Ride Update
www.parkworld-online.com
(Re)birth of a monster
As Nemesis Reborn replaces the legendary Nemesis roller coaster at Alton Towers, Park World checks out this stronger, stealthier, more monstrous mutation
T
he infamous Nemesis roller coaster has returned at Alton Towers as Nemesis Reborn - no less than three decades since the original ride had its soft opening.
The ride’s track and supports have been largely removed and rebuilt
since it last operated back in November 2022. There was a possibility that the legendary ride would be closed for good and replaced with something brand-new - but the argument to rebuild Nemesis was won, largely by its original 1994 masterminds John Wardley and Nick Varney. Alton Towers sold out on Nemesis’ opening weekend earlier this
month - testament to its predecessor’s legendary status. It’s fair to say this new version had much to live up to, and massive amounts of effort have gone into its creation - not to mention the Forbidden Valley area where it is located. The opening weekend saw queue times estimated at roughly four and
a half hours, illustrating the level of anticipation for this coaster rebuild. So, how does it compare to the original Nemesis ride? As mentioned, Nemesis Reborn features a new track and this is a not-
insignificant point because the track pieces are sand-filled to dampen sound levels. This means the all-new Nemesis is a quieter, more stealth version of the roaring roller coaster that came before. Some might consider this an improvement, while others may well miss the sense of foreboding created by the original Nemesis’ fearsome sound. But the new coaster’s aesthetic is exceptionally striking, with its black
36 MARCH 2024
track featuring red, vein-like livery, while the newly-routed main queue line now extends around the back of the first drop - and the queue line is such that it now offers impressive views of the ride in action. Nighttime only enhances the foreboding look of the ride as
searchlights and red lighting envelop the roller coaster and its surrounds in an ominous glow.
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