Virtual Reality Rollercoaster

Alton Towers will offer a new rollercoaster ride that will require passengers to wear virtual-reality headsets.

21:19 13 January 2016

Alton Towers have announced plans to open a new rollercoaster ride after one of its rollercoasters crashed in June. The Staffordshire-based adventure park said Galactica, which will require passengers to wear virtual-reality headsets, would open in April after two years of planning.

 

Over the course of the three-minute ride, passengers will be shown a journey across a series of galaxies timed to coincide with the ride’s twists, turns and falls.

 

Gill Riley, the park's marketing director, said Galactica is a "multi-million pound investment".

 

She said: "Obviously the safety and welfare of our guests is our number one priority.”

 

"Following the incident last year, we immediately put into effect additional safety protocols on our multi-car rollercoasters, of which this is one.

 

"In addition, once this ride is installed, as with every other new ride and experience, it will be subject to comprehensive pre-opening assessment [by us] and by an accredited independent inspection body."