I managed a whole day out at Alton Towers without shoes with only one hiccup. I'd been barefoot all weekend, having travelled from London to Derby for a birthday party, and then we went onto Alton Towers the next day. I did have some shoes with me, but I hadn't been wearing them since before leaving London and so they stayed in the car all day. I had no trouble walking into the park, despite drawing attention to myself asking staff for assistance with the turnstyles. The first couple of rides we went on were Nemesis and Air - which actually carry recommendations to remove any lose fitting shoes before the ride, because there's nothing below your feet during the ride apart from the ground. A lot of other rides, had on the list of rules, a requirement that shoes be worn, although I made no attempt to deceive the staff on various rides and they didn't not show any objection. Until the last few rides. We queued and sat down for the Oblivion Ride and when an assistant came to ensure that I was securely strapped in to the ride, he then told me that I wouldn't be able to ride without shoes. He asked if I'd left them with a friend who wasn't riding and was surprised when I told him that I'd managed without them all day. He explained that the reason he was given for insisting on shoes was that the catwalk would be unsuitable for bare feet and that would be the only means of exit from the ride if there were an evacuation outside of the ride station. The real reason he wasn't allowing me to ride though was that the policy was absolute, and that he would be sacked if he didn't follow it, along the same lines as height restrictions. So I waited by the exit platform and was allowed to sit in the following ride wearing a friend's shoes. I examined the catwalk while going past it on the ride and confirmed to myself that it wouldn't have been a problem. Unfortunately the strict policy that Alton Towers has on its staff to follow regulations to the letter meant that to talk further with the staff operating the ride, would be arguing with the wrong people whose hands were tied. I may try and contact head office if I can be bothered. It'd probably be along the lines of requesting that upon being given all relevant information and safety advice, patrons should have the opportunity to make a decision (given in writing if necessary) to absolve the park of responsibility. After all, it's not in our interest for other people to be responsible as it just leads to a further reduction of our liberty. Also, who is in a better position than oneself to know how best to ensure one's own safety when in possession of all of the facts? Following Oblivion, which was a decent ride but a bit of a one trick pony and all over too quickly, the two other rides I went on which had a shoe requirement listed on the sign at the queue entrance, were Rita Queen of Speed, and Spinball Whizzer. I actually went on both of those barefoot and neither deceived, nor argued with any of the park staff in order to do so. Although while queuing for Rita, the lady checking for height restrictions, did ask if i had shoes while queuing up, then mentioned that they keep a pair of trainers at the ride station (presumably for people who only have heels, which are also barred from the ride). So I carried on queuing, but wasn't confronted. I was in part hoping that there might be an evacuation so that I could prove my point. Needless to say I'd have been the first one to speak up in the defence of any member of staff faced with dismissal if that had happened. Because I'd be defending my rights to go barefoot as much as anything else. That's not to say that as long as you have shoes for Oblivion you (or I for that matter) wouild be fine for all the other rides. I'd imagine it depends on who's working on which rides at any given time on any given day. But being a Southerner I don't go to Alton Towers that often. In fact that was only my second time there, the last time I went, most of the rides there today hadn't been built (as far back as Nemesis which opened shortly afterwards). So I feel I did quite well out of it. I've been barefoot to Chessington a couple of times and not been confronted like that, but for all I know I could have got lucky there. I'm planning to do Thorpe Park in a month or so, and although I used to go there a lot, it's been about 8 years since I last went. I think in future I'll carry my shoes around in a shoulder bag. Bags seem to be less of an encumbrance than they used to be as there are always places to leave them before embarking upon a ride. I can dump the bag at each ride (without needing someone to leave it with since it doesn't contain anything of true value to me), and if Mr. or Ms. J. Obsworth decide to give me an ultimatum I could retrieve them from the bag for the sake of peace and quiet, knowing full well that I'll be allowed on most if not all other rides and will be free to go barefoot around the park as well. But yeah, had a great day at Alton Towers. It really is the UK's best theme park, by a country mile. And my three favourite rides from the day, Air, Nemesis and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory have no shoe requirement. In fact Air and Nemesis are ideal for bare feet, flying through the air, suspended from above. In fact you are encouraged to go barefoot on them, and many riders choose to, whether or not they're wearing shoes that are likely to fall off.
Very nice report. Not a big fan of rides myself but, amusement parks are a great place for barefooting. (wait a second everyplace is great for barefooting) nevermind.
That's what I love about theme parks. You can get away with barefeet. I haven't been to Alton Tower's in years, but I don't think it's the best. It's pretty much chav central. Thorpe Park is a lot more enjoyable. But I don't like big rides now. I used to LOVE them. I've been on Air and Nemesis. I guess people change. The only reason I go to Thorpe Park is for the all you can eat Pizza Hut. Yum!
