Alton Towers

[CusworthRovers]

Just done 2 days there last week with a load of us. Some of those rides are amazing and I've never seen anything like them.

Me, I'm shit scared and I'm the pack horse with all the bags waiting and waiting and waiting. A tad shameful really when all the kids are on Air, Sonic Spinball, Nemesis, Blade, Ripsaw, Thirteen and Rita........and begging or re-assuring Dad that it'll be alright and for me not to be scared.

I did go on Hex though (which is the purpose of this thread). How the hell do they do that. The weirdest feeling ever!!

[keyser_soze]

I'd never been a fan of rides like yourself and went last year. Jumped straight in at the deep end by going on Oblivion and didn't look back. Thought it couldn't get much worse after that!

Thirteen was good if you don't know what's coming. Went on it when it was reasonably new and we had no idea what would happen, pretty average ride until the twist kicks in!

[jonnydog]

I'm pretty sure Hex is done through projections on the surrounding walls, so when the actual bench your sat on swings slowly to a (guess-timated) 35 degree angle, the wall projection rotates quicker and in time so it makes you feel that your actually going quicker and higher.

Take the imaging off the surround and it'd probably be the lamest ride in existence, but because of the effect the images have on your minds perspective, it actually has a great effect. In fact, when we went last time, several of the group said that was the only ride which made them feel sick. I imagine it had a similar effect on them as seasickness.

[DaveDRFC]

I used to be terrified of theme park rides but that all changed last year when I went to Florida. Was at Busch Gardens and just thought, sod it, I might not come here again, might as well have a go! Love them now, went to Thorpe Park in June and that is so much better than Alton Towers these days, the Swarm ride is unreal. Off back to Florida in January and will be doing them all again, Busch Gardens and Islands of Adventure are just amazing when it comes to the big rides.

Just got to remember you're far more likely to die in the car on the way there or back than you are on any of the rides!!

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

I never used to be in to them.  Then I went to work for Disney in Florida and haven't looked back - addicted now, but that happens when you ride on them every day, I'd love to work there again.

[DonnyNoel]

I love it, try to get at least once a year although I took my little lad this time so couldn't go on the "headline" rides. He insisted on going on Hex though, it didn't seem to phase him!

I'd recommend going on a random (dry) day in October and get yourself on the main rides. Air isn't fast or scary but I'd imagine the sensation is as close to flying as you'll get without a rocket man backpack.

[bobjimwilly]

How the hell do they do that. The weirdest feeling ever!!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqISxtDWEAs" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqISxtDWEAs</a>

[ctay]

I went on the first day of the school holidays (great timing - is what dead!). Got on everything, it is a great day out...bit expensive though if you dont have the ticket deals. Love the place.

Hex is strange, a real head messer. The two new ones are ok, 13 not bad and Nemisis subterra which seem to crap the younger people up big time.

Not been to Florida, but would love to try them out.