A-Z Coaster of the Week: Rita

It’s time for the “R” A-Z Coaster of the Week!

rita3

© roger blake

Originally known as Rita: Queen of Speed, this Intamin accelerator coaster opened at Alton Towers in April of 2005. Launching riders from 0-61 mph in 2.5 second, this coaster keeps relatively low to the ground to keep Alton Towers’ neighbors happy. But don’t let this lady’s height fool you. Rita packs a punch as she speeds riders through a nearly 2,100-foot course with little time to catch a breather.

rita1

In 2010, the “Queen of Speed” was dropped and Rita was partially rethemed to align with nearby new-for-2010 Thirteen coaster and the Dark Forest area. The coaster’s cars and some station elements were rethemed to look as though they were a victim of the nearby supernatural forest.

rita2

© roger blake

Have you ridden Rita before? Share your thoughts about the coaster in the comments section below. And stay tuned for next week’s A-Z Coaster of the Week!

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