Does anybody know if the security procedures will be the same as last year? Or a bit more 'permanent' looking? As last year I did experience quite a slow entry into the park as it was taking a while to check everyone's bags, with that said, I'm not sure what else they can do or where they could move it - however, I'd love to see a more efficient way of checking all bags etc... 

Stan.H wrote:

Does anybody know if the security procedures will be the same as last year? Or a bit more 'permanent' looking? As last year I did experience quite a slow entry into the park as it was taking a while to check everyone's bags, with that said, I'm not sure what else they can do or where they could move it - however, I'd love to see a more efficient way of checking all bags etc... 

Unfortunately this is current climate of the world we live in, a short delay getting into a site is a small sacrifice for safety. Just like security in large venues (arena’s/sports venues/etc). I’d like to hope the bag checking is here to stay, from experience I’d also go as far to say the checks aren’t thorough enough. It’s very casual which yes you could argue for a day out you don’t want to feel over run with security but I know it’s possible to deliver high standards of service with thorough checks and with a smile and high customers satisfaction. 
I’d like to see it be a more perminent structure and procedure, all easily implemented, with lanes for bags and those without bags, amongst the other possible procedures they could implement to make it a smoother operation.  

A new picture of the updated entrance courtesy of Theme Park Worldwide.

I really like that. It neatens that side up so much!

Justin wrote:

I really like that. It neatens that side up so much!

Means no short cut at the end of the day though my poor legs!

Honestly, I really do like this new blue and white colour scheme, makes the entrance looks really smart. I'm so glad they didn't just stick a big sign with some promotion on it.

Zach wrote:

Justin wrote:

I really like that. It neatens that side up so much!

Means no short cut at the end of the day though my poor legs!

It was hardly open anyway

We have opening times!! For the first 4 weeks of the season anyway.

10am-5pm on weekends and during the Easter Holidays. 10am-4pm on the off-peak weekdays in March.

No surprises there, to be honest. Hopefully, they'll extend some opening times either on the day or throughout the season.

Maybe they are just trialing these opening times to see how it floats with the public and planning the rest of the season with regards to the theme park.

But hey, we have some closing times!

They have said that they will assess the volume of guests and demand, then based on that look at extending hours on the day.

So what could be 5pm now on opening day could end up being extended if it’s busy and the demand is there.

I work airport security, regards bag search:
Expensive but increases flow - grab an old bag scanner from an airport (there's going to be a few kicking out soon due to DFT requirements)

They had them at an airshow i attended rather impressed with the equipment for a temporary venue... with AT not requiring the same standards at the CAA shouldn't require special training, just the basics. Easy peasy

Alton Towers have had bag x-ray machines & metal detectors in situ on the "family friendly days" (a/k/a the two known Traveller days) in the past.  Alton Towers are pretty lucky in that they have that nice undercover area immediately inside the entrance turnstiles to keep all the equipment dry from the elements.  (Look at the "temporary" tent style structures that the likes of Disney & Universal have had to put up to keep their metal detectors dry).  

Personally, given the current climate re: security, I can see bag x-rays / searches & metal detectors being more and more common at all entertainment venues in the UK.  

Posted on the Merlin Annual Pass Facebook page this morning - Single dates specific for each attraction. 

Passholder Wizards!

 Lookout for an EXCLUSIVE 20% DISCOUNT on your Annual DigiPass! 

The Annual DigiPass unlocks ride and walkabout* photos digitally for the whole year across all our Resort Theme Parks (excl. Warwick Castle), now from only £30pp**!
 
This offer is limited to the following locations when purchased on these dates***:
-        Official LEGOLAND Windsor on the 9th March 2018
-        THORPE PARK Official on the 18th March 2018
-        Chessington World of Adventures Resort on the 10th and 11th March 2018
-        Alton Towers on the 17th March 2018
 
For these days and locations only, a Family DigiPass is priced at £30pp, and an individual DigiPass is priced at £40pp.

Kraken wrote:

Personally, given the current climate re: security, I can see bag x-rays / searches & metal detectors being more and more common at all entertainment venues in the UK.  

Honestly, I can too.
It's not overly difficult to implement, not that steep of a learning curve to train an operator to recognise things + threats on x-ray. It's quicker and you can spot more on an x-ray than a bag search.

Now we know Wickerman will be open on the 17th, I'm planning my visit.  Anyone any idea what time i should get to Alton so I can get in the park on time for ERT with my annual pass? I know the monorail opens at 9am, but I assume there will be a queue. Any experienced first day goers who can offer any advice? I'm sure there must be plenty of you, ha.

If I book a hotel at Alton Towers but don’t get park tickets included with it and bought them seperately, do I still get ERT?

Liam.W wrote:

If I book a hotel at Alton Towers but don’t get park tickets included with it and bought them seperately, do I still get ERT?

I don’t think so. I believe it’s only park tickets booked as part of a short break, so you’d have to book them together to be entitled to ERT.

Depends if you're there on a weekend or weekday. When I've been on a weekday (out of season) the queue for the monorail has been no more than about 15 minutes. I think the car park opens at 0830 (I think) so maybe aim for then, there's a small cafe by the monorail station if you get there early. The walk isn't too bad to be honest, if the queue is looking longer than 15 minutes then walk.

Alton Towers have confirmed on Twitter that Spinball Whizzer will be the only attraction with a Single Rider Queue this season.

This means that the SRQ’s on Oblivion, Th13teen and The Smiler will no longer operate. I have to say I’m quite annoyed by this as, for the most part, the SRQ’s were a great way of increasing your ride count, especially on The Smiler.