Alton Towers Day 1

After a bit of a rough nights sleep in our AirBnB (courtesy of Joshua's snoring) we were up relatively early for the short drive to Alton Towers. I have been really excited about going here as the kids have never been before and the last time I went was probably some 15+ years ago. I just hoped it was as good as I remembered. Part of the reason we haven't taken the kids is because it is so far to travel and we really wanted to make sure they were all old enough and tall enough to get the most out of the big thrill rides.

As we were staying on site in the Enchanted Village we managed to get early entry in to the park and therefore jumped straight in the queue for Nemesis, then the runaway train and then just as we finished on that Galactica opened up so we dashed over there. Galactica was pretty amazing as I think it is the first roller coaster I have been on where you lie down. 

We really blitzed the first day and walked over 25,000 steps as we tried to make the most of Day 1 and get as many of the thrill rides covered as we could. I think the longest queue we had was about an hour which wasn't bad as some of the rides hit 90-120 min queues during the day. As with Cadbury World the whole of Alton Towers was themed for the Halloween Scarefest which was pretty cool.

Joshua started to get tired as the day went on, but Brandon was a trooper and just jumped from one ride to the next. Me and him finished Day 1 the same we we started on Nemesis and Galactica but in the dark instead of the daylight. Talk about throw your senses completely out the window!!! From Day 1 I think our favourite rides were Galactica, Oblivion and Thirteen. Holly was hilarious on Thirteen and didn't stop screaming, we all had no idea that the ride came to a stop in the dark, then gave you a vertical drop before speeding off backwards in the pitch black.

After a very long day we headed back to our lodge for some snacks and drinks before hitting the sack ready for Day 2 on the Sunday. The lodge was pretty amazing and fortunately Joshua was in a different room to us, so we didn't have to put up with yet more snoring!!!!

Loved this fountain outside the Alton Towers hotel.

Tina had the joy of going on the Mary Rose with Holly (these rides make you far more sicker than the thrill coasters!).

With 5 of us, someone always has to ride solo. On the runaway train it was Joshua's turn.

Brandon had the pleasure of my company.

A rare photo from on a ride as I sneaked my camera out.

Holly and Tina on the SkyRide.

Not sure the two girls liked the height and the cable car swinging around.

But we had great views of the gardens below.

Which seemed to go on for miles.

Brandon testing out the seat for Rita. Unfortunately we didn't get to go on Rita on Day 1 as the queues were just so big.

Holly got to take her driving licence (similar to a ride they have at Lego Land which the boys did years ago).

Not a great start as she is facing against the arrows in the road.

At least she is going the right way around the round-a-bout.

More driving for Holly.

Coming out of the car wash.

The Tower at Alton Towers.

More of Alton Towers.

They have the most amazing monkey puzzle trees in front of the Tower.

Halloween themed decorations all around the theme park for their Scarefest event.

Coffee and hot chocolate in souvenir Alton Towers cups as we wait in the queue for the spinning coaster.

Trying our luck for £1,000 prize if you can hole in one the little island in the lake. Josh failed.

And Brandon failed. I was marginally better as I at least got close to the island.

Some of the scary dance crew outside the Tower.

Loads of Pumpkins at the entrance to the theme park.

Mr Pumpkin head.

We didn't even realise that last weekend was the Scarefest.

Showing my age as a recognised this as an old Ford Granada.

Holly and Tina on one of the smaller rides whilst me and the boys tried our hand at some golf.

Holly with her arms aloft and having a blast.

We 5 Kings at the Scarefest.

Amazingly they are not winding each other up for once and have a photo together.

Holly with some more Pumpkins.

And more... scary Holly.

A rare picture of me as I am usually the one with the camera.

Brandon's neck on the block.

Then Holly's turn.

The red blur is me, Josh and Brandon vanishing in a misty hole in the round on the awesome Oblivion.

On the walk back the vintage car fountain looked equally as good in the dark.

Couldn't really see to much of the outside of our Enchanted Lodge as it was dark when we eventually got back.

But inside the rooms were very nice indeed.

Tina settling in and finding the bathroom.

Which looks like this.

And then there was a little side bedroom for the kids to sleep in.