2006 sees the opening at Alton Towers of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory�: The Ride � a fantastical, multi-sensory �8 million indoor ride which takes families on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the wondrous world of Willy Wonka and his great Chocolate Factory.

The ride, which takes its inspiration from Roald Dahl�s book and Quentin Blake�s unique illustrations, is a feat of technological inventiveness and wizardry, worthy of Mr Wonka himself. Using ground-breaking special effects on a scale never seen before at a theme park, this is the only place in the world where everyone can experience Charlie Bucket�s amazing journey; where guests will feel, smell and see what happened to Charlie and his spoilt companions � Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee!

Travel with Charlie by boat, on foot and by Great Glass Elevator! Marvel at the scrumptious river of chocolate, smell the delicious candy, enjoy the fantastical landscape� but beware, for behind every bend hide the mischievous Oompa-Loompas!

Charlie�s adventure ends with a jaw-dropping journey in the Great Glass Elevator � a world first, multi-sensory ride, which uses revolutionary film technology to take guests on a virtual 3-D tour through the heart of the Factory and up into candy floss clouds and beyond! This amazing finale will have everyone screaming for more, as the Elevator tilts forwards, backwards and sidewards eventually exploding through the factory roof, all the time offering a 360 degree panorama of extraordinary sights! Yippeee!

Alton Towers theme park opens for the new season on 19th March and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory�: The Ride opens on 1st April. Park entry starts at �23.00 for adults, �16 for kids when booked in advance online. Book at www.altontowers.com or call 0870 444 8421.

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Editor�s Note: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory�: The Ride has been created in association with Dahl & Dahl Ltd. and Quentin Blake.

For further information: Contact: Annalisa Hoadley/Tracy Clements at freerange communications Tel: 0207 402 9966, email: tclements@freerangecommunications.co.uk Or Rachael Lockitt at Alton Towers on 01538 704015, email: Rachael.lockitt@alton-towers.com