Spinball Whizzer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spinball Whizzer |
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| Previously known as Sonic Spinball (2010–2015) | |
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| Alton Towers | |
| Location | Alton Towers |
| Park section | The Towers |
| Coordinates | 52°59′20″N 1°53′40″W / 52.988915°N 1.89457°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | 27 March 2004 |
| Cost | £3,500,000 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Spinning |
| Manufacturer | Maurer AG |
| Model | SC 2200 |
| Lift/launch system | Chain lift hill |
| Height | 17 m (56 ft) |
| Length | 470 m (1,540 ft) |
| Speed | 60 km/h (37 mph) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 1:15 |
| Capacity | 950 riders per hour |
| Height restriction | 120–195 cm (3 ft 11 in – 6 ft 5 in) |
 Fastrack available |
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 Single rider line is not available |
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| Spinball Whizzer at RCDB | |
Spinball Whizzer is an exciting spinning roller coaster located at Alton Towers theme park. You can find it in the Adventure Land area of the park in Staffordshire, England. This awesome ride was built by a company called Maurer Söhne.
For a few years, from 2010 to 2015, the coaster had a different name: Sonic Spinball. This was because of a cool partnership with Sega, the company famous for creating the Sonic the Hedgehog video games.
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The Story of Spinball Whizzer
Spinball Whizzer first opened its doors in 2004. When it first launched, the ride had a fun theme that looked like a giant pinball machine. The name "Spinball Whizzer" was actually a clever play on words from the song "Pinball Wizard" by the band The Who.
Becoming Sonic Spinball
In 2010, something exciting happened! It was announced that Spinball Whizzer would get a makeover based on Sonic the Hedgehog. This was part of a special deal with the Japanese video game company Sega.
To match the new theme, the roller coaster's track was repainted in bright red and blue colors. New decorations, signs, and even music from the Sonic games were added. The station announcements were even done by Roger Craig Smith, who later became the voice of Sonic!
The ride officially reopened as Sonic Spinball on February 13, 2010. This happened during the park's half-term event in February.
More Sonic Fun at Alton Towers
The partnership with Sega didn't stop at the roller coaster. A special Sonic-themed room was also created at the Alton Towers Hotel. This room was a dream for Sonic fans! It had various Sonic games you could play and cool wallpaper inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I.
Sega had actually worked with Alton Towers before. They had a deal for an older ride called Toyland Tours. A Sonic robot was even featured in one of the scenes, complete with sounds and music. However, that ride closed in 2005 to make way for a new attraction, which is now the Alton Towers Dungeons.
The original sponsorship deal for Sonic Spinball was set to end in 2013. But because it was so popular, the partnership was renewed and continued until 2016.
Returning to Spinball Whizzer
On June 2, 2015, the ride had to close temporarily. This was due to an incident on another ride at Alton Towers called The Smiler. Sonic Spinball reopened safely on June 15, 2015.
For the 2016 season, the ride went back to its original name, Spinball Whizzer. It became a key part of the "Adventure Land" area of the park.
