Dance Mode was well and truly activated at Alton Towers Resort this weekend for the opening of the world’s first Bluey coaster.
As the media, influencers, and a clearly proud project team descended on CBeebies Land, it was evident that the Heeler family has officially arrived in Staffordshire.
Bluey the Ride: Here Comes the Grannies! is Merlin’s latest investment at Alton Towers, and it's a definite upgrade on its predecessor, the Postman Pat Parcel Post ride. The new coaster’s height and scale befit the journey this IP has carved out among the stalwarts of the CBeebies family.
The Aussie dogs have captured the imagination of parents and families worldwide. With their cheeky humour and relatable storytelling, many have proclaimed that Bluey is the "new Peppa Pig". A nod to the global behemoth Bluey is expected to become within the preschool market.
A Natural Transition from Screen to Steel
For Merlin Entertainments, the decision to build a Bluey ride is the epitome of picking the lowest-hanging fruit. However, as with all IPs with far-reaching fanbases, scrutinising little eyes will still pick apart an experience in seconds if the resonance leaves something to be desired.
This is Bluey. It's a well-written, highly popular show where most episode narratives naturally transcend into a theme park environment. The ‘Grannies’ episode is no different. For those that haven’t yet seen it, watch it. It's seven minutes of children mimicking grandparents and suitably roasting them with impeccable skill - the forgetfulness, the naps, the questionable driving. It's an episode assembled to an upbeat tune that succeeds in seeing the brighter side of ageing.
Thankfully, its wit is echoed in every moment of the ride, from the playful queue-line quests to the teetering twists of the track. This addition of this all-new ride really is a no-brainer, but it’s a no-brainer done well.
The Queue and The Experience
Expect an abundance of playscapes toward the tail end of the queue line, which undulates its way back to the main entrance of the land. With spring rockers, photo opportunities, and mini mounds, many a child will be kept entertained.
Further on, the queue’s initial Bluey magic fades slightly, resulting in a dispatch building that has untapped potential for deeper theming. The saving grace, however, is the audio and the sheer anticipation of younger guests desperate to board.
The ride itself, reminiscent of the early sections of Slinky Dog Dash at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, is smoother than butter. The incline and angled turns strike the perfect balance between jeopardy and joy for preschoolers. Reaching a 24 mph top speed is quite impressive considering the limited footprint the ride sits on.
A Destination for Fans
Some parents may lament the stepped exit and the initial queue times that come with such popularity, but this ride does exactly what it says on the tin. It is a UK place of pilgrimage for Bluey fans, young and old. Beyond the odd tweak here and there, this will do very well indeed.
Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli were 'in-person' to walk us, the first lucky guests, to the new ride. They also featured high up in the Staffordshire skies the previous night; in a captivating drone show that mixed mesmeric technology and famous Bluey moments to a great deal of dancing and applause. No photos or videos do it justice; it was one to simply see in the flesh.
Our Verdict on Bluey the Ride
For Merlin, this is another job well done in capitalising on the popularity of a massive IP. The project team’s proud and exhausted faces throughout the weekend emulated the excitement and pressure that Bluey has brought to the table.
For Alton Towers, the marketing machine can now run at full speed with a new, blue cog in CBeebies Land. The area needed another pick-me-up, and this investment comes at just the right time. Parents will flock, for sure, but many may now expect the same level of quality and newness elsewhere in the land.
As for Bluey, this ride will leave you hankering for more. Yes, a rewatch of all your favourite episodes, but more importantly, a wonder at how else Bluey might manifest in physical form. Will we see more rides or experiences? Bluey’s Best Day Ever made its debut at Disneyland on March 22, which will be followed by Bluey’s Wild World at Walt Disney World on May 26. There is only one way the Heeler family is heading globally, and this ride feels like the very tip of the iceberg.
The Ultimate Bluey Sleepover
The experience doesn't have to end when the park closes. Bluey fans can now immerse themselves in the ultimate sleepover at the CBeebies Land Hotel, with the introduction of dedicated Bluey rooms and suites.
These vibrant, themed spaces allow guests to join Bluey and her family for an overnight stay packed with fun.
From the moment you step inside, you'll be surrounded by Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli. For the eagle-eyed fans among you, be sure to check every nook and cranny to see if you can spot the hidden Long Dog!
