When it comes to theme park food, the Explorer’s Pizza Pasta Buffet at Alton Towers has always been a bit like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. Tucked away in Katanga Canyon, right between the Runaway Mine Train and Congo River Rapids, it’s been a long-time go-to for our family. Loud, vibrant, and often chaotic, it mirrors our own family dynamic pretty well (our kids are very hands-on, let’s just say!).
So, how did it stack up at the start of the 2025 season? Here’s our honest review.
🧾 How Much Does Explorer’s Pizza Pasta Buffet Cost in 2025?
Let’s address the big one: pricing. Once again, the price has increased for 2025, and even as a long-time fan, I found myself grumbling a bit. We’re right at the limit now, any more, and it might just tip into the “not worth it” category.
Here’s what we paid on our visit:
- 2 x Adults @ £22.50 = £45.00
- 3 x Children @ £12.75 = £38.25
- Total Before Discount: £83.25
- Merlin Annual Pass (MAP) Discount (20%): -£16.65
- Final Total: £66.60
- Per Head (Family of 5): £13.32
That 20% MAP discount certainly helped, but full price for a family? It adds up fast. There’s also a teen option priced at £16.00.
🥤 Plastic Cups: A Greener Change, But Not a Pretty One
The cardboard drink cups are gone, replaced with reusable plastic beakers. A more environmentally friendly move for sure but the new cups reminded us of those worn-out toddler beakers you’ve had since baby weaning days. They looked clean… but somehow didn’t feel it. If you’ve got kids, you’ll get exactly what I mean.
🥗 Salad Bar Surprise: Genuinely Impressive!
There are two salad bars at Explorer’s Pizza Pasta, one on either side of the main buffet. We tried both, and honestly? They were fantastic and immaculately clean despite the kid-heavy crowds.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Quartered tomatoes
- Beetroot
- Coleslaw
- Creamy potato salad
- Crisp lettuce, cucumber, and dressings galore and more!
I couldn’t find a single fault. Fresh, well-stocked, and ideal for adding a bit of balance to all that carb-loading.
🍕 Pizza & Pasta – What’s On the Menu?
Pizza Options:
- Pepperoni
- Margherita
- BBQ Chicken
- Hawaiian
- Meat Feast
- Vegetarian
The pizzas were all hot, fresh, and had that thinner, crispier base you’d associate with Italian styles, a nice change if you’re used to the oil-heavy takeaway versions.
They were all seasoned well too. We even overheard other guests commenting on how much better the pizza tasted this year, a definite upgrade!
Pasta Options:
- Tomato & Basil – Mildly seasoned but nothing to write home about
- Mac & Cheese – Absolutely delicious! Rich, cheesy, and properly indulgent
👨🍳 Staff & Service: Hardworking and Friendly
The team at Explorer’s Pizza Pasta deserve a shout-out. Servers were buzzing around cleaning tables like troopers, and new dishes appeared before anything ran out. They kept things moving and maintained a good vibe, even during the lunchtime rush.
🎢 Atmosphere: Family Fun with a Side of Chaos
Explorer’s Pizza Pasta is popular with families, so the vibe is exactly what you’d expect: loud, fun, and occasionally frantic. If you’re visiting with little ones, this place is ideal. If you’re after a quiet meal with your other half… maybe try somewhere else.
📝 Final Verdict: Is Explorer’s Buffet at Alton Towers Worth It in 2025?
Here’s how we rated the experience:
- ⭐ Location: 5/5 – Right in the action-packed Katanga Canyon
- ⭐ Food: 4/5 – Improved pizzas, great Mac & Cheese, stellar salads
- ⭐ Atmosphere: 4/5 – Loud and lively, great for families
- ⭐ Cleanliness: 4/5 – Impressively tidy for a buffet
- 💰 Value for Money: 2.5/5 – Prices are at their absolute limit
✅ Would We Go Back?
Yes, for now. As a family of five, £13.32 per head with a MAP discount felt just about worth it for unlimited pizza, pasta, salad, and drinks. Without the discount I’d have probably felt different. But if prices continue to rise? We might start considering other options around the park.
💬 Have You Tried Explorer’s Pizza Pasta Buffet in 2025?
Share your thoughts in the comments! Is it a family favourite or one to avoid?
