The History of Secret Weapon 8: Wicker Man - A Coaster of Fire & Wood | Expedition Alton Towers

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  • Опубліковано 14 лис 2020
  • Join us as we head back to Expedition Alton Towers and look at the history, creation and story of Secret Weapon 8 - Wicker Man. The first wooden rollercoaster in the UK for over 20 years. Replacing the closed Flume Log Flume at the Park. Wicker Man is one of the world's best themed rollercoasters in the United Kingdom.
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    Make sure to check out part 1 of The Flume. The ride Wicker Man replaced here - • The Closed History Of ...
    Special thanks to
    Super Enthused - / superenthused
    ParkSpill - / @parkspill
    Alton Towers www.altontowers.com
    John Wardley www.john-wardley.co.uk/ A must read is his book Creating My Own Nemesis. www.amazon.co.uk/Creating-own...
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    Credits
    Theme Park Review - • Megafobia Roller Coast...
    Theme Park Worldwide - • Megafobia - Oakwood Th...
    Lightning Bolt - • The American Adventure...
    LADventure - • CROSS VALLEY WOODEN CO...
    Theme Park Worldwide - • Alton Towers Wicker Ma...
    Coaster World - • Wicker Man Pre Show - ...
    Towers Street - • Wicker Man Alton Tower...
    Theme Park Review - • Wicker Man Roller Coas...
    www.kylelambert.com/
    Hall of the Mountain King Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,2 тис.

  • @ExpeditionThemePark
    @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +340

    What would you like to see for Secret Weapon 9?

    • @doopy6123
      @doopy6123 3 роки тому +16

      I honestly don’t know

    • @CoasterXtra
      @CoasterXtra 3 роки тому +45

      An Intamin Blitz would be cool, but I feel like that's not coming :(

    • @lewis2524
      @lewis2524 3 роки тому +23

      Intamin Blitz that interacts with the terrain.

    • @sxg0017
      @sxg0017 3 роки тому +23

      I think you can just do a Prediction. i think SW9 is gonna be BIIIG

    • @MrCollerRoaster
      @MrCollerRoaster 3 роки тому +27

      An S&S axis coaster or Mack extreme spinner

  • @louckykoneko
    @louckykoneko 3 роки тому +725

    "they are not marketable" says Alton Towers, which can market and theme literally everything

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +49

      Right ha!

    • @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20
      @fazbeartowers43a.k.awicker20 3 роки тому

      lol

    • @christarsitano3245
      @christarsitano3245 3 роки тому +13

      Merlin: The only company that can get away with trying to kill the guests

    • @sarahwalker268
      @sarahwalker268 3 роки тому +31

      @@christarsitano3245 if this is about the smiler, that wasn’t the ride’s fault. It was the operator’s who I’m pretty sure got fired after the incident

    • @Montu-pc5gp
      @Montu-pc5gp 3 роки тому

      @@sarahwalker268 Probably

  • @Beeimus
    @Beeimus 3 роки тому +694

    Just about all the coasters at Alton Towers have such ominous themes to them. May as well make the whole park a psychological horror themed.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +48

      Yrssss

    • @Oodelally
      @Oodelally 3 роки тому +38

      Air was marketed more as a “hero”, does Galactica still count as a “hero” ride rather than a “villain” (i.e. Nemesis is marketed as a villain).

    • @melisaxo1199
      @melisaxo1199 3 роки тому +26

      I would LOVE this! I loved the horror of nemesis sub terror.. i love the creepyness of nemesis.. 13 is terrifying and i never thought id be scared of a tree but HEX did that! They do horror so well!

    • @chanel113
      @chanel113 Рік тому +16

      Yea this would never fly in America. Everyone is too offended by things like this

    • @georgebarker1599
      @georgebarker1599 Рік тому +2

      What about galactica

  • @DBTGAMER
    @DBTGAMER 3 роки тому +633

    In the final tunnel they should have included a giant creepy yellow duck.
    Something you would never expect. Also a nice memorial to the log flume ride. 🤔

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +66

      That would of been amazing ha

    • @OliverChannelURL
      @OliverChannelURL 3 роки тому +15

      Maybe don’t make it so obvious but just hide it somewhere

    • @thomaszinser8714
      @thomaszinser8714 3 роки тому +29

      Nah, hopefully they save the giant yellow ducks to be the central theme for SW9.

    • @snocelot4lyfe
      @snocelot4lyfe 3 роки тому +20

      That duck made me shit bricks the first time I went on that ride, I straight up jumped like a foot in the air 😂😂😂

    • @sandy_carpetsthesecond5013
      @sandy_carpetsthesecond5013 3 роки тому +11

      @@snocelot4lyfe LMAOOO saaaame. I was a kid when I first rode it, I burst out into tears when I heard the loud ass quack. Since then I've just never got over my fear of the ride-

  • @jackmarshallD9525
    @jackmarshallD9525 3 роки тому +219

    During Scarefest, when its gone truly dark and the wind is right, the level of immersion on this ride is glorious.

    • @hypnopyr9084
      @hypnopyr9084 3 роки тому +3

      LITERALLY, ITS SO INTENSE/SCARY

  • @craft7185
    @craft7185 3 роки тому +475

    wickerman: the first ride to combine wood, fire, and most importantly
    *bees.*

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +46

      Beeeeeees

    • @abv4718
      @abv4718 3 роки тому +27

      NO NO NO NOT THE BEES !!

    • @LeganArabach
      @LeganArabach 3 роки тому +13

      Certainly the wood and fire, but not the bees. That honor goes to the Comet at Hershey park. There is a hive that's been in the coaster for years. Every time you ride it, you'll likely hit a bee or two going around the first turn after the first hill.

    • @laurenwarner3531
      @laurenwarner3531 3 роки тому +1

      What do you mean by 🐝

    • @snailbulldogandmorefriends7405
      @snailbulldogandmorefriends7405 3 роки тому +3

      How’d it get burnt?
      NOT THE BEES
      tHe CrOwN mUsT dIe

  • @RolyWestYT
    @RolyWestYT 3 роки тому +342

    So I was one of those people when I first heard about this who said “oh wooden coaster? Yawn” I was wrong! It’s my second favourite in the park! 🥰

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +34

      Woodies are my fav rides! :D

    • @carolbaskin6073
      @carolbaskin6073 3 роки тому +15

      I didn’t expect to see you here! 😝

    • @RolyWestYT
      @RolyWestYT 3 роки тому +23

      @@carolbaskin6073 Anything to do with theme parks I AM THERE ;P

    • @minicloud737
      @minicloud737 3 роки тому +3

      Oh hi Roly!

    • @KavanderFinstere
      @KavanderFinstere 3 роки тому +2

      I sadly didnt like it at all... but i'm also more of a extreme type

  • @clock4143
    @clock4143 3 роки тому +619

    This may be controversial, but Alton got the wicker man marketing right. What an expedition!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +45

      Agreed!

    • @brodiechewstuna9663
      @brodiechewstuna9663 3 роки тому +63

      True they need to go back to scary instead of child friendly because it was more popular when it was scary

    • @elllyth6054
      @elllyth6054 3 роки тому +12

      I completely agree! The pre-show was suited so well to the marketing!

    • @Todd21212
      @Todd21212 3 роки тому +1

      I agree with you on that.

    • @dennismartin5821
      @dennismartin5821 3 роки тому

      Yeah, it worked on me. Looks cool, I'd like to give it a try.

  • @welcometomylives
    @welcometomylives 3 роки тому +772

    Seriously Alton Towers.
    You clearly don't want to be a theme park.
    Just make that horror movie you've been wanting to make.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +83

      That would be awesome

    • @Oodelally
      @Oodelally 3 роки тому +52

      Alton: Terror at the towers

    • @lpsftw8572
      @lpsftw8572 3 роки тому +47

      They defiinetly could if they tried. The smiler's theme of a dystopia society would be an amazing psychological horror film. The wickerman would be a beast of a fantasy film.

    • @soysaucegalaxy
      @soysaucegalaxy 3 роки тому

      You shod go it change you

    • @deejasart7766
      @deejasart7766 3 роки тому +12

      COME ON SMILER HORROR MOVIE

  • @MagicKillerClub
    @MagicKillerClub 3 роки тому +74

    It's my favourite ride at the park. Not the most thrilling, but it's the best all-round experience. I just can't wait for the trees and woodland to engulf the ride as it gets older!

  • @electrohalo8798
    @electrohalo8798 3 роки тому +146

    Guess you could say that it was a sure FIRE succes

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +19

      dang i wish i wrote that

    • @Randomperson-zt3il
      @Randomperson-zt3il 3 роки тому

      It is a FIRE success anyway. One of my favs but I rarely ride it because of Smiler and all of that

    • @dragonie
      @dragonie 3 роки тому

      Why did you do this to me

    • @user-gg1yh9qu5q
      @user-gg1yh9qu5q 3 роки тому

      Unfortunately, my internet was down all day yesterday so I wasn't able to upload today's content. Fahrenheit review will be released tomorrow. 👍

  • @mistamemewide
    @mistamemewide 2 роки тому +79

    Honestly, Alton Towers should straight up make more horror themed rides.
    When they land, they land hard.

    • @a_09.7
      @a_09.7 Рік тому +3

      On a side note they do need a better line up of flat rides like the ones at Thorpe park

  • @xPartyHeartyx
    @xPartyHeartyx 2 роки тому +39

    Literally obsessed with that clip of the person riding 13 and screaming. I want to have that replay on repeat in my mind.

    • @josh_kngt
      @josh_kngt Рік тому +6

      Pretty sure that was part of a BBC News show when Thirteen first opened, so they went and did a story about it.

    • @theexchipmunk
      @theexchipmunk Рік тому +4

      @@josh_kngt This channel also never forgets to add it if Alton Towers is mentioned in any way.

  • @jtfgamer8832
    @jtfgamer8832 3 роки тому +160

    The next expedition might be “The unbuilt rides of Alton towers.” However you might want to look into the deep history of Knobles, a once coal mine turned into the biggest free admission park in America.

  • @Onoitsbroko
    @Onoitsbroko 3 роки тому +83

    Out of all of the coaster and amusement park channels, you provide the most entertaining documentary style videos by far.
    You deserve waaaay more subscribers than you have. Every video is incredible!

  • @paigex4x
    @paigex4x 3 роки тому +44

    I've only been on Wickerman once but it doesn't disappoint, especially at the end of the day; it really whips you around the track! Definitely worth the 90minute wait!

  • @charliefidelia
    @charliefidelia 3 роки тому +24

    This ride is insane at night! The steam limits your vision so all you see is ‘smoke and fire’ and makes it appear so much faster. Definitely worth a visit during Scarefest!

  • @XIIIthProductions
    @XIIIthProductions 3 роки тому +46

    I was actually there on the original opening date when the weather was just too bad for most of the park to operate. AT hired all these actors who tried to guide us to the Wickerman, despite it being very closed. Such a surreal day, but we got our entry tickets refunded!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +3

      what a unique experience!

    • @awood667
      @awood667 3 роки тому +1

      I was there when wickerman was about 3 days old i had to wait 4 hours just cuz it was new and it would break down alot

  • @pencil7314
    @pencil7314 3 роки тому +157

    I love the marketing for Wicker man, but I have to say, 'the first rollercoaster to mix wood and fire' is an absolutely hilarious idea. Join us next year when we create the first rollercoaster to combine water and electricity! Or maybe they could add real gunpowder to the spinning barrels. Who knows what disasters Merlin's hunger for gimmicks will cause. xD

    • @lucasm7177
      @lucasm7177 2 роки тому +6

      Seriously after the accident on smiler, seems pretty ballsy to mix fire with an attraction made of wood. Just seems like an accident waiting to happen.

    • @liamcollinson5695
      @liamcollinson5695 2 роки тому +16

      Big Bob is actually made out of metal so the fire isn't a problem

    • @Simply.Kama1
      @Simply.Kama1 2 роки тому +10

      Ok- it does sound funny, but the fire is very small most of it is just special effects so don’t knock it till you try it- it’s my favourite ride!

    • @Upsetkiller456
      @Upsetkiller456 Рік тому +12

      The smiler wasn’t even the fault of the ride. Virtually all modern coaster accidents aren’t the rides, these things are designed down to the millimeter with safety in mind. It’s human error

    • @mekhakreature
      @mekhakreature Рік тому

      It sounds dramatic, but yup, that's just how they chose to market the gimmick. If they were saying it straight, it'd be "family thrill level wooden coaster with a lot of water mist, a big ol' statue, some neat lights, and metal and cement that we made look like wood that does a cool little fire trick!"

  • @TheGuvzilla
    @TheGuvzilla 3 роки тому +56

    I think this shows you don't need to be the first of a kind or the biggest or the fastest. It needs to be good and well themed. Reputation draws in the guests.

  • @BBROPHOTO
    @BBROPHOTO 10 місяців тому +4

    I'm so glad theme parks are actually bringing back the THEME in the name. Soooo many rides (USA is crazy guilty of this as a whole) that have basically 0 theming outside of some paint. FLY / F.L.Y sets the benchmark which has incredible theming - I just so wish more places would go or that as it really adds such an experience of being in another world, vs a rollercoaster amongst a carpark.

  • @rich_edwards79
    @rich_edwards79 3 роки тому +129

    What AT occasionally lacks in thrills it more than makes up for in theming. It's the only UK park that really seems to make an effort and because it doesn't have the conservative Christian lobby as in the US, it can really play around with dark / sinister / occult themes that wouldn't be considered suitable for a 'family' attraction elsewhere, but which really fit the setting with the huge ruined Gothic mansion at the centre. For me, a big part of what makes AT unique in the UK and maybe even the world, is the wooded / valley setting, especially in October and November when the leaves are turning, so much as I love John Wardley's earlier creations, I'm relieved that he didn't get his way with running a coaster through the gardens, as that would have spoiled their slightly creepy ambience for me.

    • @Croz89
      @Croz89 3 роки тому +15

      The problem that AT has is that while it does make rides with great theming, it doesn't always maintain it very well and it can look quite broken and shabby after a few years (look at how many theming elements on the Smiler are broken). To be fair, it doesn't have the budget of places like Disneyland to keep all of it in tip top condition at all times, plus the North West weather doesn't help. Since wicker man pretty much relies on its theming to sell itself, here's hoping they spend more on keeping it looking good.

    • @robinfalkner-wedge824
      @robinfalkner-wedge824 3 роки тому +9

      the UK also can't build any of the enormous coasters you get in the states since we lack the space- and the moment people can see it from their gardens they start complaining, so all of the coasters have to be fit in to a quite small space, encouraging parks to focus on things besides just the thrill factor.
      At least, I think all that is the case.

    • @thingimabob0
      @thingimabob0 Рік тому

      isn’t lightwater valley also in a wooded/valley setting?

    • @Alex-cw3rz
      @Alex-cw3rz Рік тому +1

      @@robinfalkner-wedge824 well Blackpool Pleasure Beach used to have the tallest and Ultimate wad the longest

    • @kimberleysmith818
      @kimberleysmith818 Рік тому

      There is definitely something to be said for the location. I’m from up that way and the countryside is gorgeous and the wooded areas add to the atmosphere.

  • @G_Force-cx2mr
    @G_Force-cx2mr 3 роки тому +156

    Alton CEO: so what should we theme our new family coaster
    Producer: so picture this
    *snoorts coke*
    Producer: WE tHeME It To a CUlt BurniNG PEoplE alIvE
    Alton CEO: Perfect! The little kids will Love It!

    • @til2896
      @til2896 3 роки тому +17

      Accurate. I was eleven-ish when it came to Alton Towers and went on like the second day it was open. After queuing for more than four hours, I started sobbing in the pre-show because I didn’t want to be sacrificed.

    • @lucifer9203
      @lucifer9203 3 роки тому +1

      @@til2896 i remember the last time i went to alton was while it was being built, my grandad said he loved the wicker man movie so he'd go on it with me, legend has it, after watching this, he doesn't want to lol

    • @thefloofball260
      @thefloofball260 2 роки тому

      @@lucifer9203 guess they didn't learn their lesson from th13teen huh?

    • @mikemahoneygaming5754
      @mikemahoneygaming5754 2 роки тому +1

      Thirteen is a family coaster to be fair

    • @thefloofball260
      @thefloofball260 2 роки тому

      @@mikemahoneygaming5754 yes but the marketing for thirteen was backwards

  • @GarryWilliams555
    @GarryWilliams555 3 роки тому +84

    They didn't want what could have been one of the world's best coasters because it didn't break any records? This is Merlin's problem. Theyre more interested in breaking records than making good rides, although Wicker Man is cool.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +6

      thinga are changing!

    • @fatcontrole1
      @fatcontrole1 3 роки тому +10

      Good rides attract enthusiasts....
      World first rides attract the media and regular tourists

    • @GarryWilliams555
      @GarryWilliams555 3 роки тому +4

      @@fatcontrole1 it's a pity because world firsts are rarely memorable or great rides.

    • @TylerPlays-ec5cc
      @TylerPlays-ec5cc 3 роки тому +6

      Nemesis and wicker man aren’t record breaking and they are some of the most popular rides there!

  • @ChristopherSadlowski
    @ChristopherSadlowski 2 роки тому +12

    I'll give Alton Towers this, they really aren't afraid to do some truly odd things. Who would have ever thought The Wicker Man would make good theming for a roller coaster? Even their advertising is really well done. It just goes to show that playing it safe and designing by committee all the time doesn't always pay off, and constantly chasing "market trends" leads everyone all having the same stuff. Do I want to ride a roller coaster through a dead alien or a wicker man? Yes, I do, because no one else has that for me to do!

  • @tattie.b8594
    @tattie.b8594 3 роки тому +28

    I think a big improvement to the ride would be to have an unload bay in the tunnel section at the end. As:
    1) the tunnel is pointless
    2) it would increase capacity
    3) it would make it more immersive -
    As then it would seem like you don’t escape as you wouldn’t see people unload off of the ride
    It wouldn’t matter with bags as they are stored before the ride anyways, I just think it would make the experience better

    • @RALLYxREP
      @RALLYxREP 2 роки тому +6

      Love that idea .......like the current riders have been sacrificed, the train rolls into loading bay empty!!!! Brilliant.

    • @Whencowsmelt1
      @Whencowsmelt1 2 роки тому +7

      I feel like that would add so much into the ride!!! There's definitely room for them to do this in the tunnel rather than sitting and waiting in the dark like you have to. I went on the wicker man when I was an adult yet was still very scared, i feel like if i saw the trains coming back in empty it would have made me wet myself or something lol 😂

    • @andreaofficer6709
      @andreaofficer6709 Місяць тому

      I thought the same thing when I first rode it. It would suit the story so much more as you as a rider are meant to be sacrificed and empty trains returning would perfectly add to the tension

  • @shaggydog9789
    @shaggydog9789 2 роки тому +11

    13:29 The 2017 Scarefest event featured a scary group living in the village of Alton that are angered by anyone planning to build a ride above the tree line and will chase them down with flaming letters to the council protesting against any developments.

  • @LillieBeeXD
    @LillieBeeXD 3 роки тому +15

    That Wicker Man Nic Cage bit was actually really funny, great editing for that!

  • @Kabaladamawomasp
    @Kabaladamawomasp 3 роки тому +8

    I had the joy of riding Wickerman this year. Not ridden many woodies but my god is this one of the most intense and forceful rides ive ever been on, absolutely brilliant!

  • @TheTuber81
    @TheTuber81 3 роки тому +15

    Totally agree with your review of Wickerman. Everything is just right except the tunnel at the end. Think they could have put in more smoke, fire lighting and maybe some muffled screams etc to end it. Sort from that one of the best original themed coasters I’ve ever been on.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому

      right!

    • @sarahh1145
      @sarahh1145 Рік тому +2

      I was sat there thinking what's going to happen? I was expecting a big drop into steam or something... But nothing. I agree they could definitely add something to the end.

  • @tomtaymccoll
    @tomtaymccoll 3 роки тому +19

    You just haaddd to put the clip of the reporter screaming on Thirteen 😂. Every time!

  • @randomuser238
    @randomuser238 3 роки тому +12

    My SW9 concept:
    Name: Biohazard
    Model: S&S axis
    Area: X-sector
    Ride to replace: spinball whizzer
    Theme: in a lab accident, the toxic gases from the ministry of joy have spread into the outside world. Causing any that inhale it to go insane. You, the rider, must escape the area and stay alive doing it.

    • @champagne_papiiii
      @champagne_papiiii 2 роки тому +1

      I LOVE THIS! Although, they don’t want the MOJ, they could have brought it back for the 3rd time, but a RMC would fit a lil better, but yeah, great idea!

    • @lichkinggamer5708
      @lichkinggamer5708 2 місяці тому +1

      WE ARE NOT GETTING RID OF SPINBALL

  • @eurovision50
    @eurovision50 3 роки тому +14

    I'd really love for the next secret weapon to feel less cramped. Both The Smiler and Wicker Man are very tightly packed. It'd be nice to have a SW where you feel more out in the open or isolated in the woods. The original wooden roller coaster plan would have been amazing...
    Although before they invest money in another SW, I'd really rather that they round out the park with at least 5 or 6 decent flat rides and ideally another dark ride.

  • @that_girl_roo
    @that_girl_roo 11 місяців тому +4

    I’m just gonna come right out and say it. NO ONE does theming and stories like Alton. The storyline and general lead up to this ride was absolutely insane! Same with the smiler! Let’s just have a round of applause for Alton’s storyboarding team. Because they do their work fabulously.

  • @Gabes1321
    @Gabes1321 3 роки тому +61

    Merlin with all these ‘worlds first’

  • @avaubertowski3567
    @avaubertowski3567 3 роки тому +8

    honestly the final tunnel actually scared me the first time i went on cause i thought there was going to be a sudden drop and a big puff of smoke was sprayed right into my face.
    the final tunnel is everything thirteen wanted to be lmao in my opinion

  • @fil1163
    @fil1163 3 роки тому +14

    First went on this in September, wasn't sure if it would be any good, but DAMN it shot right into my top 10 coasters I've ridden, and I've ridden a LOT.

  • @XboxgeorgebeanRollercoasters
    @XboxgeorgebeanRollercoasters 3 роки тому +33

    Why do I feel like this video is gonna be on trending?

  • @eoj8371
    @eoj8371 3 роки тому +14

    I think the first two drops are perfectly thrilling as they are, and I wouldn’t say there’s a full section at the end either! But I trust John Wardley so it’s a shame his design didn’t come to light.
    It would’ve also been interesting to know what the second theming structure would be

  • @Jarnsaxxxa
    @Jarnsaxxxa 3 роки тому +5

    The promo they did for the launch of Wicker Man, where if you bought a regular ticket you got free season pass, was amazing. We didn't even care that there was a new ride, but this ended up being one of our favourites.

  • @hannaholson4999
    @hannaholson4999 3 роки тому +132

    If I had a nickel for every time they built a roller coaster inspired by a Nicholas Cage movie, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. Right?

  • @JamesMusicCovers
    @JamesMusicCovers 3 роки тому +4

    I’ve been looking forward to this for ages. Can’t wait to watch it

  • @alyfan1
    @alyfan1 3 роки тому +9

    Watching these videos about alton ive come to one realization.... Alton just needs to theme the ENTIRE PARK around horror seeing as most their best rides already have that theme.
    They could theme it as the entire park is an experiment in fear. lol.

  • @halfaworldaway
    @halfaworldaway 3 роки тому +4

    Went on this for the first time a few months ago.
    I was whelmed. It's really the phenomenal theming that makes it.

  • @storebrandchocopops8041
    @storebrandchocopops8041 3 роки тому +6

    Was really looking forward to this episode and it didn't disappoint! I was lucky enough to have my first go on Wicker Man at night with all the smoke and fire going and it was an amazing experience, makes me want more heavily themed coasters in the UK.

  • @katieblakemore3821
    @katieblakemore3821 3 роки тому +5

    They offer the Alton Towers Monopoly in the shop at the end of the ride. With of course Wickerman being the main attraction. This ride got everything right with submersion and theming

  • @mspaigee
    @mspaigee 3 роки тому +6

    i am obsessed with the way you say "theming"

  • @nintandrew13
    @nintandrew13 3 роки тому +1

    Really enjoy the humor and info in these videos. Thanks for posting them!

  • @WinnerWinnerTurkeyDinner
    @WinnerWinnerTurkeyDinner 3 роки тому +4

    I have waited so long for this video I love this series so much

  • @mudkipqueen920
    @mudkipqueen920 3 роки тому +4

    I've been waiting for this video for months! Wickerman was by far my favourite ride (evidenced by the fact I went on it like 5 times) and definitely want to go back when the Rona clears up.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому

      Hope you enjoy joy !

    • @frasermartin5256
      @frasermartin5256 3 роки тому

      My favorite too! Love the theming and music. I went end of September when the cases were way lower and had an incredible time, the park seems to be doing a great job of keeping guests distanced and sanitized. The drastically reduced capacity means you pretty much walk onto every ride with barely any queuing. Would recommend a visit with the lower capacity once the pandemic has cooled down a bit in the uk.

  • @bellaboo666
    @bellaboo666 3 роки тому +2

    I LOVE Alton Towers' scary elaborate themes, they do so well. I'd love to see what they have in store for SW9, and i hope to go to Alton Towers some day.

  • @AttractionStories
    @AttractionStories 3 роки тому +4

    Amazing video! I absolutely love the Wickerman!

  • @fmc9229
    @fmc9229 3 роки тому +3

    I have been waiting for this video for ages also I like his videos because they are interesting and funny

  • @galaxionart9338
    @galaxionart9338 3 роки тому +68

    “Special Thanks To: The Bees”
    You should bee ashamed of yourselves.

  • @thegreatpacoasters3134
    @thegreatpacoasters3134 3 роки тому +2

    Great start to the day

  • @damnfellas8637
    @damnfellas8637 3 роки тому +1

    Finally! It’s here after about a year! Thanks ETP!!

  • @princesskristan
    @princesskristan 3 роки тому +3

    This is another coaster that's on my bucket list! The theming is so good and I've heard the soundtrack and its pretty good. Hope I can make it to the UK one day to ride this

  • @HellHoundTSO
    @HellHoundTSO 3 роки тому +3

    Glad to see a GCI in the UK. They are an amazing manufacturer!

  • @mattmalan4383
    @mattmalan4383 3 роки тому +1

    Been waiting for you to drop this vid since I discovered your channel and binged every single episode, love your Alton tower series man these videos are fantastic! Thanks for doing what you do!

  • @hypnopyr9084
    @hypnopyr9084 3 роки тому

    been waiting for this for months and i love it x

  • @olliemoonalt
    @olliemoonalt 3 роки тому +9

    i was watching a documetary on alton towers yesterday lol , and i really wanted to know about wickerman , so this is perfect

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +1

      Hope you enjoy !

    • @Randomperson-zt3il
      @Randomperson-zt3il 3 роки тому +1

      a n n a Is it the one on Channel 4? Because that was great

    • @olliemoonalt
      @olliemoonalt 3 роки тому +2

      @@Randomperson-zt3il yeah it was hopefully there will be more !

    • @Randomperson-zt3il
      @Randomperson-zt3il 3 роки тому +1

      @@olliemoonalt I think it’s gonna be a whole series!

    • @olliemoonalt
      @olliemoonalt 3 роки тому

      @@Randomperson-zt3il yay i cant wait lol

  • @Foxstar1387
    @Foxstar1387 3 роки тому +16

    I find it to be a good solid ride. The station and the pre-show are some of the more atmospheric parts. mostly down to the sounds the smell pods and the lights. Love the trains but at times the ankle protectors do just ping you a touch. BIG BOB. Kills it and is a great focal point to the lot. After riding it a good 10 or so times this year. I have noticed that there is the starts of a jitter on the turn arounds and on some of the curves. for a family coaster its on the upper edge as it does pop afew moments of airtime and gives a decent buzz. the ending is a bit of a meh. even abit of projector work in the tunnel could have been nice. I am not a fan of the cattle pens in the heat though. ( June 2019 ) had a rather still hot day. theres a lot of open space that lets the heat soak to built.

  • @bsmith185
    @bsmith185 3 роки тому +2

    So excited to watch this.

  • @maddox471
    @maddox471 2 роки тому +1

    The horror themes of Alton towers secret weapons are brilliant and the reason I love the park so much
    Using scarefest to advertise them and giving you a sense of dread before riding is what makes a good ride

  • @apsims12
    @apsims12 3 роки тому +3

    Out of all the coasters I've ridden in the UK, Wicker Man is sat in the top 2, equally trading blows with The Smiler, it feels faster than 41mph when you hit a lot of those corners. What makes WM come out on top for me is the theming. I don't think I've come across such great theming within the UK for a long time; it's on par with the likes of Disney and Universal, a HUGE step up from what are usually pretty bland (in terms of theming) parks. I hope that we continue to get this level of theming from Merlin/Lego (as the owners now) in all their parks. I dream of the day that I could go into one of their parks and forget that I'm in a UK park.

  • @esme626
    @esme626 3 роки тому +18

    I personally think the ending is really effective. The darkness represents death and the crackling is you burning alive. I think this is really clever

  • @ummer14
    @ummer14 3 роки тому +2

    Amazing. Been waiting some time for this. Looking forward to the unbuilt rides expedition.

  • @l3wismoreman9227
    @l3wismoreman9227 3 роки тому

    I went on it a number of times and it still is my favourite ride in Alton Towers

  • @randombeans
    @randombeans 3 роки тому +38

    ATR: Alright, turn fire spreads off

  • @thrillverse
    @thrillverse 3 роки тому +9

    The screens in the structure were removed this year and updated. Now the lights go up the structure everytime the train passes through it. In my opinion the new lighting is much better than the screens

  • @MrDJGix
    @MrDJGix 3 роки тому

    I finally rode it this year. It went straight into my personal favourite coasters I have ridden. All the themeing and the air time made it for me.

  • @michaelfryer127
    @michaelfryer127 3 роки тому

    I was waiting for this one! Thanks so much!

  • @dansaikyo6664
    @dansaikyo6664 3 роки тому +5

    I bee-lieve that this may be my most bee-loved of your bee-deos.

  • @TPIOfficial
    @TPIOfficial 3 роки тому +4

    Another absolutely fantastic vid Sam!! Brilliant work, and the Nicholas Cage jokes, legendary lmao 😂😂👌

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you!!

    • @TPIOfficial
      @TPIOfficial 3 роки тому

      @@ExpeditionThemePark you're very welcome mate! 😁👌 keep them coming 🤩

  • @theweakestlink2278
    @theweakestlink2278 2 роки тому +1

    The theming on wickerman is top notch! The fire effects look amazing at night.

  • @JoeeePlayz
    @JoeeePlayz 3 роки тому

    Highly anticipated this one. Awesome video as always!

  • @TheKenji2221
    @TheKenji2221 3 роки тому +3

    That looks like a great coaster !
    Here were have the Woden at Europa Park. And I agree that a nice theme is always a huge plus for a ride ! :D

  • @andreworders7305
    @andreworders7305 3 роки тому +17

    A scarier ride then the secret weapon where that was the selling point, lol

  • @stanl112
    @stanl112 3 роки тому

    This is what iv been waiting for, thank you!!!!!

  • @muffincatgames
    @muffincatgames 3 роки тому +1

    I went on Stampede when I was really young, and then Wicker Man a few years back, learning they were made by the same guy is astonishing!
    Talk about a surprise!

  • @scrambled5948
    @scrambled5948 3 роки тому +21

    Not the bees!

  • @beamrr659
    @beamrr659 3 роки тому +3

    underrated layout the pops of ejector and lats are no joke

  • @Shockzone1495
    @Shockzone1495 3 роки тому +2

    This has to BEE one of the most interesting episodes I've seen.

  • @hammyhammy22
    @hammyhammy22 3 роки тому +2

    First went on Wicker this year during Scare fest ^^ surprisingly a good little ride, I love the station, train theme.... and the big statue boi of course. The ride looks awesome lit up at night.

  • @TheCarpet-
    @TheCarpet- Рік тому +3

    Alton towers makes some pretty cool backstories for their rides, especially the smiler, that ones creepy

  • @HYDRAdude
    @HYDRAdude 3 роки тому +8

    At this point Alton Towers releasing a new attraction with a standard advertising campaign would be seen as incredibly subversive.

  • @Hasse-swe
    @Hasse-swe Рік тому

    I like youre videos alot. Keep up the good work. There are only a few UA-camrs that have as good content as you have. For me you are a top 3.

  • @SoulEmperors
    @SoulEmperors 3 місяці тому

    When I went, this was my favourite! Great ride and video.

  • @hairybollock5265
    @hairybollock5265 3 роки тому +11

    Alton needed to gain peoples trust.
    SO THEY SET A GIANT WOODEN MAN ON FIRE

    • @Ryan-rb4xj
      @Ryan-rb4xj 3 роки тому

      Controlled fire...

    • @hairybollock5265
      @hairybollock5265 3 роки тому

      @@Ryan-rb4xj I know its controlled fire buddy i was making a joke

  • @JCs_-
    @JCs_- 2 роки тому +6

    I adore this ride, probably mainly because of the theming and the smell of the inside queue before you go on the actual ride lol. Also for secret weapon 9 I would want to see a hybrid coaster, I know it sounds unusual considering they already just built a wooden coaster but I think it would be a bit unique and would be interesting to see in the park, also I don't think that the UK or Europe has a hybrid coaster.
    Edit : I just memorized all of the wicker man alphabet so I could decode the messages in my head.

  • @FirebalOne
    @FirebalOne 3 роки тому

    Wooden roller coasters are awesome! Love them!!

  • @theslanderousgent4475
    @theslanderousgent4475 3 роки тому

    Experiencing the Horror maze teaser for this at Scarefest was fantastic! Then actually getting to ride it next year really proved that it could live up to the hype.
    Absolutely up there as one of Alton Towers best in years!

  • @CoasterChallYT
    @CoasterChallYT 3 роки тому +4

    Tbh I have a few predictions:
    Location -
    This is the toughest part because on the one hand, if they are removing a ride or rides for it, then Rita is immediately brought in the conversation for its removal and replacement, but I think because it still brings in queues on busy days, it'll stay. If The Blade could get relocated, I'd like to see a coaster take over Sub Terra, Blade and Ripsaw's sites and make an outstretched coaster near the entrance to Nemesis with an element like a zero g stall over the Nemesis gun theming. "Galactica's car park" (as it is known) is another popular location, as it is rarely used and could be a key area of development. I think that the car park behind Galactica will be a space themed area or a space themed hotel site and Rita will stay. I reckon the outstretched site in Forbidden Valley, stretching from Blade and Ripsaw's sites to Sub Terra will be the site.
    Type Of Ride:
    I reckon an S&S Axis Coaster or they'll work with Intamin on a brand new multi launch shuttle coaster with a world's first or world's only element on that type of coaster.

  • @WillJ42702
    @WillJ42702 3 роки тому +3

    The ride is amazing but I completely agree with the points on the ending tunnel as when I went on it it broke down for 20-30 ish minutes in the tunnel and we were sat in darkness like😳

  • @steelcurtain187
    @steelcurtain187 3 роки тому +1

    This is super cool. Hope to see more dark themed rollercoasters

  • @coastercool
    @coastercool 3 роки тому +1

    Brilliant especially the editing and with this being in my home park even better

  • @lettucemuncher7
    @lettucemuncher7 3 роки тому +6

    “Ahh Big bob nice to see ya for the 2nd time today “ is what I will be saying next time I go to Alton towers

  • @joelcoulon
    @joelcoulon 3 роки тому +10

    Wicker man is proof that rides don't have to rely on gimics and records to become succsessful. Just give it an intruiging story that intergrates the riders and it can still be loved.

  • @yourexperienceguide
    @yourexperienceguide 3 роки тому +2

    Superb, well done on an excellent video!

  • @matttweed8961
    @matttweed8961 3 роки тому

    I love this ride, superb!