Attraction Source Forum

John Wardley: Ride Consultant for Merlin Entertainments. Creator of Nemesis, Oblivion, Air and Chessington World of Adventures. In the 90s Tussauds era John Wardley was instrumental in the development of Alton Towers, and his work firmly placed Alton Towers as the UKs number 1 Theme Park.
And of course in 2010 be came up with the initial concepts for Th13teen.

Recently, TowersTimes contacted John to arrange an interview, he has agreed to this and we want YOU to ask the questions.

John's work has been varied throughout the years, from roller coasters to dark rides. There are a wide variety of topics you can ask questions about.

You can submit your questions in this topic and do feel free to discuss the questions that people propose. Within reason, you can also submit more than 1 question.
Also, if you feel that another TTFer has posted a question that you would like answered, repeat/quote the question and it will increase the chance that it will be put to John Wardley.

The closing date for questions is Sunday 5th December at 5:00pm. You must have submitted your question by this date.

Please be aware, we are expecting a large number of responses so it would be impossible for every question to be answered. Questions will be chosen based on popularity and also randomly.

If anyone has any other comments or if you require further information please PM me.

I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with!

EDIT: You can find the answers here - Link

*edited*

If SW7 is at the rear of Forbidden Valley, would it attempt to blend into Nemesis or Air, or would a new theme be considered?

How Big Are Your Guns

OK I'll start us off shall I :P

Q: If you were put in charge of theming at Alton Towers, which area of the park would you say is best themed, and which would you say needs most work? And for the latter, what would you do to improve it?

I has question!

Which of the Alton Towers rollercoasters are filled with sand in their supports, really want to put this baby to bed to be honest!

:P

John, where did you buy your infamous coat?

Can you see a day when you retire, or would you like to continue for as long as possible?

What has to be your most favorite coaster that you have designed so far?

mine is technically different to Ritadz's q btw, as his fave and his greatest CAN be different :P

If hypothetically Nemesis were to be removed and melted to form a Vekoma Boomerang, what would you build to replace it?

(real question)

How did you feel when you found out that The Haunted House was being changed to Duel?

Out of the ride and rollercoaster companies you have worked for, which company would you say you have had the most pleasure of working with?

Are the stories true about your love nests? :P

[quote="".Will""]I has question!

Which of the Alton Towers rollercoasters are filled with sand in their supports, really want to put this baby to bed to be honest!

:P[/quote] Seconded.

[quote=""MattH""]What has to be your most favourite coaster that you have designed so far?[/quote]It's Nemesis, he was asked at the Th13teen event

If you could have designed and help build any other ride in the world, which ride would it be and why?

John, what did you have for breakfast?

You've mentioned prior to this that you have a great relationship with Walter Bollinger and Claude Mabillard, but when it comes to helping with the development of new rides and concepts with them, how much creative control do they allow you to have?

What kind of attraction/ride do you think the UK theme park industry is missing?

Who came up with the concept for the world first element on Thirteen and what is the ride's top speed?
Would you say that the UK is lacking in world class attractions?

I'd love to know who his favourite coaster manufacturer is, but I doubt he'll tell us, he'll say something polite like 'they are all unique in their own way' blah blah...

I think he's secretly a B&M fanboy tbh