Coaster Conversations (Ep.1) John Wardley - Alton Towers SW9 CONFIRMED, Duel, Nemesis 2024 & More!
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- On the debut episode of Coaster Conversations there was no other name in mind that I wanted to speak to and that name was Mr John Wardley and what a chat this was!
Coaster Conversations here on Lift Hills and Thrills is a show where I'll be speaking to well-known and famous faces all about theme parks and/or attractions in monthly episodes.
John Wardley brought the theme park to the United Kingdom and designed some of the most iconic roller coasters in the United Kingdom including Nemesis, Air and Oblivion at Alton Towers just to name a few.
In this John Wardley interview, we discuss a whole plethora of things from old projects, current ride systems, movie IP coasters, special effects and more but we also dived straight into the Alton Towers 2023 projects regarding the Duel refurbishment to The Curse At Alton Manor and the Nemesis refurb but that's not all, we got a confirmation that Alton Towers Project Horizon will be SW9. Or did we?
We also finally got confirmation of what we all suspected. Haunted House will return, without laser guns!
Check out John's autobiography here - amzn.to/3X05lbW
0:00 - Intro / Quick Fire Questions
3:00 - Retirement and the Lure of Alton Towers
5:37 - Facing your Fears
8:40 - Practical Vs Digital Effects
9:58 - Duel Refurbishment
14:16 - Laser Gun Removal / Dark Ride Rerideability
15:23 - Saw the Ride
19:37 - Loading / Unloading of Flying Coasters
21:11 - Movie Themed IP Coasters
24:53 - Project Horizon Alton Towers
25:18 - UK Vs European Parks
27:35 - Universal Portaventura Rumours
28:53 - Nemesis Closing Date and Refurbishment
31:19 - Closing Thoughts / A Message from John
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The man, the myth, the legend and the perfect guest to debut our brand new show Coaster Conversations where I chat to known faces and celebrities about all things theme park! Enjoy this revealing and insightful interview and the start of many more cool guests and episodes to come on a monthly basis.
Wow, John Wardley, your going up in the world my friend!!
@@jlhp 😅 nice one
this guy is a clever and fascinating man a genius when it comes to coasters could listen to him all-day
Appreciate you watching!
What I would give to sit down and talk to this gentlemen all day, what a legend.
Agreed
Here here
As far as I am concerned he is
Sir John Wardly
John wardley is the reason I am going into engineering
Incredible! 👏
When he talks about the loyalty and love that people feel toward Nemesis - I wonder if he realises that people hold him just as dear.
He’s truly such a gent and an absolute treasure. Got my son a copy of the autobiography for Christmas and I certainly plan to have a read too! 😊
Such a good read isn’t it?!
It sure is 👌
He is an amazing man. Couldn't have said it better.
Rebuild John forever
Well said! I've always been a fan of the original Nemesis at Alton Towers and I purchased his autobiography last year... it's a really fun and insightful read!
I love how you talked to him more than just Theme Park stuff and just had a genuine and lovely conversation with him! You don't see that often nowadays from fans!
I wanted to do it differently than most whilst still keeping it somewhat relevant and on topic to what my channel is about. Thanks for watching!
@@LiftHillsandThrills Absolutely loved the Duel/Haunted House discussion! Really hope it's a mix of old and new, old set pieces and props, old music, old lighting techniques, but also new ones as well, even better with no screens and projections!! So could next year be what the original Haunted House would've looked like if it was maintained over the years, like Disneylands Haunted Mansion and Knoebles Haunted Mansion too!
Thank you for such a well-balanced interview - you asked all the questions I would have asked and the answers were brilliant. John Wardley, of course, is an absolute hero. His autobiography “Designing my own Nemesis” is a must-read. The attention to detail he brings to each project is incredible. I’m so pleased that he used the word “loyalty” in reference to Nemesis. Such a clever design, story and what a ride! Can’t wait to see the new incarnation.
My pleasure. Thank you for checking it out!
Cracking interview. The best I’ve seen with John actually. You clearly engaged him in a way that was interesting for him as the interviewee. Nicely job 😉
Much appreciated! Thanks for watching
This man is an absolute legend, a complete one off and this interview is brilliant❤
Thank you so much for checking it out!
WOW. What a touching interview. You did a really good job. Listening to him talk about his pride and joy nemesis always brings a smile. And OMG SW9?!
Thanks for checking it out!
Wow Sean!! .....what a scoop getting The Legend 'John Wardley' on your Coaster Conversation Episode 1. Brilliant work, big thanks to both of you. 👍👍
Thank you ever so much!
I worked in the ents team at Towers back in 2010, and I worked with John when he designed Carnival of Screams. An absolutely lovely gent, who actually listened to, and took onboard, my ideas. Me, a lowly technician who’d just graduated from uni.
This definitely describes him to a tee, thanks for stopping by!
Terrific interview mate. Loved the mischievous grins throughout on Johns face. The excitement he has around the new nemesis should be taken on board. Got a feeling its gonna be amazing.
Definitely sounds like it has more than just his stamp of approval!
Thank you! An enthralling half hour listening to a man who revolutionised the Theme Park world! So privileged to call my home park his testing ground. Super excited to ride the new “old” Haunted House! Was always a fan of the original incarnation. Oh, and better revisit my theory that SW9 was gonna be Jumanji themed…cuz it’s gonna be something unique! And I’m happy it is!
Knight this man for services to entertainment!
Thanks for checking it out!
Dual going back to its roots of the Haunted House is the best news I've ever heard from AT / JW of late! so hyped!
if the retracked Nemesis and new Dual/HauntedHouse land on 2024 season! that's gonna be a big year!!
I’m excited for all Merlin projects coming up they’re really going all out!
Fantastic interview, really loved it. Could listen to John talk forever about really anything. Simply put, WOW!
Thanks for checking it out
I don't think I've ever hit like so fast! Quality interview with an absolute legend! Listening to John is always a pleasure. I can't wait to see Nemesis in 2024 - it's obvious he's genuinely excited about the project, and I'm in no doubt it's going to be pretty damn special when it reopens. Exciting times ahead 😊
I think we're in for some special but that start of season turnaround Is insanely quick, there must be a lot of people working on this!
Congratulations on getting to do this, thinking outside the box in a traditionally tough time for new theme park content.
Thank you man, that means a lot!
Fantastic interview, could listen to John talk all day long. Really intriguing hints. Can’t wait to see what the next few years at Alton Towers brings.
Thanks for watching!
Whenever i hear John Wardley name mentioned I instantly see him running around the nemesis construction site 😂
What a cracking guy..thank you so much for giving us nemesis 🙏👍👍
haha! Thank you for watching!
The best video you have EVER done on your channel, in my opinion 👌 was great to hear the passion - was a great watch - can't wait to check out the rest of the series...
haha thank you!
Where to begin?...thank you is probably an appropriate start. Quality questions and transparent, honest answers from a true living legend. "Could be" is confirmation in my eyes.....made me laugh when he compared Haunted Mansion to window shopping, gives me faith for the future of Towers. I'd happily listen to Mr Wardley all day. You da man for getting this interview, I tip my hat to you! Enjoy Efteling dude👍
Thank you man, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🎉
What a brilliant interview could listen to him for hours such an interesting man
Thank you mate :)
What a career John has had, I always forgets he worked on the bond films. Love listening to this interview, I really hope he gets an OBE or equivalent for his contribution to the theme park industry one day.
Now that would be well deserved!
Great interview! So excited for the next few years at Alton Towers
🎉
Well done Sean. This is an astonishing interview. What an incredible man JW is. And the enthusiasm he has towards the Haunted House refurb is just wonderful to see. You can see just how happy he is.
If you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life as they say.
Thanks for doing this! I hope i can meet John one day and i hope this series continues and becomes a permanent fixture to your channel!
I hope so too, I have more celebs than industry folks lined up at the moment so I kinda don't want to turn it into a gossip channel, I need to try and get the balance right.
What a wonderful and heartwarming interview. A very enjoyable watch! I highly recommend John's autobiography too!
Thanks Ed
Just finished watching that, now that was an amazing interview to start this new conversations section, could listen to him all day what a legend and very excited for what's to come in Alton Towers it's in safe hands it seems. 😉
100% in safe hands!
Fantastic interview Sean. Thank you for sharing this with us. 😊
My pleasure!
Such a great interview! Still can’t believe I met him at nemesis closing!
Thank you Chris!
Absolutely great interview pal john seems happy to share a fair bit of info on the haunted house I cant personally wait to see what they do and sw9 well wow 👀👍
🎉
This is excellent, hats off to you .
Thank you!
Great discussion!
Thanks mate :)
That was an amazing interview! So lovely to hear from the main man himself. You did a great job with the questions as well, and let him talk where he wanted to. Looking forward to future episodes!
Thanks Chloe, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview style
This is the best video of 2023 so far...I would love to see more videos in this series Coaster Conversations and would be fascinated to find our which other guests you interview.
What a great start, interviewing Johm Wardley. Such an interesting man! I would love to see him bring his vision to more dark rides, and cannot wait for Duel to reopen and see what's inside!
Thank you ever so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Seeing the comments is absolutely insane and I'm so glad I was able to bring something like this out for everyone to enjoy. The guests will certainly be a wide variety hoping to balance industry with celebrity quite well but I think my ambition for some guests is a little too out of my reach but...stranger things have happened aha
@@LiftHillsandThrills well I shall definitely be watching eagerly for all your interviews. Great channel idea!
A fascinating interview with an incredible man. I could listen to many more hours of this. Thanks for putting it together, Sean.
My pleasure Mark, thanks for stopping by!
Absolutely loved this video! Great to hear from this legend on this new series! :)
Thank you kind sir! See you tomorrow 🎉
So cool, I love how his creativity! We need more episodes of this!!! 😀
I'll try! I'll try!
Always amazing to listen to John. This makes me incredibly exited for both the haunted house and nemesis. I am really intrigued by the talk of a new story for the haunted house as a fan of horror, and I cannot wait for more nemesis lore. Also it’s exiting about Project Horizon/SW9 too! This was great to listen to and John is an amazing man who we all should be grateful for
Appreciate you watching!
Wow wow wow. I could listen to John all day, and you are an amazing interviewer!
Appreciate it!
Fantastic idea, stunning logo and a really interesting conversation. Really great content man, well done!
I'm trying bro, I'm trying haha
Hello There, a great Interview and it was really insightful throughout. Cheers Peter :-)
Thanks Peter!
This is such a brilliant interview, Sean. Excellent questions, and John is so knowledgeable and gracious, I could listen to him all day.
Have a great time at Elteling- I'm green with envy here!
Aw thank you 😊
Brilliant, Brilliant Video mate. 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you ever so much! :)
Wow, absolutely loved this! Well done Mr Wardley and Mr Lift Hills 👏
Cheers mate
Fantastic interview, well done Sean. And John was on top form too. A really good listen.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic questioning, particularly the question about a movie themed ride. Loved the whole interview, bravo 👏
Thanks Dan
Sean....
Absolutely legendary that you bagged Mr wardley for interview! I would have been intrigued to watch the whole recording unedited.
Although I'm sure Mr wardley is very approachable and such, you've utilised your previous experience from your site/page relating to films etc very very well!
Added to your content your sub count is steadily increasing! Super kudos mate. Epicness!
Next guest - Harry and Meghan discuss their rollercoaster experience with the media and the public. Watch this space 😂
Loved this Sean, Great start to a new interview series.... Starting with a real A lister of the theme park world. What an interesting engaging man he really is, also very articulate and considered on his responses. Well done you too what a coup!
Look forward to seeing what other things you have in store.
The man the myth
I'm hoping to balance celebs / industry folks but I have more celebs who have said yes / shown interest with the industry folks being harder to reach than some of the celebs haha
Watched it all the way through what an awesome guest and video!
🙏
Great interview Sean, this is a good addition to your channel. Well done mate. 👌🏻
Thank you ever so much :)
Couple of legends there! Quality stuff mate 🙌🏼 can’t wait to see more episodes
Cheers dude :)
absolutely incredible interview! complately nailed it with the questions. I could listen to John's wealth of knowledge all day long!
I'm sure he would have spoken to me for much longer than a zoom 40 minute time limit too aha
Fantastic to watch - nice work... Always thought same regarding loading over the bridge so load times increase... that's why knowledge is key!
Appreciate you watching!
Fantastic interview. Thanks for this!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!!
I’m really eager to ride the refurbished Duel after what John had to say. I wonder if the backstory will involve Emily Alton and Snowy
Emily will no doubt be involved and I’m just as excited as you are although an opening day turn around does seem VERY quick! Depends on how many people are working on it though I suppose
@@LiftHillsandThrills I’m hoping to visit Alton Towers this year. I’ve only been once. When I went my Sister was only 4. Due to this I didn’t get to do much other than Ceebbies Land. I really wanted to experience the bigger rides. Now I’m 23 and not living with my Family I can finally do the Alton Towers rides I missed.
A Great Interview with such a talented individual and amazing Ambassador for the Amusement Industry. 👏
Congratulations on securing an interview. Would really love to meet up with John for a chat one day, so much real world experience and hands on knowledge of ride technologies.
Appreciate you checking it out!
Well done getting the interview Sean. That must have been pretty awesome for you to chat with John .
It's been a very interesting day, I'll say that much!
Brilliant interview with the legend himself!
Thanks Pete!
What a great interview , great work sir 👌
Thank you!
Excellent video, you really feel the passion he has for his craft. I love his reaction to the track colour question 😂
Had to be done 😅 thanks for watching
The segment about the curse at alton manor makes more sense now I have ridden it. I'm sure that the next time I ride it I will notice completely different effects and easter eggs placed throughout the ride
Enjoy!
What a legend 👏
👏 agreed
Absolute fair play to you sir! Despite disagreements, watching this channel grow is a great journey. Glad to have been here early 🙌
Aw it's all love really :) I appreciate you watching, it means a lot!
Some great insight there, great video!
Thanks for checking it out!
Quality this is, brilliant that John gave up his time to do this for you
I agree, it was funny as he was in a meeting with Alton Towers just before taking my call. He never stops!
Ayyyy he got my Fly/Air question in, cheers mate ;D
Also top quality content this is, lovely stuff.
Of course man, I got you 👊
Brilliant, loved that. Well done mate.
Thank you!
Great interview. Interesting chat. Not the usual questions.
Cheers Matt
What an absolute legend!!!
👏
It's good to hear John say what I've been saying about Horror Films for a long time! Just like Rollercoasters, the best Horror's put you through a rollercoaster of emotions (no pun intended). You don't want to fear watching it again. Because that would mean you didn't enjoy it.
Appreciate you watching!
Great content and good questions
Thank you!
Nice interviewing style !
I tried it out on celebs before interviewing the real stars! aha
Love this!
Thank you!
This is a really great interview! One of the best I've seen with John actually I liked that you talked about basic stuff first and didn't just jump straight in. Very excited about Duel now, all but confirmed SW9 is Project Horizon, and was that a subtle Sub-Terra hint towards the end? 👀
Appreciate that Dan, means a lot!
Great interview, really enjoyed watching that, thank you. :)
On the nemmie question. The problem is that Alton themselves have changed the story. The track was originally part of the beast itself, with the supports pinning it down, I don't think there's any debate about that.
But a while back now, Alton listed on their web page the following "It took 250 tonnes of steel, bent and twisted around the monster, to hold it down. We converted the steel that imprisons the creature into the tangled rollercoaster you see here today."
Completely changing the lore to suggest that the coaster track is the steel restraining the beast. I wonder if this allows for the colour change?
The new track would then represent new technologically advanced restraints (or similar) to hold the creature down
That was such a fascinating and fantastic interview you asked great and interesting questions and the answers that John gave was very lengthy and detailed thanks very much I'm interested who you'll be interviewing going forward
Me too! I have one person definitely confirmed I just need to wrangle a few sharks and fight a few alligators for a few others I had in mind
@@LiftHillsandThrills if this was anything to go by being its 1st episode I'm looking forward to future episodes
Great interview
Thank you!
Great interview!
Thank you!
Are you kidding me!! Let me make a brew and strap myself in!!
Enjoy dude!
Brilliant... 😀
Thank you!
You’ve smashed it here bro 🎉 Great interview
Thank you!
I have no idea how you managed to convince him to do this but I'm glad you did!
Me too! aha thanks for watching
Great interview. 👍
Cheers Alex
One of the best things I'm gonna see on the Internet this year . That man partly calved my childhood great interview Sean. Plot twist nemesis is sw9 😆
haha I remember saying that when the retrace was first announced, it would be a very Alton Towers thing to do wouldn't it aha
@@LiftHillsandThrills as long as the re track is done in the style of the beast from the 80s 🤣
Great interview Sean, could listen to John all day, a really nice interesting guy . Totally agree with what he said about how Disney must regret not going with the portadventura site ,although still not convinced project horizon is Sw9 , not even sure it’s a rollercoaster to be honest,going with the building layout and budget I think it’s a intamin motion tower .
It’s 100% an indoor coaster I’ll tell you that much and that much only aha thanks for checking out the video!
You are Amazing!! 👍
I'll pass the message on to John! aha
Fantastic mate 👍
Appreciate you watching, thank you ever so much
If I remember correctly I'm sure that in a presentation years ago John said that the track was the tentacles of the creature and the train was the internal organs is sent out to gain nutrients from the surrounding area. Plus if you look at Nemesis's other 'legs' they are b and m track as well. Brilliant interview mate I really enjoyed watching it and you questions and the way you interacted with John were superb.
Thanks Sam 😊
excellent interview mate really enjoyed that !! such well thought out questions there looking forward to your next coaster conversation but i must say that going to take some beating definition of peaked too early ?? lol.
The guests will be varied but rest assured I’ve been very surprised at some celebs specifically that have expressed interest in this one. I just got to get the approvals over the line 🤞 😬 no pressure eh…
10.3k subs woooop lovely coaster podcast sean
Muchos Gratsias
Such a legend, I may have to try and visit for the new haunted house and make sure I carry my copy of the autobiography........he he he, even ask him to sign it with the Nemesis pen if possible 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Haha get it done!
very clever and entertaining man john the legend 😀😀😀😀
He really is an icon!
Brilliant video! All the right questions asked, and I could listen to John talk about his career all day long. The man certainly knows his onions!
p.s. I’ve just finished his latest book, “Life after Nemesis”. If you haven’t already read it, then make sure you do. It’s a fantastic follow on from his first book! 😊👍
We're in the back of it! Loved it and honoured to be included!
Excellent! I’ve just noticed you on the Links and References page 👍
Legend.
Thanks for watching
Fantastic Sean,
Thank you for that , brilliant questions and making me more excited for The HauntedHouse
Safe travels this week 😊
Much appreciated 😊
This man is a legend. I really appreciated the honest view expecially on european parks, IP and some criticism on some Merlin decisions made in the past (Duel to mention one). You can clearly see the passion has always been the main driver and still is. Reg the Veloma F.L.Y. a bit unfair as clearly the technology back then was not there.
He loved the interview and FLY wasn’t my question 😂 I know nothing about that stuff 😂
What a legend!!!!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome, mybe, the track will be Red lol 😆 great interview 👍
Haha who knows 😇 thanks!