The Smiler Development

Code Name:
SW7
Manufacturer:
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH
Type:
Infinity Coaster
Location:
X-Sector
Cost:
£18 million
Track Length:
1,170 metres
Track Height:
30 metres
Opened:
31st May 2013

The Smiler is the 14 inversion world-first roller coaster at the Alton Towers Resort, located in the X-Sector section of the theme park and is the biggest project in Alton Towers’ history.

First announced in 2011, the £18 million coaster was under a veil of secrecy for well over a year, but it was mid-2013 when guests could experience what The Smiler had in store for them for the first time.

An Overview of the Ride

As can be seen on these plans, the ride is quite a compact design with 2 high-points, reached either with lift-hills or a launch (the application does not specify). There are 8 inversions in total on the plans. The track enters and leaves the station building at different levels, which certainly leaves potential for some indoor elements before the first lift hill.

Update: The release of the Smiler game video, recent construction updates and announcements from Alton Towers has indicated that the ride is not exactly accurate to the submitted plans. It is now clear that the ride has 14 inversions (8 are shown on the plans) and the theme is considerably "brighter" than on the plans.  

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Station Elevations

As can be seen the station has an industry grunge style with harsh concrete textures, the scheme of finishes indicates existing X-Sector Styles as featuring on the building, so it is unclear exactly how The Smiler will be associated with near-by Oblivion.

Update: Although the building dimensions are the same the style of the final building is considerably different to what is seen on the plans.

Theming Elements

The Spider

The track of the roller coaster will fly through the legs of this giant mechanical spider. Also it appears guests will be able to walk around the structure. The design is thought to incorporates a number of TV Screens.

Update: This theming element is included in the final design but is considerably different in style to the final design.

Head Choppers

(This element appears to have been cut from the final project)

A range of 'head-chopper' elements are included in the plans. The roller coaster will pass under these structures to add to the rides thrilling dynamics.

Van

(This element appears to have been cut from the final project, it would have been located where the games unit is now)

Located on the site will also be a van with a number of scanning devices attached, this van sits on the periphery of the site towards Oblivion's entrance. These are likely not the only theming structures to be included on the site but are large enough to warrant planning permission.

The application can be found here in full.