alton Towers and went on like the second day it was open. After queuing for more than four hours, I started sobbing in the pre-show because I didn’t want to be sacrificed.

[@lucifer9203]

@@til2896 i remember the last time i went to alton was while it was being built, my grandad said he loved the wicker man movie so he'd go on it with me, legend has it, after watching this, he doesn't want to lol

[@thefloofball260]

@@lucifer9203 guess they didn't learn their lesson from th13teen huh?

[@mikemahoneygaming5754]

Thirteen is a family coaster to be fair

[@thefloofball260]

@@mikemahoneygaming5754 yes but the marketing for thirteen was backwards

[@shaggydog9789]

13:29 The 2017 Scarefest event featured a scary group living in the village of Alton that are angered by anyone planning to build a ride above the tree line and will chase them down with flaming letters to the council protesting against any developments.

[@electrohalo8798]

Guess you could say that it was a sure FIRE succes

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

dang i wish i wrote that

[@Randomperson-zt3il]

It is a FIRE success anyway. One of my favs but I rarely ride it because of Smiler and all of that

[@dragonie]

Why did you do this to me

[@ДаниилФирсов-о6н]

Unfortunately, my internet was down all day yesterday so I wasn't able to upload today's content. Fahrenheit review will be released tomorrow. 👍

[@TheGuvzilla]

I think this shows you don't need to be the first of a kind or the biggest or the fastest. It needs to be good and well themed. Reputation draws in the guests.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed!

[@GarryWilliams555]

They didn't want what could have been one of the world's best coasters because it didn't break any records? This is Merlin's problem. Theyre more interested in breaking records than making good rides, although Wicker Man is cool.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

thinga are changing!

[@fatcontrole1]

Good rides attract enthusiasts.... World first rides attract the media and regular tourists

[@GarryWilliams555]

@@fatcontrole1 it's a pity because world firsts are rarely memorable or great rides.

[@TylerPlays-ec5cc]

Nemesis and wicker man aren’t record breaking and they are some of the most popular rides there!

[@rich_edwards79]

What AT occasionally lacks in thrills it more than makes up for in theming. It's the only UK park that really seems to make an effort and because it doesn't have the conservative Christian lobby as in the US, it can really play around with dark / sinister / occult themes that wouldn't be considered suitable for a 'family' attraction elsewhere, but which really fit the setting with the huge ruined Gothic mansion at the centre. For me, a big part of what makes AT unique in the UK and maybe even the world, is the wooded / valley setting, especially in October and November when the leaves are turning, so much as I love John Wardley's earlier creations, I'm relieved that he didn't get his way with running a coaster through the gardens, as that would have spoiled their slightly creepy ambience for me.

[@Croz89]

The problem that AT has is that while it does make rides with great theming, it doesn't always maintain it very well and it can look quite broken and shabby after a few years (look at how many theming elements on the Smiler are broken). To be fair, it doesn't have the budget of places like Disneyland to keep all of it in tip top condition at all times, plus the North West weather doesn't help. Since wicker man pretty much relies on its theming to sell itself, here's hoping they spend more on keeping it looking good.

[@robinfalkner-wedge824]

the UK also can't build any of the enormous coasters you get in the states since we lack the space- and the moment people can see it from their gardens they start complaining, so all of the coasters have to be fit in to a quite small space, encouraging parks to focus on things besides just the thrill factor. At least, I think all that is the case.

[@thingimabob0]

isn’t lightwater valley also in a wooded/valley setting?

[@Alex-cw3rz]

@@robinfalkner-wedge824 well Blackpool Pleasure Beach used to have the tallest and Ultimate wad the longest

[@kimberleysmith818]

There is definitely something to be said for the location. I’m from up that way and the countryside is gorgeous and the wooded areas add to the atmosphere.

[@hecticgloww]

That Wicker Man Nic Cage bit was actually really funny, great editing for that!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks!!

[@tattie.b8594]

I think a big improvement to the ride would be to have an unload bay in the tunnel section at the end. As: 1) the tunnel is pointless 2) it would increase capacity 3) it would make it more immersive - As then it would seem like you don’t escape as you wouldn’t see people unload off of the ride It wouldn’t matter with bags as they are stored before the ride anyways, I just think it would make the experience better

[@RALLYxREP]

Love that idea .......like the current riders have been sacrificed, the train rolls into loading bay empty!!!! Brilliant.

[@Whencowsmelt1]

I feel like that would add so much into the ride!!! There's definitely room for them to do this in the tunnel rather than sitting and waiting in the dark like you have to. I went on the wicker man when I was an adult yet was still very scared, i feel like if i saw the trains coming back in empty it would have made me wet myself or something lol 😂

[@andreaofficer6709]

I thought the same thing when I first rode it. It would suit the story so much more as you as a rider are meant to be sacrificed and empty trains returning would perfectly add to the tension

[@TheTuber81]

Totally agree with your review of Wickerman. Everything is just right except the tunnel at the end. Think they could have put in more smoke, fire lighting and maybe some muffled screams etc to end it. Sort from that one of the best original themed coasters I’ve ever been on.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

right!

[@sarahh1145]

I was sat there thinking what's going to happen? I was expecting a big drop into steam or something... But nothing. I agree they could definitely add something to the end.

[@BBROPHOTO]

I'm so glad theme parks are actually bringing back the THEME in the name. Soooo many rides (USA is crazy guilty of this as a whole) that have basically 0 theming outside of some paint. FLY / F.L.Y sets the benchmark which has incredible theming - I just so wish more places would go or that as it really adds such an experience of being in another world, vs a rollercoaster amongst a carpark.

[@randomuser238]

My SW9 concept: Name: Biohazard Model: S&S axis Area: X-sector Ride to replace: spinball whizzer Theme: in a lab accident, the toxic gases from the ministry of joy have spread into the outside world. Causing any that inhale it to go insane. You, the rider, must escape the area and stay alive doing it.

[@champagne_papiiii]

I LOVE THIS! Although, they don’t want the MOJ, they could have brought it back for the 3rd time, but a RMC would fit a lil better, but yeah, great idea!

[@lichkinggamer5708]

WE ARE NOT GETTING RID OF SPINBALL

[@Transamethyst]

@@lichkinggamer5708yeah idk about spinball

[@alyfan1]

Watching these videos about alton ive come to one realization.... Alton just needs to theme the ENTIRE PARK around horror seeing as most their best rides already have that theme. They could theme it as the entire park is an experiment in fear. lol.

[@fil1163]

First went on this in September, wasn't sure if it would be any good, but DAMN it shot right into my top 10 coasters I've ridden, and I've ridden a LOT.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Such a fun ride

[@eoj8371]

I think the first two drops are perfectly thrilling as they are, and I wouldn’t say there’s a full section at the end either! But I trust John Wardley so it’s a shame his design didn’t come to light. It would’ve also been interesting to know what the second theming structure would be

[@TheRealSandman]

Wicker Man genuinely surprised me when I first went on it. I thought it would be quite boring, but I love the speed & intensity. It's a must ride for me now when I go to Alton Towers.

[@eurovision50]

I'd really love for the next secret weapon to feel less cramped. Both The Smiler and Wicker Man are very tightly packed. It'd be nice to have a SW where you feel more out in the open or isolated in the woods. The original wooden roller coaster plan would have been amazing... Although before they invest money in another SW, I'd really rather that they round out the park with at least 5 or 6 decent flat rides and ideally another dark ride.

[@tomtaymccoll]

You just haaddd to put the clip of the reporter screaming on Thirteen 😂. Every time!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

anywhere i can put it. It is gonna be there! :D

[@mrmeep2047]

AAAAHHHHHHH

[@KBlayxx]

They offer the Alton Towers Monopoly in the shop at the end of the ride. With of course Wickerman being the main attraction. This ride got everything right with submersion and theming

[@lizard3755]

I like how there was a whole section put together with movie clips and music talking about the source of theming inspiration, just for us to find out it was only his fanfiction

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I still beelieve it

[@halfaworldaway]

Went on this for the first time a few months ago. I was whelmed. It's really the phenomenal theming that makes it.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It is!

[@maddox471]

The horror themes of Alton towers secret weapons are brilliant and the reason I love the park so much Using scarefest to advertise them and giving you a sense of dread before riding is what makes a good ride

[@storebrandchocopops8041]

Was really looking forward to this episode and it didn't disappoint! I was lucky enough to have my first go on Wicker Man at night with all the smoke and fire going and it was an amazing experience, makes me want more heavily themed coasters in the UK.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@C0ZMIK5K1TTL35]

Coming back to this it would be such a cool storyline to have the Sanctuary actually make a community of marmalized stepford like people and it would be a battle of ideals between the Marmalized and the Chosen. Have the coasters stories interact with one another!!

[@mudkipqueen920]

I've been waiting for this video for months! Wickerman was by far my favourite ride (evidenced by the fact I went on it like 5 times) and definitely want to go back when the Rona clears up.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope you enjoy joy !

[@frasermartin5256]

My favorite too! Love the theming and music. I went end of September when the cases were way lower and had an incredible time, the park seems to be doing a great job of keeping guests distanced and sanitized. The drastically reduced capacity means you pretty much walk onto every ride with barely any queuing. Would recommend a visit with the lower capacity once the pandemic has cooled down a bit in the uk.

[@muffincatgames]

I went on Stampede when I was really young, and then Wicker Man a few years back, learning they were made by the same guy is astonishing! Talk about a surprise!

[@hannaholson4999]

If I had a nickel for every time they built a roller coaster inspired by a Nicholas Cage movie, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. Right?

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yep!!

[@saphiriathebluedragonknight375]

I get the reference! Love that movie and TV series!

[@LetsJgandy]

Isn't based off the original british version?

[@hannaholson4999]

@@LetsJgandy I think it may be, but I just wanted to make a joke, silly as it may be.😅😆

[@chazzwozzio]

Honestly we need more nic cage themed roller coasters

[@nintandrew13]

Really enjoy the humor and info in these videos. Thanks for posting them!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you for watching!

[@XboxgeorgebeanRollercoasters]

Why do I feel like this video is gonna be on trending?

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

haha would be nice but doubtful!

[@C0ZMIK5K1TTL35]

I didn't hesitate to watch this.

[@snerttt]

Doubt that, especially outside the UK.

[@Gabes1321]

Merlin with all these ‘worlds first’

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

you know it

[@Steph-3979]

Merlin🤜Being the world's first🤛Cedar Fair

[@apsims12]

Out of all the coasters I've ridden in the UK, Wicker Man is sat in the top 2, equally trading blows with The Smiler, it feels faster than 41mph when you hit a lot of those corners. What makes WM come out on top for me is the theming. I don't think I've come across such great theming within the UK for a long time; it's on par with the likes of Disney and Universal, a HUGE step up from what are usually pretty bland (in terms of theming) parks. I hope that we continue to get this level of theming from Merlin/Lego (as the owners now) in all their parks. I dream of the day that I could go into one of their parks and forget that I'm in a UK park.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I hope so too!

[@Baked_and_booked]

Wickerman is genuinely such an underrated ride. As a wooden coaster, you don't expect sudden acceleration and speed and is a real adrenaline kick. I'd suggest sitting as far back as you can get because the pull you get through that first tunnel is crazy

[@mspaigee]

i am obsessed with the way you say "theming"

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Femeing

[@bellaboo666]

I LOVE Alton Towers' scary elaborate themes, they do so well. I'd love to see what they have in store for SW9, and i hope to go to Alton Towers some day.

[@olliemoonalt]

i was watching a documetary on alton towers yesterday lol , and i really wanted to know about wickerman , so this is perfect

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope you enjoy !

[@Randomperson-zt3il]

a n n a Is it the one on Channel 4? Because that was great

[@olliemoonalt]

@@Randomperson-zt3il yeah it was hopefully there will be more !

[@Randomperson-zt3il]

@@olliemoonalt I think it’s gonna be a whole series!

[@olliemoonalt]

@@Randomperson-zt3il yay i cant wait lol

[@JabbieYT]

I don’t care what anyone says, wicker man is not a family coaster, yes, it features no inversions, but the speed and air time is amazing, and in some bits you can really feel the g’s , while not as thrilling as nemesis, it is still very enjoyable for thrill seekers alike

[@galaxeonart9338]

“Special Thanks To: The Bees” You should bee ashamed of yourselves.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

You are the first person to notice and that makes me happy

[@chazzwozzio]

Not the bees!! 🐝

[@xlillybiezenaar]

At the last bit when you go through the tunnel, the smoke blew right in my face and the sound effect was so loud. I screamed louder than I did on the actual ride 😂

[@fmc9229]

I have been waiting for this video for ages also I like his videos because they are interesting and funny

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

enjoy!

[@theweakestlink2278]

The theming on wickerman is top notch! The fire effects look amazing at night.

[@avaubertowski3567]

honestly the final tunnel actually scared me the first time i went on cause i thought there was going to be a sudden drop and a big puff of smoke was sprayed right into my face. the final tunnel is everything thirteen wanted to be lmao in my opinion

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yesss

[@mrselfdestruct7605]

Ive been currently watching every video on your channel over the last 2 or so days, and im still fully entertained. Im definitely a massive fan of your content and the passion put into every episode.the amount of face off references in the son of beast episode, and the quick joke about people lining up for fun,leisure, and to get pistol whipped and robbed at libertyland where 2 of the funniest things ive heard and seen in a long time. Keep up the good work 👍🏻 my autistic love for anything amusement park related is in your capable hands

[@WinnerWinnerTurkeyDinner]

I have waited so long for this video I love this series so much

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope.you enjoy!!

[@DontTugMyAscot]

Been waiting for you to drop this vid since I discovered your channel and binged every single episode, love your Alton tower series man these videos are fantastic! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

thank you for watching!

[@Shockzone1495]

This has to BEE one of the most interesting episodes I've seen.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yesssss

[@katamekothriis1613]

Oblivion, The Smiler, and Wicker Man have some of the best marketing campaigns I've ever seen for any attraction. When an attraction is given a story with intricate lore to it, it's automatically SO much more interesting.

[@thrillverse]

The screens in the structure were removed this year and updated. Now the lights go up the structure everytime the train passes through it. In my opinion the new lighting is much better than the screens

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

So they did! Great info

[@MicheleBroughPlussideLtd]

That fact I have road this coaster 3 time but I so hyped to get back on it Alton towers is a bucket list theme park for all enthusiast

[@Kris_Kitten]

This is another coaster that's on my bucket list! The theming is so good and I've heard the soundtrack and its pretty good. Hope I can make it to the UK one day to ride this

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope you can too!

[@theslanderousgent4475]

Experiencing the Horror maze teaser for this at Scarefest was fantastic! Then actually getting to ride it next year really proved that it could live up to the hype. Absolutely up there as one of Alton Towers best in years!

[@Foxstar1387]

I find it to be a good solid ride. The station and the pre-show are some of the more atmospheric parts. mostly down to the sounds the smell pods and the lights. Love the trains but at times the ankle protectors do just ping you a touch. BIG BOB. Kills it and is a great focal point to the lot. After riding it a good 10 or so times this year. I have noticed that there is the starts of a jitter on the turn arounds and on some of the curves. for a family coaster its on the upper edge as it does pop afew moments of airtime and gives a decent buzz. the ending is a bit of a meh. even abit of projector work in the tunnel could have been nice. I am not a fan of the cattle pens in the heat though. ( June 2019 ) had a rather still hot day. theres a lot of open space that lets the heat soak to built.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I agree!!

[@hammyhammy22]

First went on Wicker this year during Scare fest ^^ surprisingly a good little ride, I love the station, train theme.... and the big statue boi of course. The ride looks awesome lit up at night.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

The night is the best time!

[@JamesMusicCovers]

I’ve been looking forward to this for ages. Can’t wait to watch it

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope you enjoy!

[@dansaikyo6664]

I bee-lieve that this may be my most bee-loved of your bee-deos.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

yesssss

[@esme626]

I personally think the ending is really effective. The darkness represents death and the crackling is you burning alive. I think this is really clever

[@CoasterChallYT]

Tbh I have a few predictions: Location - This is the toughest part because on the one hand, if they are removing a ride or rides for it, then Rita is immediately brought in the conversation for its removal and replacement, but I think because it still brings in queues on busy days, it'll stay. If The Blade could get relocated, I'd like to see a coaster take over Sub Terra, Blade and Ripsaw's sites and make an outstretched coaster near the entrance to Nemesis with an element like a zero g stall over the Nemesis gun theming. "Galactica's car park" (as it is known) is another popular location, as it is rarely used and could be a key area of development. I think that the car park behind Galactica will be a space themed area or a space themed hotel site and Rita will stay. I reckon the outstretched site in Forbidden Valley, stretching from Blade and Ripsaw's sites to Sub Terra will be the site. Type Of Ride: I reckon an S&S Axis Coaster or they'll work with Intamin on a brand new multi launch shuttle coaster with a world's first or world's only element on that type of coaster.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

All great ideas! I would.love to see something by Air I think

[@CoasterChallYT]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Yh absolutely

[@HYDRAdude]

At this point Alton Towers releasing a new attraction with a standard advertising campaign would be seen as incredibly subversive.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Superb, well done on an excellent video!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you guys. Hope.you are doing well!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Expedition Theme Park We’re good thank you 😊

[@TPIOfficial]

Another absolutely fantastic vid Sam!! Brilliant work, and the Nicholas Cage jokes, legendary lmao 😂😂👌

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!!

[@TPIOfficial]

@@ExpeditionThemePark you're very welcome mate! 😁👌 keep them coming 🤩

[@thegreatpacoasters3134]

Great start to the day

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

yes!

[@HellHoundTSO]

Glad to see a GCI in the UK. They are an amazing manufacturer!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed!!

[@MRdeviousdale]

The turns on this coaster are a lot of fun and is one of the most enjoyable parts of the ride.

[@TheKenji2221]

That looks like a great coaster ! Here were have the Woden at Europa Park. And I agree that a nice theme is always a huge plus for a ride ! :D

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yesss great ride

[@Hasse-swe]

I like youre videos alot. Keep up the good work. There are only a few KZbinrs that have as good content as you have. For me you are a top 3.

[@AttractionStories]

Amazing video! I absolutely love the Wickerman!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks!

[@MrDJGix]

I finally rode it this year. It went straight into my personal favourite coasters I have ridden. All the themeing and the air time made it for me.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

So fun

[@DisAbLed_prIsoNer]

Alton towers makes some pretty cool backstories for their rides, especially the smiler, that ones creepy

[@damnfellas8637]

Finally! It’s here after about a year! Thanks ETP!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

About time hahaba

[@mateobrou]

underrated layout the pops of ejector and lats are no joke

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

So funnn

[@kirisilly]

god, this ride is definitely my favourite. like, I have an unhealthy obsession with it, as I have an unhealthy obsession with alton towers. it’s always smiler this, smiler that - but the wickerman, for me atleast is the best coaster. it’s theming is incredible, so is it’s soundtracks. inspired by celtic rituals??? exhilarating. I was actually terrified the first time riding, the pre video made me scared. really sets the theme. luv the wickerman xoxo

[@lettucemuncher7]

“Ahh Big bob nice to see ya for the 2nd time today “ is what I will be saying next time I go to Alton towers

[@sarahh1145]

I thought this ride would be like the run away mine train, so we saved it for last on our visit... Oh how we were wrong! Loved it!

[@andreworders7305]

A scarier ride then the secret weapon where that was the selling point, lol

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Haha yes

[@alexwilliams9900]

Love watching Expedition Theme Park. So many new rides I learn about. You should do Mail Of America theme park as it’s changed hands so many time.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you! and i will in the future

[@rose-byte]

ATR: Alright, turn fire spreads off

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

ha

[@rose-byte]

@@ExpeditionThemePark ha

[@kylebicker8179]

Big bob is a steely boi

[@Ryanpro-gr7dw]

I told my friend about the channel and she loves it your welcome

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@JCs_-]

I adore this ride, probably mainly because of the theming and the smell of the inside queue before you go on the actual ride lol. Also for secret weapon 9 I would want to see a hybrid coaster, I know it sounds unusual considering they already just built a wooden coaster but I think it would be a bit unique and would be interesting to see in the park, also I don't think that the UK or Europe has a hybrid coaster. Edit : I just memorized all of the wicker man alphabet so I could decode the messages in my head.

[@l3wismoreman9227]

I went on it a number of times and it still is my favourite ride in Alton Towers

[@scrambled5948]

Not the bees!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

oh the bees!

[@Randomperson-zt3il]

🐝 🐝 🐝

[@_mollbxo]

So I’m a new subscriber and have literally binged just your videos since - this is my fave video so far! Maybe cos cults are my life long special interest and my current hyper fixation is rollercoaster/theme park lore… either way, I LOVED this video