In what has been one of the most heavily rumoured changes to the Staffordshire theme park in recent history – they have now confirmed that The World of David Walliams is coming to Alton Towers in 2020!
Alton Towers has announced that they have partnered with David Walliams to bring some of his best-loved characters to life in a new area of the park called The World of David Walliams! The author and the Merline Magic Making creative team have been working together for two years on the project which is due to open to guests in Spring 2020.
David, who has published 12 children’s novels said: “It’s a huge thrill for some of my favourite characters to be getting their own attractions at Alton Towers. I can’t wait to experience them for myself, and from all the work that has gone in, I think people are going to love it. All will be revealed next year.”
Where will The World of David Walliams be?
It’s going to be in the area currently known as ‘Cloud Cuckoo Land’. Changes are clearly afoot there already, with the old ‘Wobble World’ / House of Monsters building having a hoarding placed around them for a few months now. Cloud Cuckoo Land has certainly needed a bit of an injection of life since CBeebies Land opened. The area currently has the Driving School, Carousel, and Frog Hopper.
What can we expect in The World of David Walliams?
This is an interesting question – Alton Towers have said there will be a ‘headline attraction’ and ‘smaller attractions across the resort’. This is interesting because they haven’t said it will be a ‘ride’ – just a headline attraction. I have heard rumours that Merlin has an unused dark ride system in their portfolio, from a project that was abandoned across the globe. Could The World of David Walliams be a dark ride? A tour through his books, meeting characters along the way? I’m purely speculating here, the official announcement is vague – but there is probably enough room in the building for that kind of ride system. It’s possible that it could be something like ‘Room on the Broom’ at Chessington World of Adventures Resort – that’s definitely classed as an ‘attraction’, rather than a ride.
It could be bigger than that, The World of David Walliams be a complete re-theme of Cloud Cuckoo Land. With a new attraction in the Wobble World building and rethemes of existing rides? Could the Driving School allow guests to ride in Billionaire Boy’s Cars? Will the old Tweenies / Ice Age Theatre become a 4D show or short theatre production themed around a character? Could the Twirling Toadstool ride make a return? It’s all very vague at this moment – but it’s clear we probably won’t be seeing a new rollercoaster or thrill ride going in. The press release is very clear that it’s an ‘attraction’.
Why The World of David Walliams – why can’t we just have big new rides and rollercoasters?
Putting in The World of David Walliams is a savvy move for Alton Towers Resort. The majority of books are aimed squarely at the 7 to 13 year-old market, an age group that Alton doesn’t REALLY cater for at the moment. The Wicker Man which arrived in 2018, was designed to be a ride for older children, so that gave some extra choice. However, if your kids are too old for CBeebies, and too little (or not keen on)the bigger rides – The World of David Walliams could be the perfect solution.
The release mentions tie-ins with the Alton Towers Resort Hotels too. So I wonder if we’ll see some themed rooms – could we spend the night in Gangsta Granny’s pad? Or Mr Stink’s Shed? Alton Towers Hotel has brilliantly themed rooms, so it should be fascinating to see what they come up with.
We might even see The World of David Walliams themed entertainment across the resort? The park seems to have really pushed the Entertainment team into the resort this season, and it would be fun to see some of David Walliam’s characters roaming the park!
It’s all very vague at the moment, and I imagine more news will come from Alton Towers Resort soon – however, I’m looking forward to The World of David Walliams. Whether it’s a new ride or a new area of the park – it’s good to see further investment at Alton Towers Resort. Of course, if any further news comes to light, I’ll be sure to update you! You can also
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