'I tried Alton Towers' new ride - I had to try not to be sick'
My anticipation was sky-high for my overnight trip to Alton Towers and when Friday finally arrived, I was brimming with excitement. The moment I entered the hotel, I was instantly struck by the breathtaking decor.
The room, meticulously prepared by the wonderful Alton Towers press team, was decorated in a steampunk theme and it certainly lived up to expectations.
The walls were embellished with faux pipes, giving an industrial vibe to the place, and even the carpet adhered to the theme with swirling gears and patterns that seemed as if they'd been lifted directly from a Victorian inventor's workshop.
But what truly captured my heart was the enormous teddy bear sitting on the bed, welcoming me like an old friend. There's nothing quite like a friendly teddy to greet you after a long drive.
The evening was fairly quiet; I simply grabbed a quick Domino's and decided to save my energy for the park the next day. Upon waking the next morning, I headed down for breakfast and the buffet was a fantastic way to start the day, reports Wales Online.
Everything from sausages and bacon to fresh fruit and pastries was on offer, and I made sure to eat plenty, knowing I'd need all the energy I could get for the day ahead.
After a hearty breakfast, I headed towards the entrance of the theme park, which was fully decked out in Oktoberfest attire. The scent of German street food filled the air as people in lederhosen walked by.
The atmosphere was absolutely spot on, prompting me to take a few snaps before heading towards the rides. My day began with a leisurely ride on Wicker Man, which ranks high among my personal favourites.
The wooden track lends a slight shakiness that only adds to the thrill, and the fiery theme is simply first-rate. It's fast-paced, fun, and the visuals fully immerse you in the story. On the other hand, Smiler is a total monster.
With its dizzying inversions, it's impossible not to feel like you've been turned inside out. By the time I got off, I felt a bit shaky but still thrilled.
Oktoberfest presented a wide array of enticing food options, and I couldn't resist indulging in a large, juicy German (vegan) sausage accompanied by some crispy potatoes and cheesy noodles. The food was outstanding, boasting flavours that could compete with any street market in Germany, although perhaps eating that much just before the rides wasn't my wisest decision.
I wandered towards Nemesis Reborn, the one ride I was most excited to try. I'd previously ridden Nemesis Inferno at Thorpe Park, but this one came highly recommended, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Well, the short answer is: it surpassed them. Book your family for an unforgettable autumn break at Alton Towers.
The exhilaration of the ride is unmatched - the speed, the twists, and the sheer force that pins you to your seat as your feet dangle freely below. Halfway through, I realised my mistake: I hadn't allowed enough time for my lunch to settle.
As we hurtled through another twist, my stomach lurched, and I had to make a conscious effort not to be sick. It wasn't my finest hour, but the thrill of the ride was so intense that it hardly mattered.
By the end, I was a mix of adrenaline and regret (for not delaying my meal) but I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Nothing else that day could quite compare to Nemesis Reborn.
It completely eclipses Inferno - it's quicker, smoother, and the theming is simply first-rate.
After that, I took a more relaxed approach, taking some photos, soaking up the atmosphere at Oktoberfest, and eventually calling it a day. Overall, it was an excellent trip.
However, next time, I'll save the sausages until after the rides. Lesson learned!