Alton Towers Resort Winter Update

It’s been an unforgettable 2024 theme park season which has seen the iconic return of Nemesis Reborn, the launch of two brand-new Scarefest attractions, COMPOUND and Amigos in the Afterlife, as well as the introduction of VIP experiences for an unparalleled Alton Towers Resort experience.

This is in addition to investments made into the return of Hex - The Legend of the Towers and a fantabulous CBeebies Land 10^th anniversary, which included revealing a dedicated sensory space and Bluey’s arrival on-Resort!

As we celebrate its conclusion, Alton Towers Resort is looking to the future to announce some changes to its rides and attractions lineup.

Reaching the end of its technical life, the Resort will bid farewell to its current oldest ride, The Blade, with it being retired after 44 years of operation.

Originally joining the Resort alongside The Retro Squad, Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango will also be retired from our ride lineup as we say goodbye to 2024.

Intended to operate throughout the 2021 season, Flavio’s provided joy to many amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, where several attractions were unable to operate at full capacity.

In July 2024, the Alton Towers Dungeon closed to guests and was re-imagined to create a brand new Scarefest attraction, Amigos in the Afterlife. Following the investment into this space to bring more spooktacular fun to families during the event, we can confirm The Alton Towers Dungeon will not return in 2025.

Evaluating our lineup of attractions is an ongoing process that occurs at the end of each theme park season, with continued reinvestment in our world-class rides and attractions always front and centre as we look to deliver fantabulous memories to everyone that visits our Resort.

With the Phalanx having maxed out the potential of its swinging blade, they are committed to bringing a new weapon to Forbidden Valley ready for 2025. You can stay across the intriguing details into their latest technological advancements by signing up here.

Looking Back at The Blade

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane to celebrate the history of the stomach-turning attraction that has thrilled guests for more than 40 years.

Founded back in 1980, The Blade was originally known under the guise of the Pirate Ship. Located in Fantasy World (now known as X-Sector), the ride stood on the former site of Submission before moving to Forbidden Valley as property of the Phalanx, serving as a replacement for Thunder Looper in 1997.

It was at this point the ride was renamed ‘The Blade’, beginning its life as the post-apocalyptic swinging ride and piece of shrapnel flung from Nemesis' pit during excavation by the Phalanx.

Famed for its heady back-seat rides, The Blade’s zero-gravity moments proved a hit with millions of visitors, cutting through the park as an iconic part of Forbidden Valley. It has welcomed an incredible 500,000 riders each year during its lifetime, enthralling riders visiting from across the globe.

This meant around 450 riders every hour, with few brave enough to sit on the back seat twice to experience the classic sensation of floating freely and swinging near-vertical angles.

Making Memories

With The Blade having thrilled guests for more than 40 years, we wanted to speak to some avid theme park fans and colleagues to reminisce about their favourite memories of the ride:

"We have extremely fond memories of The Blade, and always loved getting a large group of us to ride. We would tactically place our group on either end of the ride and partake in ‘Cheering Competitions’ to see which side would be louder, and quite often (to our joy), other guests joined in with us!"
Theme Park Guide, Creator

"I've worked on The Blade for 30 years in all weather conditions and it’s been a joy. I'll be sad to see it go, but it’s time for its retirement."
Mark Hambelton, Mechanical Engineer at Alton Towers Resort

“I remember being in awe of the Pirate Ship when I first set eyes on it in Fantasy World in the 90s.”
Diary of a Rollercoaster Girl, Creator

“I remember riding The Blade with my parents and thinking how big this ride was after riding Squirrel Nutty! It was the only ride my mum would go on, outside of storybook land!”
Beth, Merlin Annual Pass holder

“One of my favourite memories of riding The Blade is sitting on the back rows with friends and family, and seeing who can cheer the loudest as we reach the highest point of the ride.”
Roller Coaster Rachel, Creator

“The Blade has spanned our generations. From Oscar's grandad and Em having fun in the 80s, a 90s A-Level Physics project for Chris, through to our adventures cheering each swing in the 21st century.”
Oscar’s Airtime and family, Merlin Annual Pass holders