ATA Meetup - 9th Sept Options

[garyholc]

Well I got up late, took 3 hours to get there, lots of football traffic, and was an hour late meeting the others who were waiting for us outside Rapids. Thanks everyone for waiting and thanks to Greame for passing on messages! It was a lovely sunny day, which was nice and warm by the afternoon.

I dont know whether to do a normal trip report on the rides, or one about the people lol. Anyway, saw some familiar faces, and some new ones as we all embarked on the rapids. With the boats being full they seemed to spin much more and we all got a good soaking, except Greame and Gill. Euan got the first soaking, which he just seemed to laugh off! Gem - your little boy is so funny, so well behaved! And i've never seen a kid suck on a sweet sour snake for so long without eating yes - my pocket is still full of sugar by the way from the ones I have to "store" for him.

Anyway, after a good soaking and drying our bums in the hot air dryer, it was over to spinball - I looked after Euan on the spinny things while the other rode the single rider queue. AFter a short break sat outside Towers restaurant throwing foam rockets at each other, we headed over to Ribena Berry Bish Bash where some of the group fired sponge balls at each other!

Myself and my friend broke off from the group to do some of the bigger rides, and met up with Greame and Gill so we headed over to Corkscrew. The queue for Rita was huge, and with the sun beating down on the cattle grids, we didnt bother queuing. Front row seats on Corkscrew, good as ever. Over to Oblivion, hardly any queue, back row seats. It was then a brisk stroll over to Spinball where the single rider queue was taking ages to go down because of the new weight restriction rules - many cars being sent out with just 3 people in them.

It was around 4.30 now, so we quickly walked over to Duel and met up with two girls Greame had taken along for the day, had a blast in Duel, then over to Nemmie. Again, not much of a queue, front row seats, brilliant, thought the blood waterfalls were not working today. Back row seats then on Air, shouting bogies all the way around, and listening to Greame talk about his foot fetish ( :* ) lol. And that was it, end of the day, rides closed at 5.30 which was a huge pity, the sun was shining down and we could easily could have stayed there much longer.

Walked across then to Splash Landings hotel to meet the others. Was about 6.30 by the time we got there (monorail queue was huge), and Dan, Gem, Tom, Euan, Nicola etc. were all having a drink in the bar. We decided to walk across over to AT hotel and sit outside in the sun. The AT hotel was packed, they had a wedding party there, however, we found a nice spot outside and had a well deserved beer. Eventually - the bar was so slow at serving drinks it was unbelieveable.

It was getting late now (around 8ish) - I tried calling the others (Dan etc.) a few times but couldnt get a reply (poor signal in that hotel) and walked into Splash Landings but couldnt find them, so guessed they had gone for their meal. Myself, Greame Gill Hannah Fay and Matt went back to the cars. My friend and I hadnt booked anywhere to stay, but were hungry, so followed Greame to their hotel. But we got lost. Ended up in some lane in the middle of no-where. Gill's expert map reading got us back on track and Greame set off like a rally driver through the lanes. Found it eventually - and lucky for Matt and I they had a cancellation, so we decided to kip over for the night.

9.35 we are sat in the restaurant having some more beers and food - while a live band played in the bar next door. Nice food, good company and a few drinks later sat in the bar having a laugh and talking about the day.

Headed to bed about 12.35 after the bouncers said we had to leave - only to be then woken up every 5 seconds by Greame phoning our room from about 1am up to 2am - we had it all, chinese takeaway orders, indian take away orders, asking if we wanted double glazing, deliveries of coffee and sugar under the door, we were all in hysterics. Anyway, finally got to sleep and said our goodbyes in the morning.

This was one of the best days i've had at Alton, although the park was busy (Charlie queue was close to skyride entrance) and we didnt do that many rides (or go for a swim) it was great to meet everyone and the weather couldnt of been better for us. I hope we will do another one next year. We really really enjoyed it.

Lots of people had cameras so I expect there will be a varierty of photos up soon.

This post has been edited by garyholc: Sep 10 2006, 12:19 PM

[Graeme]

Well I have just got back from the hotel after leaving only 10 minutes after Gary due to a road closure!

All I can say is wow....what a day! We arrived at Alton at about 9.15am and headed straight for Oblivion which there was no queue for so walked straight in...What a ride! It's still my favourite ride in the park and think it always will be!

We then headed on over to Hex as the others hadn't been on it before, again there was no queue so we pretty much strolled on in, have to say as Dark rides go, I love this one too!

We then decided to head over to see if we could all get a go on Air before me and Gill went to meet the others at 11, we took the cross valley pathway...Big mistake! We got over to Air and realised the queue was already 40 minutes so we didn't have time to get on before the meet! Me and Gill left Fay and Hannah to go on Air and we just wondered around until 11!

We met the gang at 11 and was good to meet a few new faces and everyone seemed to get on well, first off we decided to go on Duel which I was pretty useless at, Dan got 50,000 or so, can't tell he goes that much!

When we had finished on Duel I called Gary and we arranged to meet him outside the rapids, god he took forever to get his ass along! Never knew you could have so much fun with a few ducks as we discovered, Euan was trying to feed them and we were generally causing mayhem....Great!

Then onto the rapids we went when Gary finally showed up! As he said above, everyone got a soaking except for me and Gill was good to have a little chat with people in the queue line too.

By this point myself and Gill decided to break away from the group as we needed to get some rides in as it was our only trip this year, we had a mcdonalds then did Air single rider queue and then nemesis single rider queue, Gill managed to get a front row seat and when she came off she had changed her opinion on the nemesis vs Inferno debate, Nemesis is better!

We then met Gary and his mate and did corky (at the front woo hoo), had him in stitches by shouting over to the Rita queue saying, don't queue for that one, you have to go on this because its soooo much better, its mental!!!

We had a quick go on Oblivion and checked out the ride photo in which I flicked the cameras the birdie, was prob my best ride photo ever but didn't buy it! A quick go on spinball then we met the others and headed to Duel. Had a go on Duel and Fay got some majorly high score for the 2nd time that day showing us all how it was done.

Nemesis was great at the front and we did Air for our final ride, I did get the ride pic from air and was rather pleased with it, will try and scan it in to my comp.

It was then time for the trek to the hotel and boy did it seem to go on forever! This was my 1st time visiting the hotel and I was really impressed with it! We said hello to the others and went for a drink via the naughty chair (pics to follow). We were then joined by Paul Morgster, John and RPG, we all sat had a bit of a laugh and a giggle, mainly at my expense but I'll have to beat on RPG next time I see him!

Anyway, we then started to head off for our B&B after looking for the others to say goodbye but to no avail! As Gary said we got lost thanks to an AA route planner which really didnt work!! Gill ended up just guessing and we got there in the end!

We had quick showers and all of us settled down for dinner, had quite a few drinks (as the pics will show) and had a real good laugh, even tring to tattoo a table, which we succeded in! I introduced Gary to Turbo shandy and I think he was impressed!

Anyway midnight came and went and basically we were then told to leave the bar before we got kicked out! I tried to buy some booze for us to bring to our room but they were having none of it!

We went for a coffee and a chat amd then decided to go to bed...Or so Gary thought! I couldn't sleep so I just kept calling their room with various accents and requests, literally did have us all in hysterics!

Had breakfast in the morning said goodbye to Gary and Mat then headed off ourselves!

Was a bloody good day, would have spent more time with the group but as I said it was my only trip this year. Was nice meeting so many of you and the company on the day wes second to none.

Defo do this next year! I'm off to bed!

Edit: Pics will be added soon!

Air Picture

Gill and I on the rapids

Almost forgot, was great fun on the way home as Gill made a sign saying HONK which she shoved out the window and displayed to every lorry driver, we got several toots!

This post has been edited by Graeme: Sep 10 2006, 4:40 PM

[britrogue]

Well, Graeme has already described our version of the day pretty well, apart from the fact that it was HANNAH thast got the high score of 66K on Duel, not Fay you muppet!
It was really nice meeting everyone, and Gem, your little boy is SO cute!
I go to get on most of the rides I didn't get to try last year which is great. Hex was hilarious, I walked off it looking pretty drunk. Both of my photos on Air provd that if I could fly, I would be a flying hairball. In fact, as I'm sure Graeme and Gary will agree, I was not much more than a hairball in all of my ride photos! What the hell is that all about?
The trek across the Gardens was very nice but will someone PLEASE remind me never to do it again?
As Graeme said, we got seriously lost on the way back to where we were staying. I'm telling you guys, I am complaining to the AA and telling them that they know ###p### about this Country! Anyway, after stopping and asking some weird dude for directions, who seemed to know less than we did, we relied on pure guesswork that got us there in the end and in time for food! Yay! Matt ordered sausage, egg and chips and was presented with (I tell no lie) a 17" sausage.
We then proceeded to knock back a few drinks and smoke in the non smoking area like naughty children. We had to be pretty much kicked out by the doorman, who was not charmed by the reasonable deal I tried to make with him ("Tell you what, you give us a couple of bottles, and we'll go back to our rooms.") Gary and Matt then came back to me and Graeme's room where everyone started to take numerous pictures of me taking my make-up off and sitting on the windowsill in my PJs. (Must be a guy thing).
And yes, anyone who wants proof of the Graeme calling Gary and Matt's room, I recorded the end of the last conversation. I don't think I've ever laughed so much.

And for the record, I would like to point out that truck drivers in he North are much more fun than Southern ones. They were much better honkers!

[Gem]

Big Long Rambling Trip Report - Gem style!*

Health Warning: Although Euan has visited Alton Towers several times, this was the first time he really understood what was going on, and could tell me about which bits he liked, so this report will be heavily weighted towards a three-year old's perspective. Remember the forum motto, kids: "you don't have to read it".

Friday night

We drove there. The only person who found this exciting was Euan, because it was past his bedtime, and we were leaving the house! And picking up Nicola! And it was dark!

A quick pint on arrival, leaving a sleeping sprog in his car seat, and taking it in turns to run outside and check he was still asleep. I know it's my job to provide him with emotional baggage for later life, but I don't want to give him too much nightmare fodder, especially not if it means his earliest memory is of waking up alone and confused in the dark, whilst mummy drinks alcohol...

Saturday

An early breakfast for the geeks-in-training, consumed in the lavishly-decorated restaurant. If you class hundreds of cuddly toys as lavish. (And I do.) There was a certain amount of anticipation in the air, as neither Nicola or Steve had been to Alton Towers for years.

Apparently I get "That Look" whenever rollercoasters are imminent, and I must admit to a certain amount of hand-clapping and excited bouncing as we got closer along those little country lanes.

Met a very chirpy Tom at the gates, then saw the ever-smiling Chris and the unperturbable Phil in Ugland, and managed a couple of rides on Rita before they let The Rabble in. Steve's verdict: "It's a bit quick! ...I like it." Also hooked up with Andy at this point (andyc_nemesis), a newbie! He seems OK, but y'know, you can never tell... the friendly, outgoing nature could be an elaborate façade to hide some dark secrets and a murky past!

Took Euan on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He loved it. Especially the glass lift. He kept saying, "I liked that, I did. Did you like it? I liked it lots and lots, didn't I? That was good, wasn't it?"

We went over to Nemesis for 11am, for the big group gathering. I was expecting a glow in the air, or at least a neon sign saying, "The Alton Towers Almanac First Annual Gathering of Like-Minded People Who Happen to Like Rollercoasters More Than the Average Individual, 2006". But alas, no such sign was visible. Not even a placard with "Geeks Meet Here!" nor any big colourful badges or hats with our forum names on, to make us stand out from all the normal people. Very disappointing.

Euan's first ride of the day was Duel. He announced, "It's scary," but it was more of an observation than an indication that it was bothering him. I was mildly worried as we went under the big strobe-effect spider that maybe I was scarring him for life, but he wasn't fussed, he just kept shooting the zombies. He got a better score than I usually do, as well.

Next attraction were the ducks:
 ATA_013.jpg ( 1016.59K ) Number of downloads: 64


And very hungry they were too, keeping the big kids amused as well as the little one. Gary and his friend Matt appeared, boosting the Welsh quota instantly. Don't think they were too impressed that not only were there five of those weirdo Northern Wrexhamites there, but four of them were also taxmen (and women). The horror..!

Euan got very wet on the Rapids, but thoroughly enjoyed getting into the dryer afterwards, especially when Gary and Steve encouraged him to wiggle his bum at the heat lamps - a disturbing image that will stay with me for a long time.

In a very heavily-loaded teacup, we attempted to break the sound barrier. I think we came close. As Euan put it, "We went round and round!"

Mini-me (as Gill called him) was very understanding about the height restrictions everywhere. He happily told Uncle Dan, "I can't go on because I'm too little." I still insist that if he'd just eaten all his toast that morning, it might have given him that extra 30cm...

Not just yet though:
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So Euan kindly offered to look after Gary whilst we all went on Spinball Whizzer through the single rider queue. Wouldn't want him running around unsupervised, causing chaos.

Euan keeping Gary out of trouble:
 ATA_022.jpg ( 996.43K ) Number of downloads: 64


Typically, on the only day where we have a genuine, bona-fide child with us, who has been primed to say that he wants all these big people to accompany him into the Berry Bish-Bash, we get the employee who isn't bothered about our ages. Ah well. Much fun was had... and Euan enjoyed it too.

The sprog was really good all day, no tantrums, no whinges, keen to go on all the rides he could, but quietly accepting that he wasn't allowed on others. He managed to convince everyone that he was an angel. It's like when you have an intermittent fault, but you can guarantee that when you get someone to look at it, it will run like a dream... "No really, I know it looks OK now, but sometimes it makes this really loud noise..."

The only thing that scared him was meeting Bob the Builder. It was the absence of Scoop that confused him, and then when he came face-to-face with those big soul-less eyes, he froze and buried himself in my shoulder. I don't blame him.

He did allow Spud the naughty scarecrow to say hello though, I can only assume he recognised a kindred spirit in that mischievous troublemaker:
 ATA_041.jpg ( 918.09K ) Number of downloads: 56


After all the coasters, and all the merging and separating of groups, it was time to head for Air - the others had kindly taken two parent-thingy tickets through with them so that Steve and I could get a go. We even ran into Wez & co, who looked after Euan whilst we darted over to Nemesis too. Dashing back from
Nemesis to Air, I paused to check if the sprog was being good, and he announced, "I need a wee-wee." I quickly replied, "No you don't, Mummy's got to get on Air before it closes!" and ran off in the other direction. I'd like to take this opportunity to apologise for that appalling display of parenting, but to be fair, I was right. He didn't need one. Yet.

The day was far from over, as the waterpark beckoned. By the time we all got there, it was nearly 7pm, which would have meant £12.50 for an hour in the water, with the outside rides closed. The annual pass holders weren't very chuffed at the idea of paying £8 for it either. So I had a polite word with the lady at the desk, and after checking with a manager, she let us in for a fiver each. Yep, still a bit steep, but it was worth it to feel clean and refreshed after a long day with plenty of trekking around.

Euan's always been scared of swimming pools, and usually does a good impression of a barnacle around my neck, but this time he was launching himself into the deep water, assuming someone would catch him. Even when he went under, it only slowed him down long enough for a quick splutter before he was off again. I was impressed. His enthusiastic comment on the experience was, "I went in the water, and it went in my mouth!"

Then it was time for the meal - we found a pub that could fit the twelve-and-a-half of us in, but it meant a bit of a wait for food. Euan fell asleep in his buggy before his turkey thingies arrived, and I fell asleep on the table after eating a very pleasant meal. Extremely rude, I know, but necessary. I grunted goodbye to everyone - sorry I wasn't more eloquent and sociable. My brain had switched off.

Back to the B&B, and we all crashed out. It was only 11.20pm. I am officially getting old.

Sunday

A slower morning than the previous day. Another full English breakfast, followed by a doze back in the chalet, then Nicola and I went to check out. Margaret, the landlady, answered the door with, "Well, the dishes have all been done now, but there's still the beds to change..." so I offered her Euan instead. A potentially good worker with a bit of discipline, he can collect glasses for now, and he'll soon be tall enough to pull pints. We agreed on boring old cash in the end, but she came out to say goodbye to Euan. Maybe sizing him up for recruitment next time we stay...

The drive home was mostly uneventful, with a bit of confusion around Stoke (I'm with you on the complaints to the AA, Gill... And incidentally I also turn into Cousin It in most ride photos). After dropping Nicola off we took the very scenic route home, as Euan was getting some much-needed sleep in the back.

We ended up going nearly as far as Llangollen, and taking in the gorgeous views across to Dinas Bran - one of the places rumoured to be the Camelot of King Arthur ("Camelot!" "Camelot!" "It's only a model." "Shh!")
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Conclusion (like I used to put at the end of Chemistry practical reports)

All the people I hadn't met before were fun. All the people I already knew were also fun. Euan was fun. It was a fun day.

Steve is showing definite signs of geekiness. When the Runaway Mine Train was mentioned, he pointed out that it wouldn't run again until next year. He used the phrase "one-click" in the right context. He compared Spinball Whizzer to Euromir, commenting that he preferred Spinball because it was smoother - not just different coasters, but different countries! He insists that he just needs a couple of days of rehabilitation to recover, but I think he's got the bug.

Judging by Euan's expression as he gazed at Rita, he's also doomed to geekhood like Mummy and Uncle Dan:
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I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, and I must admit that despite my jaded cynical outlook, I accidentally felt a bit of The Magic. Hope to see you all again soon.


* Which means no ride count, because I can never remember. And probably not even a step-by-step guide to where we went and what we ate. I just pick the bits I remember clearly, and write about them. I know, I know, I'm ruining my credentials as a true coaster geek.


Edit: The photos didn't all work. Because I took ages to write this. They should work now.


This post has been edited by Gem: Sep 10 2006, 9:35 PM

Attached File(s)

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[andy talocanham]

Deep and Murky past of me. Nothing there . There is not really anything i can add to it all. Euan was lovely and surprisingly strong. It was an excellent day and it was really good to meet you all. Will defiently be coming to meet you all again (if you want me back). The whole day was brill so thank you all.

[britrogue]

We went over to Nemesis for 11am, for the big group gathering. I was expecting a glow in the air, or at least a neon sign saying, "The Alton Towers Almanac First Annual Gathering of Like-Minded People Who Happen to Like Rollercoasters More Than the Average Individual, 2006". But alas, no such sign was visible. Not even a placard with "Geeks Meet Here!" nor any big colourful badges or hats with our forum names on, to make us stand out from all the normal people. Very disappointing.

I must confess, I'm all for this. We are proud geeks and should not be afraid to show it! I vote for bright orange ATA hats on the next meetup! Let's be proud!!!!

[Graeme]

just uploaded some pics stolen from Muppetmans aka Matts photobucket Clicky

Some pics of note:

Group Photo at the hotel

Gary entices Matt to bed

Posing in the corky queue

Me taking a pic of Matt and RPG taking a pic of me!

more to be added soon!

[garyholc]

Gary entices Matt to bed

Great description there G. In actual fact, it was Gary having a nice cold Bud. By the way, I lost the toss of the coin - I had the sofa, Matt had the bed, and snored like hell. I dont know what woke me up the most, the phone ringing every 5 seconds with damn double glazing salesmen, or Matt snoring all the time.

Did anyone else realise just how much they had caught the sun when they got home? I got a nice tanned face and neck now after that day out!!! Infact, we were all sat in the restaurant with "Alton Towers face" - which basically means that burning feeling you get on your face and ears after being in the park all day, which oddly enough also occurs during the winter. Can come in combination with Alton Towers back.

PS.. Matt has now joined the board so I have to be careful what I say about him.

This post has been edited by garyholc: Sep 11 2006, 2:25 PM

[Nexus]

I had a really great time on Saturday, one of my favourite trips of this year
I wasn't expecting to get such a good ride count and meet so many new people, but both happened on Saturday.

Cheers to everyone who came allong, and I hope we can do it again soon.

This post has been edited by Nexus: Sep 11 2006, 2:54 PM

[muppetman]

Yeah, was great to see you all ... Amazing day, weather was spot on, company great and queue times not to bad!...

I hasten to add that i don't snore!... much!... Looking forward to the other pics

[garyholc]

I hasten to add that i don't snore!... much!... Looking forward to the other pics

lol how do you know, you were asleep!!!! duh!!!

[wrexham fan]

Sorry I missed it guys, forgt that I had a Wrexham game to commentate on. Will defo be there next time, promise!

[electricz]

Great stuff!!! hope u guys had an awesome time.

[Graeme]

Right guys, all my pics are now online and can be found Here

Some are a bit blurry but hey I put them on anyway, some pics of note:

The time I left at

Decisons decisions

And I'm spent

Least I'm honest!

Matt's 12 inch sausage

Me taking a pic of RPG and Matt taking a Pic of me

ATA guys in the splash landings bar

Mini group photo

Posing gits

Andy C

He wont thank me for that

Duck fun

Man he's scary!

[andy talocanham]

Lol, you knew i would not thank you for that, i am not photogenic, to be honest, i own around 2 good photos of myself. Greame, i will get you for it, next meet up, you see. Lol. Who cares. Lol.

[Graeme]

Just bring it!

[garyholc]

Matt's 12 inch sausage

Ahem, correction it was actually a 17" sausage!!!

[RPG]

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c5/chill...06/IMG_4440.jpg

proving that you have to have a mouth action with the wink!

[andy talocanham]

Very scary. Lol. The photo of me is not too bad, i have seen far far worse of me. I take it back Greame, i will buy you a drink instead. Lol.

Do we have all of us?? Do we have any pictures from throughout the day.

[Dan]

I was just copying the videos I took on the day of the meetup to my computer, when I came across a startling revelation!

Wez - who all these years has claimed he disliked Tussauds, and the way they run their theme parks - is a FRAUD!

That's right - he actually gets paid by Tussauds to do modelling work for them. Imagine my horror when I found, in a freeze-frame moment on film*, that Wez accidentally gave away this incredible secret:








* Don't ask why I was looking at Wez, frame-by-frame, alright!?