Three rides at Alton Towers are to close permanently once the 2023 season comes to an end. It leaves thrill-seekers with just a few days to have one last go on its Retro Squad rides
The fairground rides Spinjam, Twistatron and Funk ‘n’ Fly have entertained Alton Towers visitors for 22 years. But the theme park has revealed the popular rides will disappear for good when the season comes to an end next month.
Funk ‘n’ Fly, Twistatron and Spinjam will all be removed after the resort shuts on November 5 for the winter. The fairground rides were brought in back in 2021 to “bring more funktastic thrills to the nation”, reports Stoke on Trent Live.
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It is not yet known whether replacement attractions will be put in their place for the 2024 season. Alton Towers revealed the news with a video showing a retro 80s-style cartoon, in which a robot recalls the three rides to their home planet, stating their “current mission” has been completed.
The video message reads: “Don’t miss your chance to ride goodbye to the totally rad Retro Squad. You’ve got until November 5 to spin, twist and fly before they blast back to Planet Retrograde.”
Alton Towers constantly updates its rides to keep its offer fresh. Some lost rides were much loved and are remembered fondly. Here are 12 rides that Alton Towers has called time on.
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The decision to remove the rides left some thrill-seekers disappointed. Taking to Instagram, one wrote: “I’m gonna miss Spinjam.”
Another said: “Aw no my girls just discovered Funk ‘n’ Fly and loved it!” A third added: “Noooo, they’re so good, especially Funk ‘n’ Fly, RIP.”
Others would like to see permanent rides installed instead. One visitor said: “Very exciting news for the rides that will fill it.” And another added: “ Hope to see some good permanent additions come instead then.”
Visitors are also eagerly anticipating the return of Nemesis in 2024. The legendary attraction - which takes riders on a heart-pounding journey with a g-force of 3.5 and top speed of 50mph - fell silent a year ago to undergo a major revamp.
An extensive transformation is underway, including replacing the 250-tonne, 716-metre-long track, as well as the carriages. For all the latest on Alton Towers and for tickets, click here.
- You can win an overnight stay for five in Alton Towers Resort's fairy-tale Woodland Lodge, plus tickets. You can enter the competition here.
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