New Bluey Ride Delivers More Than Expected at Alton Towers
CBeebies Land at Alton Towers has welcomed a significant new attraction this year: Bluey the Ride: Here Comes the Grannies. This rollercoaster, inspired by the beloved characters Janet and Rita, has quickly become a major draw, attracting families from across the globe eager to experience it. The Bluey franchise already has a presence at the park with a daily show featuring the Heeler family, which includes popular songs like “Dance Mode” and the show’s iconic theme tune.
Navigating the Queue and Height Requirements
Before embarking on the ride, a crucial detail for many families proved to be the height requirement. Reports indicate that a considerable number of visitors experienced anxiety at the measurement point, leading to queue backups. To ride, children must be at least 0.9 meters tall. Those between 0.9 and 1.1 meters require accompaniment by an adult. Wait times were observed to be between 60 and 90 minutes on opening day, a common occurrence for new attractions. However, the park’s design team has implemented strategies to mitigate the usual challenges of keeping children entertained during long waits. The queue features two play areas and designated photo opportunities with Bluey and Bingo characters, a welcome addition for parents who have previously struggled with bored children.
The Ride Experience: A Thrilling Surprise
For families whose children are fans of Bluey or enjoy rollercoasters, the wait, even exceeding 100 minutes, is considered worthwhile for the unforgettable reactions of the children. Initial impressions from social media clips suggested a standard, slow-paced children’s coaster, but the reality proved to be quite different. The ride features sections that are surprisingly higher than they appear, and the turns incorporate a notable momentum that caught many by surprise. One observer noted clinging to their child, despite both being securely fastened and enjoying the experience, particularly on the second circuit of the track. The dual-lap nature of the ride significantly enhances the value of the waiting time.
A Hit with All Ages and Special Needs Support
Following the ride, the consensus was that Bluey The Ride could very well be the premier children’s rollercoaster, offering enough thrill to be enjoyable for adults as well. The park’s commitment to inclusivity was also highlighted. In one instance, staff provided assistance to a family with a child who has special needs and learning disabilities, ensuring he was able to participate fully without being left out. The staff helped escort the child and assisted his wife with a buggy, allowing him to be among the first to experience the new attraction. This gesture was met with significant gratitude, and the child’s enjoyment was evident as he immediately sought to ride again.
Enhancing CBeebies Land’s Appeal
As with other attractions in CBeebies Land, the ride incorporates the show’s theme tune, alongside other familiar melodies such as “Telebubbies.” The addition of Bluey’s presence is seen as a significant boost to the area’s overall appeal. Visitors were observed to be in good spirits, even while navigating long queues and unpredictable weather conditions that ranged from frosty mornings to hail and rain throughout the day. The introduction of Bluey the Ride signifies a new era for CBeebies Land, aiming to cater to a growing audience while remaining a favorite for younger fans. The park’s offering now includes short breaks starting from £42 per person, with further details and booking available on the Alton Towers website.
