What's new
By:
FORUMS - COASTERFORCE

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Alton Towers | Unknown | Zierer Coaster | 2026

JoshC. said:
I mean the main question right now is why would such a basic-looking coaster require a maintenance building? Very rarely do you get such small-scale coasters with something like that.

Presumably it's just for engineers' comfort when working on the ride. But it does beg the question if there's a secret bonus thing that the plans aren't showing?
Click to expand...
It's the washing machine element.
 
Well that layout is something, a helix could definitely have fitted in, looking at maps it does take up much more space than Octonauts so i hope its at least a hilly layout as from the top down it looks disappointing less interesting.

I wanted something like Flying Eagle but alas, with most of the theming on the right side of the train i would hope that the cars could rotate around on the second lap, or something unique happens in the shed if it's not just a maintenance building but im not hopeful that Merlin put the cash in for that.

It's a odd choice so far, but im intrigued on how it will end up.
 
Last edited:
Having no direction changes is quite good for a junior coaster, in my opinion. It depends on the age range it's aimed at, but the statement made it sound like it's as young as can be, whereas if you have the wild banking and direction changes, it can make it feel more like a family coaster.

That said, the layout is very simple, and I'm wondering if it might possibly be a mild type of spinning coaster. I'm clinging to my theory that Spinball Whizzer may not be in the park for too much longer.
 
Graeme said:
I'm clinging to my theory that Spinball Whizzer may not be in the park for too much longer.
Click to expand...
Likewise. When this was announced, I was expecting CBeebies to be expanding onto that plot.

Spinball is a maintenance nightmare.

Also, I really hope this has better capacity than Octonauts and something to take the pressure off other rides in high season.

Any theories on manufacturer?
 
JoshC. said:
I mean the main question right now is why would such a basic-looking coaster require a maintenance building? Very rarely do you get such small-scale coasters with something like that.

Presumably it's just for engineers' comfort when working on the ride. But it does beg the question if there's a secret bonus thing that the plans aren't showing?
Click to expand...

Looks like the answer here then was "It doesn't"!
 
I think that this was officially announced today;


Alton Towers Resort unveils world’s-first Bluey coaster at CBeebies Land

The brand-new coaster at CBeebies land is themed on the global TV phenomenon - Bluey
backstage.merlinentertainments.biz backstage.merlinentertainments.biz

“I’m excited to finally announce our new Bluey coaster in CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort - the first Bluey coaster in the world. We can’t wait to welcome Bluey fans and young families from all over the world to the resort. We’re keeping the exact details and launch date under wraps for now but Bluey’s limitless energy is sure to be reflected in our new junior coaster.”

Sabrina de Carvalho, Senior Vice President, UK Attractions at Merlin Entertainments
Click to expand...
 
While the layout is egh, i like this IP. First watched it with my friends kid, then me and GF watched the whole series and thought it was quite good😅

Should be a nice first coaster for the little ones.
 
I still think this coaster is a bit of an odd addition.

If it were smaller and able to have no height restriction, or larger and able to provide something a bit more thrilling for slightly older kids, I could understand the rationale… but as it is, the ride appears to be doing little meaningfully different from Octonauts. Given that a non-coaster tracked ride is going to make way for this and people already argue that Alton lacks non-coasters, I don’t quite get the thought process here.

I’m sure it’ll be very successful, and another coaster is rarely a bad thing, but I think the money could have been better spent on something else here.
 
Matt N said:
I still think this coaster is a bit of an odd addition.

If it were smaller and able to have no height restriction, or larger and able to provide something a bit more thrilling for slightly older kids, I could understand the rationale… but as it is, the ride appears to be doing little meaningfully different from Octonauts. Given that a non-coaster tracked ride is going to make way for this and people already argue that Alton lacks non-coasters, I don’t quite get the thought process here.

I’m sure it’ll be very successful, and another coaster is rarely a bad thing, but I think the money could have been better spent on something else here.
Click to expand...
Think I’ve said something similar before, but I’ll offer up my two cents again.

Octonauts obviously isn’t handling demand. The train is short, it’s not presented to the level of other park attractions, and it’s not even in Cbeebies Land.

Bluey will have more thought and theming put into it, like a family coaster you would find at Alton Towers rather than any other regional park. The train will be longer and it will be located within the land, in closer proximity to plenty of other family attractions. It can also be argued that the layout, while quite large, is also extremely simplistic and mellow, which will not only accommodate tiny children but also reduce any intimidation factor. Plus it’ll be an exciting way to bring a popular IP to the park, and I doubt the average guest would wish for the car ride back over it.

We had this debate in the States a couple summers ago when Dollywood unleashed Big Bear Mountain, which was generally seen as extremely similar to Firechaser Express except done on a larger scale with higher capacity. The answer is that Dollywood was seeing huge demand and growth from families and had outgrown the existing offering (Firechaser). Towers is in a similar boat and I think you will see the benefits of it when it opens as well as positive guest feedback.

You could argue that the money could have gone elsewhere, like more much-needed flats that will probably eventually come or the shelved Project Horizon. Regarding the latter however, Towers already has a well built up collection of thrill attractions, dark rides, and kind of even filler. But really a big ticket, higher capacity, well-themed, all-ages, extremely accessible children’s coaster themed to a red hot IP is a fantastic investment for a park that hasn’t really had one before.

From a marketing perspective this is also a stroke of genius, especially at a time where Merlin is in a precarious position. You’d be surprised how easier it is to market a new coaster rather than an immersive dark ride, it’s just a simpler concept. Families won’t plan a resort visit to try out the new flat rides that can’t be immediately distinguished from the local carnival, but “New Rollercoaster” is more likely to win them over. Especially with that IP attached.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top