Alton Towers Resort prepares for ultimate celebration of its world-class rollercoasters

Alton Towers Resort is preparing to kick-off its thrilliant programme of events as Festival of Thrills returns for 2023 as it celebrates its awesome world-class rollercoasters with heart-pumping twists, heart-racing speeds and exhilarating G-forces.

This year’s event will come with an added twist for thrillseekers – The Smiler Takeover. With a series of marmalising experiences dedicated to the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster, The Smiler, in its 10th year. The Smiler’s secretive organisation, Ministry of Joy, will take over the area of X-Sector on the Theme Park with a series of interactive elements, immersive theatre and optical illusions.

Guests will also get to experience other world-class rollercoasters including Wicker Man and Oblivion, and by completing all of them, guests will get the chance to win a fantastical overnight stay for a family of four, including one-day tickets to the Theme Park. Guests need to pick up a Ministry of Joy identity card from Towers Street, collect a stamp from each of the six world-class rollercoasters, then share on Instagram using #FestivalofThrills.

In its 10 years, The Smiler has delivered over 12 million riders. One of its biggest fans is Rachel Pender, aka @roller_coaster_rachel, who has amassed over 53k followers for her love of rollercoasters, said: “One of the reasons I enjoy The Smiler so much is the pure joy and escapism it brings. Not only is it the most incredible coaster I've ever ridden, it also has such a cool backstory too. This coaster holds a lot of special memories for me, from my daughter's first ride when she hit the magical 1.4 height restriction, to the special memories made with family and friends.”

To help thrillseekers make special memories this Spring, as part of the event, Alton Towers Resort has announced the return of its student ticket. From just £20, students who are registered with Student Beans can get access to world-class rollercoasters for mid-week fun and thrills.

The parent and toddler pass is also now available for those looking for smaller thrills. Guests can share massive giggles and mega thrills at the UK’s largest theme park including CBeebies Land for just £29 (one adult and one toddler under 5). The exclusive online offer is for visits on selected dates during off-peak periods and is not available during weekends and school holidays. Guests can choose to add on an extra toddler, under 5yrs, for just £5. In addition, under 3’s go free at Alton Towers Resort each and every day!

If one day just isn’t enough, guests can extend their stay with an overnight stay at the Resort’s iconic themed accommodation. From the UK’s only CBeebies Land Hotel and Caribbean themed Splash Landings Hotel, to enchanting log cabins and the eccentric Alton Towers Hotel, there are six delightfully themed accommodations to choose from, and with a buffet breakfast, live evening entertainment, free parking and a free round of Extraordinary Golf, it’s the perfect escape for friends and families.