If you go down to the woods today...you'd better not go alone
Due to not being able to leave the country due to corona but also finances... Beth and I decided to take a little mini trip to Alton Towers somewhere we have talked about going for years. I have talked about wanting to go to a cottage for years also so maybe that will happen soon *hint hint*
Alton Towers is a theme park in Staffordshire, England about 4 hours away, both Beth and I went as kids with our families so nothing was new to us except that we were going as adults and without our parents. Since I got my car back in January we have been talking about the idea of going on a road trip and having a weekend away so we decided to risk it for a chocolate biscuit and give it a go *spoiler, it went really well*
I was a bit nervous to drive all the way as I had never done a long drive really, so like a couple of losers a few weeks before we did a test drive, yes we did drive to a service station and back I have anxiety people this isn't new! So that went great and I ironed out some things I was worried about and was ready to go!
We drove down on Friday in the aggressive heat, it was so hot I felt like I was driving a portable sauna. As a new driver (passed in January) I was quite nervous but once I got onto the motorway it was fine, apart from the heat it was actually really enjoyable. Could probably do it again but not on my own because I'd get bored.
We stayed in a really nice premier inn in Stoke Trentham Gardens was only £74 for 2 nights, not sure if we just got lucky or they were socially distancing the hotel guests but we ended up in a really big room with a beautiful view. We ended up bringing our own pillows just as another Covid safety precaution.
On the Friday we went to see my bestie Molly for dinner, we had Pizza Hut and chatted it was wonderful.
Also huge congratulations to Molly and Jay, they are pregnant and I am very excited to be an unofficial auntie!
On the Saturday we headed to Alton Towers, I am not a fan of driving down country roads and it was country roads all the way I did it but I did not enjoy it.
Saturday was so unbelievably hot, it was rough. The park was quite busy on the Saturday as it was sold out sat-tues, I hope the park was at a limited capacity but it really did not feel like it. Wait times were between 45-120 minutes which is unheard of for Alton Towers.
On the Saturday we tried our best to do everything we wanted, we started the day by riding nemesis which was my favourite ride growing up and it did not disappoint me as an adult. We also rode oblivion and duel this day and they were both amazing.
On Sunday we decided to head to the park a little earlier so we could try and ride thirteen. I had spoken to a member of staff the night before and they explained that the park doesn't open until 10am however, they open the gates around 9:30 and allow guests to enter the park and begin to queue ahead of the rides beginning at 10. We arrived at the park around 9:30 and by 10:15 we had rode 13. Another amazing ride!
We then went on oblivion once again and headed home. I was nervous to drive from Newcastle as it was about 4 hours and was the first long drive I have ever done but Beth and Harry Potter audio books kept me entertained and although it was like driving in a sauna it wasn't bad at all.
I was hesitant to include this but I read a lot of forums and they really helped me with my confidence going to Alton Towers. I am plus size so theme parks can seem incredibly scary. For the majority of the rides I asked for modified seating which is the same size seats but instead of one strap clipping your restraints in there are two. This is due to the overhead restraints having a bump around the stomach. In modified seats there are two straps that go around the bump rather than over. The staff were amazing and incredibly helpful, there was certainly moments that made me incredibly anxious but reading lots of forums before hand helped to calm my nerves.
The links below I found incredibly helpful but there are many many more online.
Forums
https://plussizedguide.com/plus-sized-guide-to-alton-towers/
https://forum.towerstimes.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=41926
http://ramblesofanimpatientgirl.blogspot.com/2016/05/plus-size-at-alton-towers.html
COVID-19 Precautions
Going on a trip during the current global climate was always going to be risky and nerve-racking but with holidays cancelled earlier in the year and all the stress Beth and I decided to take a trip. During the entire lockdown we have been as safe as we possibly can. Alton Towers was no different.
Anytime we stopped at a service station or going in and out of the hotel we wore masks as well as sanitising and trying our best to keep our distance.
In regards to Alton Towers, it was incredibly busy and hot. You were only required to wear a mask on the rides along with anytime you are inside the ride stations or shops. We tried our hardest to wear a mask at all times but it was just too hot to do so. It was hard to socially distance as it was so crowded but we tried our best and didn't spend the entire time within the parks.
I feel they are doing everything they can, from cleaning the ride vehicles to temperature checks before entering the park. In regards to the temperature checks it is a gun type machine held at a short distance from your forehead, if your over 38 degrees (I believe) you will be asked to take a break to cool down afterwards they will take your temperature a second time and if again it is over the limit you will not be allowed to enter the park. I found this extremely reassuring as just like bag checks you know everyone has had to go through this in order to gain access limiting the threat.
Overall I had a lovely trip away with my dear friend, it was the first time we have really had a trip together and it was super nice just to spend some time together and chill out after talking about it for so long.
if you have any questions or concerns about being plus size or the safety precautions please leave a comment and I will try my hardest to answer them as I know I had a lot of questions before my trip.
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