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Rank Alton's coasters in terms of ride experience

Matt N said:
I know I only updated this a couple of posts ago, but I’ve given it a little more thought since then, so some things have switched around a bit. I’ve also gone into a bit more detail about my opinion of each individual ride.
  1. Wicker Man - WM is still a phenomenal wooden coaster, in my view! Even though it’s not a huge g-machine, it delivers pure fun every time for me, and seems to get a little better with each ride I have on it; even my most recent ride in the front row, while not quite as strong as the changing rides I had on it in summer 2020, was still absolutely phenomenal, and definitely still an absolutely superb experience! Blisteringly fast pace throughout, surprisingly strong pops of airtime scattered in the most unexpected of places, really comfortable and rerideable (as far as woodies go); what’s not to like? The only slight problem I could find last time that did knock it down ever so slightly was a slight rough patch toward the end (during the final wicker man pass through) that left me feeling a little bashed up compared to usual, but this was a tiny, tiny spot that is by no means a deal breaker; the rest of it is still very comfortable, and I still absolutely adore Wicker Man! Definitely still my favourite coaster at Alton Towers! (9/10, #4 overall)
  2. Oblivion - Given that Oblivion is very much the sort of coaster that hones in on one gimmick and the element of fear surrounding it, you’d think that it would lose its touch once you’ve ridden it lots of times. Well if anything, I’m happy to say that Oblivion has hugely grown on me over time, and I don’t know what it was on last time I rode, because my last ride was genuinely quite breathtaking! The airtime on the drop was strong, sustained and just generally absolutely sublime, and then the sense of speed through the tunnel was like nothing else, with a nice bonus pop of airtime into the brake run to top it all off! Ultimately, I think Oblivion is still a little too short to be right up there, and I think SheiKra does still usurp it ever so slightly due to the bonus elements that it has (although it’s years since I’ve done SheiKra, so I’d have to reride to be completely sure), but Oblivion definitely shot into the top 10 after that amazing ride! On a pound-for-pound basis, Oblivion delivers everything I could possibly want from it! (9/10, #9 overall)
  3. Nemesis - As much as I don’t think Nemesis does as much for me now as it once did, I still absolutely love it, and I’ll admit that it’s a hard coaster for me not to appreciate! There’s just so much to like about it, in my opinion; the layout is so unique, with some great moments, the pit and the rockwork really do add quite a bit to it, and it’s also aged pretty well too! My last ride on it was really quite good; just the right level of force, and no headbanging! Ultimately, though, something I’ve begun to find with inverted coasters is that I’m not sure they really do as much for me as they used to unless you’re sat up front, as in all the other rows, you can only really see the seats in front of you, and can’t really get a feel for the surroundings, if you get what I mean; I do think that the front row is definitely my favourite seat on Nemesis, simply because you really feel very exposed to the surroundings up front! On the whole, though, Nemesis is a ride that I definitely really enjoy, and even if I don’t rank it as highly as most, I definitely see why it’s so loved! (9/10, #11 overall)
  4. Rita - I used to not like Rita very much at all, but I’ll admit it’s really grown on me again on recent rides! It’s seemed nowhere near as rough as it used to be; it hasn’t hurt at all on any of my recent rides! That layout is also just absolutely supercharged, with a great launch, some excellent ejector airtime pops, and some nice high-speed corners! Granted, it’s still a tiny bit rattly, and I think it would improve if it had lap bars, but it’s a far cry from the brutal coaster I remember from a few years ago! (7/10, #20 overall)
  5. Galactica - Galactica, although not the most intense by any means, is still a really nice ride that I personally enjoy; it’s very smooth, very rerideable, and has some nice swoopy twists and turns! However, it has dropped a fair bit for me in recent times; I used to love it more. I’ll admit I’m not a huge lover of the fly-to-lie element; while it’s much more palatable for me than the excessive positive-g fest of Manta’s pretzel loop, I still personally find the sensation of blood rushing to your head for a sustained period of time somewhat uncomfortable. Also, I’m ultimately growing less sure about how much I actually rate flying coasters as a general ride type; while it’s a cool novelty, I do personally find the riding position quite constraining by nature with all the leg restraints and big vests, and they can’t really provide the type of more varied ride experience with some negative g-forces on offer that I’m growing more into. Still, Galactica is a perfectly pleasant coaster that I always enjoy riding! (7/10, #23 overall)
  6. Thirteen - Thirteen is a really fun family coaster, in my opinion! It’s very smooth, has some nice pops of floater airtime and twists in the outdoor section, and the drop track and backwards section are always good for a laugh! However, while I’m not sure if this is caused by social distancing and the reduced weight on the trains, the ride seems to have felt a bit slower on recent rides. Still, Thirteen is a fun little ride that’s always a fun little jaunt, in my opinion! (7/10, #25 overall)
  7. Runaway Mine Train - I feel as though I should like this far less than I do, but I just find it a phenomenal amount of fun for what it is! It just has such a wide appeal; whether you’re a small child riding your first coaster, a thrill-seeking teen/young adult or a grandparent who perhaps doesn’t like the big thrills as much anymore, you’re bound to come off Runaway Mine Train with a smile on your face; I know I certainly do! The ride packs a surprising punch in places; it feels way faster than the billed 22mph in parts of the layout, and the two helixes, especially the one into the tunnel, are certainly very fun and punchy! Overall, RMT, while it isn’t the most groundbreaking or thrilling coaster, provides something for everybody, and it’s a hugely special ride to me from a sentimental standpoint, what with it being one of my first ever coasters! Choo Choo! (6/10, #30 overall)
  8. Spinball Whizzer - I recently got back on Spinball for the first time since 2017, and I have to admit that it was more fun than I’d remembered! While I’d previously remembered quite a jerky, rough ride, it didn’t seem anywhere near as bad, and it has some fun helixes and turns! On the whole, it’s not my favourite coaster, as it does make me feel a little bit dizzy coming off, but it’s certainly a fun family coaster that’s worth your while, in my opinion! (6/10, #36 overall)
  9. The Smiler - Oh, I really want to like Smiler more than I do. I actually have a lot to owe to it, as following its construction was the very thing that got me into this hobby, and I find it utterly fascinating, in many ways! It’s an absolute engineering marvel; how Gerstlauer and Alton Towers fit so much into so little space is beyond me, and considering the ride has 14 inversions, the layout is absolutely relentless, very creative and never feels too repetitive, with each inversion providing a different sensation from the one that preceded it! In layout terms, I actually really admire it. However, it’s ultimately a bit too uncomfortable for me to rank highly; while it’s not nearly as rough as the likes of Saw at Thorpe Park, it’s still got quite a pronounced rattle and a couple of notable bumpy bits. The ending in particular is pretty rough and leaves a bit of a sour taste in my mouth when getting off. I’m also not a huge lover of the restraints; I can’t quite put my finger on why, but something just feels a bit odd and uncomfortable about them compared with the OTSRs from the likes of B&M. Overall, Smiler is definitely an admirable ride, and I’ll admit that my last ride I had on it in the front row wasn’t too rough compared to some I’ve had on it, but ultimately, I still find it a bit too rough for my personal liking, and because of this, I’m afraid it’s not one of my favourite coasters. It’s a shame, as if it were smoother and had more comfortable restraints, I actually think I’d rank it quite highly in this list! (5/10, #42 overall)
  10. Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure - I actually think this is a really nicely done coaster for what it is, with some great theming and a well-designed experience, but it is ultimately a roller coaster designed for small children, which unfortunately inhibits how highly I can really rank it. (3/10, #59 overall)
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As my opinions are seemingly ever-changing, I have made a few marginal updates to my list following my visit yesterday, as well as a bit of general thought about these rankings. I’ve italicised any rides that I’ve moved around:
  1. Wicker Man - It’s still my favourite ride at Alton by a fair distance, and yesterday’s visit only exacerbated that, to be honest! I had my first ever ride in row 12, and it was obscenely fantastic; the ride was hurling us round corners at what felt like breakneck speed, and with the insane ejector airtime, it literally felt like a bucking bronco! The back row lap was possibly one of the most airtime-filled rides I’ve ever had on a UK coaster, and I was screaming my way round it; I still had a huge smile on my face and a spring in my step by the time we were getting on Runaway Mine Train! As much as I’m raving about the back row, though, even the 2 laps I had in row 4 were breathtaking! To top it all off, the rough patch I nitpicked about last time was non-existent yesterday; the ride was nice and comfortable all the way round! Overall, you’ve probably heard enough about my thoughts on Wicker Man by now, but my rides yesterday topped July 2020 as my favourite experiences I’ve ever had on Wicker Man; it was honestly breathtaking, and I’m tempted to go even further and say it might well be my favourite UK coaster after my experiences yesterday. I’m undecided between it and Icon, as while Icon is more my usual style, Wicker Man was running so amazingly yesterday I almost think it deserves a promotion. What do you guys think? 10/10, #3 overall, no change
  2. Oblivion - Nothing’s drastically changed compared to my last experience on this, to be honest. 9/10, #7 overall, no change
  3. Nemesis - Ditto with above, although I wouldn’t say I enjoyed yesterday’s ride quite as much as my last one due to there being some slight headbanging compared to my last run. 8/10, #13 overall, no change
  4. Galactica - I do have a real soft spot for Galactica, I’ll admit! Even though I haven’t ridden since July 2020, I decided to bump it back up after a bit of thought, as it’s such a nice, smooth, fun coaster that always puts a smile on my face! However, I’ll admit it would be even higher if it didn’t have that fly-to-lie element at the start; even though I find this element a lot more palatable forces-wise than the pretzel loop on Manta, I find being on your back for that extended period with the blood rushing to your head a tad uncomfortable. Overall, though, Galactica is still such a fun ride that never fails to put a smile on my face! 8/10, #17 overall, +1
  5. Rita - Rita was never one I used to particularly enjoy, but it’s seemed a lot smoother lately, so has had somewhat of a renaissance within my rankings as of late! However, the reason I decided to drop it is because my April 2021 ride seemed a tad more rattly, and didn’t do quite as much for me as the September 2020 ride. Rita is still a far cry from the rough and painful rides I used to have, though! 7/10, #19 overall, -1
  6. Runaway Mine Train - RMT is such a guilty pleasure of mine! Even though we were towards the front of the train on my most recent ride (row 7), it was still really fast and fun; those helixes, especially the last one, are amazing, and feel a lot faster than they probably are! The ride is also pretty rerideable, and tracks surprisingly smoothly for a coaster of its age! Overall, as much as it’s probably criminal that I rank Runaway Mine Train above 4 other coasters at Alton Towers, including 2 SW coasters, it’s just so fun and always puts a smile on my face every time I ride! In that sense, I almost feel like I’m under-ranking it, but I feel like #26 is probably the highest I could justify, as if it went any higher it would be above the likes of Expedition Everest (Everest is currently only one spot higher than RMT)! But in conclusion; RMT is really, really fun! Choo Choo! 6/10, #26 overall, +1
  7. Thirteen - I do like Thirteen, and I think it’s a fun, remarkably smooth family coaster, so in a sense, I almost feel bad ranking it so lowly, but my reason for dropping it is because I do think it’s felt a little disappointing on my recent rides. I’m not sure if this is related to COVID/the reduced capacity on the trains or not, but my last ride in April 2021 did feel somewhat sluggish; the ride had less of its regular floater pops, and it even felt like it was limping somewhat through the usually fairly vigorous backwards section. The ride’s just generally felt a tad like it’s been lacking something on my more recent rides compared to some of my past rides. Don’t get me wrong, though; Thirteen is still an enjoyable family coaster, and I wouldn’t be too surprised if it ends up being boosted back up a bit once I’m able to ride it with full trains again! 6/10, #28 overall, -1
  8. The Smiler - In spite of the fact I appreciate it as a feat of engineering, and I’m still quite mesmerised by it even 8 years on, I’ll admit Smiler isn’t my favourite coaster. I’ll admit, however, that it wasn’t running badly at all on my ride yesterday; I was sat in the front row, and aside from the usual suspects (the ending was quite rough, and there were 1 or 2 other jolts in bits of the layout), the ride was generally quite smooth, with little more than a very slight rattle during the rest of it! However, with that being said, I would still enjoy Smiler more if those jolts weren’t there. Also, even though I do appreciate the relentlessness and creativity of the layout, and I definitely see why people like Smiler, I think the ride is possibly a little too intense/nauseating in its execution to be one of my favourite coasters. 6/10, #33 overall, +1
  9. Spinball Whizzer - On my last ride in April 2021, Spinball was not as bad as I’d remembered, and was smoother than I’d previously remembered with a good layout, but as I have a somewhat weak stomach when it comes to spinny rides, the rapid, lurching transitions in certain parts of the layout and the general spinniness (is that a word?) was a little dizzying, and did make me feel a tiny bit queasy after my last ride. Still, I think it’s a reasonable family coaster! 5/10, #39 overall, -1
  10. Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure - No major change. 3/10, #59 overall, no change
 
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Sorry to double post, but following my recent trip, mine has changed a bit yet again. I’ll keep it fairly brief and mainly go over the most notable changes:
  1. Wicker Man (10/10, #3 overall, unchanged)
  2. Oblivion (9/10, #5 overall, unchanged)
  3. Nemesis (9/10, #10 overall, unchanged)
  4. Thirteen (7/10, #17 overall, +3) - I have to say, my recent ride on Thirteen was the most enjoyable I’ve had in a while! It was great fun; the outdoor section had some fun pops of airtime, and some fun twists and turns, and the backwards section was more fun than I’d remembered! All in all, Thirteen definitely went back up in my estimations after a reride; it was really good fun!
  5. Rita (7/10, #18 overall, unchanged)
  6. Runaway Mine Train (7/10, #27 overall, unchanged)
  7. The Smiler (6/10, #36 overall, +1)
  8. Galactica (6/10, #40 overall, -4) - Oh, Galactica. I did used to really like this, but my last experience, although not bad by any means, was rather disappointing; it didn’t do anywhere near as much for me. I do still think that the layout is rather nice and pleasant, and the ride is nice and smooth, but I’ll admit that I found the whole flying coaster riding position quite uncomfortable, which really took away from it for me; I was going round the ride thinking about how the riding position wasn’t very comfortable at all. I also find the fly to lie to not be the most comfortable of elements; I’m not personally huge on how the g-forces rush to your head. Overall, while I wouldn’t say I dislike Galactica by any means, I’ve certainly gone off it a fair bit. That’s nothing against Galactica as a ride; I just don’t think the prone position is really for me.
  9. Spinball Whizzer (4/10, #50 overall, unchanged)
  10. Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure (3/10, #65 overall, unchanged)
 
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Matt N said:
Sorry to double post, but following my recent trip, mine has changed a bit yet again. I’ll keep it fairly brief and mainly go over the most notable changes:
  1. Wicker Man (10/10, #3 overall, unchanged)
  2. Oblivion (9/10, #5 overall, unchanged)
  3. Nemesis (9/10, #10 overall, unchanged)
  4. Thirteen (7/10, #17 overall, +3) - I have to say, my recent ride on Thirteen was the most enjoyable I’ve had in a while! It was great fun; the outdoor section had some fun pops of airtime, and some fun twists and turns, and the backwards section was more fun than I’d remembered! All in all, Thirteen definitely went back up in my estimations after a reride; it was really good fun!
  5. Rita (7/10, #18 overall, unchanged)
  6. Runaway Mine Train (7/10, #27 overall, unchanged)
  7. The Smiler (6/10, #36 overall, +1)
  8. Galactica (6/10, #40 overall, -4) - Oh, Galactica. I did used to really like this, but my last experience, although not bad by any means, was rather disappointing; it didn’t do anywhere near as much for me. I do still think that the layout is rather nice and pleasant, and the ride is nice and smooth, but I’ll admit that I found the whole flying coaster riding position quite uncomfortable, which really took away from it for me; I was going round the ride thinking about how the riding position wasn’t very comfortable at all. I also find the fly to lie to not be the most comfortable of elements; I’m not personally huge on how the g-forces rush to your head. Overall, while I wouldn’t say I dislike Galactica by any means, I’ve certainly gone off it a fair bit. That’s nothing against Galactica as a ride; I just don’t think the prone position is really for me.
  9. Spinball Whizzer (4/10, #50 overall, unchanged)
  10. Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure (3/10, #65 overall, unchanged)
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Interesting change in rankings. I see Rita has moved down quite a lot even though you enjoyed your ride considerable according to your trip report. I suppose you just enjoyed thirteen more. I think you have to take into account the amound Rita can change per ride. One day it can feel great the next its awful (as my last ride was). Its also interesting to see your consistently high ranking for runaway mine train. I like the ride and absolutely loved it as a kid however my last ride this year I really wasn't impressed. My dad and I should not have been in the same row for starters and that was incredibly uncomfortable (although I acknowledge this was our fault not the rides). Secondly, I found it a bit janky and jerky in places. Particularly just before the drop leading into the rapids tunnel. It seemed to make a massive clunk here for no real apparent reason. They layout though, among the trees, must make it one of the best powered coasters out there.
 
Well @Matt.N seems to change his list more times than I change my pants. I just realised I never posted one at all in this thread. So purley in terms of track and train (because mine would change ALOT if it wasn't a case of that) as if all where built on a flat car park (The Smiler almost is isn't it?):

1. Nemesis - but only just believe it or not....

2. Oblivion - don't care what anyone says, I love the damn thing.

3. The Smiler - roughness is over stated. It's not as bad as is made out and is a long coaster in a park that's full of teeny weeny ones. Surely it has to get credit for that?

4. Rita - "Boo, hiss, you evil man! Rita needs to be removed immediately....." etc etc

5. Wickerman - it's ok. Strip away the theming and pre show etc.... it's just OK. Missed opportunity of a woodie if its judged just by track and train layout.

6. Spinball - Better layout than Fury and Crush. It does the job.

Really struggling with the rest now as I can easily skip all of the following on a visit.

7. Thirteen - What is the point in the outdoor section, really?

8. RMT - It's a Mack powered. Not much to say.

9. Air (because without the "theming", track and train it's still Air) - even talking about this coaster bores me.

10. - Octonauts - Not even good as a kiddie coaster.
 
1. Nemesis
2. Oblivion
3. The Smiler
4. Wicker Man
5. Galactica
6. Rita
7. Th13teen
8. Spinball Whizzer
9. Runaway Mine Train
10. Octonauts
 
For the last 5 years, we've only been during Scarefest, and some rides are way, way better in the dark (13 is the obvious). I've only ever ridden Wicker in the dark and don't know if it would be anything like as good an experience in the light. To be honest, my opinion changes every visit. Used to love Oblivion, but as the years get on, I like it less and less (I'm 49 now) to point of dreading it. I've come to enjoy smoothness and that feeling of being disorientated. Based on the ride experience alone on Sunday, I'd go with:

1. The Smiler (it's smooth and bewildering)
2. Wicker Man (as I say, only ridden in the dark, where it's superb, and this year seemed faster than ever)
3. Th13teen (pitch black and felt great)
4. Galactica (always liked it in all its guises, and this time was really enjoyable)
5. Nemesis (used to be my No1, but feeling rattly and juddery these days)
6. Rita (nothing much to it, but pleasant all the same)
7. Spinball Whizzer (fun, but tough on the old back and cramped legs)
8. Oblivion (I no longer enjoy the anticiption, or indeed the drop as much as I used to)
9. Runaway Mine Train (normally give this a miss the past few years, but the girls wanted a nostalgia go)
 
I’m back, but don’t worry, it isn’t because I’ve changed my rankings yet again; that list is staying exactly the same as it was in September!

I actually came in here to post because my 9-year-old cousin recently came back from her first ever visit to Alton Towers, and upon her return, she very excitedly told me about all the things they went on at the park. She even gave me her ranking of the 6 big coasters they rode (Thirteen was closed for both days they were there), so I thought it might be interesting to show you guys a ranking of Alton Towers’ coasters from the perspective of a non-enthusiast child who only hit 1.4m in 2020 and only just visited the park for the first time. She told me that her ranking of the big 6 coasters she rode was:
  1. The Smiler
  2. Galactica (she said this was very close to Smiler; her and her friend rode this 17 (!!!) times throughout their trip! For some perspective, that means she’s already got a higher all-time Galactica tally than me…)
  3. Nemesis
  4. Wicker Man
  5. Rita
  6. Oblivion (she hated this; it’s “worse than tomatoes”, apparently!)
 
Matt N said:
I’m back, but don’t worry, it isn’t because I’ve changed my rankings yet again; that list is staying exactly the same as it was in September!

I actually came in here to post because my 9-year-old cousin recently came back from her first ever visit to Alton Towers, and upon her return, she very excitedly told me about all the things they went on at the park. She even gave me her ranking of the 6 big coasters they rode (Thirteen was closed for both days they were there), so I thought it might be interesting to show you guys a ranking of Alton Towers’ coasters from the perspective of a non-enthusiast child who only hit 1.4m in 2020 and only just visited the park for the first time. She told me that her ranking of the big 6 coasters she rode was:
  1. The Smiler
  2. Galactica (she said this was very close to Smiler; her and her friend rode this 17 (!!!) times throughout their trip! For some perspective, that means she’s already got a higher all-time Galactica tally than me…)
  3. Nemesis
  4. Wicker Man
  5. Rita
  6. Oblivion (she hated this; it’s “worse than tomatoes”, apparently!)
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Well I wouldn't have done any of those coasters at 9 so she's very brave for her age. Is this your favourite thread @Matt N ?
 
JAperson said:
Well I wouldn't have done any of those coasters at 9 so she's very brave for her age. Is this your favourite thread @Matt N ?
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Quite possibly! I guess I’m just indecisive more than anything else, although my rankings are still pretty much intact from September, from what I can tell…

In terms of my cousin; she was very brave, and based on a picture my aunt showed me of her face upon seeing Galactica for the first time, I’d suggest she had somewhat underestimated the size of the rides prior to riding!
 
It's interesting how kids and the general GP feel about the coasters. I find it particularly interesting with kids as they hold very little nostalgia or history from past experiences. For instance, if you ask an adult, most would say Wickerman and Smiler simply due to them being the newest. If you're an adult, you've likely ridden the older coasters numerous times whereas to as to kid, they're all completely new experiences.

I took my son as soon he tipped over 1.4 last year when he was 9. He's been waiting for years to get on them all and ranks them as such:

1. Nemesis
2. The Smiler
3. Oblivion
4. Galactica
5. Rita
6. Wickerman
7. Thirteen

Wickerman and Thirteen ranking low could be because he had ridden them beforehand in previous seasons. He's now looking for intensity and thrills. Nemesis by far delivers the best experience for him, he's small for his age but runs round the queue line multiple times at the end of the day doing as many outside seat back rows as he can. He loves it. We bought him a hoodie and he never takes it off, only when it's being washed when he swaps it out for his Oblivion hoodie until it's dry.
 
Matt.GC said:
It's interesting how kids and the general GP feel about the coasters. I find it particularly interesting with kids as they hold very little nostalgia or history from past experiences. For instance, if you ask an adult, most would say Wickerman and Smiler simply due to them being the newest. If you're an adult, you've likely ridden the older coasters numerous times whereas to as to kid, they're all completely new experiences.

I took my son as soon he tipped over 1.4 last year when he was 9. He's been waiting for years to get on them all and ranks them as such:

1. Nemesis
2. The Smiler
3. Oblivion
4. Galactica
5. Rita
6. Wickerman
7. Thirteen

Wickerman and Thirteen ranking low could be because he had ridden them beforehand in previous seasons. He's now looking for intensity and thrills. Nemesis by far delivers the best experience for him, he's small for his age but runs round the queue line multiple times at the end of the day doing as many outside seat back rows as he can. He loves it. We bought him a hoodie and he never takes it off, only when it's being washed when he swaps it out for his Oblivion hoodie until it's dry.
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I've got to say @Matt.GC you're sons got good taste! Nemesis at the top that's what I like to see. I was always small and watched my parents go on rides for years being to small. Eventually I was tall enough but by this time had lost that thing kids have where they have no fear but I'd told my mum to force me on nemesis and it's been my favourite ever since.
 
Won't be going back again this year now :( (3 visits) so figured I'd do my personal preference to the coasters at Alton Towers. It should be noted the last time I rode a roller coaster before this year was in 1998.
  1. Wicker Man (8): Love hate relationship with this ride. Both times its been on 3 trains I've ended up with a single really awful ride during the day. Its like the guide & up stop wheels are nowhere near the rail and it feels like your a pinball between the bumpers on a pinball machine! Otherwise, can't get enough, especially with the lap restraint a couple of click higher up than it should be & hands in the air all the way round :p.
  2. Nemisis (6): Man a really like this ride, just none stop and such nice variation of elements coming thick & fast. Not managed a back row yet so hopefully next year.
  3. Spinball Whizzar (1) : Went on this for first time on my last visits & all I can say is it put a big smile on my face. Bit jollity in places if weight is wrong but otherwise felt fine & not rough/uncomfortable at all.
  4. The Smiler (2) : Fun, but just feels like same thing over and over again plus I have long legs which do not fit! Defiantly not worth a 1h30m+ wait! I'll still ride it but normally as last ride. I do want to get back to back rides in to see if makes it feel more intense for me.
  5. Runaway Mine Train (6) : I'm sure this use to be faster, but still a fun ride which I do if passing (unless queue is like 15mins+). Choo Choo
  6. Thri3een (4) : Like this for the backwards section and its also helping me overcome my issues with the drop sensation. Tend to avoid unless the queue time is <30mins, but my roller coaster buddy likes it so we always end up queuing. Maybe next year I can keep my arms in the air in the crypt....
  7. Rita (1) : Okay I guess but felt disappointing since was all prepared for an intense launch which didn't seem to happen. I'll ride it again if queue is <10mins but rather wait for something else.
  8. Galactica (1) : Once, never again. Just ain't for for me.
  9. Octonauts (0) : Next year I hope to have to courage to ride this beast of a roller coaster :D.
  10. Oblivian (0) : Just not my thing. One trick wonder focusing on the bit I just don't enjoy (see Note 2). I might try next year, but in no rush.
Note (1). Number in brackets is number of rides this year.
Note (2). Physically, I've always had an issue with the drop sensation when its straight and I'm facing forwards, this includes on a rides like 'The Blade'. Now if the drop is twisted, backwards or coming out of inversion I'm fine. I've slowly developed techniques this year to cope, to the point now where Wicker Man first two drops I can virtually cope without the stomach issues.
 
One thing I find really interesting is that almost all of the non-enthusiasts I know absolutely love Galactica. In stark contrast to enthusiast circles, where it usually ranks towards the bottom of the Alton Towers lineup, most of the non-enthusiasts I know would place it at either #1 or #2 among the big 7!

Admittedly, neither of my parents seemed particularly fussed on Galactica on our last visit compared to some of the others (On a side note, my dad’s favourites are Nemesis, Oblivion and Wicker Man, although he appreciates how “nuts” Smiler is, and my mum’s favourites are Wicker Man and Thirteen, although Rita also seems to have grown on her. My mum hates Nemesis and Oblivion.), but my cousin adored it on her recent visit, and it was always right up there with Smiler as one of my sister’s favourites when she used to come with us. When we went with my sister and her friends in 2015 when Smiler was shut, Galactica was the only one we did multiple times! My sister did always love Galactica; interestingly, Nemesis “bored her to tears”, and she could never understand why enthusiasts liked it so much!

In terms of when I was a kid, my favourite Towers coaster upon initially hitting 1.4m at 10 years old (I’ve never been particularly tall) was actually Rita, believe it or not; I absolutely loved that launch! Closely followed by Nemesis, and then probably The Smiler in 3rd. I didn’t really rank back then, but I remember the top 2 of Rita & Nemesis, I remember liking The Smiler a lot, I remember really liking Galactica, and I remember being a bit non-plussed by Oblivion & Thirteen. (Weirdly, both of those have grown on me hugely; Oblivion is now my 2nd favourite on park behind Wicker Man, and Thirteen now sits solidly in 4th or 5th (I can never decide)!)

Funny how my tastes have changed…
 
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For me, Wicker Man was riding fantastically at Scarefest this year, but better than my other visits in the year - although because of the wheelchair we were on back row every time so that might influence it. The Smiler wasn't open obviously but I have to leave it at number 1, Oblivion stays at number 2 because I had a loose restraint and the tunnel was filled with mist - as in we literally could not see anything until we came out the other side. Wicker Man could potentially reclaim 2nd based on how it was riding, and Nemesis is now up to 4th on my list (the highest its ever been) because I've never had amazing rides on it until this year. For me, the top three though are well ahead of 4th place and downwards.
 
It is interesting but I still think nemesis tends to be the top among most non-enthusiasts I know. Oblivion is also another one people like along with Wicker Man and occasionally The Smiler. I'd say the top rides at Alton Towers are probably
1) Wicker Man - because of it's broad appeal
2) Nemesis - no explanation needed
3) The smiler - Everyone thinks its scary and wants to conquer it.
4) Oblivion - That quick adrenaline rush.
Not the order I'd put them in as I think Nemesis is the best followed by Oblivion and then Wicker Man and finally The Smiler (although like @Matt N 's dad I appreciate how 'nuts' it is)
 
I also have another ranking of the big 7 for you all; my now 20-year-old sister has not visited the park since 2018, and last time I spoke to her about Alton Towers, she ranked the big 7 as follows (I’ll also include the little quote she gave to describe each as she was ranking them):
  1. The Smiler (“fast, intense, amazing”)
  2. Galactica (“it’s just so much fun”)
  3. Oblivion (“short but sweet”)
  4. Wicker Man (“fun and well-themed, but not intense enough to rank highly”)
  5. Thirteen (similarly to Wicker Man, “fun and well-themed, but not intense enough to rank highly”)
  6. Nemesis (“bores [her] to tears. [She] doesn’t understand why enthusiasts rank it so highly when there are so many more interesting rides in the same park”)
  7. Rita (“awful and rough”)
 
Alright I'll keep my list short but sweet:
1. Smiler
2. Nemesis
3. Wicker man
4. Oblivion
5. Rita
6. Galactica
7. Th13teen
 
It's all down to personal tastes and what you want out of a coaster. Nemesis, Oblivion and (bizarrely) the Smiler seem to be great Intimidators from talking to others or hearing what they say about them.

I don't think Oblivion needs any explanation as to why it's seen this way. Nemesis looks as intense off ride as it actually is on ride, if you step back and watch it, it does appear to traverse some very tight elements very quickly and very close to pathways (excellent design), even by invert standards. The Smiler, well I don't understand it as much, it seems to be the vertical lift hill for some bizarre reason. Other than that, I can only put it down to fear of inversions because I've never personally seen the Smiler as an intimidating coaster both on or off ride. But there are alot of people who are scared of it? Seems strange to me.
 
Matt.GC said:
It's all down to personal tastes and what you want out of a coaster. Nemesis, Oblivion and (bizarrely) the Smiler seem to be great Intimidators from talking to others or hearing what they say about them.

I don't think Oblivion needs any explanation as to why it's seen this way. Nemesis looks as intense off ride as it actually is on ride, if you step back and watch it, it does appear to traverse some very tight elements very quickly and very close to pathways (excellent design), even by invert standards. The Smiler, well I don't understand it as much, it seems to be the vertical lift hill for some bizarre reason. Other than that, I can only put it down to fear of inversions because I've never personally seen the Smiler as an intimidating coaster both on or off ride. But there are alot of people who are scared of it? Seems strange to me.
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I can only speak from my own experience, but as a 10 year old riding the coasters for the first time, I remember The Smiler seeming like one of the most intimidating things I’d ever seen. I remember thinking it was so huge and dominating compared to all of the park’s others, and being stood underneath it in the queue with it roaring around above you at great speed terrified me before my first ride! Given that it was brand new at the time, I certainly had plenty of “anticipation time”; we waited a good 1.5-2 hours for that first ride!

As a child, the theming also had me somewhat nervous… I was concerned that I was actually going to come off the ride a smiling advocate!
 
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