I create rollercoasters at the UK's top theme park – I know the best place to sit on the popular rides

Scottish Sun

5 days ago

Plus hear what one writer thought when thought when he was the first to ride the Toxicator
HIGH THRILL I create rollercoasters at the UK's top theme park – I know the best place to sit on the popular rides
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HAVE you ever really thought about where the best place is to sit on a rollercoaster?
Well, one ride expert, who is called 'Britain's Rollercoaster King' has revealed where exactly you should sit on a ride to get the ultimate experience at Alton Towers - and he's got lots of other handy tips too.
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Anyone riding Nemesis should take a seat at the front for the most thrills
Credit: Alamy
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John is the brains behind topspin rollercoaster, the Toxicator
Credit: Alton Towers
John Burton, aka Britain's Rollercoaster King, is the mastermind behind some of the biggest rides in Alton Towers.
As the Senior Creative Lead, John has made the likes of Nemesis Reborn, Toxicator and The Curse at Alton Manor.
John says that where you sit on a ride can dramatically affect the ride experience.
He explained: 'On coasters like Wicker Man, sit at the back for stronger airtime and a more intense pull over the hills.
"For cinematic rides like Nemesis Reborn, go front row to get the full view and immersive story.'
Once you've chosen where to sit, John added that it's crucial to never shut your eyes.
He explained: 'By doing that you're missing half the experience - all the incredible theming, the storytelling, and the artistry that is built into every ride.
'People think it helps calm their nerves, but it actually makes the whole experience worse.
"You lose all visual context, your brain can't process what's coming, which amplifies the fear.'
It's not just individual rides that John has handy tips on, he also has a way to beat queuing at the park.
I was the first to ride Alton Towers' newest ride Toxicator - it was a topsy-turvy spinning explosion
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On Wicker Man, John said to sit at the back
Credit: Alamy
The classic mistake that John said everyone makes is heading straight to biggest rollercoasters with the most recognisable names at the front of the park.
Instead, go to the back of the theme park first and work your way forwards.
By doing this, John explained that you will "beat the queues and get more rides in.'
For particular rides like the Nemesis Reborn, there's a particular way to avoid lightheadedness.
It's a technique used by fighter pilots which is to tense your calves and core - these are said to reduce blackout sensations.
Another ride that John knows all about is the new attraction for 2025, the Toxicator - because he's the brains behind it.
The topspin ride has people seated back-to-back before being flipped around and held face down over a "pool of toxic alien acid".
And here's what one writer thought when they were the first to ride Alton Towers' newest ride Toxicator – it was a topsy-turvy spinning explosion.
Vaz revealed described the ride as "an intense assault on the senses as you are whirled round and round before being dragged back and flung forwards again."
The ride is part of the theme park's Forbidden Valley and is next to Nemesis Reborn which was revamped last year.
Dramatic green-lit water fountains on both sides of the ride shoot up around the attraction to represent toxic terror.
And here's more about the Alton Towers new 'Disney style' dining plans in UK first with themed meals and snacks.