So after experiencing the Oblivion track walk and expressing our opinions about our first experience of this brand-new event we were invited back to check out the Wicker Man VIP track walk experience.
I must stress that since our first event, the park now has full training and paperwork to sign ahead of your lift hill climb. Everything seems to be on track and feedback was taken onboard very quickly and seriously to implement the changes quickly and efficiently.
Whilst the initial event left a bit of a sour taste in many of our mouths I can hand on heart say that this event was miles better in every way shape and form.
You’re more than welcome to check out our Oblivion track walk review HERE but keep in mind everything I’ve just said.
Firstly, the staff members have always been great across both of our track walk experiences. Their enthusiasm, banter and friendliness made us all feel welcome and having such small groups gives you that one on one time with staff to strike up a conversation and ask as many questions as you like.
Checking out the pre-show area inside Wicker Man with all the lights on was quite a cool experience, the theming is really great in there and even with all the lights out you can appreciate all the details you miss when it’s in show mode.
The whole reason we were gathered in the pre-show area was because it was raining outside so when the staff came to fetch us from the meeting point (a designated area opposite the ‘Big Bob’ wicker statue of the ride) they took us indoors and gave us all ponchos.
Weather was on our side though however because after our briefing the sun came back out and we had a glorious climb up to the top of the coaster after we got a tour of the operator’s cabin.
Sadly no photos or video could be captured in the cabin which was strange as other groups have been able to, that’s one thing that seems to be different with every group. Very strange decision when footage is already out there and the second you’re told not to do something on a VIP tour you feel less of a VIP (if that makes sense).
You should have free reign to do what you want (within reason), ask what you want and have the full experience that every group that has done it before you has had.
A fun climb to the top alongside friendly staff members reeling off facts and personal stories of the ride was great. It was like hanging out with your friends, it was very personable and chatty as opposed to reeling off facts or a boring script. It was very well done and questions were welcomed.
A lot of people are a bit socially awkward (myself included) so maybe I’d have encouraged the staff to just reel off more facts but three staff members in particular were reeling them off perfectly with two other staff members doing their training so we had the best of both worlds, experience and inexperience.
Hearing stories about what they thought about the training, how they were finding it etc was great.
Phones were placed in pouches and you could film and take photos throughout the experience which we couldn’t do last time. Thankfully, this has all changed and changed for the better.
Whilst I can’t justify the price point still (a tad expensive) for the experience it really is a must-do. I’d have probably knocked this one down to £55 with the Oblivion one at £65 if it was me in charge but it was a great experience all the same and a must-do for Alton Towers and rollercoaster fans alike.
Find out more about the VIP track walks at Alton Towers by clicking HERE
