There is real emphasis on a backstory with 'the Curse'. It is based around the deceased Emily Alton, a Victorian-era girl who lacked attention from her parents. She was the famous projection of a girl playing in a dolls house that was visible throughout the Haunted House and Duel eras.

No, The Curse at Alton Manor is not based on a true story; it is an original, fictional narrative developed by the creative team at Merlin Magic Making for the Alton Towers Resort. The attraction, which opened in March 2023, replaced the former "Duel" dark ride. The storyline centers on the character of Emily Alton, a Victorian ghost girl who was neglected by her wealthy parents and ultimately sought revenge. While the "Alton Manor" itself is a fictionalized version of the real-life historic Alton Towers ruins (the former home of the Earls of Shrewsbury), the specific events of the curse, the possessed dolls, and the tragic New Year's Eve party of 1891 are entirely "home-grown" lore designed for the ride. The creative team drew inspiration from classic Victorian ghost stories and "creepy girl" horror tropes to create an immersive experience that feels rooted in the estate's real history without being a factual account. Many of the "easter eggs" in the ride's queue actually reference the resort's real history and former attractions, but the supernatural plot remains a work of imaginative theme park storytelling.