What To Expect When Visiting Alton Towers After Lockdown

No comments

After our visit to the Alton Towers Gardens back in June we couldn't wait to get back to the theme park and ride the coasters. We decided to visit last week after we renewed our Merlin Passes at the Legoland Centre in Manchester. We pre booked our tickets and also booked a night at the Alton Towers hotel. We were keen to visit but also a little anxious how social distancing would work both in the park and hotel. 

After our visit to the Alton Towers Gardens back in June we couldn't wait to get back to the theme park and ride the coasters. We decided to visit last week after we renewed our Merlin Passes at the Legoland Centre in Manchester. We pre booked our tickets and also booked a night at the Alton Towers hotel. We were keen to visit but also a little anxious how social distancing would work both in the park and hotel. 

Entering The Park

The entrance was extremely busy and there were huge queues. The monorail was off so the queues were backing up as people walked from the car parks. 

Temperature and bag checks first and also we were checked with a handheld metal detector scanner too. 

There was no social distancing taking place getting in to the park. Although there are guidelines on the floor as to where you should stand, most people just ignored this and huddled together. 

Towers Street

Towers Street was extremely busy. As everyone is entering the park at the same time it was very overcrowded in places as people were deciding which way to go, heading to guest services or just stopping to take pictures. 

The Rides

We managed quite a few rides so I will tell you about individual rides and how the socially distancing works. The queues were very busy for most rides which you would expect during Summer. There are chevrons in place within the queue lines but again most people just ignored these despite announcements every few minutes from staff reminding guests to socially distance from the guests in front and behind. 

Spinball Whizzer

Each ride seats 4 guests however they will only fill the ride with members from your own party. If you are a 'two' then the seats behind you are left empty. 

There is no single rider queue. 

This ride does not require you to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue was really big for this ride. We heard a family saying they had queued for 1 hour. They will only allow one ride access pass family on at a time so you have to wait for the guests using their passes to finish the ride before you can go on. 

Heave Ho

There are 6 rows on Heave Ho however they are only using the two back rows and one of the middle rows to ensure social distancing takes place on the ride. Only one family can sit per row. You will not be allowed to sit by other guests to fill up a row. 

This ride does not require you to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal.

Marauders Mayhem

This ride runs as it did previously with each barrel being used. 

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal.

Wicker Man

If you have experienced Wicker Man before you will know that just before you reach the ride you are enclosed in a room with other guests and you watch a short video. This has been removed. You are kept outside until it's your turn then you walk straight through the room and on to the ride. 

Every other row is kept free to ensure social distancing from other guests. 

There is no single rider queue.

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal.

The Runaway Mine Train

Every other row is kept free to ensure social distancing from other guests.

This was the only ride we saw being cleaned. They stopped the ride quite frequently and cleaned all the seats and bars. 

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal. They will let up to two ride access pass parties on the ride at any one time. 

Duel

Each cart seats 5 people however if your party is less you will not share a cart with anyone else. 

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

There is no ride access pass / disabled queue for this ride. It has been removed. 

Congo River Rapids

Each boat seats 8 people however if your party is less you will not share a boat with anyone else. 

This ride does not require you to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal however the entrance has moved. It is now down a pathway that is opposite Duel.  

The Blade

The blade has 10 rows available however only half are being used to allow social distancing. 

Both back rows are used as are rows 3 on each side. Another party will fill up one of the middle rows (row 5) on one side.

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal. They will let one ride access pass party on the ride at any one time. 

Nemesis

Every row is being used as normal, however if you have less than 4 in your party then you won't share your row.  

There is no single rider queue.

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal. They will let one ride access pass party on the ride at any one time. 

Galactica

Every row is being used as normal, however if you have less than 4 in your party then you won't share your row.  

There is no single rider queue.

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue has been moved. It is now next to the main entrance. They will let one ride access pass party on the ride at any one time. 

Thirteen

The rows at the back of the Thirteen train are filled with mannequins so are out of use. This is to ensure enough weight is on the train to allow it to go. Depending on party sizes they were only allowing 2-3 parties on at any one time to allow for social distancing. 

There is no single rider queue. 

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal. They will let one ride access pass party on the ride at any one time. 

Rita

Every other row is kept free to ensure social distancing from other guests.

There is no single rider queue. 

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal. They will let one ride access pass party on the ride at any one time. 

Smiler

Every row is being used as normal, however if you have less than 4 in your party then you won't share your row.  

There is no single rider queue.

This ride does require anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask.

The ride access pass / disabled queue runs as normal. Once at the lower staircase you are in with the main queue from this point on. 

Unfortunately we did not go on Hex, Oblivion or Enterprise so I am unable to update on these rides.

Around The Park

There are hand sanitisers everywhere. 

There are keep left / keep right guides for you to follow ensuring you stay on your own side of the path.

Toilets were very clean and every time we went in there was a cleaner in there. If the sinks were in rows of three the middle one was the only one in use. All toilet cubicles were open which wasn't great if you open the door at  the same time as the person next to you. 

The FreeStyle drinks machines were open. I thought they wouldn't be available but it was. There were hand sanitisers close by to clean your hands both before and after.

We had a great few days at Alton Towers although even though we have our passes we still had to pre book our tickets. Pre booking your tickets online before you go guarantees entry and also lets Alton Towers know how many guests to expect. 

********************************************************************************

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

Visit our Out and About section for more days out ideas

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

Read More

Visiting Alton Towers Gardens

No comments

Alton Towers holds very special memories for us. As individuals John, Big J and I have all been separately with friends. As a couple John and I have visited for over 20 years now and John proposed to me during the fireworks. We got Merlin Passes when big J was young and every year we would visit the fireworks and start a Christmas tradition of visiting Santa at his Sleepover at the Alton Towers Hotel. When little J was born we continued with our Merlin Passes and he has now turned out to be the biggest thrill seeker of us all, loving rollercoasters. We visit the Alton Towers Resort at least 6 times a year so not being able to visit this year has been hard. When Alton Towers announced they were going to open the gardens I was eager to visit however I wasn't sure whether it would feel weird especially for the boys not being able to go on the rides. We decided to go anyway for a day out and we all really enjoyed it.

Obviously when you think of Alton Towers you think of a theme park but the gardens are actually quite a big part of the resort. I think we have maybe walked through them less than a handful of times and that was to get from one ride to another if the sky ride was closed, we have never stopped to actually appreciate how beautiful they are.

Here are a few tips and hints to make the most out of your day.

1. The gardens are open daily from 10-4pm and as the theme park is closed the gardens cost £12 per person or £1 if you are a pass holder. You have to book online and they will not accept walk ups.

2. Upon arrival by car you head towards the coach parking / disabled parking area. Someone will be there to show you where to park. When we got there, there where only about 20 cars.

3. Heading towards the main entrance you will see a pop up tent. Here they will take your temperature and check your bag. All staff had masks on.

4. If you are familiar with Alton Towers then the toilets to the right of the entrance are open as are the ones in Mutiny Bay.

5. Once inside you can choose to head straight to the gardens via the 3 entrances or you can head up towards X Sector and the Towers for a stroll. It was so quiet but it was actually lovely to walk around taking nice photographs of the boys next to their favourite rides, Spinball Whizzer and Smiler.

6. You cannot go inside the Towers at this time but you can walk along the front.

7. Once inside the gardens you can choose from 3 routes. There is a map available to download online which will show you a suggested route, an alternative route and an accessible route.

8. Some of the pathways are uneven and some paths have steep steps to get up and down so always check your map for an alternative way if these paths and steps are unsuitable for you.

9. There are 13 points of interest in the gardens including Conservatories, fountains, a swiss cottage and even Stonehenge.

10. You are more than welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens and their are plenty of bins around to dispose your litter.

11. There is a snack shop open just by Mutiny Bay selling hot and cold drinks, ice creams and snacks.

12. In the Mutiny Bay Courtyard there are approx 12-15 picnic benches under cover which is a nice place to enjoy a snack if it is too hot or raining. Just watch out for the hungry birds and ducks!

13. Enjoy

We are actually really happy we went. It was lovely exploring the grounds and not rushing from one place to another. 

********************************************************************************

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

Visit our Out and About section for more days out ideas

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

Read More

Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel

No comments

As a family we have always loved Disney and have visited the parks at least once a year for over 10 years. Over this time we have seen more and more Marvel creeping into the parks and until last year it didn't really interest us until we decided to watch all the Marvel movies in chronological order. We finished with Avengers End Game at the cinema and that night we booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for the Season of The Super Heroes. This week we should have been enjoying a trip to Disneyland Paris celebrating the opening of Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel. Unfortunately due to the closure of the park we haven't been able to visit and also the opening of the new hotel has been postponed. 

We have stayed in Hotel New York a few times and were a little gutted when they said it would be closing for refurbishment and turning into a Marvel hotel, however after seeing images online we can't wait to go.

What Can We Expect?

Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel is located just a 10 minute walk from the entrances to the Disneyland Parks. You can head out of the back entrance of the hotel and within a minute or two you are in Disney Village. Disney Village is home to lots of restaurants including Cafe Mickey,  The Rainforest Cafe, Earl of Sandwich and McDonalds. You will also find lots of Walt Disney Shops and a LEGO Shop. If you would rather take the free shuttle to the Disneyland Parks you can head out the front entrance and catch the shuttle which takes 8 minutes approx.

Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel is the first of its kind at Disneyland Paris offering guests a unique experience. The hotel is the only hotel were you can meet Marvel Super Heroes and admire over 300 pieces of Marvel artwork by more than 50 international artists.

There are a wide selection of rooms available at The Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel ranging from Superior rooms to Empire State Club Rooms and Suites. Choosing a room will depend on how many guests you are travelling with, your budget and also whether you wish to have breakfast at the hotel included. If you are staying room only, breakfast is only available to those staying in the Empire State Club Rooms and Suites.

We have stayed at Disneyland Paris having breakfast at the hotel and also just room only. Personally having breakfast at the hotel always seems the better option for us. It's the perfect way to start the day, plenty of choice on offer for all guests even little fussy eaters and it means when you head to the parks you can just get on with your day.

Staying in the Empire State Club Rooms and Suites does have other benefits such as fast passes.

Dining at The Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel will be a must with two restaurants to choose from.

The Manhattan Restaurant will offer you a fine dining experience with locally sourced homemade dishes and The Downtown Restaurant will offer a range of Chinese, Italian and American favourites. Both restaurants will accept reservations and I can only assume these will be very popular especially if character dining experiences are announced.

What else can we expect from The Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel?

Super Hero Station - you will be able to meet and greet Marvel Super Heroes at the hotel. This will be very popular especially for those who do not visit during the Season of the Super Heroes.

Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre - including a Sauna and Steam Room, 24 hour Metro Health Club and an Outdoor Fitness Park.

There will also be a Marvel Design Studio - your little heroes can unleash their inner creative genius and learn how to be a Marvel comic-book artist. With a bright interior space influenced by the Marvel Animators Ballpen - where the artists draw, ink and colour the comic books - we're sure they'll feel inspired.

Unfortunately I do not know when The Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel will open it's doors but I definitely know it will be worth the wait.

********************************************************************************

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Are you planning a trip to Disneyland Paris soon? Leave us a comment below and let us know what hotel you are staying in. 

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

Read More

The World Of David Walliams at Alton Towers

No comments

It's no secret that we are huge fans of Alton Towers and having a Merlin Pass means we usually visit at least 6 times each year. When we visited at Halloween last year we saw teaser posters for the new area of the park 'The World Of David Walliams'. The books are not stories we are familiar with however we have just watched Gangsta Granny and now little J cannot wait to visit again in Spring. 

The World of David Walliams which is set to be unveiled sometime in Spring will also see a new attraction, Gangsta Granny The Ride.  The new ground-breaking family attraction that brings to life David Walliams’ most popular children’s novel Gangsta Granny.

If you are unfamiliar with the book, Gangsta Granny tells the story of Ben who discovers that his Granny is secretly an international jewel thief. The thrilling new 4D ride experience will see guests join the main characters as they attempt the greatest heist in the history of the world, to steal the Crown Jewels.

Guests will board a Royal Carriage, and set off on a Crown Jewels tour only to be caught up in Ben and Granny’s audacious adventure. The ride will whizz, twist and spin passengers 360° through a series of scenes where they will see, feel, hear and even smell an electrifying and unique re-telling of the Gangsta Granny story. Using state-of-the-art special effects, 3D projection-mapping and animation inspired by the artwork of Tony Ross, guests will descend with Ben and Granny into the sewers, be chased through the streets of London and even come face to face with the Queen, but will the madcap scheme succeed?

As well as the ride a whole area of the theme park will be transformed, inspired by ‘The World of David Walliams’. The themed area will also feature a host of other rides and attractions where guests can

Pick up a crazy bargain in Raj’s Shop

Race on a regal thoroughbred on the Royal Carousel

Giggle with delight on Raj’s Bouncy Bottom Burp

Encounter other surprises and twists along the way

The fun doesn't stop at the theme park, fans of David’s books can also enjoy the ultimate sleepover with an overnight stay in one of four Gangsta Granny themed bedrooms in the Alton Towers Hotel.

At this moment there is no official opening date for The World of David Walliams it is just 'opening in Spring' but as soon as I know I will update.

Will you be visiting Alton Towers this Spring?

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Have you visited? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit.

Visit our Out and About Section for lots of travel posts

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

Read More

Walt Disney World | Hollywood Studios Ride Guide and Spoilers

No comments

Hollywood Studios was very popular with big and little J on our last trip to Walt Disney World and I think we spent more time there overall than any other park. The new addition of Toy Story Land makes Hollywood Studios very popular so have a read of our ride guide and spoilers to make the most of your day.

Echo Lake

Star Tours - The Adventures Continue

Type of Ride - 3D motion simulated ride through space.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - We went on this a few ride a few times and if you are lucky you will be put in a different numbered simulator than the time before so you will have a different 3D adventure. They will choose someone from the spaceship as a rebel spy and pop their photo on the screen which is fun especially if it's you. Unfortunately you won't have time to snap a photo of it though. The shop on the way out has some amazing Star Wars memorabilia so make sure you take some time to have a look.

Min Height - 40"/102cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - No

Toy Story Land

Slinky Dog Dash

Type of Ride - Family friendly rollercoaster with twists, hills and drops. Each row seats 2 comfortably.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Can be fast in places and stops briefly to then whizz off again quickly. Queues for this ride can get very long so fast passes are essential, we noticed that even booking 60 days in advance some days had already allocated all fast passes so make sure you are booking this one as soon as you possibly can.

Min Height - 38"/97cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - Yes

Alien Swirling Saucers

Type of Ride - Spinning ride which weaves in and out with fast turns. Each rocket seats 2 comfortably.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - There are two sets of swirling saucers so the queue seems to move a lot quicker than what is advertised. Again queues can get long, however this one does have availability for fast pass at most times.

Min Height - 32"/81cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - No

Toy Story Mania

Type of Ride - 4D Shooting game. Each vehicle seats 4 comfortably with each rider getting a gun so you can join in with games

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Lots of fun with you competing against everyone in your vehicle to get the best score over 5 different games. If you give it your all your arm will ache afterwards.  The ring toss section is the most valuable with plenty of 1000, 2000 point targets available.  Keep an eye out for the aliens in the top right and left corners as these are worth 5000 points in this section.  In the final section there is a bonus game which requires some shooting speed. The faster you can shoot the higher the points value unlocked.

Min Height - No

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - No

Sunset Boulevard

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Staring Aerosmith

Type of Ride - Fly round on this high speed rollercoaster to the tunes of Aerosmith.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Starts off very quickly. There are several loop the loops and is very dark inside. Keep your head back to start with and smile. The camera is right at the start of the right before the first loop. If you are a music fan make sure to have a look at the framed posters and T-Shirts on the inside of the building just before you go through the doors, some are highly collectable and rare.

Min Height - 48"/122cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - Yes

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Type of Ride - Hop on board the elevator of the Hollywood Hotel.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Sudden ups and drops whilst sat in the elevator. Your bum will lift off the seat and there is nothing to hold on too, which makes it more fun. This one takes both photo and a short video of you on the ride which is a really good idea. You don't need to scan your band or pass as the right will automatically detect you and send the video to your memory maker.

Min Height - 40"/102cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - Yes

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Have you been to Hollywood Studios? What's your favourite ride? Leave us a comment below and let us know.

For more ride guides, hints and tips and spoilers visit our other Walt Disney World posts.

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

Read More

Travel | Five Reasons To Stay At The Alton Towers Resort

No comments

A trip to Alton Towers can be so much fun for all the family but it can also be very exhausting. Even though we don’t don’t live to far away we usually make the most of our visit by booking a night stay at the Resort. Staying the night has lots of benefits but here are our top five reasons why we think you should stay at The Alton Towers Resort.

Read More

Animal Kingdom Ride Guide and Spoilers | Walt Disney World

No comments

Animal Kingdom only has a few rides as it is mainly animals and attractions. If you are planning to visit Animal Kingdom and experience the rides then take a look at our ride guide and spoilers.

Pandora - The World of Avatar

Na'vi River Journey

Type of Ride - Slow moving boat ride along the river. Each boat seats approx 20 people fitting 4 comfortably per row.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Still fairly new so the queue times are extremely long. The effects used on the ride are stunning and the detail both in and around the ride are beautiful. You feel like you are actually in Pandora

Min Height - No

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - No

Avatar Flight of Passage

Type of Ride - Fly on the back of a Banshee through  Pandora. Each ride seats 1.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - This is a 3D/4D experience. 3D glasses are required. You mount the ride like a bike and then are securely fastened around your back and your legs. If you suffer from motion sickness then I would not advise riding. Flight of Passage has long queue times so a fast pass is recommended. I have seen the queue go beyond 200 minutes however I will say it's worth the wait. The effects used on the ride are some of the best we have ever experienced. At times you can actually feel the Banshee breathing and even smell the environment you are in too.

Min Height - 44"/112cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - No

Africa

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Type of Ride - Safari Ride through the African Savanna. Each Jeep sits approx 20 with 4 sitting comfortably per row.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Your safari jeep is driven by a tour guide who will tell you all about the animals along the way and also stops for photo opportunities. The safari is approx 22 minutes long. It is amazing to see so many different animals in a short space of time. If you are wanting to take pictures or video then try to be either at the beginning or the end of the queue in your row. This way you will be able to see clearly out of one one of the sides of the jeep. Its not quite as easy to see past people in the middle of the jeep.

Min Height - No

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - No

Asia

Kali River Rapids

Type of Ride - A wet ride through the jungle rivers on a raft. Each raft can seat 10 people.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - There are lockers free of charge for 2 hours, adjacent to the entrance. Everyone on the ride gets a little wet however depending on where you sit you may get soaked. The raft spins so it is impossible to tell. Gets busy on hot days

Min Height - No

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - No

Expedition Everest - Legend Of The Forbidden Mountain

Type of Ride - A rollercoaster ride through the Himalayan mountains in search of the Yeti. Each row seats 2 comfortably.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - When the train reaches the end of the track midway through the ride take a look to your right and you will see hundreds of bobbles. I'm not sure why but people seem to throw their bobbles there. Parts of the rides involves the train going backwards.  As you go up the lift section take a look to your left for an amazing view of Orlando, you can see for miles and I am always surprised at how flat the land is.

Min Height - 44"/112cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - Yes

Dinoland U.S

Primeval Whirl

Type of Ride - Spinning rollercoaster with lots of dramatic drops and curves. Each capsule seats 4 comfortably.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Reminds me of the old cat and mouse ride were you reach the end of the track and it will dramatically turn the corner making you think you will fall off the edge of the track. Doesn't move too quickly though so still suitable for young riders.

Min Height - 48"/122cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - No

TriceraTop Spin

Type of Ride - Soar above Dinoland U.S.A in this slow moving dinosaur ride. Each dinosaur seats 4 comfortably.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - You can control your dinosaur making him go up or down by using the lever in the front.  From this ride you can see the fairground down below, here you can play games to try and win prizes. We didn't win much this time, winning one small dino teddy.

Min Height - No

Fast Pass + - No

Ride Photo - No

Dinosaur

Type of Ride - Take a prehistoric tour to save a dinosaur from extinction.

Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Dinosaur is a very dark and bumpy ride which can be extremely loud in places as you meet lots of dinosaurs along the way. Although the minimum height for this ride is low it may be too scary for some younger riders.

Min Height - 40"/102cm

Fast Pass + - Yes

Ride Photo - Yes

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Have you visited Animal Kingdom? Leave us a comment and let us know about your visit.

Take a look at our Walt Disney World Posts for more information on visiting the most magical place on Earth

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

Read More