Alton Towers fans can’t stop talking about the opening of the theme park’s new ride, the Toxicator, as it launches today (Saturday, March 15).
The park near Stoke-on-Trent, which is preparing for its 2025 main season, unveiled plans for the ride on January 13 of this year. Initially dubbed ‘Project Ocean’, the Huss Suspended Top Spin can be found in the Forbidden Valley section of the 910-acre park.
“Take hold and brace yourself because your world is about to be turned upside down,” Alton Towers‘ website reads. “Toxicator is ready to whip up a dizzying vortex of fear in the heart of the Forbidden Valley.
“Hang in suspense and feel the powerful forces at play, spinning you into a whirlwind of excitement and fear. Hearts will pound. Adrenaline will soar. Ready to face the ultimate thrill?”
However, taking to X, fans have noticed the ride bears a striking resemblance to a former Alton Towers attraction – the Ripsaw. “So it’s the ripsaw just rebranded?” one person wrote.
“Rode it when I was 12,” said another. However, others leapt to the ride’s defence.
“It’s been forever since i been to alton towers! Me and the wifey might [have to] bring the motorhome for a ride out,” someone wrote. “Completely new ride,” said another.
“Can’t wait to ride this tomorrow,” agreed another. Ripsaw, another Top Spin ride, closed nearly a decade ago at the end of 2015, having opened in 1997.
The ride was temporarily replaced by a small carnival attraction, Forbidden Sweep, for the 2016 season before travelling ride Funk n Fly, took up its space. Toxicator opens in the location previously occupied by Funk n Fly and Ripsaw.
The two rides are the same model, but are different models. Alton Towers fan page Towers Times writes: “Whilst Ripsaw was a conventional Huss Top Spin, Toxicator is a Huss Suspended Top Spin. This means that, after taking their seats, guests’ legs are left to dangle with no floor beneath them. Additionally, whilst the two rows of seats faced in the same direction on Ripsaw, guests sit back-to-back on Toxicator.”
Alton Towers has 10 main rides and a number of smaller attractions. It opens for its main season from mid-March to early November and in 2023 attracted 2.35million visitors.
Alton Towers has been contacted for comment.
