Galactica — Attraction in Staffordshire Moorlands

Galactica stands out as one of Alton Towers’ most innovative and exhilarating roller coasters, combining cutting-edge technology with immersive theming to deliver a truly unforgettable experience. Formerly known as Air, this ride was reimagined and rethemed as Galactica, bringing a fresh narrative and enhanced effects that have elevated it to become a must-ride attraction for thrill-seekers and coaster enthusiasts alike.

From the outset, Galactica impresses with its sleek design and futuristic aesthetics. The queue itself sets the tone with a space-themed environment filled with immersive sound effects, lighting, and atmospheric details that build anticipation. As you approach the ride, the sleek, silver flying coaster trains perfectly complement the galactic theme, making riders feel like astronauts about to embark on an interstellar journey.

The ride’s unique flying coaster design offers a one-of-a-kind sensation that truly sets Galactica apart from traditional roller coasters. Unlike conventional rides where you sit upright, Galactica positions riders face down in a prone “flying” position, simulating the sensation of soaring through space. This innovative seating arrangement maximizes the thrill factor, providing an incredible sense of speed and freedom as you glide through the course.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Galactica is the way it blends intense coaster elements with immersive storytelling. As the ride launches, riders experience powerful turns, loops, and dives that are intensified by the flying position, making the adrenaline rush even more exhilarating. The smooth transitions and high-speed maneuvers are expertly designed to maximize the sensation of flight and weightlessness, creating an experience that is both...

Do we enjoy Galactic(air)? sometimes, in the way that you never want to visit your weird uncle. But you do out of a sense of loyalty. And you're there when he tells you the same stories that we're never really great. He had a VR headset once, and that wasn't much fun - and you always felt weird because he has lots of friends with curious skin complaints. So now he doesn't have VR any more. You still visit him because his arm chairs are really soft and he lives really, really close to where you parked your car.

The big boon of Galactic(air) is that it draws a lot of people away from the other rides in the park. People really seem to enjoy standing 110 minutes (the longest queue for ANY ride in Europe on the day) whilst they ran 1 car. 1. singular. For an average ride. It's my least favourite B&M. John Wardley can do no wrong in my eyes, but Air could have been a lot more right. I mean look at Nemesis - a B&M masterpiece. I won't coaster shame - Air just doesn't do it for me.

People stay in the absurd queue, which needs Sherpa's because it's the worst, most inaccessible ambulant queue we've ever seen. RAP is nicer, if you have it, but you only get back row - which is by far the least thrilling location on the least thrilling ride.

If you're in that part of the park, whilst Nemesis is out of action and before they surprise us by reopening Sub Terra - try Blade. Seriously, try Blade....

I went on Galactica, and I have to say it's a VERY awesome ride. It's so interesting to have a ride that tilts the seats about 90 degrees, as your looking towards the ground. Very cool indeed. 👍

One thing I must say though. I heard for this year on the 9th November, Galactica will be shutting down. I like the idea that Alton Towers are planning to make another hotel + car park. Although, I would generally save this ride as it's the 'world's first flying coaster' thats been running for over 20 years. I know the original name for it was 'Air', then about nearly 10 years ago, they changed the name to what it is now. I know at one point, they also had VR headsets for the ride too. I watched the full VR clip on YouTube, since I never had the chance to experience it on the actual ride, and I must say, it looked completely amazing. I almost wish that they could bring back the VR headsets, especially. I know that very likely it won't happen though. 😂

The main thing is and 'to whom it may concern', please save Galactica and prevent this from closing down. It's a ride from history that should remain where it still is for as long as it can. I do like the new plans for Alton, but I seriously think it should be rearranged somewhere nearby to the theme park. I do understand if it's not possible too.

But PLEASE SAVE GALACTICA and try to avoid the ride CLOSING DOWN if you can....