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The Sentinel

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August 08, 2025

Rrollercoaster king shares top tips for making the most of the thrilling rides at Alton Towers

- Joseph Richards

THERE'S one mistake thrill-seekers make time and again, says Alton Towers' rollercoaster king John Burton.

And now John, the award-winning designer behind Nemesis Reborn, Toxicator, The Curse at Alton Manor and more, has shared his insider tips to make the most of a day out at the theme park.

And this includes his one golden rule: “The one thing you should never do is close your eyes,” he said

“By doing that you’re missing half the experience - all the incredible theming, the storytelling, and the artistry that is built into every ride.

“People think it helps calm their nerves, but it actually makes the whole experience worse. You lose all visual context, your brain can’t process what's coming, which amplifies the fear.”

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