Will it all go to plan?

Its been a very long year for everyone trying to get through this Pandemic and has been tough on all of us. BUT, it’s finally looking like there’s an end in sight!

Alton Towers are opening on the 12th April 2021 if it all goes to plan. As well as the park opening, you’ll be able to book to stay in the Enchanted Village as it is classed as self contained accommodation and the entrance to each room is outside, so that’s some good news. The gardens are open from the 29th March to 11th April 2021 for local residents only and you MUST pre-book tickets, you can’t buy tickets on the gate.

Opening Spring 2021 – Gangsta Granny the Ride. This was due to open (I believe, I could be wrong!) last year, but was delayed due to COVID. We can’t wait to try this ride out

Just a few tips for your day / few days at towers (especially if you haven’t visited before) – Obviously some of these may not be fully running with the current COVID restrictions, but hopefully will be helpful anyway.

Tickets are currently pre book only, so you can’t just turn up on the day, the park is working at reduced capacity, so they need to do it this way to be able to control numbers.

I know the other parks have gone cashless, so assume Towers have as well, so make sure that you either have Apple Pay (or whatever you have on your phone if it’s not an iPhone) set up on your phone, or you have a bank card to hand.

If you don’t have kids or you have older kids and are able to visit during the week, do so. Even though the park is working at reduced capacity, it’ll still be much quieter during the week when kids are at school.

Parking – you can pre book parking before you go too, we always pay for express parking so we’re parked nearer the entrance and it means we get more time in the park!!

Download the app – this helps to keep an eye on the que times and also has a virtual map to help you plan your way around the park. You can also purchase fast track tickets via the app, so if you have a couple of rides that you really want to do, it’s definitely worth paying for the odd fast track ticket.

The wet rides – either take a spare set of clothes with you to get changed into or take waterproofs with you, this is a must. Make sure you have a little bit of change on you as they do have those drying places you can go into near to the wet rides. Otherwise, keep spare clothes in the car and do the wet rides at the end of the day, then you can get changed in the car so you’re not driving home wet!!

Food wise I contacted Alton Towers directly & this is what they said about the food: All food & drink outlets will be operating under the current Government guidelines at the time of opening. Most of the outlets will operate as takeaway only, with selected restaurants offering outdoor seating. Sadly, the Rollercoaster Restaurant will remain temporarily closed until restaurants with indoor seating is permitted. If staying over night, the hotel will let you know what is happening, but they have done delivery in the past, so again, they may be doing this. However, you can order from local restaurants via Just Eat / Uber Eats as well.

Face masks will be required for everyone aged 11 upwards (although Charlie still likes to wear his)

Merlins Ears says: If you’re staying onsite & travelling with someone eligible for the ride access pass, you can pick it up at the hotel rather than queuing at the desk in the park. They hit Wickerman first as they queue never seems to go down. Best restaurant is Rollercoaster Restaurant and book in advance (currently not opening at the start of the season)

Natalie says: The sky ride from by the dark forest to Towers Street or vice versa is always a lovely ride if you’re spending the whole day there (scarefest or fireworks) just for a break up from all the walking.

Springy Tales says: Make sure you’re one of the first people through the gates of the park opening, head straight to Smiler then go anti-clockwise around the park. Try to make time to explore the gardens if you get a chance as they’re stunning

And FloRichDa Family Vlogs says that they always hit Smiler first as it ‘s usually the longest queue through the day & not the best queue lines as you feel like a caged rat LOL. When walking from Wickerman to the Forbidden valley, use the cut through to the right of Wickerman

Click the image above to book your awesome adventure to Towers