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View Full Version : Alton Towers Announces "Battle Galleons"



GeorgeBC
11-07-2007, 03:46 PM
Ships Ahoy!


Alton Towers has revealed multi-million pound plans for a pirates-inspired water ride.

It will see the theme park capitalise on a resurgence of popularity in life on the high seas sparked by the blockbuster Pirates Of The Caribbean movies.

Russell Barnes, divisional director of Alton Towers, said: "I'm delighted to announce that we are currently busy building a fantastic pirate themed land called Mutiny Bay at Alton Towers, which will be unveiled at the start of our 2008 season in March.

"The new land, which will replace the area known as Merrie England, will be home to a great new attraction called Battle Galleons, which we're confident will deliver fantastic fun for families and will be a great addition to the resort.

"Based on the lake, which was once occupied by the Swan Boat Ride, the new water splash attraction will invite guests to climb aboard pirate ships and embark on a mission to drench inferior pirates using water cannons.

"It's guaranteed to be a great family adventure, but guests should be prepared to get very wet aboard Battle Galleons.

"The transformation to Mutiny Bay will also see the firm favourite ride the Teacups developed to become Marauders Mayhem, plus an additional attraction for very young children will also be introduced to the area.

"It's a very exciting time for Alton Towers."

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council planners are studying an application for the new attraction.

Theme park bosses say it will cost several million pounds and will replace the present aquakarts ride and feature eight pirate boats which can carry up to eight passengers.

The boats will travel around the south eastern section of the lake on a track which will be hidden below the water.

The track will lead the boats around the interactive features and visitors will have water cannons which they can fire at targets and other boats.

Guests not using the water ride will also be able to fire water cannons at the boats from a platform.

Mike Green, head of planning at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: "The pre-application discussions have allowed the scheme to develop into a project which has much to commend it."

Alton Towers is due to close for the winter on Sunday.
So a Splash Battle it is, quite looking forward to it, it's a sign of further development into the "family" and "resort" image Alton Towers want, might not be the best thing for thrill seekers but hopefully these developments might bring in a bit more business for more investment in the future into a thrilling major attraction, not that I'm complaining, Splash Battles look like a lot of fun.

The re-theme of Merrie England will be interesting, wondering how they will pull it off and whether they will pull it off well, should be an interesting development even though it's not the highly rumoured 2008 Coaster most enthusiasts wanted, but no doubt this will be a huge queue eater, the general public love water rides.

Construction (http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/history/construction/battlegalleons/bg.htm)

Youhow2
11-15-2007, 07:06 PM
Looks cool... Seems like a nice addition to the park.

Not like I'm gonna be in England anytime soon, but hey...

GeorgeBC
12-26-2007, 05:27 PM
Just a quick update, construction photos can be seen here (http://gallery.towersalmanac.com/thumbnails.php?album=502). Also it's been announced that a Zamperla Rockin Tug named "Heave Ho" will also be installed in the new area.

http://gallery.towersalmanac.com/albums/construction/penzance/photos/07-12-december/23/normal_mutiny_bay_071223_08.jpg

http://gallery.towersalmanac.com/albums/construction/penzance/photos/07-12-december/23/normal_mutiny_bay_071223_01.jpg

www.towersalmanac.com (http://www.towersalmanac.com)

Jake
12-26-2007, 05:29 PM
Those look sweet! I love this type of attraction as it's a great way to beat the heat.

Michael
12-26-2007, 08:04 PM
*orders tickets for Alton Towers* ;)

WOW! These look incredible! Way to go AT! :D

Dan
12-26-2007, 08:37 PM
It looks great, however as the park's weather is so inconsistent, I don't think it was an amazing investment. Who wants to get soaked on a cloudy, somewhat chilly day? Even a rainy day? Still, on sunny days, this thing will be awesome I'm sure. Interactive rides have become hot over the past few years, and AT is keeping up with Battle Galleons.

p0tat0
12-27-2007, 08:50 PM
^haha that's what I was thinking. I would expect this type of ride to be built in a more sunny location.