Alton Towers has closed its oldest ride as they look to revamp the theme park. The Blade, which was first called the Pirate Ship, swings back and forth and reaches a moment of zero gravity.
The iconic rollercoaster was one of the theme park’s most popular and entertained 500,000 customers each year. It first opened 44 years ago and rollercoaster fans are said to be “gutted” at the news of its closure.
Alton Towers said they are “making changes to its rides and attractions line up”. A spokesperson added: “Reaching the end of its technical life, the Resort will bid farewell to its current oldest ride, The Blade, with it being retired after 44 years of operation.”
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(Image: SWNS)
They also confirmed Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango will also be retired before the end of 2024 but also teased the introduction of a “new weapon” to the Forbidden Forest next year.
The Blade’s description on the Alton Towers website reads: ‘Float free from your seat and leave your stomach floating somewhere above you. As it flies back and forth, this pendulum swing reaches near-vertical angles.’
One fan wrote: “Gutted, loved this ride. It’s not all about rollercoasters. You need some middle of the road rides too.”
Another said: “But it’s one of the best rides!!”. While a third said: “You’re kidding? One of the more fun rides. So simple but very effective. Big mistake.”
(Image: Alton Towers)
Earlier this year, the Staffordshire-based theme park reopened another of their famous rides. The revamped Nemesis Reborn has an all new look, spine-tingling details and a completely new track.
On its opening in 1994 Nemesis was crowned Europe’s first inverted rollercoaster and has gone on to develop a fanbase of keen thrill-seekers around the world.
Millions of fans, from all corners of the Earth, have visited the Staffordshire theme park to experience the thrilling 3.5 G-force, as the ride dangled thrill-seekers along numerous twists and turns at speeds of up to 50mph.
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