Two decades ago, Alton Towers introduced one of its most thrilling attractions—Rita. Since its launch in 2005, this high-speed roller coaster has become a firm favourite among adrenaline seekers. As Rita celebrates its 20th anniversary, we take a look back at its history, impact, and enduring legacy as the fastest queen of Alton Towers.
The Birth of a Speed Demon
In 2005, Alton Towers unveiled Rita: Queen of Speed, a ride that brought a new level of intensity to the park. Unlike traditional chain-lift coasters, Rita used hydraulic launch technology to catapult riders from 0 to 61 mph in just 2.5 seconds. This made it the fastest coaster in the UK at the time, rivaling even the most extreme rides worldwide.
The ride was built in the UG Land area of the park, featuring a drag-racing theme complete with checkered flags and tire tracks. Its explosive launch and rapid twists instantly made it a standout attraction and a must-ride for thrill-seekers.
Rita’s Evolution and Changes Over the Years
While Rita maintained its high-speed thrills, the ride and its surroundings have undergone a few transformations:
- 2010: UG Land was rethemed to the Dark Forest, aligning with the arrival of Th13teen. Rita was rebranded simply as “Rita,” with a new backstory suggesting it was an escape route from the sinister Dark Forest.
- Ride Operations: Over the years, minor operational adjustments have been made, including upgraded restraints and improvements to the queue layout for better crowd control.
- Theming Updates: While the ride itself has remained unchanged, the immersive experience has adapted to fit the park’s evolving storytelling, adding to the mystery of the Dark Forest.
How Does Rita Compare Today?
When it debuted, Rita’s launch was groundbreaking. However, in the years since, other UK coasters, such as Hyperia at Thorpe Park, have surpassed its speed (0–80 mph in 1.9 seconds). Despite this, Rita remains one of the most intense and accessible launch coasters in the UK, offering an unmatched rush to first-time riders and veterans alike.
Rita’s Legacy at Alton Towers
Over the last 20 years, Rita has secured its place as an Alton Towers icon. It’s the perfect “stepping stone” coaster for those looking to build up to bigger thrills, bridging the gap between family rides and extreme roller coasters like The Smiler. Its reliability, intense launch, and nostalgic appeal ensure it remains a favourite for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Long Live the Queen of Speed!
As Rita hits the 20-year milestone, it continues to deliver heart-pounding thrills to thousands of visitors each year. While newer rides may be faster, Rita’s legacy as Alton Towers’ original launch coaster keeps it firmly in the hearts of theme park fans.
Here’s to another two decades of high-speed adventures?
Have you ridden Rita recently? Share your memories and experiences in the comments!
Conversation