Spinball was surely down for re-location, not removal.

"Begining Of The End" wrote:

Sega will want a nice wad for the licencing and title rights.

If it were to end up being Sonic or similar is would be as part of a sponsorship deal (think: Flume & Imperial Leather) not as a licensed property (like Charlie), soo towers would actually be given money for retheme.

A Sonic retheme could work, especially if Sega pay for it.
IF anything happens its not going to be a huge thing just some small new theming, signage and a repaint.

A short term contract would suit Alton Towers and Sega so once the contract ends Spinball can be relocated as outlined in the MTDP.

Alton Towers will get a rethemed ride for free and another bit of marketing ammo to prove that Alton Towers is the place to be in 2010.

"Khanage" wrote:

If it was 1992 then maybe I would believe this but in 2009 when the Sonic franchise has been overrun in recent years with underwhelming releases, I am inclined to take this with a pinch of salt.

I'd say the opposite - Towers are more likely to do it now than when the franchise was at the height of it's power. If they do it now they can get Sega to fund the entire retheme of the ride and possibly even a bit extra, whereas in 1992 I bet they'd have to pay for the rights (and did for Toyland Tours). Unless it somehow manages to lose money for the park, AT can't lose there.

"Big Dave" wrote:

^^ If they plan on sticking a 15ft tall Sonic somewhere then yes more than likely. Also any modifications to the trains would need to be cleared not only by the ride manufacture but also health and safety.

Which wouldn't be published on the internet like planning apps!

How about Sonic('s?) Spinball for the name?

Replace those stupid queue line games with Sega Mega Drives loaded with old Sonic games :lol:

That would be awesome. For anyone who grew up in the 90s, a Sonic theme would, quite simply, kick ass.

"AstroDan" wrote:

That would be awesome. For anyone who grew up in the 90s, a Sonic theme would, quite simply, kick ass.

That it would indeed - But think about it, don't you think a Sonic themed ride would be kind of tacky for Alton. I would hate to think that it would open a door to start changing/putting in rides themed around a real life character such as Sonic. It just wouldn't feel very Alton Towers. Charlie works well as everyone knows the films (the original is the best :D) and they are magical and something from the unknown (All the machines and glass elevator!). Charlie also has a wide appeal from the older adults that have seen the original to the younger kids that have seen the newer one and maybe the original. Sonic is just to much of a wide story and it's hard to theme a good ride story.

Yeah, Sonic games are kick-ass but theming a ride around the blue fellow? No, it just isn't right for Alton in my mind. Spinball Whizzer is a good generic theme that everyone can relate to - keep it to that or bring in another in house idea - not one from an outside character, please Alton.

*Just my opinion.

"Sam!" wrote:

"Big Dave" wrote:

^^ If they plan on sticking a 15ft tall Sonic somewhere then yes more than likely. Also any modifications to the trains would need to be cleared not only by the ride manufacture but also health and safety.

Which wouldn't be published on the internet like planning apps!

How about Sonic('s?) Spinball for the name?

I was talking more about the timeline needed. To get all those changes past H&S would take ages.

If they don't do it by next season couldn't they just wait till next year's off season.
I think it would be good but I also agree with 'Rollercoaster 4 Life' it would be kind of tacky(for AT. Plus what would that mean The Beastie would get rethemed

Spinball is in the 'general development area' so wouldn't require planning, especially if the changes are purely aesthetic. I'd be happy with a retheme - it couldn't be any worse than what we've got now!

"Big Dave""][quote=""Sam!" wrote:

"Big Dave" wrote:

^^ If they plan on sticking a 15ft tall Sonic somewhere then yes more than likely. Also any modifications to the trains would need to be cleared not only by the ride manufacture but also health and safety.

Which wouldn't be published on the internet like planning apps!

How about Sonic('s?) Spinball for the name?

I was talking more about the timeline needed. To get all those changes past H&S would take ages.[/quote]
How do you know they didn't already get it all done weeks ago? Anyway I doubt they'd change the cars, just put new decals on them. Paint the track, do up the station, and add some static theming around and your done. aru makes a very good point that Spinball I think is in the GDA and shouldn't require planning permission for any of the above.

"Rollercoaster 4 Life" wrote:

Charlie works well as everyone knows the films (the original is the best :D) and they are magical and something from the unknown (All the machines and glass elevator!). Charlie also has a wide appeal from the older adults that have seen the original to the younger kids that have seen the newer one and maybe the original.

Neither of which the ride is based on...

While i welcome the idea of a Spinball retheme, and there's no solid proof that it wont happen...Something about it just feels a bit far fetched.
I think this is one i'll just have to watch with an open mind and low expectations :)

Before:


After:

(Photos from TowersNerd.com)

I think Spinball would look pretty nice with a Sonic-y colour scheme.

Each car currently has a generic swirl on the side, this could be replaced by a character. (each car can have a different character)

"Disco Ball" wrote:

this could be replaced by a character. (each car can have a different character)

Or Sonic in Spin Dash form.

"AWTSW90""][quote=""Rollercoaster 4 Life" wrote:

Charlie works well as everyone knows the films (the original is the best :D) and they are magical and something from the unknown (All the machines and glass elevator!). Charlie also has a wide appeal from the older adults that have seen the original to the younger kids that have seen the newer one and maybe the original.

Neither of which the ride is based on...[/quote]

I never said the ride did. I just said as a backbone story - everyone's what the films are like and what is in them and most people before they ride will know about the ending - the glass elevator.

I just don't think that it will fit in at Alton Towers. It's to far from the magic in my eyes.

I think this is a great idea, Sonic is really coming back and next Year will be a big one for SEGA.
Not sure what kind of themeing we could be expecting. Maybe something on the block brake sections, large screens showing the game maybe, riding through giant golden rings?
The grass could be cut into square paterns to look like the games landscape.

Great news if it does go ahead, it shouldn't take too long to put in. Maybe it could be out of operation at the start of the season with a summer opening when the game comes out?

:D :D

Ok, a bit of actual info.

The deal was literally signed about a week ago. As far as I'm aware it will be renamed: Sonic Spinball. No details on what exactly they will do, I imagine new signage, audio and maybe a paint job.

Also as part of the deal will be a new themed hotel room, again not sure which hotel but I imagine Splash.

Expect more news when it's available.

"SonicTheHedgehog" wrote:

Ok, a bit of actual info.

The deal was literally signed about a week ago. As far as I'm aware it will be renamed: Sonic Spinball. No details on what exactly they will do, I imagine new signage, audio and maybe a paint job.

Also as part of the deal will be a new themed hotel room, again not sure which hotel but I imagine Splash.

Expect more news when it's available.

Where did you get this info from?