Dark Forest

Dark Forest is one of the themed lands within the Alton Towers Theme Park. It is home to two of the parks thrill rides; RITA and TH13TEEN. The land opened under the name of 'Dark Forest' in March 2010 when TH13TEEN opened. The area is themed around ancient woodland where a mysterious force has taken over. All buildings within Dark Forest have been themed to look like they have been taken over by the trees with large branches engulfing the ride stations, game stalls and food outlets.

History
The area started life as 'Talbot Centre' in 1980 when the Corkscrew rollercoaster was built. Corkscrew was the main attraction in the area and was accompanied by some smaller attractions aimed at children. In 1983, a second rollercoaster was added. This was the Mini Dragon Coaster. This ride could still be found at the park up until 2011 as The Beastie.

In 1984, the area was rethemed and main new rides and attractions were installed. Festival Park was its new name and the area was known for its thrilling rides. Three new rides were added to the line up that already included the Corkscrew. These were Enterprise, Wave Swinger and Magic Carpet. Enterprise is still in operation today and can be found in X Sector after it was moved for the 1998 season and the opening of Oblivion. Over the next three to four seasons, the ride line up in Festival Park changed regularly.

One of the biggest changes was in 1987. This was the year that the Skyride opened and the gondolas would float through the middle of Festival Park.

In 1999, the area was rethemed again. It was now called Ug Land and had a prehistoric theme. There were many theming objects like boulders and a dinosaur skeleton. The Corkscrew lived on in Ug Land, and was joined by Dino Dancer, Ug Swinger and Ug Bugs. There were not many changes to the area for a few years until 2004. Alton Towers had a new rollercoaster planned for 2005, so in September 2004, most of the attraction in Ug Land were removed to make way for RITA. In April 2005, the area reopened with an amended theme. Although the land was still called Ug Land, it now featured the Thunder Rock Rally. RITA Queen of Speed is an launched rollercoaster made by Intamin that launches riders from 0-100 Kmph in 2.5 seconds. To accomidate RITA, many attractions were either removed or relocated to other areas. For example, Lava Lump, a climbing wall, was moved to Forbidden Valley and Ug Bugs was moved to Cred Street. Ug Land didn't last long and at the end of the 2008 season, it was annouced that the Corkscrew would close to make way for a new Secret Weapon for 2010. The project was codenamed Secret Weapon Six (SW6) like many of the parks other major attractions. As a show of respect for the Corkscrew, the park decided to hold a special day at the end of the season where guests could ride for the last time and they opened up some of the ride area for people to get closer to the attraction. Also, to remember this legendery rollercoaster, Alton Towers had the double helix painted in brand purple and put on at the theme park entrance for people to view when entering and leaving the park. In 2009, the Ug Swinger had moved to the newly rethemed Cloud Cuckoo Land as the Twirling Toadstool and only RITA remained in Ug Land. Construction of SW6 was visible with teaser posters up around the park.

And so, in 2010, the area reopened as Dark Forest with RITA and TH13TEEN. RITA was given a retheme to fit in with the Dark Forest. These changes included making the track and ride cars look dirtier and transforming the ride station building to look like it was being consumed by the forest.

Attractions

 * RITA - An Intamin Launch coaster that propels riders from 0-100 Kmph in 2.5 seconds!
 * TH13TEEN - The world's first freefall drop rollercoaster manufactured by Intamin.
 * Crypt Games - Play all of the latest arcade games.

Food Outlets

 * Forest Feast - Located opposite RITA, they sell Hot Dogs, Jacket Potatoes, Pasties, Waffles and Doughnuts.
 * Tormented Treats - Located at the entrance to Dark Forest, they sell Drinks, sweets and ice cream.

Shops

 * RITA shop - Located opposite the exit of RITA, the shop sells RITA on-ride photos, RITA merchandise and general Alton Towers merchandise.
 * TH13TEEN shop - Located at the exit of TH13TEEN, this shop sells TH13TEEN merchandise as well as Alton Towers Merchandise, posters and ice cream.

Toilets
The nearest toilets are located in Fountain square on the path between the Skyride station and Dark Forest.

Services

 * Sales and Information - There is a Sales and Information booth located near Crypt Games. Here you can buy Fasttrack tickets, Towers 2 tickets, Merlin and Alton Towers Annual Passes and get help from the members of staff.