December 3rd 2024.
It's hard to believe that it's been over 40 years since The Blade first opened at Alton Towers in 1980. This iconic ride has been a staple at the theme park for decades, bringing joy and excitement to over 500,000 visitors every year. But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, as The Blade has officially closed its doors for good.
Originally known as the Pirate Ship, The Blade was famous for its thrilling swings and moments of zero gravity. Its website boasted about the ride, inviting guests to "float free from your seat" and experience near-vertical angles. But as time went on, it became clear that The Blade had reached the end of its technical life. And so, Alton Towers made the difficult decision to retire the beloved ride after 44 years of operation.
This news has left fans of The Blade feeling "gutted." One loyal visitor expressed their sadness, saying "the blade will always be the legend pirate ship, this will be missed greatly." And they're not the only ones mourning the loss of this iconic attraction. Alton Towers has also bid farewell to its spa, which closed in January after 21 years of service. But it's all part of the park's plans to refresh and reinvent its rides and attractions.
In addition to The Blade and the spa, two more rides will not be reopening when Alton Towers returns to action in March 2025. Flavio's Fabulous Fandango and the Alton Towers Dungeon will also be saying goodbye, as the park evaluates and reinvests in its lineup of attractions. But fear not, as Alton Towers has something exciting in store for visitors in the future.
While the park is currently closed for the Christmas period, when it reopens next year, guests will be able to experience Project Ocean in full fruition. This new 18-meter attraction will replace the existing Funk n Fly ride, according to plans. And that's not all – there's even more to look forward to in 2025, as Alton Towers plans to bring a new weapon to Forbidden Valley, promising to deliver "fantabulous memories to everyone that visits our Resort."
It's always sad to say goodbye to old favorites, but Alton Towers is committed to constantly improving and evolving for its guests. And with exciting new attractions on the horizon, there's no doubt that the park will continue to be a top destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. So, until then, let's bid adieu to The Blade and get ready for even more fun and adventure at Alton Towers.
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