Justin wrote:Alton has its faults, but I am a firm believer it is actually what you make of each visit. People are quick to complain, but when you take a step back, it is a beautiful park with some great attractions.
I think some areas need work to bring them up to standard, but hopefully TLC will continue to showcase improvements/general maintenance.
My problem with the cutbacks is that it hurts the atmosphere and I love the atmosphere of theme parks almost as much as the rides.
It's especially bad off peak. Too many shuttered/boarded up food/snack outlets, too many long paths that are overly quiet and lacking in atmosphere. Not to mention the "the rides are only open for 6 hours?!?" downer that greets people when they enter.
People who can't take rollercoasters are waiting in areas with closed outlets and rundown arcades for long periods with few options of things they can do to fill the time. No quick flat rides, few nice cafes to sit in etc.