Yesterday I turned 52. Normally I will have a theme park trip around my birthday (last year it was Blackpool Pleasure Beach) but this year I have decided to do a few more VIP experiences.
- 8th of May – Nemesis Reborn behind the scenes
- 11th of June – Hex behind the scenes
- 10th of July – Alton Towers VIP day
- 8th of September – Hyperia lift hill climb 🏅
#4 is especially notable as it will be raising my personal climb height record by 7 metres to 72 metres (236 feet).
Number 1 was completed yesterday as I ventured off to the towers with Tom, Rob and Keith. As usually I picked them up at Sainsburys (well two of the guys – Keith made his own way there) and we met at the Corkscrews at half nine.
Heading into the park we had some great rides, although RITA is currently long term unavailable (and possibly permanently unavailable very soon as it’s now an obsolete ride type).
We did manage rides on Smiler, Oblivion, Spinball, Wicker Man, Th13teen, Hex, Toxicator, Nemesis (many times!), Galactica and Runaway Mine Train – big failures were Curse of Alton Manor (closed) and Octonauts (broke down just as we were due to get on).
The skyride is back too, which is a boon for saving my feet!
As the end of the day approached we headed back down to Nemesis Reborn for my big event! Finally getting to go behind the scenes on this absolutely iconic ride. The only ride in the park I can honestly say I have a huge collection of merch and collectibles from (including two of the bolts from it’s previous incarnation).
Thus began the experience – and after dealing with the relevant disclaimers and legal stuff we were taken into the station, split into two groups, with our group doing the station, cabin and brake run first before heading up the lift hill to see the view from the top. Don’t worry, it’s not high! Nemesis is cut into the ground very heavily due to the planning regulations in the area and so most of the ride is very “terrain hugging” which is why it is so iconic – loads of terrain close passes.
My lovely followers can see more photos below. Why not join me in the Loonyverse? It’s free after all!
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