RITA

Rita is an Intamin accelerator coaster located in the Dark Forest section of AltonTowers theme park.  With five cars per train seating two across for a total of 20 riders, it features a hydraulic launch and is themed as an abandoned drag racer.  Upon dispatch – after a recording saying “Hold on tight, you must escape!” -  it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.  The train proceeds to navigate a series of sharp turns – right, right, left, left, right, left – and small airtime hills before hitting the brake run and returning to the station. 

Of note is the fact that Rita’s track is red in some spots and green in others.  This is because the green sections of track blend in with the trees.  (Zoning regulations at Alton Towers, which is heavily wooded, prohibit the erection of attractions visible above the tree line.)  I found this to be a really fun ride, especially the launch, but nothing exceptional. 3 out of 5 stars.  .  For more information about rides at Alton Towers, visit https://www.altontowers.com