Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Alton Towers Hotel

29 replies

hulababy · 07/05/2006 18:28

Anyone been there?

Was considering it as an option for later in the year with DD, age 4, and me and Dh of course.

Is it very expensive?
Is it worth it?
What is it like?

Lots of questions, sorry. Just interested in any experiences you may have.

OP posts:
golds · 07/05/2006 18:32

Ive been and thoroughly enjoyed it, not sure about cost as SIL treated the whole family before she moved abroad.

One thing though, do you and dh enjoy the fast rides and are you happy going on them alone, only I found AT restricting with LO, we had a great time as MIL and a few others wouldn't go on anything fast, so they took care of the kids when we wanted to. You do get priority passes when you stay at the hotel

iota · 07/05/2006 18:33

last time I was at Alton Towers (a few yrs ago) I got the impression that it was more aimed at older children - lots of 'thrill' rides. It may be just my perception though.....

Original poster
hulababy · 07/05/2006 18:34

Yes, me and Dh (me mostly) like the rides and I am definitely happy to ride alone. Dd also adores as many rides as she can get on. We have done Disney already and going to Florida again next month, so okay ride wise. May consider trying to persuade PIls to come with us, although they aren't really keen on rides - or maybe BIL/SIL once their baby is born.

OP posts:
iota · 07/05/2006 18:34

x posts with golds

Original poster
hulababy · 07/05/2006 18:35

I did wonder at the age/height restrictions actually, as often in the Uk I have noticed that they seem to have lower height restrictions than in Disney/Universal.

OP posts:
iota · 07/05/2006 18:35

I think disney has more for the younger child than AT

Original poster
hulababy · 07/05/2006 18:36

That was my concern. DDis currently 103cm so can go on loads in Florida including a fair few roller coasters and "bigger" thrill rides. Don't know if the children's range at AT might be too restictive or tame for her. But then it would only be for a night or so, so maybe okay. Depnds on prices I guess.

OP posts:
iota · 07/05/2006 18:36

I'd like you to go and research it for me Hula as me 'n' dh would like the big rides - not sure about teh ds's who are 6 and 4

Original poster
hulababy · 07/05/2006 18:38

LOL! I'll go and look shall I?! :)

OP posts:
golds · 07/05/2006 18:38

there is a completed childrens section with lots for them to do, there is also a show for them, when I went the Tweenies were there (not sure who now), I do recommed for you, Oblivion, Air and Nemisis, Air is truly fab, have a look on the website, they actually show you the rides.

Me and dh liked it there so much, we went last year for our anniversary, without kids.

Have fun Smile

iota · 07/05/2006 18:40

\link{http://www.alton-towers.co.uk/themepark/guide.asp\AT website}

iota · 07/05/2006 18:41

I've been on Air and Nemisis - deffo not ones for the kids

bottled oblivion Grin

Original poster
hulababy · 07/05/2006 18:43

Got it thanks.

Actually the amount of rides Dd can go on, as over 1m, isn't too bad. only the really big ones mainly. A few she has to be accompanied by an adult as under 1.1m but we would go on with her anyway!

OP posts:
Original poster
hulababy · 07/05/2006 18:43

Can't be as bad as some of those in Florida surely!

OP posts:
iota · 07/05/2006 18:44

I like Space mountain Grin

Northerner · 07/05/2006 18:46

We went last year Hula and took ds who as you know was then 3. Tbh, we wished we had gone with other adults so we could have gon eon some bigger rides. The young kids stuff is all in one area and can be done in about 1 hour, so we got a bit bored tbh.

Hotel is OK, but service crap (but then I'm in the industry and kind of critical!)

Water Park is very good though.

zippitippitoes · 07/05/2006 18:46

more scary/thrill rides than Disney..they don't really do gut wrenching at all do they..but isn't there a good pool outdoor area at Alton Towers hotel

Original poster
hulababy · 07/05/2006 18:49

Used to the big ones at Universal and Seaworld though. And Disney has a new big one at Animal Kingdom this year. Years since I have been to AT though.

OP posts:
Original poster
hulababy · 07/05/2006 19:12

£305 for 1 night midweek Shock towards end of October (half term week I think). How expensive is that?! Could go away for a few days on a cheap flight locally and B&B for around that price!

OP posts:
Laura032004 · 08/05/2006 16:32

We went, and got the VIP package which was quite good. We stayed in a local hotel, which was a lot cheaper than the AT one, and we were quite happy with it.

sharklet · 08/05/2006 19:47

I used to work there, in the Park and in the Hotel. From working on the inside I wasn't particularly impressed and didn't feel it stood up to its high IMHO price tag. This was when it had recently opened though and was some time ago. There seemed to be a lot of themeing taking place and not much else.

If its for tiny kids I'd agree that AT is aimed more at older children. Littlies really are left out and tend to be the bored ones tagging behind.

Original poster
hulababy · 08/05/2006 19:58

Think we are going to forget about going to AT. Not paying that amount for 1 night away. Will probably fly abroad somewhere for a few days in half term instead.

OP posts:
beety · 08/05/2006 19:58

centre parks??

Original poster
hulababy · 08/05/2006 20:11

I always think Centre Parcs is over priced in holidays too. For same money we can get a cheap flight from local airport, B&B and do a city break and exploring break. We will see. Not for ages yet anyway.

OP posts:
poppyseed · 08/05/2006 20:20

Can recommend centre Parcs in Holland - MUCH cheaper and set up for children as only europeans can.....