Alton Towers is revamping its haunted house dark ride, as confirmed by Merlin Entertainments’ recently retired chief development officer Mark ‘Fish’ Fisher.
The spooky attraction, which opened in 1992, has been closed since September 2022. When it reopens, it will feature a “completely new story”, Fisher told StokeOnTrentLive.
Fisher said Merlin‘s creative team, Merlin Magic Making, had visited Alton Towers in December to work on the new plans for the updated dark ride.
Eerie attraction to offer new story
“We have shut the ride so that we can redo it. It will be more like the original Haunted House, with a completely new story. Some of the old Victorian techniques – the use of mirrors, for example – are still so good,” he said.
“The Merlin Magic Making team has been here and I’m excited about what they have planned. A lot of people fondly remember the old Haunted House and we think this is going to be huge.”
Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back was originally called the Haunted House. It was the largest ghost train in Europe.
Alton Towers‘ website says: “The ride has been closed and the building repossessed due to unnatural displays in the area.
“We are currently investigating and will share more details as soon as they become available. We do apologise for any convenience caused. Watch this space for more exciting details coming soon!”
Last year, Alton Towers submitted a planning application for a £12.5 million indoor attraction, currently dubbed ‘Project Horizon’.
Prior to that, the park closed its famous Nemesis roller coaster for a major revamp. The ride, which has operated at Alton Towers since 1994, is scheduled to reopen in 2024.
Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, home to 10 themed areas across 910 acres. It offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including 10 record-breaking coasters.
Images: Merlin Entertainments
