Alton Towers Resort premiered a brand new attraction, 'The Curse At Alton Manor'. Replacing the former 'Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back' attraction, it has received overall critical acclaim from the general public and theme park enthusiasts alike, currently garnering 4.2 stars on Google.

The Staffordshire theme park debuted the brand new 'dark ride' on their 2023 opening day, March 18th, after a wide array of speculation on what the new ride could be.

'The Curse At Alton Manor' has an extensive history, being a complete reimagining of a former interactive ride named 'Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back', which opened in 2003.

Throughout the duration, riders were equipped with a laser gun with which they were required to fire at flashing targets, located on scenery elements from floating heads to zombies.

In fact, that in itself was also a reimagining of an attraction known as 'The Haunted House' - originally opening in 1992.

The Curse At Alton Manor project was lead by John Burton, Creative Lead at Merlin Magic Making. John Wardley, who has designed several famed rides at theme parks across the world, served as a consultant on the new attraction.

John said that "I am very pleased to see that the original Haunted House ride which I created for Alton Towers in 1992 has been brought up to date incorporating the original ethos of exploring a spooky old mansion, but using the latest high-tech effects and illusions".

In 2022, park executives made the decision to completely transform Duel into a brand new experience. This announcement was made through a mysterious sign placed in the exit corridoor to the ride, stating that "06+09=The Duel is over. This is my house", which made many fans extremely curious.

People quickly deduced that '06+09' was talking about September 6th 2022, with many believing that this would be the closing date for the 19 year old ride.

However, one specific line from that sign triggered a flood of fan conjections. The phrase 'This is my house' intrigued many long-term Alton Towers fans, with numerous believing it referred to Emily Alton, a long term character involved with the Duel attraction. They were, in fact, correct.

The ride centres around the Emily Alton character who has been left alone and uncared for in her parents attic for much of her life. She has been possessed and is now welcoming you to visit.

Recieveing high levels praise from the general public and with a minimum height restriction of 0.9m, and 1.1m if unaccompanied by an adult, grown-ups and children alike are able to venture into the haunted manor. That is, if you are brave enough.