FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Key Information

User Rating
Land
Dark Forest
Attraction type
Roller coaster
Opening Date

Originally named Rita: Queen of Speed, Rita was opened in 2005 at a cost of £8 million. Located in the Dark Forest area of Alton Towers (previously known as Ug Land), the ride is an Intamin accelerator rollercoaster. Its opening launch section fires riders up to a top speed of 62mph in 2.2 seconds, sending them into a series of high speed corners and hills - with the ride completing its circuit in just 50 seconds.

When it opened, the coaster featured a drag-racing theme - a strange fit with the "prehistoric" Ug Land. Following the conversion of the area into the Dark Forest, Rita was given an updated theme that saw creeping branches attached to its exterior elements and a new, darker paint job for its trains. The storyline behind the theme is not completely clear, although a voiceover telling riders that they must "escape" suggests that the high-speed cars are being used to help people evacuate the forest.

FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

About Theme Park Tourist

Theme Park Tourist is one of the web’s leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.

We are one of the world’s largest theme park guide sites, hosting detailed guides to more than 80 theme parks around the globe.

Find Out More About Us...

Plan Your Trip

Our theme park guides contain reviews and ratings of rides, restaurants and hotels at more than 80 theme parks worldwide.

You can even print them.

Start Planning Now...