"Shrek theming" sparks rumours of new attraction for 2011 at Alton Towers

Are Shrek and Donkey on their way to Alton Towers in 2011? Image: Carlo Giovannetti, Wikimedia Commons (license)

Eagle-eyed Alton Towers visitors claim to have spotted hidden theming elements that could point to the addition of a new attraction based on the Shrek movies for the 2011 season.

The sighting has sparked rumours that the Shrek 4-D attraction, already in place at several other theme parks around the world, could be installed in one of Alton Towers' unused buildings. Candidates include the tents that formerly housed the Black Hole rollercoaster and the park's Ice Show.

Members of the popular Towers Times forums spotted the theming, which consisted of a large Shrek-shaped head with the word "Shrek" written on it. This has sparked debate as to whether the theming indicates that a new attraction is on its way, or whether it is simply a relic from a promotional event for Dreamworks films at the Alton Towers conference rooms.

Alton Towers is yet to announce any new attractions for the 2011 season, having invested heavily in the opening of the Thirteen rollercoaster in 2010. However, previous rumours have pointed to the addition of a new flat ride in the Dark Forest area, close to the new coaster.

Shrek 4-D is set following the first of the four Dreamworks-produced Shrek movies, and sees the spirit of evil Lord Farquaad return from the dead to kidnap Princess Fiona. The movie is already shown at attractions in Universal Studios parks in Hollywood, Orlando, Singapore and Japan, as well at Movie Park Germany.

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