Alton Towers has officially launched its new ride for 2023, 'The Curse at Alton Manor' - and all I'm saying is prepare to be freaked out.
For those of you into horror films, 'The Curse at Alton Manor' is essentially like stepping inside of one, creepy dolls and all. The new ride was created by Merlin Entertainments creative lead, John Burton, who described the new attraction as a "21st century haunted house."
I, for one, have always been a bit of a wuss when it comes to rollercoasters until the past year or so. After a trip to Alton Towers last year, I decided it was time to stop closing my eyes on every single ride and get a grip.
READ MORE: We tried afternoon tea at M&S Café and there was one big thing we'd change
It was time to be brave, and since then, I have a new found love for rollercoasters. Don't get me wrong, the likes of Oblivion and The Smiler still make my tummy go funny, but I absolutely adore the thrill now.
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with the haunted house backdrop of 'The Curse at Alton Manor', but I was left feeling creeped out - in a good way. Here's how it went.
The backstory
One thing I really liked about this ride was the importance of the backstory. Although a lot of the rides at Alton Towers have some context, The Curse at Alton Manor almost started like a film.
After queuing for a (very) long time, thrill seekers are taken into a room where the story of Emily Alton is explained with some rather impressive special effects. Emily Alton is the daughter of a pair of Victorian high society figures who mysteriously disappeared.
After abandoning their daughter, Emily begins to seek revenge and is said to still haunt Alton Manor to this day. She wants the one thing her parents denied her - the chance to play. Emily wanting to 'play' is a key motif throughout the ride, and in classic horror fashion, of course, Emily has a creepy posh British accent to make it extra scary.
The ride
The Curse at Alton Manor features the old rollercoaster track from Duel, minus the shooting system. Scaredy cats like me will be pleased to know that the ride itself isn't fast, at all.
Instead, it's slow, almost scarily slow, to really add an extra depth of creepiness to the insane special effects. The storyline plays throughout the ride, which is the troubled little girl in the house who has been left alone.
It's clear to see just how much time and effort has gone into the special effects, which make you feel like Emily is right there, talking to you, and asking you to play. A particular stand out moment for me was when the cart passes a selection of mirrors - but I won't ruin the surprise.
The ride is suitable for ages seven and over, although I will say even at the age of 27 I did jump a few times. It's nothing more than a bit of family fun though, and you don't need to worry about anything being too harrowing or nightmare inducing.
The verdict
If I'm being totally honest, I was expecting some sort of kiddie ride that wouldn't really scare me that much, but I was so wrong. Although the ride is slow, it's still really gripping and entertaining.
The absolute best part for me were the special effects, which really were truly incredible. Without giving too much away, there's a lot to unpack in one little ride, and Alton Towers have nailed it.
I'll definitely be going on this ride again when I visit next time, and I'll try not to scream as much - but no promises.
You can book your tickets to Alton Towers here. Find out more about The Curse at Alton Manor here.
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
READ NEXT:
- Beautiful Merseyside beach slammed for its 'cold sea' and being sandy
- Dunelm's 'fresh' and 'soft' £14 duvet set that 'brightens up a room'
- Hollyoaks star and Pussycat Doll shine in The Bodyguard at Liverpool Empire
Seven places to enjoy a fun family day out in and around Southport
Primark shoppers 'obsessed' with 'beautiful' £18 orange midi dress
