The History of Secret Weapon 8: Wicker Man - A Coaster of Fire & Wood | Expedition Alton Towers

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  • čas přidán 14. 11. 2020
  • Join us as we head back to Expedition Alton Towers and look at the history, creation and story of Secret Weapon 8 - Wicker Man. The first wooden rollercoaster in the UK for over 20 years. Replacing the closed Flume Log Flume at the Park. Wicker Man is one of the world's best themed rollercoasters in the United Kingdom.
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    Special thanks to
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    John Wardley www.john-wardley.co.uk/ A must read is his book Creating My Own Nemesis. www.amazon.co.uk/Creating-own...
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    Lightning Bolt - • The American Adventure...
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    Coaster World - • Wicker Man Pre Show - ...
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Komentáře • 1,2K

  • @ExpeditionThemePark
    @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +340

    What would you like to see for Secret Weapon 9?

    • @doopy6123
      @doopy6123 Před 3 lety +16

      I honestly don’t know

    • @CoasterXtra
      @CoasterXtra Před 3 lety +45

      An Intamin Blitz would be cool, but I feel like that's not coming :(

    • @lewis2524
      @lewis2524 Před 3 lety +23

      Intamin Blitz that interacts with the terrain.

    • @sxg0017
      @sxg0017 Před 3 lety +23

      I think you can just do a Prediction. i think SW9 is gonna be BIIIG

    • @MrCollerRoaster
      @MrCollerRoaster Před 3 lety +27

      An S&S axis coaster or Mack extreme spinner

  • @louckykoneko
    @louckykoneko Před 3 lety +723

    "they are not marketable" says Alton Towers, which can market and theme literally everything

  • @Beeimus
    @Beeimus Před 3 lety +692

    Just about all the coasters at Alton Towers have such ominous themes to them. May as well make the whole park a psychological horror themed.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +48

      Yrssss

    • @Oodelally
      @Oodelally Před 3 lety +38

      Air was marketed more as a “hero”, does Galactica still count as a “hero” ride rather than a “villain” (i.e. Nemesis is marketed as a villain).

    • @melisaxo1199
      @melisaxo1199 Před 3 lety +26

      I would LOVE this! I loved the horror of nemesis sub terror.. i love the creepyness of nemesis.. 13 is terrifying and i never thought id be scared of a tree but HEX did that! They do horror so well!

    • @chanel113
      @chanel113 Před rokem +16

      Yea this would never fly in America. Everyone is too offended by things like this

    • @georgebarker1599
      @georgebarker1599 Před rokem +2

      What about galactica

  • @DBTGAMER
    @DBTGAMER Před 3 lety +633

    In the final tunnel they should have included a giant creepy yellow duck.
    Something you would never expect. Also a nice memorial to the log flume ride. 🤔

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +66

      That would of been amazing ha

    • @OliverChannelURL
      @OliverChannelURL Před 3 lety +15

      Maybe don’t make it so obvious but just hide it somewhere

    • @thomaszinser8714
      @thomaszinser8714 Před 3 lety +29

      Nah, hopefully they save the giant yellow ducks to be the central theme for SW9.

    • @snocelot4lyfe
      @snocelot4lyfe Před 3 lety +20

      That duck made me shit bricks the first time I went on that ride, I straight up jumped like a foot in the air 😂😂😂

    • @sandy_carpetsthesecond5013
      @sandy_carpetsthesecond5013 Před 3 lety +11

      @@snocelot4lyfe LMAOOO saaaame. I was a kid when I first rode it, I burst out into tears when I heard the loud ass quack. Since then I've just never got over my fear of the ride-

  • @craft7185
    @craft7185 Před 3 lety +475

    wickerman: the first ride to combine wood, fire, and most importantly
    *bees.*

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +46

      Beeeeeees

    • @abv4718
      @abv4718 Před 3 lety +27

      NO NO NO NOT THE BEES !!

    • @LeganArabach
      @LeganArabach Před 3 lety +13

      Certainly the wood and fire, but not the bees. That honor goes to the Comet at Hershey park. There is a hive that's been in the coaster for years. Every time you ride it, you'll likely hit a bee or two going around the first turn after the first hill.

    • @laurenwarner3531
      @laurenwarner3531 Před 3 lety +1

      What do you mean by 🐝

    • @snailbulldogandmorefriends7405
      @snailbulldogandmorefriends7405 Před 3 lety +3

      How’d it get burnt?
      NOT THE BEES
      tHe CrOwN mUsT dIe

  • @clock4143
    @clock4143 Před 3 lety +619

    This may be controversial, but Alton got the wicker man marketing right. What an expedition!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +45

      Agreed!

    • @brodiechewstuna9663
      @brodiechewstuna9663 Před 3 lety +63

      True they need to go back to scary instead of child friendly because it was more popular when it was scary

    • @elllyth6054
      @elllyth6054 Před 3 lety +12

      I completely agree! The pre-show was suited so well to the marketing!

    • @Todd21212
      @Todd21212 Před 3 lety +1

      I agree with you on that.

    • @dennismartin5821
      @dennismartin5821 Před 3 lety

      Yeah, it worked on me. Looks cool, I'd like to give it a try.

  • @jackmarshallD9525
    @jackmarshallD9525 Před 3 lety +219

    During Scarefest, when its gone truly dark and the wind is right, the level of immersion on this ride is glorious.

  • @RolyWestYT
    @RolyWestYT Před 3 lety +342

    So I was one of those people when I first heard about this who said “oh wooden coaster? Yawn” I was wrong! It’s my second favourite in the park! 🥰

  • @welcometomylives
    @welcometomylives Před 3 lety +772

    Seriously Alton Towers.
    You clearly don't want to be a theme park.
    Just make that horror movie you've been wanting to make.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +83

      That would be awesome

    • @Oodelally
      @Oodelally Před 3 lety +52

      Alton: Terror at the towers

    • @lpsftw8572
      @lpsftw8572 Před 3 lety +47

      They defiinetly could if they tried. The smiler's theme of a dystopia society would be an amazing psychological horror film. The wickerman would be a beast of a fantasy film.

    • @soysaucegalaxy
      @soysaucegalaxy Před 3 lety

      You shod go it change you

    • @deejasart7766
      @deejasart7766 Před 3 lety +12

      COME ON SMILER HORROR MOVIE

  • @MagicKillerClub
    @MagicKillerClub Před 3 lety +74

    It's my favourite ride at the park. Not the most thrilling, but it's the best all-round experience. I just can't wait for the trees and woodland to engulf the ride as it gets older!

  • @Onoitsbroko
    @Onoitsbroko Před 3 lety +83

    Out of all of the coaster and amusement park channels, you provide the most entertaining documentary style videos by far.
    You deserve waaaay more subscribers than you have. Every video is incredible!

  • @electrohalo8798
    @electrohalo8798 Před 3 lety +146

    Guess you could say that it was a sure FIRE succes

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +19

      dang i wish i wrote that

    • @Randomperson-zt3il
      @Randomperson-zt3il Před 3 lety

      It is a FIRE success anyway. One of my favs but I rarely ride it because of Smiler and all of that

    • @dragonie
      @dragonie Před 3 lety

      Why did you do this to me

    • @user-gg1yh9qu5q
      @user-gg1yh9qu5q Před 3 lety

      Unfortunately, my internet was down all day yesterday so I wasn't able to upload today's content. Fahrenheit review will be released tomorrow. 👍

  • @jtfgamer8832
    @jtfgamer8832 Před 3 lety +160

    The next expedition might be “The unbuilt rides of Alton towers.” However you might want to look into the deep history of Knobles, a once coal mine turned into the biggest free admission park in America.

  • @xPartyHeartyx
    @xPartyHeartyx Před 2 lety +39

    Literally obsessed with that clip of the person riding 13 and screaming. I want to have that replay on repeat in my mind.

    • @jkniight
      @jkniight Před rokem +6

      Pretty sure that was part of a BBC News show when Thirteen first opened, so they went and did a story about it.

    • @theexchipmunk
      @theexchipmunk Před rokem +4

      @@jkniight This channel also never forgets to add it if Alton Towers is mentioned in any way.

  • @mistamemewide
    @mistamemewide Před 2 lety +79

    Honestly, Alton Towers should straight up make more horror themed rides.
    When they land, they land hard.

    • @a_09.7
      @a_09.7 Před rokem +3

      On a side note they do need a better line up of flat rides like the ones at Thorpe park

  • @paigex4x
    @paigex4x Před 3 lety +44

    I've only been on Wickerman once but it doesn't disappoint, especially at the end of the day; it really whips you around the track! Definitely worth the 90minute wait!

  • @XIIIthProductions
    @XIIIthProductions Před 3 lety +46

    I was actually there on the original opening date when the weather was just too bad for most of the park to operate. AT hired all these actors who tried to guide us to the Wickerman, despite it being very closed. Such a surreal day, but we got our entry tickets refunded!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +3

      what a unique experience!

    • @awood667
      @awood667 Před 3 lety +1

      I was there when wickerman was about 3 days old i had to wait 4 hours just cuz it was new and it would break down alot

  • @TheGuvzilla
    @TheGuvzilla Před 3 lety +56

    I think this shows you don't need to be the first of a kind or the biggest or the fastest. It needs to be good and well themed. Reputation draws in the guests.

  • @charliefidelia
    @charliefidelia Před 3 lety +24

    This ride is insane at night! The steam limits your vision so all you see is ‘smoke and fire’ and makes it appear so much faster. Definitely worth a visit during Scarefest!

  • @tattie.b8594
    @tattie.b8594 Před 3 lety +28

    I think a big improvement to the ride would be to have an unload bay in the tunnel section at the end. As:
    1) the tunnel is pointless
    2) it would increase capacity
    3) it would make it more immersive -
    As then it would seem like you don’t escape as you wouldn’t see people unload off of the ride
    It wouldn’t matter with bags as they are stored before the ride anyways, I just think it would make the experience better

    • @RALLYxREP
      @RALLYxREP Před 2 lety +6

      Love that idea .......like the current riders have been sacrificed, the train rolls into loading bay empty!!!! Brilliant.

    • @Whencowsmelt1
      @Whencowsmelt1 Před 2 lety +7

      I feel like that would add so much into the ride!!! There's definitely room for them to do this in the tunnel rather than sitting and waiting in the dark like you have to. I went on the wicker man when I was an adult yet was still very scared, i feel like if i saw the trains coming back in empty it would have made me wet myself or something lol 😂

    • @andreaofficer6709
      @andreaofficer6709 Před měsícem

      I thought the same thing when I first rode it. It would suit the story so much more as you as a rider are meant to be sacrificed and empty trains returning would perfectly add to the tension

  • @BBROPHOTO
    @BBROPHOTO Před 10 měsíci +4

    I'm so glad theme parks are actually bringing back the THEME in the name. Soooo many rides (USA is crazy guilty of this as a whole) that have basically 0 theming outside of some paint. FLY / F.L.Y sets the benchmark which has incredible theming - I just so wish more places would go or that as it really adds such an experience of being in another world, vs a rollercoaster amongst a carpark.

  • @pencil7314
    @pencil7314 Před 3 lety +156

    I love the marketing for Wicker man, but I have to say, 'the first rollercoaster to mix wood and fire' is an absolutely hilarious idea. Join us next year when we create the first rollercoaster to combine water and electricity! Or maybe they could add real gunpowder to the spinning barrels. Who knows what disasters Merlin's hunger for gimmicks will cause. xD

    • @lucasm7177
      @lucasm7177 Před 2 lety +6

      Seriously after the accident on smiler, seems pretty ballsy to mix fire with an attraction made of wood. Just seems like an accident waiting to happen.

    • @liamcollinson5695
      @liamcollinson5695 Před 2 lety +16

      Big Bob is actually made out of metal so the fire isn't a problem

    • @Simply.Kama1
      @Simply.Kama1 Před 2 lety +10

      Ok- it does sound funny, but the fire is very small most of it is just special effects so don’t knock it till you try it- it’s my favourite ride!

    • @Upsetkiller456
      @Upsetkiller456 Před rokem +12

      The smiler wasn’t even the fault of the ride. Virtually all modern coaster accidents aren’t the rides, these things are designed down to the millimeter with safety in mind. It’s human error

    • @mekhakreature
      @mekhakreature Před rokem

      It sounds dramatic, but yup, that's just how they chose to market the gimmick. If they were saying it straight, it'd be "family thrill level wooden coaster with a lot of water mist, a big ol' statue, some neat lights, and metal and cement that we made look like wood that does a cool little fire trick!"

  • @GarryWilliams555
    @GarryWilliams555 Před 3 lety +84

    They didn't want what could have been one of the world's best coasters because it didn't break any records? This is Merlin's problem. Theyre more interested in breaking records than making good rides, although Wicker Man is cool.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +6

      thinga are changing!

    • @fatcontrole1
      @fatcontrole1 Před 3 lety +10

      Good rides attract enthusiasts....
      World first rides attract the media and regular tourists

    • @GarryWilliams555
      @GarryWilliams555 Před 3 lety +4

      @@fatcontrole1 it's a pity because world firsts are rarely memorable or great rides.

    • @TylerPlays-ec5cc
      @TylerPlays-ec5cc Před 3 lety +6

      Nemesis and wicker man aren’t record breaking and they are some of the most popular rides there!

  • @ChristopherSadlowski
    @ChristopherSadlowski Před 2 lety +12

    I'll give Alton Towers this, they really aren't afraid to do some truly odd things. Who would have ever thought The Wicker Man would make good theming for a roller coaster? Even their advertising is really well done. It just goes to show that playing it safe and designing by committee all the time doesn't always pay off, and constantly chasing "market trends" leads everyone all having the same stuff. Do I want to ride a roller coaster through a dead alien or a wicker man? Yes, I do, because no one else has that for me to do!

  • @G_Force-cx2mr
    @G_Force-cx2mr Před 3 lety +156

    Alton CEO: so what should we theme our new family coaster
    Producer: so picture this
    *snoorts coke*
    Producer: WE tHeME It To a CUlt BurniNG PEoplE alIvE
    Alton CEO: Perfect! The little kids will Love It!

    • @til2896
      @til2896 Před 3 lety +17

      Accurate. I was eleven-ish when it came to Alton Towers and went on like the second day it was open. After queuing for more than four hours, I started sobbing in the pre-show because I didn’t want to be sacrificed.

    • @lucifer9203
      @lucifer9203 Před 3 lety +1

      @@til2896 i remember the last time i went to alton was while it was being built, my grandad said he loved the wicker man movie so he'd go on it with me, legend has it, after watching this, he doesn't want to lol

    • @thefloofball260
      @thefloofball260 Před 2 lety

      @@lucifer9203 guess they didn't learn their lesson from th13teen huh?

    • @mikemahoneygaming5754
      @mikemahoneygaming5754 Před 2 lety +1

      Thirteen is a family coaster to be fair

    • @thefloofball260
      @thefloofball260 Před 2 lety

      @@mikemahoneygaming5754 yes but the marketing for thirteen was backwards

  • @shaggydog9789
    @shaggydog9789 Před 2 lety +11

    13:29 The 2017 Scarefest event featured a scary group living in the village of Alton that are angered by anyone planning to build a ride above the tree line and will chase them down with flaming letters to the council protesting against any developments.

  • @rich_edwards79
    @rich_edwards79 Před 3 lety +129

    What AT occasionally lacks in thrills it more than makes up for in theming. It's the only UK park that really seems to make an effort and because it doesn't have the conservative Christian lobby as in the US, it can really play around with dark / sinister / occult themes that wouldn't be considered suitable for a 'family' attraction elsewhere, but which really fit the setting with the huge ruined Gothic mansion at the centre. For me, a big part of what makes AT unique in the UK and maybe even the world, is the wooded / valley setting, especially in October and November when the leaves are turning, so much as I love John Wardley's earlier creations, I'm relieved that he didn't get his way with running a coaster through the gardens, as that would have spoiled their slightly creepy ambience for me.

    • @Croz89
      @Croz89 Před 3 lety +15

      The problem that AT has is that while it does make rides with great theming, it doesn't always maintain it very well and it can look quite broken and shabby after a few years (look at how many theming elements on the Smiler are broken). To be fair, it doesn't have the budget of places like Disneyland to keep all of it in tip top condition at all times, plus the North West weather doesn't help. Since wicker man pretty much relies on its theming to sell itself, here's hoping they spend more on keeping it looking good.

    • @robinfalkner-wedge824
      @robinfalkner-wedge824 Před 3 lety +9

      the UK also can't build any of the enormous coasters you get in the states since we lack the space- and the moment people can see it from their gardens they start complaining, so all of the coasters have to be fit in to a quite small space, encouraging parks to focus on things besides just the thrill factor.
      At least, I think all that is the case.

    • @thingimabob0
      @thingimabob0 Před rokem

      isn’t lightwater valley also in a wooded/valley setting?

    • @Alex-cw3rz
      @Alex-cw3rz Před rokem +1

      @@robinfalkner-wedge824 well Blackpool Pleasure Beach used to have the tallest and Ultimate wad the longest

    • @kimberleysmith818
      @kimberleysmith818 Před rokem

      There is definitely something to be said for the location. I’m from up that way and the countryside is gorgeous and the wooded areas add to the atmosphere.

  • @LillieBeeXD
    @LillieBeeXD Před 3 lety +15

    That Wicker Man Nic Cage bit was actually really funny, great editing for that!

  • @TheTuber81
    @TheTuber81 Před 3 lety +15

    Totally agree with your review of Wickerman. Everything is just right except the tunnel at the end. Think they could have put in more smoke, fire lighting and maybe some muffled screams etc to end it. Sort from that one of the best original themed coasters I’ve ever been on.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety

      right!

    • @sarahh1145
      @sarahh1145 Před rokem +2

      I was sat there thinking what's going to happen? I was expecting a big drop into steam or something... But nothing. I agree they could definitely add something to the end.

  • @tomtaymccoll
    @tomtaymccoll Před 3 lety +19

    You just haaddd to put the clip of the reporter screaming on Thirteen 😂. Every time!

  • @Kabaladamawomasp
    @Kabaladamawomasp Před 3 lety +8

    I had the joy of riding Wickerman this year. Not ridden many woodies but my god is this one of the most intense and forceful rides ive ever been on, absolutely brilliant!

  • @randomuser238
    @randomuser238 Před 3 lety +12

    My SW9 concept:
    Name: Biohazard
    Model: S&S axis
    Area: X-sector
    Ride to replace: spinball whizzer
    Theme: in a lab accident, the toxic gases from the ministry of joy have spread into the outside world. Causing any that inhale it to go insane. You, the rider, must escape the area and stay alive doing it.

    • @champagne_papiiii
      @champagne_papiiii Před 2 lety +1

      I LOVE THIS! Although, they don’t want the MOJ, they could have brought it back for the 3rd time, but a RMC would fit a lil better, but yeah, great idea!

    • @lichkinggamer5708
      @lichkinggamer5708 Před 2 měsíci +1

      WE ARE NOT GETTING RID OF SPINBALL

  • @eurovision50
    @eurovision50 Před 3 lety +14

    I'd really love for the next secret weapon to feel less cramped. Both The Smiler and Wicker Man are very tightly packed. It'd be nice to have a SW where you feel more out in the open or isolated in the woods. The original wooden roller coaster plan would have been amazing...
    Although before they invest money in another SW, I'd really rather that they round out the park with at least 5 or 6 decent flat rides and ideally another dark ride.

  • @that_girl_roo
    @that_girl_roo Před 11 měsíci +4

    I’m just gonna come right out and say it. NO ONE does theming and stories like Alton. The storyline and general lead up to this ride was absolutely insane! Same with the smiler! Let’s just have a round of applause for Alton’s storyboarding team. Because they do their work fabulously.

  • @avaubertowski3567
    @avaubertowski3567 Před 3 lety +8

    honestly the final tunnel actually scared me the first time i went on cause i thought there was going to be a sudden drop and a big puff of smoke was sprayed right into my face.
    the final tunnel is everything thirteen wanted to be lmao in my opinion

  • @eoj8371
    @eoj8371 Před 3 lety +14

    I think the first two drops are perfectly thrilling as they are, and I wouldn’t say there’s a full section at the end either! But I trust John Wardley so it’s a shame his design didn’t come to light.
    It would’ve also been interesting to know what the second theming structure would be

  • @fil1163
    @fil1163 Před 3 lety +14

    First went on this in September, wasn't sure if it would be any good, but DAMN it shot right into my top 10 coasters I've ridden, and I've ridden a LOT.

  • @Jarnsaxxxa
    @Jarnsaxxxa Před 3 lety +5

    The promo they did for the launch of Wicker Man, where if you bought a regular ticket you got free season pass, was amazing. We didn't even care that there was a new ride, but this ended up being one of our favourites.

  • @alyfan1
    @alyfan1 Před 3 lety +9

    Watching these videos about alton ive come to one realization.... Alton just needs to theme the ENTIRE PARK around horror seeing as most their best rides already have that theme.
    They could theme it as the entire park is an experiment in fear. lol.

  • @Gabes1321
    @Gabes1321 Před 3 lety +61

    Merlin with all these ‘worlds first’

  • @katieblakemore3821
    @katieblakemore3821 Před 3 lety +5

    They offer the Alton Towers Monopoly in the shop at the end of the ride. With of course Wickerman being the main attraction. This ride got everything right with submersion and theming

  • @XboxgeorgebeanRollercoasters

    Why do I feel like this video is gonna be on trending?

  • @mspaigee
    @mspaigee Před 3 lety +6

    i am obsessed with the way you say "theming"

  • @thrillverse
    @thrillverse Před 3 lety +9

    The screens in the structure were removed this year and updated. Now the lights go up the structure everytime the train passes through it. In my opinion the new lighting is much better than the screens

  • @Foxstar1387
    @Foxstar1387 Před 3 lety +16

    I find it to be a good solid ride. The station and the pre-show are some of the more atmospheric parts. mostly down to the sounds the smell pods and the lights. Love the trains but at times the ankle protectors do just ping you a touch. BIG BOB. Kills it and is a great focal point to the lot. After riding it a good 10 or so times this year. I have noticed that there is the starts of a jitter on the turn arounds and on some of the curves. for a family coaster its on the upper edge as it does pop afew moments of airtime and gives a decent buzz. the ending is a bit of a meh. even abit of projector work in the tunnel could have been nice. I am not a fan of the cattle pens in the heat though. ( June 2019 ) had a rather still hot day. theres a lot of open space that lets the heat soak to built.

  • @hannaholson4999
    @hannaholson4999 Před 3 lety +132

    If I had a nickel for every time they built a roller coaster inspired by a Nicholas Cage movie, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. Right?

  • @storebrandchocopops8041
    @storebrandchocopops8041 Před 3 lety +6

    Was really looking forward to this episode and it didn't disappoint! I was lucky enough to have my first go on Wicker Man at night with all the smoke and fire going and it was an amazing experience, makes me want more heavily themed coasters in the UK.

  • @olliemoonalt
    @olliemoonalt Před 3 lety +9

    i was watching a documetary on alton towers yesterday lol , and i really wanted to know about wickerman , so this is perfect

  • @halfaworldaway
    @halfaworldaway Před 3 lety +4

    Went on this for the first time a few months ago.
    I was whelmed. It's really the phenomenal theming that makes it.

  • @apsims12
    @apsims12 Před 3 lety +3

    Out of all the coasters I've ridden in the UK, Wicker Man is sat in the top 2, equally trading blows with The Smiler, it feels faster than 41mph when you hit a lot of those corners. What makes WM come out on top for me is the theming. I don't think I've come across such great theming within the UK for a long time; it's on par with the likes of Disney and Universal, a HUGE step up from what are usually pretty bland (in terms of theming) parks. I hope that we continue to get this level of theming from Merlin/Lego (as the owners now) in all their parks. I dream of the day that I could go into one of their parks and forget that I'm in a UK park.

  • @TheCarpet-
    @TheCarpet- Před rokem +3

    Alton towers makes some pretty cool backstories for their rides, especially the smiler, that ones creepy

  • @maddox471
    @maddox471 Před 2 lety +1

    The horror themes of Alton towers secret weapons are brilliant and the reason I love the park so much
    Using scarefest to advertise them and giving you a sense of dread before riding is what makes a good ride

  • @randombeans
    @randombeans Před 3 lety +38

    ATR: Alright, turn fire spreads off

  • @andreworders7305
    @andreworders7305 Před 3 lety +17

    A scarier ride then the secret weapon where that was the selling point, lol

  • @maiziemakes
    @maiziemakes Před 2 měsíci

    Wickerman is genuinely such an underrated ride. As a wooden coaster, you don't expect sudden acceleration and speed and is a real adrenaline kick. I'd suggest sitting as far back as you can get because the pull you get through that first tunnel is crazy

  • @l3wismoreman9227
    @l3wismoreman9227 Před 3 lety

    I went on it a number of times and it still is my favourite ride in Alton Towers

  • @dansaikyo6664
    @dansaikyo6664 Před 3 lety +5

    I bee-lieve that this may be my most bee-loved of your bee-deos.

  • @CoasterChallYT
    @CoasterChallYT Před 3 lety +4

    Tbh I have a few predictions:
    Location -
    This is the toughest part because on the one hand, if they are removing a ride or rides for it, then Rita is immediately brought in the conversation for its removal and replacement, but I think because it still brings in queues on busy days, it'll stay. If The Blade could get relocated, I'd like to see a coaster take over Sub Terra, Blade and Ripsaw's sites and make an outstretched coaster near the entrance to Nemesis with an element like a zero g stall over the Nemesis gun theming. "Galactica's car park" (as it is known) is another popular location, as it is rarely used and could be a key area of development. I think that the car park behind Galactica will be a space themed area or a space themed hotel site and Rita will stay. I reckon the outstretched site in Forbidden Valley, stretching from Blade and Ripsaw's sites to Sub Terra will be the site.
    Type Of Ride:
    I reckon an S&S Axis Coaster or they'll work with Intamin on a brand new multi launch shuttle coaster with a world's first or world's only element on that type of coaster.

  • @LorewithouttheE
    @LorewithouttheE Před rokem +1

    man, the theme music for this ride played at several points throughout this vid is SO good, like where's the track i can buy lol (not the hall of the mountain king, the more celtic-sounding one)

  • @MRdeviousdale
    @MRdeviousdale Před 2 měsíci

    The turns on this coaster are a lot of fun and is one of the most enjoyable parts of the ride.

  • @JamesMusicCovers
    @JamesMusicCovers Před 3 lety +4

    I’ve been looking forward to this for ages. Can’t wait to watch it

  • @scrambled5948
    @scrambled5948 Před 3 lety +21

    Not the bees!

  • @bellaboo666
    @bellaboo666 Před 3 lety +2

    I LOVE Alton Towers' scary elaborate themes, they do so well. I'd love to see what they have in store for SW9, and i hope to go to Alton Towers some day.

  • @C0ZMIK5K1TTL35
    @C0ZMIK5K1TTL35 Před 2 lety +2

    Coming back to this it would be such a cool storyline to have the Sanctuary actually make a community of marmalized stepford like people and it would be a battle of ideals between the Marmalized and the Chosen. Have the coasters stories interact with one another!!

  • @WinnerWinnerTurkeyDinner
    @WinnerWinnerTurkeyDinner Před 3 lety +4

    I have waited so long for this video I love this series so much

  • @beamrr659
    @beamrr659 Před 3 lety +3

    underrated layout the pops of ejector and lats are no joke

  • @nintandrew13
    @nintandrew13 Před 3 lety +1

    Really enjoy the humor and info in these videos. Thanks for posting them!

  • @theweakestlink2278
    @theweakestlink2278 Před 2 lety +1

    The theming on wickerman is top notch! The fire effects look amazing at night.

  • @JCs_-
    @JCs_- Před 2 lety +6

    I adore this ride, probably mainly because of the theming and the smell of the inside queue before you go on the actual ride lol. Also for secret weapon 9 I would want to see a hybrid coaster, I know it sounds unusual considering they already just built a wooden coaster but I think it would be a bit unique and would be interesting to see in the park, also I don't think that the UK or Europe has a hybrid coaster.
    Edit : I just memorized all of the wicker man alphabet so I could decode the messages in my head.

  • @HellHoundTSO
    @HellHoundTSO Před 3 lety +3

    Glad to see a GCI in the UK. They are an amazing manufacturer!

  • @MMR_LM
    @MMR_LM Před rokem +1

    I fucking love Wicker Man, such a beautifully smooth ride, so satisfying

  • @mattmalan4383
    @mattmalan4383 Před 3 lety +1

    Been waiting for you to drop this vid since I discovered your channel and binged every single episode, love your Alton tower series man these videos are fantastic! Thanks for doing what you do!

  • @mudkipqueen920
    @mudkipqueen920 Před 3 lety +4

    I've been waiting for this video for months! Wickerman was by far my favourite ride (evidenced by the fact I went on it like 5 times) and definitely want to go back when the Rona clears up.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety

      Hope you enjoy joy !

    • @frasermartin5256
      @frasermartin5256 Před 3 lety

      My favorite too! Love the theming and music. I went end of September when the cases were way lower and had an incredible time, the park seems to be doing a great job of keeping guests distanced and sanitized. The drastically reduced capacity means you pretty much walk onto every ride with barely any queuing. Would recommend a visit with the lower capacity once the pandemic has cooled down a bit in the uk.

  • @princesskristan
    @princesskristan Před 3 lety +3

    This is another coaster that's on my bucket list! The theming is so good and I've heard the soundtrack and its pretty good. Hope I can make it to the UK one day to ride this

  • @thegreatpacoasters3134
    @thegreatpacoasters3134 Před 3 lety +2

    Great start to the day

  • @Shockzone1495
    @Shockzone1495 Před 3 lety +2

    This has to BEE one of the most interesting episodes I've seen.

  • @AttractionStories
    @AttractionStories Před 3 lety +4

    Amazing video! I absolutely love the Wickerman!

  • @esme626
    @esme626 Před 3 lety +18

    I personally think the ending is really effective. The darkness represents death and the crackling is you burning alive. I think this is really clever

  • @MrDJGix
    @MrDJGix Před 3 lety

    I finally rode it this year. It went straight into my personal favourite coasters I have ridden. All the themeing and the air time made it for me.

  • @muffincatgames
    @muffincatgames Před 3 lety +1

    I went on Stampede when I was really young, and then Wicker Man a few years back, learning they were made by the same guy is astonishing!
    Talk about a surprise!

  • @jamesbrooking1287
    @jamesbrooking1287 Před 3 lety +30

    Alton towers have missed out not using the song wicker man by iron maiden

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +3

      Doesn't really fit the theme :P

    • @shaggydog9789
      @shaggydog9789 Před 2 lety +1

      @@ExpeditionThemePark They should have made a cover version of it for the ride using lutes, flutes, and bodhran drums.

  • @HYDRAdude
    @HYDRAdude Před 3 lety +8

    At this point Alton Towers releasing a new attraction with a standard advertising campaign would be seen as incredibly subversive.

  • @SoulEmperors
    @SoulEmperors Před 3 měsíci

    When I went, this was my favourite! Great ride and video.

  • @xlillybiezenaar
    @xlillybiezenaar Před 2 lety +2

    At the last bit when you go through the tunnel, the smoke blew right in my face and the sound effect was so loud. I screamed louder than I did on the actual ride 😂

  • @lettucemuncher7
    @lettucemuncher7 Před 3 lety +6

    “Ahh Big bob nice to see ya for the 2nd time today “ is what I will be saying next time I go to Alton towers

  • @fmc9229
    @fmc9229 Před 3 lety +3

    I have been waiting for this video for ages also I like his videos because they are interesting and funny

  • @damnfellas8637
    @damnfellas8637 Před 3 lety +1

    Finally! It’s here after about a year! Thanks ETP!!

  • @hammyhammy22
    @hammyhammy22 Před 3 lety +2

    First went on Wicker this year during Scare fest ^^ surprisingly a good little ride, I love the station, train theme.... and the big statue boi of course. The ride looks awesome lit up at night.

  • @TheKenji2221
    @TheKenji2221 Před 3 lety +3

    That looks like a great coaster !
    Here were have the Woden at Europa Park. And I agree that a nice theme is always a huge plus for a ride ! :D

  • @WillJ42702
    @WillJ42702 Před 3 lety +3

    The ride is amazing but I completely agree with the points on the ending tunnel as when I went on it it broke down for 20-30 ish minutes in the tunnel and we were sat in darkness like😳

  • @TheRealSandman
    @TheRealSandman Před 2 měsíci

    Wicker Man genuinely surprised me when I first went on it. I thought it would be quite boring, but I love the speed & intensity. It's a must ride for me now when I go to Alton Towers.

  • @hypnopyr9084
    @hypnopyr9084 Před 3 lety

    been waiting for this for months and i love it x

  • @sparkart7061
    @sparkart7061 Před 3 lety +12

    I would love secret weapon 9 to be something more lightly themed like air, aimed at being less of an intense ride and more free feeling, possibly with lap bars and lots of air time.

  • @KyaneTiger
    @KyaneTiger Před 3 lety +3

    I would like to see Vekoma build an updated version of their Tilt coaster. If they’re feeling even cooler they can make it have an elevator tilt where it lifts into the Tilt position. I feel like RCT3 had a ride similar to that idea.

  • @theslanderousgent4475
    @theslanderousgent4475 Před 3 lety

    Experiencing the Horror maze teaser for this at Scarefest was fantastic! Then actually getting to ride it next year really proved that it could live up to the hype.
    Absolutely up there as one of Alton Towers best in years!

  • @ummer14
    @ummer14 Před 3 lety +2

    Amazing. Been waiting some time for this. Looking forward to the unbuilt rides expedition.

  • @TPIOfficial
    @TPIOfficial Před 3 lety +4

    Another absolutely fantastic vid Sam!! Brilliant work, and the Nicholas Cage jokes, legendary lmao 😂😂👌

  • @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20

    omg the part with the media saying if alton wants to be safe why did they make wicker man really triggered me. like can the media just shut up about the crash and stop slatting them.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Před 3 lety +2

      They never will sadly

    • @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20
      @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20 Před 3 lety +3

      @@ExpeditionThemePark yeah honestly the media need to educate themselves on theme parks and rollercoasters or have theme park enthusiasts write the theme park articles

  • @saged1513
    @saged1513 Před rokem

    Oh man this looks like my ideal coaster. So cool!

  • @steelcurtain187
    @steelcurtain187 Před 3 lety +1

    This is super cool. Hope to see more dark themed rollercoasters