Now, I’m not the biggest coaster enthusiast around but Wicker Man is a fucking cool ride. It’s been open over a year and it’s exactly what Alton Towers needed in their arsenal of coasties. Okay, it’s not the biggest or longest ride around but I could not give less of a shit because it has so much to offer.
The 2018 GCI offers some airtime, a radical pre show, world class Theming and that glorious statue of Big Bob. This is more than any themed ride in the UK. It places at my number 1 spot because it delivers more than just a rollercoaster ride, it delivers a full experience.
Riding for the first time was something special, especially because I was put on the back row. It was truly magical.
Im not shitting on other themed rides because The Smiler and The Swarm are also themed very well but I’m drawn towards the man of wicker for some reason.
It makes me wonder what Merlin has in store for older rides. I mean if Nemesis had a theming upgrade I’m sure the crowds would come back but even though the station still looks good, it’s no longer world class. If it was rebuilt with the quality of Big Bob and with added effects I’m sure enthusiasts would “Jizz in their pants” (please excuse the expression). For example, a smoke machine in the vertical loop pit, smoke cannon on top of the structure which blasts when the train performs the zero G over the station and some sound effects at parts of the ride. The coaster itself is flawless but needs changes.
So does theming make a ride better? What are your thoughts?
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