The Black Hole was my first ever rollercoaster in 1984 (I was 8). I thought it was wonderful until the drop and I cried my eyes out. And then wanted to go on it again, straight away! That started my rollercoaster obsession. The original ride used to have different country flags on the front of each car, and we used to think the Swiss one was fastest! The floating spacemen and asteroids in the spiral lift section were eventually changed to a funky light display with the music. And the ‘Martian’ animatronic just before the drop - sit back and hold tight! And the wonderful starcloth floaty section just before the second drop. When we used to go to Alton Towers subsequently, whoever’s birthday it was could choose where to start. Everyone wanted the Festival Park/Ug Land for the Corkscrew, but for me, it was the black hole every time. I used to love the early promo graphic which showed a long yellow coaster train spiralling into space. It really was an evocative and mysterious ride that proved that stats don’t have to be record-breaking to make a cracking ride. It was an experience, not just a ride and it was still scary every time you spiralled up and up and got closer and closer to the tent framework. Not the best ride Alton has ever had, but my favourite.
I found this ride just so magical and you didn't know what to expect next in the dark. I have extremely fond memories of this ride and was sad when it was no more.
I first went on the blackhole on a school trip in 1984 it was a summer team and as it was new I remember lining up for nearly half the day to go on it, I was lucky to be on the front row, if I remember rightly there were lights on the track as you went up and they carried on up after the track dropped, so you was surprised when you headed down, there was a large space man figure hanging in the middle of the coaster plus I think there was planets, the tent was white and it was the first time that I remember a coaster ending in a themed shop at the bottom and across from it there was a bobsleigh track. 36 years ago seems like yesterday :) Thanks as always for bringing those magic moment back.
Looking at other comments people are saying it was green and yellow tent, not the white as I can remember it, I have lots of time on my hands so I have done a little search the only very slight chance that I'am remembering correctly is from the 1984 Alton Towers map its just a painted map but it does show the black hole in a white tent, but on the 1985 map it has been coloured green and yellow, so I might just be right, could the black hole of started its first year in a white tent? .... I really must get out more.. but I cant :)
The Black Hole was a pretty important part of the story in The Watchers: A Mystery At Alton Towers! I remember reading that book years before I'd even been to Alton Towers and wondering what was going on inside that tent. 😊
Thanks for posting this review! Brings back excellent memories. Sadly, I never got a chance to ride it. I went back in '95 just after the Nemesis was added, and I vividly remember that green and yellow circus tent vibe. As simple as the exterior was though, it was very alluring, and that mystique you referred to with the roaring noise of the coaster and the screams had me all..."What the heck is in there?!". I'm from Texas, but I have to be honest, Alton Towers puts most theme parks to shame when it comes to aesthetic. I have never experienced a more unique and attractive theme park. Glad my grandparents were willing to make a detour to Staffordshire! Beyond worth it!
i remember riding the black hole in 1994, i remember entering the queue line and heading right all the way back up towards the toilets and back down, while in the queue line the massive drop down to the bottom of the tent was always visible. Entering into the black hole tent it was so dark, to the point you couldn't really see anything. the trains were so small i remember just about fitting in with my dad. and off you went, round and round and round with only a bit of lighting to see the centre, and you would just wait for it to hit the top, that little movement to the right and you knew you were at the top. and that's it down you go. it was incredible the sound the lights the screams, it scared the hell out of me for so long, i believe it was around in the golden times of alton towers, and miss it loads, if you want a trip to go and visit it now i would be up for that.
Very fond memories of this ride. My very first rollercoaster ride at the age of 12 in 1993, I remember coming off the ride with my dad in tears. Today, my 8 year old rode her very first rollercoaster, The Smiler! Her best part "getting off at the end Mummy!"
The Blackhole was more scary then Corkscrew back in the day it was a real AAA coaster in the UK. It was something that you had to challenge when tall enough and build up too. I queued up one summer in the 80's when i was just tall enough apparently. I was so scared and I remember the old queue they later closed inside the building that was like a cheap Star Trek or space station. I got on and it was so scary but a blur. I still remember hitting that break run like hitting a wall. I bounced off so proud. I finally did it i conquered the BlackHole. I queued back up and got to the front and was sent away for being too small by like a finger. I cried and cried. Next year though it became my No1 coaster and stayed there for many years. It took me years to forgive that ride op after i matured a bit. Still today i understand how lucky i was to get that first ride.
Hi Shawn, really enjoying these videos of where you talk about memories of Alton towers. I was wondering if you would do an episode of past Alton towers scarefest mazes like the sanctuary, carnival of screams and boiler room etc and what you thought of them as I was too young to experience mazes like that but I really want to know experiences on what they were like
I’m glad this ride is getting remembered, I feel like it’s been in the Corkscrews shadow but it’s a good coaster. I remember in 2009 walking past the tent lol.
i went before the black hole was built ,there used to be a toboggan run down the hillside ,basically half concrete pipes you went down on teatrays with wheels
1993 - me and my friend were in the Fun Club, and went most weeks in the summer. The Black Hole was a fave and we always tried to do something funny for the ride photo, as most people riding didn’t know where it was. One day, we unfurled a “Hi Mum” sign as we flew past the camera…staff and riders thought it was great. We were AT legends that day! A great coaster. It was loud, hot and smelt of grinding metal, but I loved it!
Hi. I went on the black hole on its second day of opening and rode it right up until it closed. It still remains my fave coaster of all even though it was a basic jetstar 2 coaster. The coaster Alton beast was the same coaster. Now the black hole when i first rode it was nothing like what it became. The queing was literately just basically a black tarped tunnel. The station was quite dark too and very basic. It was almost no afterthought had gone into it. But what it became was an incredible part of the experience. I loved that coaster as did all my friends who went on it. We need another one back at alton towers. Also the west mids safari park vid you did was great. I grew up just up the road from it and have been visiting it ever since it first opened. Keep up the good vids. Well done. Its a pity i dont have my old photos of the black hole. There was a stage with dancers on it at the time of opening while you que'd up for it. I remember suedo echoes version of funky town playing on the sound system at the time. Everytime i hear that verson it takes me straight back to the que for black hole. Great ride and very sadly missed.
Great nostalgia. I remember being so scared as we whirled towards the top and then the drop. I remember how the wind used to blow through your face though the plastic dome. Thanks for this 💕
Loved this ride plus Space Invader in Blackpool, and going up to the top did feel like ages .There is a Going live kids 80s tv show you tube video when Philip Schofield is on the black hole , it has the camera on their faces during The whole ride .So you can get an idea what it’s like, it also has the rapids and the corkscrew on it
I remember the original tent in 1996 I was 16 it was a school trip. My first time going. Loved that ride, I remember that drop it was scary and just the odd flashing light effect in total darkness..it was so unique. Never been on anything like it since. Never got back to ride it again before it was pulled down unfortunately. I remember the “outside” version called the beast near thunder looper I believe..96 was the year Nemesis opened too and it’s still to this day my favourite rollercoaster, queued for hours to get on it!.. great rides, awesome park, lots of memories.
This ride was such a phenomenal ride. I went to for the special last ever day The Black hole was in operation. The park laid on a very nice three course dinner, and special access to the ride itself. A day I will never forget. I also got to ride the ride with the lights on, and also stand right under the main part of the ride, such an amazing day! I definitely miss The Black Hole. Such a shame it got taken down. But the memories live on. And CZcams is a great platform to watch videos relating to the ride. Thank You Alton Towers for such an incredible time with The Black Hole. It’s definitely a ride anyone who remembers it will treasure forever.
Beautiful blog I share your passion for this ride, I went on it in 87 just before the changes, I don't remember the music but all what you said on here about the queuing and anticipation really brought it all back to me. I was 13 at the time and we only had a seat belts to hold you in, I remember clinging on for dear life lol. I remember the lift hill having some lights on the track, but like you said, it felt like the drop was longer and to me felt like it was a straight drop, it's strange how being in the dark changes your perception of it. Great memories.. Those sharp drops, those tight curves, that break run. Will always remember you black hole, missed very much.
Hi shawn God I feel old i remember the green and yellow tent . Great ride rode it a few times over the years . I was 14 when i first went on it in 1984 . Thanks for the memories. Take care stay safe xxx
Used to love this ride They used to have a spaceman inside hanging from the roof and the track used to go round the spaceman while climbing up the top. Once you got to the top the ride was pitch black.
It was the first large rollercoaster I've ever ridden so I have fond memories of it. The station is still very memorable. I still remember the audio on the lift hill which really built up the tension of being deserted and about to plunge into the unknown. EuroMir and Eurosat at Europa Park reminds me a lot nowadays of my experience riding the Black Hole.
I first went on this in thr late 90s/early 00s and I loved it. The outdoor queue was a bit crap and slow moving (did those TVs ever work!) but the indoor bit used to really get me scared ready for the coaster. When you went up the spiral lift hill the lights would illuminate the sides which just looked like black bin bags which scared me more as it felt like something you shouldn’t be riding! That first drop felt amazing, I can’t believe how shallow it looks on that Swedish video it felt so high in the dark!
Loved the black hole as a kid! Will miss it! I mean the smiler is a fantastic ride but as a little kid it was amazing for the time early. 90s old skool towers, thunder looper! The beast, corkscrew, magic carpet ride!! Cheers for this Sean!! Take me back :)
Rode this in 86 my first time in the UK I loved it x sad I didn't get to ride it again even though I've been living in UK for 24 years x but great memories x thank you for taking me back x
My first ride ever in Alton Towers was the Black Hole in 1993 when I was 12. I was terrified by the ride's famous formidable reputation which was confirmed as we spiralled up quickly round asteroids and a creepy giant spaceman. Being a youngster I could barely reach the bar in front and the cars and ride seemed huge. I was hypnotised on the lift hill watching the train above and feeling drawn into the ever deepening dark chasm below. Then hearing the blood-curdling screams as the train above dropped into 'the black hole'. I was petrified as we neared the top. The gasmasked spaceman at the top said 'hold tight' and then we dropped down the huge drop which felt like nothing else had before then sharply turned. That year the turn was illuminated with orange and red lights. You only had a car-style seatbelt back then. The eerie sci-fi music played on the ascent was so creepy and atmospheric. At the time laser quests were new and popular and this was fitted that trend for indoor sci-fi experiences. The walk down to the station was longer too which was spoiled by the '98 facelift. It was a brilliant ride so sadly missed, gutted when they closed it.
I'm 44 now and I remember riding this in 84 when it opened. Honestly it was very scary in complete darkness and I so wish one was engineered today as it was the Don and freaked the brain to the max!!!!.
Nice vid Shawn. Loved the black hole, preferred it prior to the retheme, just loved the space age theming. Random fact, my Dad was good friends with John Broome's Brother in law who was on the management team. My dad was an electrician and used to do some work at the Towers, including putting the power supply in for the black hole, and the Rapids, and a few others. We had a Gold Pass for years following this and got in free!!
Thanks for replying Shawn, I have so many happy memories of the Towers, unfortunately with not many photos to reflect on!! Same as yourself it was the place that really got me into theme parks. All my siblings were born in uttoxeter and after the family moved to Derby they used to ride their bikes all the way to Alton Towers, hid them in a bush on Farley Lane and snuck through a hole in the fence near fantasy land! (My dad had to go to use the pass!) I do miss the classics, the Black Hole obviously but also Corkscrew, Alton Mouse, 4 man Bob, Thunderlooper, the beast!! We were even there on the opening day of the monorail, it was opened by William Shatner (Kirk from star trek) Happy Days!!
Allways awesome to see Many Memories Like the BlackHole, i was on there on the 1st day of opening & wow it was so great to ride a Coaster in the Dark, & the extra Memories riding Blackhole i had a Friend who operated it & ive had many many re-Rides without getting of & reQue'n ,,smiles brightly ,,,, awesome vid Shawn ^5
Loving the well put together enthusiastic vids. Definitely a trip down memory lane for me this one. I can’t remember exactly what year was my 1st at Alton Towers but it would have been late 80’s and I distinctly remember the yellow and green colour scheme and the excitement and nervousness as you queued for the ride hearing the music, the screaming and the wind noises as the coaster rushed around the track. Sitting low in the car packed in tandem with the other rider. And your right it took an age to get to the top. There used to be lights that would strobe to the bottom so occasionally you’d get a glimpse of track down below if you hung over the side. It was a fantastic ride certainly one of the best. I went to Alton Towers twice a year without fail for about 10 years straight all the way through the 90’s. Other favourites included The Beast coaster, The Thunder Looper, Alton Mouse and o of course the Corkscrew and then in the later years the Nemesis and Oblivion. It has been probably 15 years since I went last and have yet to ride 13, smiler and whatever else has been built since. I have to get back but I’m not so sure my 42 year old back would make it lol 🙈
Ah more happy memories, yes rode this one many times . The biggest memory was the cars , station and the theme . Back in early 80 s this was a very intense ride and always one we rushed to get on . I always remember the Alton beast next to the Talbot street theatre which was re painted and moved to where Galactica is now then it was called the new beast ....At the time the rumour was there was a brand new Bkack hole coaster and the old one was relocated and named the new beast . Remember back then no internet so it was so hard to find information. We do miss the Black Hole though 😢. So chuffed to see it all spruced up and running again , looks so cool 👌🏼cheers Shaun 🧱👍🏼
So many memories of this ride, all of which led up to that heart sinking feeling when I read the notice outside the ride, that it would never open again (Also annoyance that Alton Towers got the dates wrong about when it opened, on the notice!) My first memory was standing outside the big yellow and green tent, in 1984. Myself and my Dad stood in amazement at the people coming off it with nosebleeds! Apparently, the breaks were too strong!) My first ride was before a lot of the lighting effects were added. The queue line and station were also very different back then. I did rather like the steam punky version that came later, but I didn’t like that they added seat belts and bars. I think my favourite thing about the ride was the music/sound effects during the ascent up that spiralling hill. It really did get the anticipation going. A much missed ride.
Brings back great memories great ride and great video 👍 I will always remember the roomers that a test dummy came back to the station with no head so always used to keep my head down 😂 fun times
When I first went on this during the late 80's, to entertain the long queue, they used to have a stage with live bands playing throughout the day. Also there was no lap bar or belt to stop you getting out of your seat, as a 10 year old, that scared the life out of me!!! Opposite, where the restaurant ended up being, there was, if my memory serves me right, a twin track single sledge ride, where 2 people raced each other on these little sledges with a lever brake, which you controlled. And definitely remember the space man floating in the middle as you went up. You knew you were getting close to to top when you got level with him. Great memories from this ride.
Great video. Rode it early/mid 90's for the 1st time. My main memory is of how excellent the station was. It did lose a little in later life but I figured it was I was a bit older. Here's hoping the new indoor attraction brings a Black Hole for the 21st century 🙏
Never honestly got to experience it as time I and my family got to Alton Towers. It was all permanently shut. But talking about new rides, can 100% see a new version of this being maybe built in Alton Towers for 2024 or 2025 100%. With the new indoor attraction in coaster corner. If not this, a new space themed Space Mountain type of coaster attraction? Be a good new addition to the park & maybe in the storyline? It could reference to Black Hole or be a sequel to it? That would be good I think? Reference old storyline and ride into new attraction? By the way, good to hear track and trains have been restored & running in Sweden. One day you will get opportunity aswell so will I. But thanks for sharing your experience, really enjoyed the video and look forward to more videos like this in future. Thanks again. 😀👍
I remember as a youngster, in the early 80s, we went to the towers and back then as you walked out the ride exit I remember there being star wars figures available to buy as well as the usual ride merch which my dad tried bribing me with but I wasn't having any of it. However I made up for it in the 90s, awesome ride.
Recently went to Alton Towers (October 23rd 2023), and was looking forward to it, not been for years, decades!!. I was looking at map for Black hole and log flume. Much to my disappointment , gone haha. I nearly passed out on Smile on the second half of the track (hate theme, very irritating). My son (12) loved it very much!!
I know this will be very unlikely but at Altons 30th anniversary they could buy it back from furuvik and turn it back I to the black hole. That would be a coaster enthusiasts dream.
I loved this ride, I’ve only been to Alton towers twice and both were school trips in the early 2000s, I’m really sad it’s not there anymore as it was my favourite ride.
I remember just down from black hole they had another Dome like tent which if my memory is right was the 3d cinema the black hole was a good ride it was very similar to the beast which I believe was over where galactica is with the thunder looper there what a ride that was
My main memories of the original Black Hole are of the fluorescent floating spaceman figure in the centre of the lift hill, and before that the argument I had with my Dad about waiting to ride it when the queue board showed a waiting time of 3 hours 45 minutes.
Over the years, I went on the black hole a fair few times and, it never seemed to be the same, each time. I remember when I was thirteen, riding the black hole shortly after it opened in 1984. I queued about two an a half hours, to ride it. The queue was quite large outside the yellow and green tent and, I got excited when I finally entered the tent, only to find that there was a claustrophobic zig zagging queue inside too! The station was just plain, black walls... nothing much to look at. Then the little coaster car came in view. I remember thinking it looked very old fashioned, not space aged, like the corkscrew cars. Getting in the car seemed a bit weird too... my friend got in first and, I had to virtually sit in his lap. There was just a car seat belt you pulled across, not that it would save you but, that added too the fear factor! As the coaster pulled away into a tunnel and, turned left into the spiral lift, there were orange glowing rocks that seemed to be floating, until your eyes adjusted to darkness, when you could now, just vaguely make out the bars and wires, holding them in place. You could vaguely see the spiral lift too, if you strained your eyes. Amongst the rocks, there were two or three life size astronauts, as you made your way up the spiral. When you reached the top, there was a anamatronic alien head, telling you to hold tight! The rest was in total darkness... a couple of drops and very sharp turns before you come hurtling into a bright light and, a painfully sudden stop! Then a slow ride back to the station. The next time I rode the black hole... the whole thing was exactly the same apart from the astronauts had gone, there were just the glowing rocks. Another time I went on it... I think in 1990, I noticed as the car came into the station, it was now two cars joined together and, they had lap bars. Then when we entered the spiral lift, the glowing rocks were now gone but, the astronauts were back! This time though, they were huge! Two of them, suspended in the air , arms and legs out stretched looking down at you.... one about half way up the spiral lift, the other near the top. This is also the first time that I remember hearing the music, as we spiralled around the astronauts and above.... then as we moved away from the spiral... the music changed and as the cars started to tilt downwards, there was now red lights on the edges of the tracks around the corner... then after the corner as you started to rise and around the edge of the spiral lift, which was now covered in a sea of twinkling stars before dropping again and, once again seeing red and green lights around the big helix before heading off into the bright light and sudden stop! This was the best experience of the black hole for me.... the actual station improved with the steampunk theming but, they just kept messing about with the theming until the last time I rode the black hole, they might aswell of called it Disco !!! There was coloured lights strobbing up and down the middle of the spiral lift and, there was coloured flashing lights the whole way round the ride, it was not a dark ride at all, anymore... the track was visible the whole way round!😕still not a bad ride but, it had lost that element of surprise. Back in the day, a very good ride..... the nemesis is a very good ride still... oblivion is not worth queuing for, air was alright, nothing to write home about... Rita and thirteen are ok . I haven't yet been on wicker man... whether it's just nostalgia or not... but the early days of the black hole were the best! Even the smiler... with all the money they spent on that.. it doesn't make up for the not knowing.... what's in the tent!😊
First coaster I ever did and it was in the dark.I remember being amazed with the station alone total recall vibes sprung to mind.I totally agree it the drop did seem higher in my memories when the coaster would circle the track it felt massive.
I’ve only ever been to Alton Towers once which was an end of secondary school trip in 2002. I do remember riding this and remember it being fun. I’ve still got my ride picture from that day so will need to dig it out!
Hi Shaun, Great video and I'm a great alton towers fan albeit not been for a few years now. The Alton Beast if I remember rightly was literally the same as the black hole but outside. It was in thunder Valley. I can also remember the original operators uniform which was a green blazer and yellow trousers. The iconic original logo was on the left breast of the blazer and was unmistakable. Your mum n dad will probably remember that. I did leisure and tourism and applied for a job there in 1990. Never ended up working there and living in East Yorkshire meant I spent ages looking for accommodation. Keep the great work up. Regards Rich (Hull East Yorkshire)
I remember riding it in mid to late 80s when it was a single car. At the bottom of the first drop it went into a really fast banked turn which was really intense. Remember Cine 180 (most Theme Parks had one) which was in the same area, just above the black hole. My favourite ride was the carpet ride, Arabian Nights sadly thats gone too.
Great video and the color of the ride when it was relocated and refurbished in Sweden looks pretty. From seeing the pictures of the layout it looks a lot like the layout on one of Busch Gardens former roller coaster. I can't remember the name of it, but it's in the place where Big Bad Wolf was and also where Verbolten is now. I saw on Wikipedia the list of their former coasters and that's how I found out about that one and it had pictures as well.
First rode it on my first visit to the park on holiday with my parents in 1990. All I remembered then was the calm dark ride like hill lift, followed by a huge rush of speed and numerous flashing lights in my face. A few years later we came back, and told some people we were with that it was a gentle thrill ride, neglecting to tell them about the roller coaster part after the hill lift. Looking back I'm surprised more parks don't build enclosed coasters nowadays. Seems like a good way for a small park to improve it's line up.
£40 three course meal. Lecture on roller coasters. Then 1Hr unlimited riding on the BH with a tour of the workshop after. Awesome. They changed the nylon on the wheel to slow it down. It was 14 years old when they bought it. Worth noting it was electric motor driven.
The Black Hole was an awesome ride..i rode it twice on two separate visits..& still have an on board photo taken by the machine (just after the first drop that dives left) this photo is nearly 20yrs old now!!!😬😂
I will never ever forget the black hole. It was my first ever rollercoaster. It came about after queuing for the oblivion when it first opened. I was just on the height limit and I actually got a seat on oblivion before I got called up and measured and was told I was not tall enough. So the park staff gave me and my dad fast track passes for the black hole. So this was my first ever rollercoaster all because I just wasnt tall enough for oblivion!
I first rode this on the opening year of Oblivion. 1998 it was a great ride which will built up the atmosphere really well. The sound of the screams coming out of the tent in the que line really got the scare factor up. I remember looking for the track when I was on it and only being able to notice the track on the bottom helix just before the station. Little lights dotted around the roof of the tent looked really cool, not knowing when the drop was coming was also really cool. The smiler is a suitable replacement though, also a great ride.
I love rollercoaster dark rides, and the black hole was one of the best. It doesn't have to be too intense to be a good ride the anticipation and surprise is important factor
My dad rode the black hole in 1984 and waited 2hrs for it he told my that it was very intense because of the complete darkness and it was surprisingly extremely fast. I'm taking him back to towers this season and I can't wait to see his reaction
I think I rode it near the end. It was 2001? And I’m convinced I saw an astronaut in the dark! I LOVED THE BLACK HOLE. Cannot BELIEVE it’s still alive in another country!!! Amazing. I think it’s one of the best coasters I’ve ever been on. And I’ve done the Florida parks!
The block hole really messed with your senses, to me it felt like the first drop was a vertical drop which was really long.. How wrong was I when seeing the video with lights on, I went on it in 87 when it was still single cars and we had seat belts instead of lap bars, I remember clinging on for dear life but then I was only 9. I truly hope Alton towers will one day build a new indoor coaster. Brilliant video thanks I enjoyed watching it and the memories, how you described it is how I remember. Also last of all it had lights on the lift hill. 😊
I worked on the black hole in 94. Worked on the photo desk... I remember in the mornings before it opened workers rode it for its brake test.. As a young lad it opened my eyes, I saw more girls flashing bits then I ever thought possible. Hahahahaha. It was at the same time that they tried to set up a new camera setup on the corkscrew.
The Black Hole was my first ever rollercoaster in 1984 (I was 8). I thought it was wonderful until the drop and I cried my eyes out. And then wanted to go on it again, straight away! That started my rollercoaster obsession. The original ride used to have different country flags on the front of each car, and we used to think the Swiss one was fastest! The floating spacemen and asteroids in the spiral lift section were eventually changed to a funky light display with the music. And the ‘Martian’ animatronic just before the drop - sit back and hold tight! And the wonderful starcloth floaty section just before the second drop. When we used to go to Alton Towers subsequently, whoever’s birthday it was could choose where to start. Everyone wanted the Festival Park/Ug Land for the Corkscrew, but for me, it was the black hole every time. I used to love the early promo graphic which showed a long yellow coaster train spiralling into space. It really was an evocative and mysterious ride that proved that stats don’t have to be record-breaking to make a cracking ride. It was an experience, not just a ride and it was still scary every time you spiralled up and up and got closer and closer to the tent framework. Not the best ride Alton has ever had, but my favourite.
Thanks for sharing your memories!
I found this ride just so magical and you didn't know what to expect next in the dark. I have extremely fond memories of this ride and was sad when it was no more.
It was a sad day when it closed
Due to corona, I'm stuck in a Black Hole of Theme Park Worldwide videos
i see what you did there
I'm not complaining
Lol
That's a good thing he has over 700 vlogs to catch up on so you don't bored
haha
Bring back the spiral lift hill as an idea - it really built up the anticipation far better than a normal lift hill.
It was great!
I remember the Lift hill going on forever, it built up the excitement. It was a fantastic experience.
I first went on the blackhole on a school trip in 1984 it was a summer team and as it was new I remember lining up for nearly half the day to go on it, I was lucky to be on the front row, if I remember rightly there were lights on the track as you went up and they carried on up after the track dropped, so you was surprised when you headed down, there was a large space man figure hanging in the middle of the coaster plus I think there was planets, the tent was white and it was the first time that I remember a coaster ending in a themed shop at the bottom and across from it there was a bobsleigh track. 36 years ago seems like yesterday :) Thanks as always for bringing those magic moment back.
Looking at other comments people are saying it was green and yellow tent, not the white as I can remember it, I have lots of time on my hands so I have done a little search the only very slight chance that I'am remembering correctly is from the 1984 Alton Towers map its just a painted map but it does show the black hole in a white tent, but on the 1985 map it has been coloured green and yellow, so I might just be right, could the black hole of started its first year in a white tent? .... I really must get out more.. but I cant :)
Thanks for sharing your memories!
The Black Hole was a pretty important part of the story in The Watchers: A Mystery At Alton Towers! I remember reading that book years before I'd even been to Alton Towers and wondering what was going on inside that tent. 😊
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for posting this review! Brings back excellent memories. Sadly, I never got a chance to ride it. I went back in '95 just after the Nemesis was added, and I vividly remember that green and yellow circus tent vibe. As simple as the exterior was though, it was very alluring, and that mystique you referred to with the roaring noise of the coaster and the screams had me all..."What the heck is in there?!". I'm from Texas, but I have to be honest, Alton Towers puts most theme parks to shame when it comes to aesthetic. I have never experienced a more unique and attractive theme park. Glad my grandparents were willing to make a detour to Staffordshire! Beyond worth it!
Still gutted I missed going on this by going to Alton Towers the day after this ride closed.
That’s a shame I didn’t get to ride as well
i remember riding the black hole in 1994, i remember entering the queue line and heading right all the way back up towards the toilets and back down, while in the queue line the massive drop down to the bottom of the tent was always visible. Entering into the black hole tent it was so dark, to the point you couldn't really see anything. the trains were so small i remember just about fitting in with my dad. and off you went, round and round and round with only a bit of lighting to see the centre, and you would just wait for it to hit the top, that little movement to the right and you knew you were at the top. and that's it down you go. it was incredible the sound the lights the screams, it scared the hell out of me for so long, i believe it was around in the golden times of alton towers, and miss it loads, if you want a trip to go and visit it now i would be up for that.
Great memories!
Imagine The Smiler....
Re themed....
In a big tent...
You know Alton Towers will make this happen someday 🎢🌚🌑
Very fond memories of this ride. My very first rollercoaster ride at the age of 12 in 1993, I remember coming off the ride with my dad in tears. Today, my 8 year old rode her very first rollercoaster, The Smiler! Her best part "getting off at the end Mummy!"
Thanks for cheering me up 💖💖
From Sweden, and I've been on it. It runs really well. It's now named Rocket. So still a space themed name.
The Black Hole was my favourite ride at Alton Towers, I loved it!!
i've been binge watching theme park worldwide videos thanks for making these horrible times a bit better
Thank you for your support!
ONE OF MY FAV RIDES IVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE RIDING,👍😄👍.
The Blackhole was more scary then Corkscrew back in the day it was a real AAA coaster in the UK. It was something that you had to challenge when tall enough and build up too. I queued up one summer in the 80's when i was just tall enough apparently. I was so scared and I remember the old queue they later closed inside the building that was like a cheap Star Trek or space station. I got on and it was so scary but a blur. I still remember hitting that break run like hitting a wall. I bounced off so proud. I finally did it i conquered the BlackHole. I queued back up and got to the front and was sent away for being too small by like a finger. I cried and cried. Next year though it became my No1 coaster and stayed there for many years. It took me years to forgive that ride op after i matured a bit. Still today i understand how lucky i was to get that first ride.
Thanks for sharing your memories!
Hi Shawn, really enjoying these videos of where you talk about memories of Alton towers. I was wondering if you would do an episode of past Alton towers scarefest mazes like the sanctuary, carnival of screams and boiler room etc and what you thought of them as I was too young to experience mazes like that but I really want to know experiences on what they were like
Thanks for your suggestions!
@@ThemeParkWorldwide Ye that would be goof
You should do the wooden wild mouse at Blackpool
transport agent it got ripped down it got destroyed it got removed
I will be at some point!
The mad mouse has been taken down. Its no longer there. It was brilliant. It was the very first coaster i ever went on
Danielle Dewitt it was. It was an absolute death trap. 😂
I’m glad this ride is getting remembered, I feel like it’s been in the Corkscrews shadow but it’s a good coaster. I remember in 2009 walking past the tent lol.
i went before the black hole was built ,there used to be a toboggan run down the hillside ,basically half concrete pipes you went down on teatrays with wheels
1993 - me and my friend were in the Fun Club, and went most weeks in the summer. The Black Hole was a fave and we always tried to do something funny for the ride photo, as most people riding didn’t know where it was. One day, we unfurled a “Hi Mum” sign as we flew past the camera…staff and riders thought it was great. We were AT legends that day!
A great coaster. It was loud, hot and smelt of grinding metal, but I loved it!
Could you do a remembering video about Blackpool Pleasure Beach like the gold mine or space invader or something.
I will be filming many more of these! Thanks for your suggestions!
Wow fantastic 😊😊😊
Loving how even though you cannot go to parks you are still constantly posting really good videos for us all to enjoy Shawn. Keep it up!!
Thanks Oscar!
I was born in 85. The Black Hole was the ride that got me into coasters. Space Invader was also good at BPB but wasn't as good as this.
Hi. I went on the black hole on its second day of opening and rode it right up until it closed. It still remains my fave coaster of all even though it was a basic jetstar 2 coaster. The coaster Alton beast was the same coaster. Now the black hole when i first rode it was nothing like what it became. The queing was literately just basically a black tarped tunnel. The station was quite dark too and very basic. It was almost no afterthought had gone into it. But what it became was an incredible part of the experience. I loved that coaster as did all my friends who went on it. We need another one back at alton towers. Also the west mids safari park vid you did was great. I grew up just up the road from it and have been visiting it ever since it first opened. Keep up the good vids. Well done. Its a pity i dont have my old photos of the black hole. There was a stage with dancers on it at the time of opening while you que'd up for it. I remember suedo echoes version of funky town playing on the sound system at the time. Everytime i hear that verson it takes me straight back to the que for black hole. Great ride and very sadly missed.
Thanks for sharing your memories!
Great nostalgia. I remember being so scared as we whirled towards the top and then the drop. I remember how the wind used to blow through your face though the plastic dome. Thanks for this 💕
Loved this ride plus Space Invader in Blackpool, and going up to the top did feel like ages .There is a Going live kids 80s tv show you tube video when Philip Schofield is on the black hole , it has the camera on their faces during The whole ride .So you can get an idea what it’s like, it also has the rapids and the corkscrew on it
I remember the original tent in 1996 I was 16 it was a school trip. My first time going. Loved that ride, I remember that drop it was scary and just the odd flashing light effect in total darkness..it was so unique. Never been on anything like it since. Never got back to ride it again before it was pulled down unfortunately.
I remember the “outside” version called the beast near thunder looper I believe..96 was the year Nemesis opened too and it’s still to this day my favourite rollercoaster, queued for hours to get on it!.. great rides, awesome park, lots of memories.
This ride was such a phenomenal ride. I went to for the special last ever day The Black hole was in operation. The park laid on a very nice three course dinner, and special access to the ride itself. A day I will never forget.
I also got to ride the ride with the lights on, and also stand right under the main part of the ride, such an amazing day! I definitely miss The Black Hole. Such a shame it got taken down. But the memories live on. And CZcams is a great platform to watch videos relating to the ride. Thank You Alton Towers for such an incredible time with The Black Hole. It’s definitely a ride anyone who remembers it will treasure forever.
Thanks for sharing your memories
Theme Park Worldwide No problem at all. Stay safe!
Beautiful blog I share your passion for this ride, I went on it in 87 just before the changes, I don't remember the music but all what you said on here about the queuing and anticipation really brought it all back to me. I was 13 at the time and we only had a seat belts to hold you in, I remember clinging on for dear life lol. I remember the lift hill having some lights on the track, but like you said, it felt like the drop was longer and to me felt like it was a straight drop, it's strange how being in the dark changes your perception of it. Great memories.. Those sharp drops, those tight curves, that break run. Will always remember you black hole, missed very much.
Thank you for sharing your memories!
Hi shawn God I feel old i remember the green and yellow tent . Great ride rode it a few times over the years . I was 14 when i first went on it in 1984 . Thanks for the memories. Take care stay safe xxx
Only mentioned this about alton towers memories the other day great when it worked in its later life.
Should of got a shout out 😁😂😉
Cool, really wish I got to ride it
Used to love this ride
They used to have a spaceman inside hanging from the roof and the track used to go round the spaceman while climbing up the top.
Once you got to the top the ride was pitch black.
It was the first large rollercoaster I've ever ridden so I have fond memories of it. The station is still very memorable. I still remember the audio on the lift hill which really built up the tension of being deserted and about to plunge into the unknown. EuroMir and Eurosat at Europa Park reminds me a lot nowadays of my experience riding the Black Hole.
I’ve got all the fibre optic stars from the black hole they hang in my trees in the garden thousands of them, they look stunning.
I first went on this in thr late 90s/early 00s and I loved it. The outdoor queue was a bit crap and slow moving (did those TVs ever work!) but the indoor bit used to really get me scared ready for the coaster. When you went up the spiral lift hill the lights would illuminate the sides which just looked like black bin bags which scared me more as it felt like something you shouldn’t be riding! That first drop felt amazing, I can’t believe how shallow it looks on that Swedish video it felt so high in the dark!
Thanks for sharing your memories!
Kinda reminds me of Space Mountain but in England.
Nice video. :)
It was indeed!
Loved the black hole as a kid! Will miss it! I mean the smiler is a fantastic ride but as a little kid it was amazing for the time early. 90s old skool towers, thunder looper! The beast, corkscrew, magic carpet ride!! Cheers for this Sean!! Take me back :)
My 2nd ever coaster
I stood up and nearly fell out once. Still scares me. Im 54
It was an awesome ride. Happy times spent on this as a kid. Cheers for a great upload and some good trips down memory lane.
Rode this in 86 my first time in the UK I loved it x sad I didn't get to ride it again even though I've been living in UK for 24 years x but great memories x thank you for taking me back x
My first ride ever in Alton Towers was the Black Hole in 1993 when I was 12. I was terrified by the ride's famous formidable reputation which was confirmed as we spiralled up quickly round asteroids and a creepy giant spaceman. Being a youngster I could barely reach the bar in front and the cars and ride seemed huge. I was hypnotised on the lift hill watching the train above and feeling drawn into the ever deepening dark chasm below. Then hearing the blood-curdling screams as the train above dropped into 'the black hole'. I was petrified as we neared the top. The gasmasked spaceman at the top said 'hold tight' and then we dropped down the huge drop which felt like nothing else had before then sharply turned. That year the turn was illuminated with orange and red lights. You only had a car-style seatbelt back then. The eerie sci-fi music played on the ascent was so creepy and atmospheric. At the time laser quests were new and popular and this was fitted that trend for indoor sci-fi experiences. The walk down to the station was longer too which was spoiled by the '98 facelift. It was a brilliant ride so sadly missed, gutted when they closed it.
Thanks for sharing your memories!
I'm 44 now and I remember riding this in 84 when it opened. Honestly it was very scary in complete darkness and I so wish one was engineered today as it was the Don and freaked the brain to the max!!!!.
Nice vid Shawn. Loved the black hole, preferred it prior to the retheme, just loved the space age theming. Random fact, my Dad was good friends with John Broome's Brother in law who was on the management team. My dad was an electrician and used to do some work at the Towers, including putting the power supply in for the black hole, and the Rapids, and a few others. We had a Gold Pass for years following this and got in free!!
Thanks for sharing, love this!
Thanks for replying Shawn, I have so many happy memories of the Towers, unfortunately with not many photos to reflect on!! Same as yourself it was the place that really got me into theme parks. All my siblings were born in uttoxeter and after the family moved to Derby they used to ride their bikes all the way to Alton Towers, hid them in a bush on Farley Lane and snuck through a hole in the fence near fantasy land! (My dad had to go to use the pass!) I do miss the classics, the Black Hole obviously but also Corkscrew, Alton Mouse, 4 man Bob, Thunderlooper, the beast!! We were even there on the opening day of the monorail, it was opened by William Shatner (Kirk from star trek) Happy Days!!
Allways awesome to see Many Memories Like the BlackHole, i was on there on the 1st day of opening & wow it was so great to ride a Coaster in the Dark, & the extra Memories riding Blackhole i had a Friend who operated it & ive had many many re-Rides without getting of & reQue'n ,,smiles brightly ,,,, awesome vid Shawn ^5
Thanks for sharing your memories!
Loving the well put together enthusiastic vids. Definitely a trip down memory lane for me this one. I can’t remember exactly what year was my 1st at Alton Towers but it would have been late 80’s and I distinctly remember the yellow and green colour scheme and the excitement and nervousness as you queued for the ride hearing the music, the screaming and the wind noises as the coaster rushed around the track. Sitting low in the car packed in tandem with the other rider. And your right it took an age to get to the top. There used to be lights that would strobe to the bottom so occasionally you’d get a glimpse of track down below if you hung over the side. It was a fantastic ride certainly one of the best. I went to Alton Towers twice a year without fail for about 10 years straight all the way through the 90’s. Other favourites included The Beast coaster, The Thunder Looper, Alton Mouse and o of course the Corkscrew and then in the later years the Nemesis and Oblivion. It has been probably 15 years since I went last and have yet to ride 13, smiler and whatever else has been built since. I have to get back but I’m not so sure my 42 year old back would make it lol 🙈
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yes! Of course roller coaster in the dark with the atmosphere. The station is beautiful!
Ah more happy memories, yes rode this one many times . The biggest memory was the cars , station and the theme . Back in early 80 s this was a very intense ride and always one we rushed to get on . I always remember the Alton beast next to the Talbot street theatre which was re painted and moved to where Galactica is now then it was called the new beast ....At the time the rumour was there was a brand new Bkack hole coaster and the old one was relocated and named the new beast . Remember back then no internet so it was so hard to find information. We do miss the Black Hole though 😢. So chuffed to see it all spruced up and running again , looks so cool 👌🏼cheers Shaun 🧱👍🏼
Thanks for sharing!
LOVE this. I always wished I could’ve ridden the black hole. Thanks for the nostalgia. ❤️
So many memories of this ride, all of which led up to that heart sinking feeling when I read the notice outside the ride, that it would never open again (Also annoyance that Alton Towers got the dates wrong about when it opened, on the notice!)
My first memory was standing outside the big yellow and green tent, in 1984. Myself and my Dad stood in amazement at the people coming off it with nosebleeds! Apparently, the breaks were too strong!)
My first ride was before a lot of the lighting effects were added. The queue line and station were also very different back then. I did rather like the steam punky version that came later, but I didn’t like that they added seat belts and bars.
I think my favourite thing about the ride was the music/sound effects during the ascent up that spiralling hill. It really did get the anticipation going. A much missed ride.
Brings back great memories great ride and great video 👍 I will always remember the roomers that a test dummy came back to the station with no head so always used to keep my head down 😂 fun times
When I first went on this during the late 80's, to entertain the long queue, they used to have a stage with live bands playing throughout the day. Also there was no lap bar or belt to stop you getting out of your seat, as a 10 year old, that scared the life out of me!!! Opposite, where the restaurant ended up being, there was, if my memory serves me right, a twin track single sledge ride, where 2 people raced each other on these little sledges with a lever brake, which you controlled. And definitely remember the space man floating in the middle as you went up. You knew you were getting close to to top when you got level with him. Great memories from this ride.
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been on this ride a few times over the years , it was one of my favourites ❤️
Great video. Rode it early/mid 90's for the 1st time. My main memory is of how excellent the station was. It did lose a little in later life but I figured it was I was a bit older. Here's hoping the new indoor attraction brings a Black Hole for the 21st century 🙏
Never honestly got to experience it as time I and my family got to Alton Towers. It was all permanently shut. But talking about new rides, can 100% see a new version of this being maybe built in Alton Towers for 2024 or 2025 100%. With the new indoor attraction in coaster corner. If not this, a new space themed Space Mountain type of coaster attraction? Be a good new addition to the park & maybe in the storyline? It could reference to Black Hole or be a sequel to it? That would be good I think? Reference old storyline and ride into new attraction? By the way, good to hear track and trains have been restored & running in Sweden. One day you will get opportunity aswell so will I. But thanks for sharing your experience, really enjoyed the video and look forward to more videos like this in future. Thanks again. 😀👍
Was never able to ride this! But it looked such a great coaster with theming glad it lives on.
Brilliant video Shaun
I remember as a youngster, in the early 80s, we went to the towers and back then as you walked out the ride exit I remember there being star wars figures available to buy as well as the usual ride merch which my dad tried bribing me with but I wasn't having any of it. However I made up for it in the 90s, awesome ride.
These information videos are really good Shawn! So much stuff which I didn't know and really interesting
Thank you!
Recently went to Alton Towers (October 23rd 2023), and was looking forward to it, not been for years, decades!!.
I was looking at map for Black hole and log flume. Much to my disappointment , gone haha. I nearly passed out on Smile on the second half of the track (hate theme, very irritating). My son (12) loved it very much!!
I know this will be very unlikely but at Altons 30th anniversary they could buy it back from furuvik and turn it back I to the black hole. That would be a coaster enthusiasts dream.
I loved this ride, I’ve only been to Alton towers twice and both were school trips in the early 2000s, I’m really sad it’s not there anymore as it was my favourite ride.
Never went on it I firstly went to the park in the later 2010s I was born in 2005
I remember just down from black hole they had another Dome like tent which if my memory is right was the 3d cinema the black hole was a good ride it was very similar to the beast which I believe was over where galactica is with the thunder looper there what a ride that was
That was Cine 2000!
Oh my god yes. I remember the cinedome. I went in there loads
My main memories of the original Black Hole are of the fluorescent floating spaceman figure in the centre of the lift hill, and before that the argument I had with my Dad about waiting to ride it when the queue board showed a waiting time of 3 hours 45 minutes.
Over the years, I went on the black hole a fair few times and, it never seemed to be the same, each time. I remember when I was thirteen, riding the black hole shortly after it opened in 1984. I queued about two an a half hours, to ride it. The queue was quite large outside the yellow and green tent and, I got excited when I finally entered the tent, only to find that there was a claustrophobic zig zagging queue inside too! The station was just plain, black walls... nothing much to look at. Then the little coaster car came in view. I remember thinking it looked very old fashioned, not space aged, like the corkscrew cars. Getting in the car seemed a bit weird too... my friend got in first and, I had to virtually sit in his lap. There was just a car seat belt you pulled across, not that it would save you but, that added too the fear factor! As the coaster pulled away into a tunnel and, turned left into the spiral lift, there were orange glowing rocks that seemed to be floating, until your eyes adjusted to darkness, when you could now, just vaguely make out the bars and wires, holding them in place. You could vaguely see the spiral lift too, if you strained your eyes. Amongst the rocks, there were two or three life size astronauts, as you made your way up the spiral. When you reached the top, there was a anamatronic alien head, telling you to hold tight! The rest was in total darkness... a couple of drops and very sharp turns before you come hurtling into a bright light and, a painfully sudden stop! Then a slow ride back to the station. The next time I rode the black hole... the whole thing was exactly the same apart from the astronauts had gone, there were just the glowing rocks. Another time I went on it... I think in 1990, I noticed as the car came into the station, it was now two cars joined together and, they had lap bars. Then when we entered the spiral lift, the glowing rocks were now gone but, the astronauts were back! This time though, they were huge! Two of them, suspended in the air , arms and legs out stretched looking down at you.... one about half way up the spiral lift, the other near the top. This is also the first time that I remember hearing the music, as we spiralled around the astronauts and above.... then as we moved away from the spiral... the music changed and as the cars started to tilt downwards, there was now red lights on the edges of the tracks around the corner... then after the corner as you started to rise and around the edge of the spiral lift, which was now covered in a sea of twinkling stars before dropping again and, once again seeing red and green lights around the big helix before heading off into the bright light and sudden stop! This was the best experience of the black hole for me.... the actual station improved with the steampunk theming but, they just kept messing about with the theming until the last time I rode the black hole, they might aswell of called it Disco !!! There was coloured lights strobbing up and down the middle of the spiral lift and, there was coloured flashing lights the whole way round the ride, it was not a dark ride at all, anymore... the track was visible the whole way round!😕still not a bad ride but, it had lost that element of surprise. Back in the day, a very good ride..... the nemesis is a very good ride still... oblivion is not worth queuing for, air was alright, nothing to write home about... Rita and thirteen are ok . I haven't yet been on wicker man... whether it's just nostalgia or not... but the early days of the black hole were the best! Even the smiler... with all the money they spent on that.. it doesn't make up for the not knowing.... what's in the tent!😊
Thanks for sharing!
We used to ride this with sunglasses on. Got some great pictures.
I went with school in 1985 and went on this ride and really enjoyed it
First coaster I ever did and it was in the dark.I remember being amazed with the station alone total recall vibes sprung to mind.I totally agree it the drop did seem higher in my memories when the coaster would circle the track it felt massive.
Think I went on it once , can't remember a thing but I remember it was fun
I’ve only ever been to Alton Towers once which was an end of secondary school trip in 2002. I do remember riding this and remember it being fun. I’ve still got my ride picture from that day so will need to dig it out!
So have I looking petrified lol
i never got to ride the black hole but i do remember seeing the abandoned building for it between 2009 and 2012
Hi Shaun, Great video and I'm a great alton towers fan albeit not been for a few years now. The Alton Beast if I remember rightly was literally the same as the black hole but outside. It was in thunder Valley. I can also remember the original operators uniform which was a green blazer and yellow trousers. The iconic original logo was on the left breast of the blazer and was unmistakable. Your mum n dad will probably remember that. I did leisure and tourism and applied for a job there in 1990. Never ended up working there and living in East Yorkshire meant I spent ages looking for accommodation. Keep the great work up.
Regards
Rich (Hull East Yorkshire)
Thanks for sharing Rich!
My parents always tell me about this ride, this was the first place they went when they met :)
that’s actually adorable
Another great video Shawn 👍🏻. My dad actually rode The Black Hole at Alton Towers
I remember riding it in mid to late 80s when it was a single car. At the bottom of the first drop it went into a really fast banked turn which was really intense. Remember Cine 180 (most Theme Parks had one) which was in the same area, just above the black hole. My favourite ride was the carpet ride, Arabian Nights sadly thats gone too.
Great video and the color of the ride when it was relocated and refurbished in Sweden looks pretty. From seeing the pictures of the layout it looks a lot like the layout on one of Busch Gardens former roller coaster. I can't remember the name of it, but it's in the place where Big Bad Wolf was and also where Verbolten is now. I saw on Wikipedia the list of their former coasters and that's how I found out about that one and it had pictures as well.
First rode it on my first visit to the park on holiday with my parents in 1990. All I remembered then was the calm dark ride like hill lift, followed by a huge rush of speed and numerous flashing lights in my face. A few years later we came back, and told some people we were with that it was a gentle thrill ride, neglecting to tell them about the roller coaster part after the hill lift.
Looking back I'm surprised more parks don't build enclosed coasters nowadays. Seems like a good way for a small park to improve it's line up.
£40 three course meal. Lecture on roller coasters. Then 1Hr unlimited riding on the BH with a tour of the workshop after. Awesome. They changed the nylon on the wheel to slow it down. It was 14 years old when they bought it. Worth noting it was electric motor driven.
Thanks for sharing your memories!
Absolutely loved the black hole.
Never got to ride it gutted! First visited Alton Towers in 2005
I also rode it on the last ever day
The Black Hole was an awesome ride..i rode it twice on two separate visits..& still have an on board photo taken by the machine (just after the first drop that dives left) this photo is nearly 20yrs old now!!!😬😂
It was indeed a fantastic indoor coaster!
I loved the ride return black hole come back
Best ride at Alton towers this was! They should have kept it!
I will never ever forget the black hole. It was my first ever rollercoaster.
It came about after queuing for the oblivion when it first opened. I was just on the height limit and I actually got a seat on oblivion before I got called up and measured and was told I was not tall enough. So the park staff gave me and my dad fast track passes for the black hole. So this was my first ever rollercoaster all because I just wasnt tall enough for oblivion!
I first rode this on the opening year of Oblivion. 1998 it was a great ride which will built up the atmosphere really well. The sound of the screams coming out of the tent in the que line really got the scare factor up. I remember looking for the track when I was on it and only being able to notice the track on the bottom helix just before the station. Little lights dotted around the roof of the tent looked really cool, not knowing when the drop was coming was also really cool. The smiler is a suitable replacement though, also a great ride.
Thanks for sharing your memories!
I love rollercoaster dark rides, and the black hole was one of the best. It doesn't have to be too intense to be a good ride the anticipation and surprise is important factor
My dad rode the black hole in 1984 and waited 2hrs for it he told my that it was very intense because of the complete darkness and it was surprisingly extremely fast. I'm taking him back to towers this season and I can't wait to see his reaction
blooming loved this ride
Another awesome video Shawn
I think I rode it near the end. It was 2001? And I’m convinced I saw an astronaut in the dark! I LOVED THE BLACK HOLE. Cannot BELIEVE it’s still alive in another country!!! Amazing. I think it’s one of the best coasters I’ve ever been on. And I’ve done the Florida parks!
The block hole really messed with your senses, to me it felt like the first drop was a vertical drop which was really long.. How wrong was I when seeing the video with lights on, I went on it in 87 when it was still single cars and we had seat belts instead of lap bars, I remember clinging on for dear life but then I was only 9. I truly hope Alton towers will one day build a new indoor coaster. Brilliant video thanks I enjoyed watching it and the memories, how you described it is how I remember. Also last of all it had lights on the lift hill. 😊
Great video.
Nice Space Mountain shirt. Yes, as we know on the BBC that there was also a documentary about when Oblivion was being built. Stay well and safe. 😊
I worked on the black hole in 94. Worked on the photo desk... I remember in the mornings before it opened workers rode it for its brake test.. As a young lad it opened my eyes, I saw more girls flashing bits then I ever thought possible. Hahahahaha. It was at the same time that they tried to set up a new camera setup on the corkscrew.
Thanks for sharing your memories!