The rain hit so we headed over to try the Pirates live show. This was not for me - much more aimed at the kids. Main reaction - yes that line made me smile the first time, the 3rd time you say it...not so much.
We popped next door to the aquarium which I loved! Very attractive exhibits and a completely crazy shark in one tank that almost launched himself out in anticipation of feeding time!
The 2nd day was the day of the big hitters on early park entry, so it was Nemesis and Air (both twice) first thing. By now The Smiler wasnt even open and had a 2 hour wait time.
Managed to get on the back row for Air. This ride is hands down the best thing in the Park in my opinion. It still feels fresh with a lot of airtime (pardon the pun) and is a really smooth ride.
I decided to brave it and go to the single rider line of The Smiler. It was posting 100 minute waits, I was timed at 40 mins in the single line. The music....argh the music.... get out of my head!!!
All in all it was a very exhilarating ride, many ups and downs but was very rough, even forcing my head back it still shook me (or marmalised me maybe). I noticed a lot of non-Smilers coming off it while I waited.
I wish I could elaborate but it seemed to whizz by, and I dont think any explanation could do it justice. If you get the chance - just experience it.
Also we had a double run in the Runaway Mine Train (choo choo) which was fun. Duel (shoot em up haunted house) which got stuck so it was time for me to rack up my score (30,000+), also good fun.
Also saw the Ice Age 4D show....for a sit down and rest, but was entertaining for all ages.
Rode Hex, great storyline and build up but I heard a few remarks of 'is that it' afterwards. Very clever ride set up though.
I completely forgot to go onto Nemesis Sub Terra - very annoyed at myself. And Oblivion single rider line was closed at capacity so i left it - have been on it many times before and Sheikra is way better.
The most disappointing thing was the food in the parks - sub par and expensive for what it was.
We ate in the hotels which was much better.
The crowds were vast. I wasnt expecting it as the English schools havent started their summer break.
Can recommend the spa at the hotels for some adult time.
But in the end its what you make it and we had a very nice time!
Whenever I read trip reports from Alton, no one ever mentions the Charlie and The Chocolate Factory ride. Is it still there? Have you, or anyone else on TPI, ever been on it? If so, what's it like?
Ever plan on making it there, let me know!
