Before my friend and I even arrived inside the theme park, we had already begun to experience the benefits of being Platinum VIP guests. Because the ticket included VIP parking, we were able to park right at the front entrance of the park, which saved a lot of time (and stress) getting inside.
Now I love the monorail as much as anyone else – it’s an icon in its own right. But board at the wrong time, and you can end up in a queue before you’ve even attempted to get on a ride.
VIP parking completely eliminated this risk, and we were able to walk to the gate within 30 seconds. It also allowed us to keep personal stuff in the car, knowing we could nip to get it as and when we needed if necessary.
Upon arrival at the gates, we were greeted by VIP co-ordinator Finlay, who promptly introduced us to our dedicated VIP host for the day, Stacey. Both hosts greeted us with beaming smiles and presented us with backpacks brimming with exclusive VIP merchandise.
Clutching my Bathing Ape bum bag, already prepped for the adventure ahead, Finlay graciously offered to store it safely until the end of the day, after I had retrieved my Freestyle Vessel for hydration.
Alton Towers offers a range of VIP experiences and fast track passes (Image: Getty Images)
As a thrill-seeker, I’m always up for a good theme park adventure. The UK offers a plethora of choices, including Thorpe Park and Drayton Manor.
However, residing in Manchester means that Alton Towers is the most convenient and nearest major theme park. Despite boasting some of the UK’s most exhilarating rides, Alton Towers can also be notorious for its long queues on busy days.
I’ve always believed it’s worth splurging on a Fast Track ticket to bypass the queues and maximise your time at the park. However, during my latest visit, I discovered they now offer something even more impressive – a service that will make you feel like a ‘true’ VIP for the day.
Alton Towers has recently introduced its VIP packages. And when they say VIP, they truly mean it.
There are two types of VIP packages on offer – the standard VIP package, starting at £155 per person, and the Platinum VIP package, starting at £320 per person, reports the Manchester Evening News.
We got to ride the newly renovated Nemesis Reborn ride twice (Image: Darren Robinson Photography)
The standard package includes Theme Park Entry, Express Car Parking, Silver Fastrack, VIP Merchandise and an Unlimited Digital Photo Pass.
But if you want to experience the full Hollywood treatment, I’d suggest going for the Platinum package, which includes Theme Park Entry, Express Car Parking, Platinum Fastrack, VIP Host, Freestyle Vessel, VIP Merch, Unlimited Digital Photo Pass, Meal Voucher and a Personal Welcome Letter.
If you’re planning to visit for major events like Oktoberfest, Scarefest or Fireworks, Alton Towers also offers some packages tailored specifically for these events – starting at £200 for package and entry, depending on which you opt for.
All of this sounds really good, doesn’t it? But it’s not cheap, so you’d be forgiven for asking ‘is it really worth it?
I had the same impression when I first heard about the VIP packages, but was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to try the Platinum VIP package out firsthand to see if it’s worth the money.
The Wickerman ride (Image: Stoke Sentinel)
Finlay then handed us over to the capable hands of Stacey to commence our thrilling day. With over ten years of experience at Alton Towers, Stacey was a fountain of knowledge, providing us with invaluable shortcuts to rides, tips on the best times for shorter queues, recommendations for food and drink, and insider secrets of the renowned theme park.
The day was transformed into an even more delightful and personalised adventure thanks to Stacey’s expertise. We breezed past long lines, enjoyed multiple rides on attractions like the Smiler and the revamped Nemesis Reborn, and had the chance to satisfy any curiosities about the park, to which Stacey enthusiastically responded: “I love my job.”
The Platinum fasttrack, which allows unlimited access to all attractions, is part of the package. With a knowledgeable host accompanying you throughout the day, waiting times for rides rarely exceed five minutes.
No request or question was too challenging, and our host Stacey ensured our day was as enjoyable as possible. The package also includes an unlimited refills cup, allowing guests to stop at any soda station around the park, and meal vouchers to ensure thrill-seekers can pause for a bite at one of the many eateries.
For those who might be too nervous to try certain attractions, like we were with the towering Oblivion coaster, the VIP hosts are ready to join in the fun and scream alongside you. Stacey, who also works on the Wickerman operation, joined my friend on Oblivion.
We spent a day enjoying the VIP package at Alton Towers… and didn’t queue for more than five minutes (Image: PA)
This perk is a significant selling point, ensuring every guest gets to experience a ride of their choice and no one is left out.
During our visit for Oktoberfest, our pass allowed us to explore the themed event, choosing from pretzels, bratwurst, churros, and a variety of German beers. We also found a branded Oktoberfest stein in our VIP bags, which we both thought was pretty epic.
When it comes to the rides, the VIP host ensures your belongings are safely stored while you’re being tossed and propelled into the air. This provided us with a sense of security when leaving our pricey items in the bag boxes at each ride’s side.
To our dismay, we were able to view our most frightened expressions on each ride with the package. A digital photo pass granted us unlimited access to download digital photos of us taken on each attraction.
Our VIP host joined us on Oblivion (Image: Getty Images for Birmingham 2022)
This is an excellent bonus for families or those wishing to remember their visit – although it’s safe to say our photos will never see the light of day.
It’s worth mentioning that we sampled the Oktoberfest version of the Platinum VIP Package as a preview for the event, which runs until Sunday, October 29. However, the next available one will be during one of the park’s busiest periods – Scarefest.
This package costs a bit more, starting at £350 for package and entry, but offers slightly more value for money.
With this package, guests also receive a Spooks and Frights Combi Scare Attraction Ticket with Fastrack Entry. This includes access to: COMPOUND (new for 2024), Daz Games: Panic Reloaded, Altonville Mine Tours: Tiny’s Revenge, The Attic , Trick O’ Treat Town with HARIBO, and Amigos in the Afterlife (also new for 2024).
The VIP experience is also available during Scarefest (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
It’s worth mentioning that if you visit during Scarefest rather than Oktoberfest, your food options will slightly differ. You’ll receive a voucher to dine at one of the park’s restaurants – the choice is yours.
Stacey suggests trying the Rollercoaster restaurant for a unique experience.
In conclusion, yes, Platinum VIP is a pricey option and it won’t appeal to everyone. However, if you’re planning a special day out at the park or can afford to spend a bit more to maximise your experience, I’d recommend giving it a shot.
Having your own personal host for the day adds a touch of magic to the experience and certainly makes things easier. While I can’t speak for children as I don’t have any, I believe they would thoroughly enjoy it too.