The Smiler is a record-breaking steel infinity roller coaster located at Alton Towers Resort in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside. Famous for holding the world record for the most inversions on any roller coaster, this £18m thrill ride is designed to disorient, mesmerize, and disrupt your self-awareness.
The Smiler at Alton Towers Resort
The Smiler features a jaw-dropping 14 distinct inversions, all packed into a sprawling, twisted track layout. The experience is split into two halves: the ride begins with a fast-paced heartline roll before the train ascends a traditional chain lift. Upon reaching the summit, the train navigates corkscrews, dive loops, and the ride’s largest element, a “Batwing”—which consists of a massive dive loop followed by a sidewinder.
How Fast Does The Smiler Go?
The Smiler reaches a top speed of 52mph (85km/h). While not the fastest ride in the park, the sheer number of inversions and the relentless pace through the twisted track layout provide a consistently intense experience.
The Smiler Statistics
Click the Compare Button below to check these technical specifications against up to 5 other rides using our comprehensive master log of UK Roller Coasters.
- Current Wait Time: Loading…
- Top Speed: 85km/h (52mph)
- Original Cost: £18m
- Estimated Cost Today: £22m
- Track Length: 3838ft (1170m)
- Height: 98ft (30m)
- Manufacturer: Gerstlauer
- Type: Steel Infinity Coaster
- Lift/Launch: Chain Lift & Vertical Chain Lift Hill
- Inversions: 14
- G-Force: 4.5 G
- Trains: 4
- Passengers per Train: 16
- Ride Duration: 2m 45s
- Year Opened: 2013
If you have not played the game before, view our Roller Coaster Top Trumps instructions.
The Vertical Lift Hill
The ride utilizes a vertical lift hill midway through the circuit, which serves two strategic purposes: it saves precious site space and significantly elevates the excitement level. As the train ascends vertically, you are gifted a sweeping view of the Towers themselves and the surrounding theme park. This vertical lift acts as a welcome “breather” before the ride plunges into the final sequence of chaotic twists, which includes a sea serpent roll, a cobra roll, and a double corkscrew.
Other UK attractions featuring a vertical lift hill include Rage at Adventure Island, Speed: No Limits at Oakwood Theme Park, and Saw – The Ride at Thorpe Park.
The Marmaliser: Manipulating Your Mind
The ride’s core theme is that of a correctional device designed to “marmalise” your mind and turn you into a smiling advocate. The centerpiece of this experience is “The Marmaliser,” a massive, spider-like structure positioned in the middle of the track. It features five mechanical legs, each designed to manipulate riders:
- The Inoculator: Delivers a “jab of happiness.”
- The Tickler: Designed to tickle riders until they cannot resist smiling.
- The Flasher: Blinds riders with high-intensity strobes.
- The Giggler: Releases intoxicating laughing gas.
- The Hypnotiser: Used to disorient and disrupt self-awareness.
Safety Improvements & Operational History
Following a high-profile incident in 2015, the ride underwent an exhaustive safety investigation. The incident was concluded to be the result of human error regarding manual override protocols rather than any mechanical failure. Upon reopening in March 2016, Alton Towers introduced significant new safety measures, including multiple redundant CCTV cameras, enhanced staff training, and physical reset buttons situated along the track that require staff to physically inspect individual sections before the ride can be authorized for a restart.
The Full Alton Towers Coaster Collection
The Smiler is just one element of a world-class selection of thrill rides. Browse our comprehensive visitor guides for the other signature layouts:
- Wicker Man: A groundbreaking wooden layout fusing timber with fire effects.
- Galactica: The iconic B&M flying machine mimicking space flight.
- Nemesis Reborn: The legendary inverted coaster, fully retracked and enhanced for 2024.
- Oblivion: A vertical diving machine dropping into an abyss.
- Rita: An intense launch machine firing riders from 0 to 61.1mph.
- Th13teen: A multi-element psycho-coaster hiding a sudden freefall drop track inside a pitch-black crypt.
Planning your journey? Explore our master Alton Towers Resort Directory, read our breakdowns on Alton Towers Secrets, or map your day out using our expert Alton Towers Insider Tips.
UK Record-Breaking Leaderboards
See where the park ranks nationally by reviewing our ultimate statistics matrices tracking the Tallest Roller Coasters in the UK, the Longest Roller Coasters in the UK, the Fastest Roller Coasters in the UK, and our countdown of UK Roller Coasters with the Most Inversions.
View More Discount Days Out at Attractions Near Me. Remember to join our community over on Facebook to stay ahead of flash ticket promotions and vacation voucher releases.
Theme Park
Roller Coasters Nearby
Disclaimer: Attractions Near Me makes every effort to ensure that all pricing, ticket perks, opening hours, and facilities listed on this directory are accurate at the time of publication. However, attraction details can change frequently. We strongly advise checking the official venue website to verify operating schedules, booking requirements, and current admission models prior to starting your journey.
