After visting Alton Towers with my partner recently, I have mixed views about the park, so thought my impartial views would probably be helpful for writing a hopefully useful and constructive review!

Getting To The Park

Once you're near Alton Towers, it is well sign posted from all directions. We turned our SatNav off once we saw the first sign, as it was so well sign posted we no longer needed to be told by the SatNav which way to go.

Parking

There is a HUGE car park - remember where you parked by seeing the letter reference (e.g. car park area A, B, C, D etc) before you leave your car, as it might be helpful on your way out! "There is a £5 car parking fee which you can pay at the car parking machines either on your way in or on your way out". I thought the car parking fee was ridiculous. It's not a public car park, it's Alton Towers' car park only, so it should be included in the already expensive ticket price. There is then a train which takes you to the entrance gates of Alton Towers.

Prices & Opening Times

I would advise you to check the official website before you leave, but it is generally 10.00am - 5.00pm. It closes later in the Summer (probably because the queues are longer). The prices are as follows:
Adult: £36
Child: £27
Family of 3: £78
Family of 4: £100
Family of 5: £122
Family of 6: £144
Those prices are "on the day" prices. If you want them cheaper, "BOOK THEM ONLINE". For example, the adult on the day price goes from £36 to £29, saving you £7. Even better still, try finding money off vouchers on the Internet. We paid full price for our tickets but it is well worth knowing there are many 2 for 1 vouchers out there which can be used and which will save you a lot of money!

Getting Around The Park

This was very difficult! We were given a map to take around with us, which came in very handy, but Alton Towers is an incredibly huge park. I feel very sorry for all those parents out there who have to trawl young children around, as it is absolutely huge (in my opinion, anyway). My biggest tip would be to use the "Skyrides", which will take you from one side of the park to another. However, my partner and I only discovered this Skyride as we'd almost finished our day at Alton Towers, but it will definitely save on all the walking, therefore saving you much-needed time at the park!

Queues

The most disappointing aspect of Alton Towers is the size of the queues. Going in early April, we assumed we'd be able to get on rides fairly quickly...we were wrong! We didn't queue for any longer than an hour, but to be stood around for 60 minutes waiting for a 20 second rollercoaster ride wasn't much fun at all. Obviously, the bigger thrill rides have the biggest queues, which is to be expected, but it really was quite tedious walking from one large queue to another. Expect to stand for a long time before you reach the ride - but then again, it's worth it!

Food

There are absolutely loads of restaurants at Alton Towers - including favourites such as KFC. Be warned, though - it is quite expensive! You will never be out of choice, though, as there are simply many places to choose to eat from in all areas of the park.

Fast Track Passes, Single Rider Queues, Front Seat Queues

You could buy the Fast Track Passes from the Information Booths around the park or from the park entrance. They cost about £8 and ensure you can get on some of the big rides a little sooner before "normal" queuers. However, I feel each customer to the park should be given ONE fast track pass with their ticket which they can then use on any ride. It would be much fairer and the queues would be a lot shorter. I also noticed those in the Fast Track queues weren't getting in MUCH quicker than the rest of us anyway. I was tempted to buy some fast track passes in the end, because we only got to go on each rollercoaster once thanks to the queues, but it was fairly late in the day and we reasoned it wasn't worth it! The Single Rider Queues are a great invention! A new queue line has been set up for those people who don't care who they sit next to on a ride. Brilliant, I think, because who really cares who you sit with on a ride that lasts less than 30 seconds if it means you get to ride quicker? There have been loads of times where you've seen an empty seat on a rollercoaster and think 'if that seat were filled we wouldn't all be stood in this queue for so long'. So this single rider queue attempts to make the queue a little shorter (but in all honesty didn't seem to have much effect, we still queued for ages!). The Front Seat Queue was a VERY long queue and to be honest I didn't see the point of it. It was for those people who wanted to sit in the front of a rollercoaster. I can understand it's probably better than sitting in the middle but why would you want to add another 30mins to your queuing time?!? Those in that queue had to wait an extra 30 minutes just so they could sit at the front. A bit ridiculous in my opinion! Sitting at the back or the carriage second to the front must be just as good!

The Rides

The best thing about Alton Towers is there are a LOT of rides.

Air

Air was my favourite at Alton Towers. On times when I have previously been to Alton Towers, the queue has been too long for this ride (3 hours +), so when the queue said 40 minutes, I jumped at the chance! Honestly, if you think 40 mins is long to wait, that's practically NOTHING in terms of Alton Towers queue times! The queue was well worth it and the ride was fantastic. You lay down and 'fly' around the track, sometimes swooping onto your back, and it actually feels like quite a long time that you are on it. I would suggest taking your shoes off on this ride if they are loose, as your feet dangle in the air and any loose shoes will probably fall off! It was a great ride, and overall deserves a "9/10".

Oblivion

This used to be the master of all rides at Alton Towers. Everyone used to talk about it and say it was the best they'd ever been on. Now I think it's been overshadowed by beasts such as Rita, but nevertheless it is still an excellent ride. Sitting in a carriage with about 15 other people, you are dangled over the edge before being dropped to the ground, totally vertically. Many people have felt seriously sick after this ride! But it is excellent, and a good one for thrill-seekers. Another bonus is when I came in the Summer a year or so ago, the queue time was 3 hours. However, in April this year, it was at some times 0 minutes - NO QUEUE! I think the longest queue time was 30 minutes for this ride. It's worth a go! "7/10".

Nemesis

I actually thought Nemesis was new, but it isn't, and has been at the park quite a long time. The queue for this in April was about 35 minutes, which was pretty good! The ride was fast and located in Forbidden Valley (one of the areas on the map). It was excellent, and came a close second to Air! It's definitely a ride for those who love thrills - "8/10".

Enterprise

For some reason, Alton Towers claim this to be a thrill ride (putting it in the same class as Air and Nemesis etc), but I think this ride is pretty harmless. You can be 0.9m to ride this (usually for the big ones its 1.4m), and you are sat in a carriage like on a ferris wheel. You DO go upside down and you aren't strapped in - it is the force of gravity keeping you in your carriage - so that part is probably the most fun part! It's a good ride and worth going on but I wouldn't queue for over an hour for it! "7/10".

Rita

Wow! If you love rollercoasters, then this one is definitely for you! I couldn't believe how fast it was! When I saw it, I assumed it was quite harmless - the track didn't look particularly dangerous, and the queue was surprisingly pretty short, too (about 25 minutes, although when we came off the queue had gone up to 1 hour). This ride shoots you off at 100mph - not like usual rollercoasters which build up the speed! It literally blows you away - my heart couldn't stop beating like crazy for about 20 minutes after the ride had ended! It was definitely the fastest ride I've ever been on. There is a front carriage queue for this ride (as there are for all the big rides) but I definitely wouldn't have wanted to be at the front for this! It was VERY fast! "9/10" (I didn't personally love it all that much, as it left me quite shaken after it, but I can imagine thrill seekers will love it).

Ripsaw

The queue didn't look too bad for this and it was quite an enjoyable ride - you're flung upside down, go 'up and over' and generally are made to feel quite sick! It always attracts a crowd who come and watch. I wouldn't say it's as good as a rollercoaster but it's definitely worthy of being named as a thrill ride! You do get splashed a bit by water, but you won't get drenched. "7/10"

Submission

This is a little like Ripsaw. It reminds me of a ride you'd see on a fairground, so I didn't decide to go on it, but it DID look fun. I chose not to ride it because we were running out of time and in Alton Towers you can't really stroll about going on everything because of the queues. The queue for Submission, however, was incredibly small. In fact, I'd say that at some times you might not even have to queue for this ride at all. "7/10".

The Blade

A classic ride you see at theme parks - the pirate ship. Basically this IS a pirate ship which has been given a more menacing name to make it sound better, BUT nevertheless this is a great ride! I really enjoyed it, sat at the back and my heart nearly came out of my mouth each time you swung downwards, so it was a ride definitely worth going on! The queue was only about 10 minutes but it was a decent ride. "7.5/10" (7.5 because I know it's only a pirate ship but...it was good!)

Congo River Rapids

This was...Ok. Believe me, in the Summer the queue for this ride can be MASSIVELY long. But it really is just not that good. You all sit in a circular boat and go down these 'rapids' which is really no more than a stream with a few bumps so it splashes and you get wet, which I suppose is why people like it. It was enjoyable but wasn't fast like the name 'rapids' suggests - it was faster than a rowing boat, don't get me wrong! - it just didn't live up to its expectations. "5/10".

Duel

A decent ride! This is set in a Haunted House. 4 people can sit in a carriage which travels through this house while you can sit and watch or try and shoot the ghosts etc with laser guns. I wouldn't advise taking small children on this ride, but it IS a family ride, so as you can imagine, the majority of adults will not find this ride frightening in the least. The ghouls and ghosts etc aren't particularly life-like and it's quite humerous. Nevertheless, the zombies that come out can be quite surprising and made me jump a few times! Queue wasn't too long either. "8/10".

Hex

I was intrigued to know what this ride was all about. We managed to get in with no queue time at all, and we taken into a room where a TV screen told us about an old woman which had cursed a man etc etc. After the story, you are lead into another room which is pretty scary - the lights go out and you wonder what will happen. But this ride ISN'T scary - I noticed some parents started to wonder whether Hex was an adult horror house, but it really isn't. After that room, you go on the 'ride', which is a room with pews where you sit. Then it's an illusional ride where you feel you're turning upside down and it's strangely very good - everyone in the room enjoyed it and had a good time. It lasts a good length of time, too, so well worth going on! "8/10".

Runaway Mine Train

A ride for the family, this is actually quite good, and quite fast! We arrived at this rollercoaster early, noticed there was no queue so decided to go on it, and were allowed to go around the track three times in a row instead of just the once! It is actually surpringly rather quick, as we thought it'd be a slow and steady little train. It IS an actual rollercoaster but more than suitable for kids! "8/10" (will make the children feel like they've been on a grown up rollercoaster).

Spinball Whizzer

Great ride, but not a great queue! The queue's were big all through the day for this, probably because it's close to the park entrance so is likely to attract people who come in. It's fast, spins you about, there are twists and turns everywhere and is a good ride to go on! It's well worth riding as we felt it was as good as a big thrill ride, despite it being classed as 'laughs and frights' (meaning it's not in the same class as Air or Rita, for example). I'd suggest queuing for it even if the queue is long, as it's a fun ride for all! "9/10".

The Flume

Queues get pretty large for this, but its a good ride. In your bath tub you travel through the woods before being plumetted down an (almost vertical) slope. You will get wet, although I wouldn't say absolutely soaked! It's a worthy ride and great for the family. "7/10".

Twirling Toadstool

A ride full of swings for children. You will usually have seen this ride at most themeparks for children, and is usually popular amongst kids. I didn't go on this ride (being an adult!) but I'm pretty sure children would give it an "8/10".

Skyride

Makes me laugh how Alton Towers have called this a ride! Sure, you're in the air, but I wouldn't call it a ride as such, but more of a transportation device! Use these to travel from one end of the park to another (to save on lots of walking, especially for young children and parents with pushchairs or disabled visitors). I suppose it's nice to see a bird's eye view of the park! For that reason, a "7/10." If I were rating it as a ride, as Alton Towers call it, I'd have to rate it a "2/10", seeing as doesn't go fast or have any exciting element to it!

Other Rides For Children

I felt I couldn't give honest reviews for these rides purely for the fact I'm an adult and therefore didn't use these rides (clearly)! However, I must say Alton Towers caters well for children. There are many, many rides catered for them, with playgrounds and designated park areas. Visit the link to see the page for them: http://www.altontowers.com/theme-park/magic-young-fun/ I would imagine the queues aren't massively long, as most visitors to Alton Towers are adults/teens who are looking for the big rollercoasters. Many rides are educational, which is a bonus too, of course!

Sharkbait Reef By SeaLife

Well. After seeing the advert on television, I couldn't wait to see the big, scary looking sharks behind thin glass. I laughed when I saw these actual sharks! They are no bigger than the other fish and there are only about 3 of them in the whole aquarium! Was a bit of a let down, to be honest. Sure, there were plenty of beautifully striking fish, and all kinds of lovely looking sea creatures, but most people there were expecting huge sharks like the ones shown on the advert. Don't be fooled by the advert! People who love fish will love this, but if you aren't too fussed, I'd miss it out. It was overcrowded and hard to get around because of there being so many people inside it. No queues though - that has to be a bonus! "4/10"

The Gardens

If you're going with a group of people but some of you don't like rides very much, take a look around the gardens. Alton Towers is beautiful and it really is lovely to walk around. It's worth a stroll round if you've got the time, but I'd miss it out if you're more bothered about the rides. Again, the gardens would be more appreciated if the queues weren't so big. Most people are rushing to get on a ride that there isn't enough time to enjoy everything Alton Towers has to offer. It's a shame. "7/10".

Photos

After each ride you can purchase the photo from that ride, usually costing about £8. Your photo can also be on a keyring, mousemat, or a mug. They usually do deals (e.g. keyring and mousemat for £8).

Tips

• A one day pass for an adult on the day is £36. If you buy a TWO day pass for an adult ONLINE, it's £36. Why not get a two day pass and find a hotel to stay over for the night? It doesn't have to be Alton Towers Hotel - there were loads of B&Bs and Caravan Parks around the area. Well worth it!
• Another tip is to make sure if there are 10 or more of you then get a GROUP pass. It's £24 each (you must book online), but it will save you money.
• Visit Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert website for money off vouchers. I have seen loads around - from WHSmiths to The Sun newspaper giving away 2 for 1 offers for Alton Towers (and other theme parks). If you're feeling the bite of the credit crunch but want a day out, it's worth trying to save your cash.
• If you visit Alton Towers more than twice a year, get an ANNUAL PASS. An adult annual pass is £75, so roughly the same as two adult tickets. It's worth it if you go to Alton Towers many times during 12 months.
• Get a Merlin Annual Pass! For £150 each (adults and children are same price), you can visit a whole load of theme parks and attractions ALL YEAR ROUND just for that one off £150 price. Obviously, if you only visit a theme park once or twice a year then it's not worth it, but if you and your family visit places all over, then it's worth checking out.
• Get a FastTrack pass. But be careful about what you buy! You can buy a FastTrack pass for Rita for £4, but sometimes the queue isn't too bad (about 10 mins waiting time!). If you HATE queues and want the BEST out of Alton Towers, you'll have to pay for it - get the Platinum Fast Track Pass for £75 (each). To be honest, the queues are that bad you might not mind spending the £75 for the fast track! I'm definitely doing this next time myself and my partner go to Alton Towers, but I understand that kind of price isn't reasonable for everyone, especially during the rescession.
• The Sun newspaper sometimes does deals for the Alton Towers Hotel at half price.
• If you get a two day pass, don't bother staying at the Alton Towers Hotel. Stay somewhere just outside of Alton Towers for cheaper prices.
• If you aren't bothered about sitting next to a stranger on a ride, join the Single Riders queue to beat at least some of the queues! It's worth it if you don't mind not sitting next to your partner/friend/spouse/sibling etc.
• Look at the electronic boards around the park to see the queueing times. They will tell you how long the queueing times are for each of the big rides, and if you're near one of them, run for it and join the queue! If the ride is miles away, think about it before you walk towards it - other people might have seen that board too, and will now join the queue, making it quite large all over again!
• Don't bother trying to queue jump! Severe punishments are in force if that happens, and you'll be removed from the park with no refund. The queues are annoying, but everyone is in the same boat.
• TRY not to take valuables with you. You have to leave your bags etc in cages at each ride and even though they are monitored by CCTV, Alton Towers accepts no responsibility for thieved items. Try wearing clothes with zips to put some cash in, and leave your other valuables locked in a locker which are supplied there. Or give them to someone who has come along with you who doesn't want to ride!!

OVERALL

On the whole, I did enjoy my time at Alton Towers. I have been a few times before, but during the Summer, where the queue times are particularly bad. I have mentioned queues an awful lot in this review, but that is down to the fact they really are awful, and are renowned for being pretty bad. The ticket prices are expensive, and there needs to be a system like there are at some theme parks where those who DON'T want to ride don't have to pay to get in. I saw many Mother's with babies in prams, and it was clear the women weren't going to be going on any rides, but had still had to pay £36 to enter the park, which I feel is a little unfair. People should be given wristbands to ride and those who just want to walk around with the children shouldn't have wristbands so can't sneak on rides. It would be a much fairer system! The park is beautiful and the staff were friendly and did their bests to make sure enough people were getting on each rollercoaster to minimise queues. I suppose when you go somewhere like Alton Towers its reasonable to expect such masses of people thanks to its popularity! It didn't ruin the day, but it certainly was a negative. I also think there should be more rollercoasters for people who aren't especially wanting huge ones like Rita, but don't want childish ones like The Runaway Mine Train. I would personally enjoy going on rollercoasters which are 'comfortably in the middle' if it meant I got on more rides! The variety of rides, however, is superb, and the quality of the rides is brilliant, I cannot fault them. If you are looking for thrills and love the adrenaline, then it is definitely worth it. But if you aren't too bothered about huge and frightening rollercoasters, I wouldn't really say Alton Towers is for you!

Overall, I'd give the park a "7/10".