The Smiler • Alton Towers

Airtimes Theming Inversions Headbanging

So, I only put head banging for rows other than the first row, the first row is perfect and offers amazing views. The second row might, MIGHT be an exception, but probably not. My favourite U.K. ride so far ?…

Inversions Pace Intensity Rattle

I love this ride, great length, very intense and brilliant inversions. Sometimes there is no rattle at all, and sometimes the rattle does make it a bit uncomfortable - not sure if this is due to positioning in the train or certain trains. Best coaster at Alton Towers in my opinion, closely followed by Nemesis.

Airtimes Inversions Headbanging Harness

For an inversion based ride, the best moment is by far the second airtime hill. The theming really makes the ride one of the best I've ever ridden. From entering the X-Sector area you can see the Smiler and hear the iconic theme tune. The way the queue line is sat under the ride is cool although very noisy and the theming inside the station building is also spot on. The ride layout is mainly just a lot of inversions with two lift hills and two airtime hills to separate them. The main issue with the Smiler is how rough it can be. Most of the layout is rather shaky but there is a jolt in the second half if the cobra roll which can be painful and the 2 last inversions are pretty snappy but otherwise the ride is just great fun.

Inversions Masterpiece Duration

One of the most intense coasters i have ridden.

Airtimes Hangtime Duration Headbanging Discomfort

The smiler at alton towers is a good coaster. Its 14 inversions really challenge your mind and body. The inndoor loop and 2nd airtime hill must be my favourite moments on the ride. They really provide intense thrills. The queuing experience of the smiler is an amazing one; even if it is stated to be and hour and a half, trying to piece together the track really occupies your time in the queue. The vertical lifthill has to be the main let down of the ride. Some people enjoy it but personally I hate that feeling on any coaster.

Theming Inversions Duration Rattle Reliability

Back at towers, it runs slower and rougher then ever inversions were good, it’s lovely and long, themes so so good, yet its always down, and seems to be running on square wheels, two rides in front and back, smooth at front, big big rattle further back. I hope it gets back to farm soon.

Intensity Duration Disappointing! Discomfort

Smiler’s overrated and for me, the third best ride at Alton Towers. It’s pretty intense, and the inversions are good, but it didn’t do all that much for me. There’s a few noticeable jolts that hurt the experience, but overall, it’s definitely not bad.

Airtimes Inversions Intensity

Always a great laugh with your friends, the dive loops are nice and intense and the last airtime hill is quality. Who doesn’t love it when you get a duel too?

Theming Inversions Duration

This the best designed rollercoaster ever. Every inversion hits, great theming, and an incredible layout, all packed into a tight space. The Smiler isn’t just 14 inversions, it’s much more. And despite me giving this an incredible summary it’s not 5/5

Theming Intensity Discomfort

If there was a prize for ambition, this would win for me hands down. So so many inversions, but for me it’s just too intense because of that. I never really come off thinking ‘That was great!’. It’s more ‘uh that was rough, my head hurts…’. It has some great thrills packed in and some wacky theming, but a little too intense for me, even though I love intensity! *Update* I think the ride experience varies so much based on weather, time of day, how you are feeling etc. I have had some bad rides on this, but also some really good ones! Front seat makes a huge difference I think in terms of comfort too. Upgrading rating slightly.

Theming Inversions Duration Harness

For me, the best ride at Alton Towers: theming is one-of-a-kind, at the first glance, it doesn't look too unsettling, but the closer you look and the further you get into the station building, the creepier it gets. The Marmaliser is optically very impressive and the soundtrack is just mental. On our visits, lines were pretty long (sometimes up to 120 minutes), I strongly recommend a fastpass or using the single rider line, the latter is pretty effective. Nevertheless, capacity is not a big issue, we had four trains running and dispatches were fairly quick. The ride experience was better than I expected, only a few times we had a minor rattle - but it would be better with lap bars for sure. The inversions are great fun, and the two decent airtime hills are a nice change from that - I did not percieve the ride getting repetitive which is quite outstanding with fourteen inversions. To sum things up, Smiler offers a great overall experience and I highly recommend being corrected by it!

Theming Inversions Duration Harness Discomfort

This ride is amazing and looks incredible. This ride excels in its length and inversions it also has a very sadistic theme which adds to the fear and adrenaline of the ride. the only thing is some of the elements are a bit rough and the restraints are uncomfortable.

Theming Inversions Intensity Discomfort

there wasn't enough space for me to put all the pros of this coaster. this coaster is craziness in its purest form, the coaster just comes at you with inversion after inversion, and it's so knotted in within itself you really can't tell where you're going. the coaster being split into two halves is great because it means that the coaster doesn't lose pace, and gives you a moment to breathe which is *definitely* something this one needs. i still find it extremely impressive how this coaster was crammed into this tiny space AND has amazing theming (and LORE?). i wouldn't be the first to say it's a masterpiece, that's for sure. p.s. only reason i put discomfort is because i got painfully stapled on my second ride and there's one or two janky transitions that i already knew about before riding, it's nothing atrocious

First Drop Inversions Rattle Harness

I have a love-hate relationship with this ride, I love what it has as a base, I just wish Towers would maintain the theming to the level it deserves :(

Theming Masterpiece Layout Headbanging

Most underrated coaster in the world! Great pacing and positives throughout the layout! Amazing ejector hills and good hangtime on some of the inversions! Although the cobra roll is very painful and headbanging it doesn't ruin the ride for me because the rest of the ride is pretty smooth. Love the theming and the absolutely bonkers layout!

Inversions Intensity Layout

Smiler will always be my favourite coaster, no matter how good the rides I go on to ride in the future will be, Smiler was my objective n1 for 4 years, aswell as being what got me into rollercoasters, and the fact I have gained such an emotional attachement to this coaster wth it's theming, and layout. That being said, the ride experience of Smiler is nothing to scoff at atall. Every inversion having some wonderful forces, from the finale barrel rolls' violent hangtime, to the Sea Serpent Roll and Batwings super sustained forces. Smiler's ride is incredibly varied, with 2 great airtime moments placed throughout the insanity that is the ride's miraculous footprint. While some aren't the biggest fan of the ride's cobra roll/pullout, I find it one of the ride's highlights, delivering crushing forces, mixed with unnatural laterals - pairing to create such a violent moment that I can't not love. Smiler really is a wonderful display of an idea that seemed stupid on paper, and seemed only more ridiculous and bewildering as people realised it was actually happening, and the level of stupid that this ride's meer existance is - makes it as charming and as spectacular as it is.

Fun Harness Intensity Layout

great ride I just think that the vertical lift is unneeded

Inversions Intensity Layout Discomfort

A much underrated coaster in my view. It has a great length and lots of intensity. Only issue is the restraints are not very comfortable.

Smoothness

Somehow every-time I ride it I manage to count the inversions wrong so apparently I can’t count to 14 ? But seriously one of the best rides I’ve ever been on and due to the amount of inversions it’s such a unique experience.

Inversions Hangtime Rattle

Loud screaming. A lot of loud screaming. This coaster is one of those that look fine on the ground, but when ridden, oh god is it something else. The hangtime on the jojo is stupid and the inversions are sometimes whippy ,sometimes slow.But for me the rattle really kills this ride for me.

Airtimes Inversions Pace Rattle

I know some who say that The Smiler is their number 1 coaster, even over rides such as VelociCoaster or Ride to Happiness. And whilst it's not my number 1 coaster (not even my number 1 at AT in fact), I can absolutely see the appeal. Yes it's rough, yes the cobra roll transition is obviously inspired by being hit by a by a bus, and yes it has developed a nasty pothole as you exit the first corkscrew drop, but the ride experience is so crazy and so thrilling that it's in fact very easy to overlook the flaws. Add to that the vertical lift hill, the hidden inversion, the superb airtime hill in the second half, the potential for the trains to duel, and a soundtrack that is as irritating as it is perfect, and you have a recipe for something special. No doubt it's a special ride, and one that the UK is lucky to have

Inversions Ejectors Duration Rattle Headbanging

World's most inversions on a coaster! The smiler's a great addition to alton's lineup, and possibly the second best at the park (just behind nemesis). The inversions are great, though at times can feel a bit samey, almost feeling like its just dive loop after dive loop in certain parts. I dont suggest riding back row if at all possible. While the common consensus with us coaster enthusiasts being that the back row usually leads to a better ride experience, here it really isnt the case. The back row is extremely rough, especially going into that cobra roll the roughness can just feel like a little too much. The restraints arent too bad, though lap bars would certainly eliminate the headbanging. But all that aside, if you can get a 1st or 2nd row ride on the smiler, it truly is a blast. If you're wishing to get by the queues faster, a good thing to note is that the smiler has a single rider queue, so if you don't mind splitting up with your party or don't mind which seat you're in, i highly suggest it.

Inversions Ejectors Duration Rattle Headbanging

I think the reason I rate this coaster is mainly due to sentimental reasons as I rode it at 12 years old with my dad on opening day. That being said, it’s a great coaster with so many positives. Let’s start with the theme, a truly twisted and creepy story that was really amplified by the scare maze attributed to it, The Sanctuary. The downside to the theming is that it’s been neglected in recent years, it looks dirty and needs some TLC. The restraints are OTSRs but they are the comfiest OTSRs I’ve ever experienced, very comfortable. The layout is a twisted mess of steel and for that, it can’t be faulted, from the first inversion (with crazy hangtime) to the ejector airtime hills (which really do give some ridiculous ejector) to the many many inversions in the main bulk of the layout, this coaster is a masterpiece. I have only one more bad thing to say, the last three inversions do give a lot of head banging which can make the ride a little painful. Other than that, it’s an immense coaster that I’m proud to have in my home country!

Theming Inversions Duration Headbanging Discomfort

The coaster area looks sick, everywhere you see the track, steel beams or other theming. Everytime I rode it it got better in my opinion. I would like some more airtime but to have the world record of inversions that is of course not possible. The waiting times are too high, especially when the fast track rides have priority. Sadly, the trains do not match up in the circuit as they are supposed to.

Inversions Intensity Layout Headbanging

This is one of the best rides I've every ridden and I've gone to a lot of theme parks the only one so far beating it is probably Saw or Stealth from Thrope park or the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in Universal studios Florida

Pace Ejectors Duration Rattle Headbanging Reliability

While yes The Smiler has an amazing layout and has some good airtime and pacing it's issue is the otsrs they make it needless uncomfortable towards the back and especially on wheel seats I think it would get a 4 or 5 if it had lapbars

Airtimes Inversions Duration

In my personal opinion, the smiler is very overhated this year. The last 4 inversions do contain some rattle but that doesn’t matter the rest of the ride is smooth and brilliant, the theming the duration the airtime is amazing and the fact that it’s just a world record as well does the job for me.

Airtimes Inversions Smoothness

This is still my favourite roller coaster after a re-ride. The drops are actually far more intense than i remember, despite them not being on that much of angle. All of the inversions are really good in my opinion, especially the ones at the end of each half since they give great hang-time. There is also two airtime hills that are very powerful, since you take them at high speed. Overall, this is not only the best ride at alton towers, but the best ride in the UK for me. I don't know why people say its rough in some parts, since i didn't feel it at all.

Theming Nice surprise! Intensity

I went into this ride hearing about it being rough, especially at the end. But I was met with a comfortable experience and seriously intense if you sit on an outer right seat. There are a lot of repeat inversions but surprisingly you never realise it. The two pops of ejector airtime are great and the cobra roll isn't as rough as people say. The break between both halves allows for a quick breather for the less tolerant riders though some would say the break drops it down a few spots.

i like the upside down parts

Inversions Intensity Smoothness

Amazing Coaster, the theming is amazing and its so much fun. One of Gerstlauers materpieces (after Karnan lol)

Theming Inversions Hangtime Rattle

The ride experience is one of a kind and going through many inversions is exciting with the odd airtime hill. The 1st half is definitely better than the second as the final 3 inversions can get quite tight and uncomfortable. The many dive loops are fun and the hang time is brilliant on the 1st inversion. However, the ride has a massive rattle which can take away from the ride experience but it dosent take away from it much. Also the harness can get quite tight on your legs which can cause some issue during the 2nd lift hill. Restraints like Gold Rush’s could really make the ride better.

Comfort Masterpiece Smoothness

One of its kind with 14 loops

Inversions Fun Duration Headbanging

One of the best. The inversions are thrilling and makes it feel like a frenzy throughout. Throughout the duration, It feels insane but it does get broken up with airtime hills and a lift hill to keep it sane. Some minor headbanging on some spots but overall a good ride.

Theming Inversions Pace Capacity

Wow. That was my first impression of the ride. Smiler at Alton Towers might just be the best of the compact coasters out there. The theme of this ride is the creepiest of any ride by far, even scarier than Oblivion just across the path. The marmaliser is truly a sight to behold as one may wonder how the engineers integrated such a huge sculpture in the middle of an already compact coaster. Then the optical illusion section indoors was very fun to look at. However once you approach the station everything takes a much darker turn as you hear audio cues regarding a "correctional process." The theme even continues through the exit path, which is a demented dark funhouse meant to throw off your senses once and for all. It is something straight out of an psychological horror movie and would never fly here in America. Regarding the ride, I find it to be a love it or hate it with most people. Personally I love it. The fact that fourteen inversions were incorporated into the layout and yet the ride doesn't seem repetitive the way some other looping coasters do. There are even two small bunny hops which help to break up the inversions even further. I absolutely recommend riding this at least once.

Inversions Fun Duration

This coaster is a non stop journey of fun and excitement. Even before the first lift hill there is an inversion.

Airtimes Inversions Duration Rattle Harness

Lap bar away from being one of the best multilooper coasters out there. Not as rough as people say. 2 airtime hills are way too much fun

Inversions Fun Duration Headbanging

I rode this roller coaster first in October 2019 and as soon as I rode it, I knew it was my number 1. Over 3 days at Alton Towers, I rode it 14 times - more than any other ride. Although this ride has the most inversions in the world, my favourite part is actually the second hill and that gives a great moment of airtime. Whilst it is not the smoothest ride in the world, I think people exaggerate the roughness a bit. The only time it is a bit uncomfortable are the last couple of inversions. It is a really fun coaster and it should definitely be on your bucket list if you have never ridden it.

Airtimes Theming Inversions Rattle

I have never smiled so much in my life while on a ride. The Smiler is relentless. Every element is just bam, bam bam, with only a short break in the middle. Those two air time hills are magic. And the theme is absoloutely fantastic. Towers have done wonders once more. I could listen to that soundtrack on end. Simply Amazing. Also the thing just looks intimidating, and thats what I love about it. It is a little rough towards the end but I'm willing to look past that. There are so much more pros than cons. I have truly been corrected. Smile Always.

Theming Inversions Duration Rattle

If I was told that I had to sit and watch a ride all day, I would 100% pick The Smiler. There's really nothing like approaching the ride and seeing the twisted mess of black track and supports, and then for two bright yellow trains to crest the lifts and duel in perfect synchronisation whilst the catchy and sinister music plays as you enter the queue. It has to be considered as a whole package, as the area and queue is absolutely part of the experience. I'm not normally a fan of cattle-pen queue lines, however The Smiler has so much to watch while you wait; fantastic self-duelling and ridiculous themeing elements like the 'marmaliser' in the centre of the ride and the indoor queue section is great (when it works properly). Getting on to the ride itself, it's a fun, long ride with fantastic forces and even some surprise airtime in each half. It was designed to pack in a ridiculous number of inversions and it has certainly achieved that goal very well, though I can see that it may not be everyone's cup of tea as even I get a little dizzy at the end of the first half of the ride! Admittedly, it can also be bit bumpy in places (the exit of the cobra roll springs to mind) but I've mostly had smooth rides so it's not enough to take away from the overall experience of the attraction. A front row night ride is also a phenomenal experience, as the area is only lit by the screens of the 'marmaliser'. It was this experience that NEARLY pushed this above Nemesis in my rankings, so I highly recommend making a trip to Towers during Scarefest to try it out and see what all the fuss is about!

Airtimes Intensity Duration Theming Harness

Amazing ride. - Intense, great duration and airtimes. Poor theming for the most part, and uncomfortable harness.

Harness Discomfort Tear it down!

Painful (especially if you're a bloke) and presents no enjoyment for me.

Inversions Layout Duration Headbanging

Insane concept and incredibly well designed layout. Not the smoothest but I didn't really mind.

Inversions Pace Intensity Headbanging

Ride is relatively smooth overall but the cobra roll is one of the roughest coaster elements I've experienced

Theming Inversions Duration

The Smiler is batsh*t insane, and that’s why we love it.

Airtimes Theming Inversions Rattle Headbanging Harness

A visually impressive ride, that's a lot of fun to ride. There's a hell of a lot of track squeezed in to a very small footprint, and the layout is well-paced. Depending on where you sit within the train it can be a rough ride, however. Inversion number 12 (near the shop) has always been badly profiled and tends to slam you uncomfortably into the restraints.

Airtimes Inversions Intensity Rattle Headbanging Discomfort

I do enjoy Smiler, but I cannot rate it too highly because it is so rough sometimes. I am unable to ride it more than 3 or 4 times in a row.

Theming Inversions Intensity

My first inverted coaster... front row. I don’t think it’s that rough or painful and the vertical lift hill is awesome. The theming is the best in the world

Capacity Discomfort Tear it down!

The Smiler is Marmite. Love it or hate it, it seems. The latest Gerstlauers have learned that rate-of-change-of-acceleration is important. Smiler was on that learning curve, but not right. Suspect build quality from day one, even pre-accident it had a lot of problems. The spin-and-spew quality to the ride is, I will grant it, somewhat novel, but those trains, oh those trains are hateful bolt-upright things and highly uncomfortable. Also, I intensely dislike the queue line. Yay! Let's deliberately pack you all in like cattle in a cage. Not a pleasant experience. Given a shorter queue I'd maybe have enjoyed it somewhat more; however the only thing that will entice me into a return is a refit with Hangtime-style clamshells. Some legends say the Black Hole was cursed; and I am inclined to believe the Smiler is proof!

Inversions Masterpiece Layout Discomfort

Deserves nothing less than 5 stars. It somehow manages to have 14 inversions yet never get boring. It's relentless from start to finish. I absolutely love the rolled drops, airtime hills, the sea serpent roll, and the two consecutive rolls towards the end. Right now I can't pick between this and Nemesis as my favourite UK rides, maybe one day I'll resolve it. It can sometimes be uncomfortable, but for me that doesn't detract from the experience at all. My last ride on it was butter smooth apart from the infamous bump at the cobra roll.

Inversions Intensity Duration Headbanging

Stunning, poorly maintained in parts but...stunning

First Drop Inversions Rattle

Very impressive layout, surprisingly manages not to feel repetitive. The inversions are varied, with the rolls during the first drop standing out for me. The break in the middle provides a breather but is short enough to not be boring. The rumoured launch would have been cool but would have possibly been too intense, I guess we will never know. While it looks super cool from the outside, the Smiler theme adds little to the onboard experience, however it's not needed as the ride itself is sufficient. The coaster is rough in places and I'm sure it won't age as well as Nemesis but as of 2018 it is manageable.

Theming Inversions Intensity Headbanging Harness

My No.2 ride after Wicker Man, The Smiler packs a lot into its compact space. The theming is fantastic, along with the soundtrack, and the overall experience is incredible. My only downside is the second-half of the ride, especially the second-half of the cobra roll and the first corkscrew at the end of the ride. If you are shorter, your head will not thank you after this ride.

Inversions Fun Intensity

The Smiler is a fantastic ride, with an extremely unique layout, and an even more unique theme. The ride features 14 intense inversions, and a whole range of onride effects.

Airtimes Inversions Duration Headbanging Discomfort

Theming Inversions Duration Rattle Headbanging

Inversions Fun Duration

Theming Inversions Fun

Theming Inversions Duration Rattle Disappointing!

Theming Inversions Layout Rattle

Theming Inversions Duration

Duration Headbanging Disappointing! Discomfort

Airtimes First Drop Duration Headbanging Harness

Discomfort

Inversions Intensity Duration

Theming Layout Duration Headbanging Discomfort

Theming Inversions Duration Headbanging Harness

Airtimes Inversions Duration Headbanging Harness Discomfort

Inversions Intensity Layout Headbanging Reliability

Inversions Layout Rattle Headbanging Intensity

Inversions Harness Duration

Airtimes Inversions Duration Harness Discomfort

Airtimes Theming Headbanging Intensity

Theming Inversions Duration

Airtimes Inversions Duration

Inversions Nice surprise! Fun Headbanging

Theming Inversions Layout

Theming Fun Layout Discomfort Reliability

Masterpiece Smoothness Layout

Airtimes Inversions Duration Rattle

Inversions Theming

Inversions Pace Headbanging Reliability

Masterpiece Layout Duration

Theming Inversions Duration Discomfort Reliability

Inversions Intensity Duration Discomfort

Ejectors Rattle

Inversions Rattle Layout

Theming Inversions Layout Rattle Harness

Theming Inversions Duration Harness Reliability

Theming Capacity Inversions Headbanging Discomfort

First Drop Duration Theming

Inversions Location Fun Harness

Fun Intensity Duration Discomfort

Theming Nice surprise! Fun Capacity Reliability

Nice surprise! Ejectors Duration Rattle Theming

Airtimes Inversions Location Dead spots

Inversions Nice surprise! Duration

Airtimes Inversions Intensity Harness

Fun Rattle Headbanging

Airtimes Inversions Layout

Fun