UPDATE April 23 – It was back in February that we first heard the news that Alton Towers would be installing a new flat ride in Forbidden Valley. Currently known as Project Ocean, there has now been news that fences have been erected around the area and construction has begun.In a new video posted to YouTube by Digital Dan at time stamp 5:18 we get to see photos of the area where construction has begun and hear that guests eager to get a glimpse of the work being done can do next to The Blade or by the Bunker 94 shop. Initially there was a lot of speculation that we could see the return of the popular Ripsaw style ride and indeed speculation continues as to exactly what type of flat ride is being installed. Still, the Top Spin appears to be the most likely with the confirmed dimensions from the plans although Digital Dan points out that the themed blocks either side would need to act as the supports for the ride in order for it to fit.It appears more likely that we could see a suspended Top Spin model like Talocan at Phantasialand or Vortex at SEAWORLD Australia rather than the more generic Ripsaw model with a floor and both rows facing the same way.However, we still await confirmation on the actual flat ride itself as well as a timeline. With work already underway on this new flat ride it leaves us asking the question, could we see an opening later this year? We think it is more likely that Alton Towers is getting a head start and this new flat ride will open at the beginning of the 2025 season.February 11, 2024 – The last couple of days have seen excitement for Alton Towers fans as plans have been submitted for a new permanent flat ride at Alton Towers, named “Project Ocean”.In a new video posted to YouTube by Theme Park Worldwide we get to see further details regarding these newly submitted plans.The location of this new permanent flat ride has been confirmed to be on the former site of Ripsaw in Forbidden Valley. For the last three seasons this area has been the home of Funk ‘n’ Fly which was part of the Retro Squad, brought in after the theme park closures due to COVID-19.Images from the plans show a very interesting element in that the ride will be positioned on top of a 4.8m high building giving a total height of 18m. The dimensions are confirmed as 11.5 m in length and 14.5m in width and there will be two large theming structures on either side which Should create a real focal point in Forbidden Valley.The pathway and infrastructure is set to change and there will then be an underpass running down to Galactica and the Rollercoaster restaurant.
Image: Alton Towers, Smytheman Architectural
From the plans there looks to be a cattle pen queue line with steps going up to the loading bay as well as a lift.There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the type of ride we could see. Could we see a Zamperla Nebula, S&S Screaming Swing, a Pendulum swing or Gyro swing or another Top Swing like Ripsaw?With the project being given the name “Project Ocean” there is some speculation that we could see this new permanent flat ride incorporating water in some way as was the case with Ripsaw.Regarding a likely opening date, currently an opening at the beginning of the 2025 season seems most likely. We await further details on this permanent flat ride as well as information on when this will open at Alton Towers which should come in April.Let us know your thoughts on a new permanent flat ride at Alton Towers by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
