Alton Towers 2016

Looks like Alton Towers just started a teaser website for it's 2016 attraction. Since they mentioned "a new flight", perhaps they might be making some changes to Air, but that's just my guess.

[Paradox]

They are gonna make Air longer so it actually does something

[Coasterkidmwm]

Floorless Oblivion 2016

[mkingy]

Similar posters have gone up around AIR so it's almost definitely related to that - I'll post a scarefest trip report with it included when I get time. I'm sure there were plans for a couple of new theme elements from the planning office. That could mean retheme or extended theme I guess. It, to my understanding, was designed to be the haven away from Nemesis and Forbidden Valley so it would be interesting to see where they might go with that.

Also I'd totally buy into floorless oblivion haha.

[JAMMY]

Yes, there have been approved planning permissions for two new theming features to be added to the plaza and lift hill, with the station also being enclosed with pre-show areas and the queue merge point having a photo op cabin installed. The current rumour going around for the possible retheme is the idea of using virtual reality headsets, similar to MACK's successful trial on Alpenexpress at Europa Park, to simulate a space flight choreographed with the rides motions. Not sure how much truth there is in the rumour, but a suggestion nonetheless.

[herman116]

^The teaser website says: "The future is here..." So it will most likely have to do something with new technology. I think the chance of having a virtual reality headset will be pretty big. I can't think of something else futuristic that they can do on the coaster.

[TheArchitect]

I've heard the same rumours about VR headsets. Seems to be the most plausible option too.

Coasterkidmwm wrote:

Floorless Oblivion 2016

Would be nice idea, but would involve a whole new station for the dropping floor. Oblivions station is up off the ground so it wouldn't be too hard to do, but I think VR would be the Merlin choice.

Wow "The future is here..." somewhat makes me think of a promo of CP Millennium Force! Hopefully Merlin will give "Alton Towers" a bolt from the blue surprise related to a brand new flight experience! The future is riding on (insert your guess) at one famous British park.

I'm getting hyped up!

found this on Towerstimes, there's quite a few things happening at the park soon!
http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/features/f ... elopments/

^ Two new theming elements around "Air" reborn next year - what can we expect from their plans? Can't wait to see the change!

[mkingy]

Got the picture off my camera now!

[Coasterkidmwm]

#BackwardsAir2016Confirmed

^ Or the front row of each car faces forward while the back row (of each) gives a "Yay go backwards!" feeling like Vekoma's Giant Boomerang!

[mkingy]

Teaser video revealed:


Space theme confirmed - further reveal on 12th January!

we already know what it's going to be- a re-launch of air!

^ Wow I'm curious about it.

[mkingy]

AIR confirmed retheme featuring VR headsets!

Alton Towers wrote:

We can finally share the news...In April 2016 we will launch Galactica. The worlds first rollercoaster fully dedicated to virtual reality. Galactica will combine the amazing elements of our flying coaster with a virtual reality journey that sends you soaring into space! Take a look at all of the information here www.galacticatours.com

https://www.galacticatours.com/

[Turbo]

um

[mkingy]

Turbo wrote:

um

[TTD03]

Am I the only one not excited for VR on coasters? When I ride a coaster, I want to see the surrounding area of where that coaster is, not some animated thing that I could do at home....

VR-Coaster. The discounter of fully themed rides.

I wonder how many try to hide those googles in the jacket and pretend, they lost them while riding the coaster.

[gouldy]

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

I predict lots of nausea, lots of broken headsets, lots of "lost" headsets.

Just re-theme the ride itself, no? I can appreciate this idea takes it a bit further than physical themeing on a ride out in the open air could do, but I'm not even a little bit excited for this if I'm honest.

I am far more excited about the new restaurant next to it.

[mkingy]

TTD03 wrote:

Am I the only one not excited for VR on coasters? When I ride a coaster, I want to see the surrounding area of where that coaster is, not some animated thing that I could do at home....

Not alone, although I aim to go into this with no preconceptions my mind is in the same place that yours is.

gouldy wrote:

I predict lots of nausea, lots of broken headsets, lots of "lost" headsets.

I think the movement should be okay as long as it is synced well to the video and the video is of high enough quality (ie. no blurring etc.). I'm lead to believe that its been in testing for quite a while so I should hope it works well.

For me its cautious interest. No doubt after the first time I'll end up riding without the headset but yeah, no preconceptions.

[Paradox]

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Hopefully they give the option to ride without VR cause it could get sickening after some time.

[mkingy]

Paradox wrote:

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Hopefully they give the option to ride without VR cause it could get sickening after some time.

Alton Towers facebook confirmed that you could ride without VR