[The Smiler] Construction Updates and Ride Speculation

[cotda]

Noone ever will see the name without the logo too which suggests the sinister theme.

The trouble is that on Queue time boards, it's going to look awful! Just that name? Unless they somehow draw the smiler logo with LED's

 

[Rocket]

Just rang to see if I book a hotel room for May can I change it when there's a date and pay half this month. I was told that The Smiler is scheduled to open the 28th May according to a new Email sent out this morning. There will be previews in April they said also.

Take this as you will, it's obviously not set in stone as reservations often get things wrong.

I must add that the person I spoke to after waiting 20mins to get through : said that they hoped "That The Smiler is everything I hope it to be" and it was a very special ride for Alton. Which was nice ;D

28th may, really that's just too close to my exams for comfort, oh well
I would have thought that AT would try get it open for the may bank holiday weekend at the beginning of may which would make more sense

 

[Danny]

On a Tuesday? That's an odd day to open the ride.

 

[josht]

On a Tuesday? That's an odd day to open the ride.

I was just about to check the day but it's really weird for it to open on a Tuesday.

 

[AstroDan]

I doubt that'll be the day. There's no way they would open in the middle of half term. They'll open it for early May Bank Holiday or the first day of half term.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Dave]

As Wayne said take that date with a pinch of salt, I imagine they are holding off deciding on an exact date until they get the worst weather over with and see where they stand. I imagine they may announce it in March when they know more.

 

[TheMan]

If it is the end of May, that is ridiculously behind schedule - I do wish they would give us a little information as to why this has happened. From mid March, to the end of May, is a huge delay and not at all SW like.

I find it disappointing I have to be honest.

 

[Fredward]

...and not at all SW like.

I think you fail to see what SW are... They aren't some mystical force, some amazing perfect rollercoaster that will never fail. All it is is a code name for Alton Towers' major investments. That's it.

Saying a ride being late is not at all SW like, lateness has no correlation on whether a rollercoaster is given an SW codename.

Just a little thing that irks me!

 

[TheMan]

...and not at all SW like.

I think you fail to see what SW are... They aren't some mystical force, some amazing perfect rollercoaster that will never fail. All it is is a code name for Alton Towers' major investments. That's it.

Saying a ride being late is not at all SW like, lateness has no correlation on whether a rollercoaster is given an SW codename.

Just a little thing that irks me!

Fair enough. What irks me is it being acceptable for Altons biggest major investment in a proper thrill/major ride in a decade, given the title of something that represents the culmination of the very brightest minds in the UK industry, and is the beacon and window to our industry - which is actually what the SW tag now represents... being somehow given a lesser sense of importance than it deserves.

I'm not saying Alton are at fault, the point is it would be nice to have a better understanding and openness as to what is happening - there is nothing wrong with that at all.

Perhaps you weren't around for the original SW's and missed the impact they had, first hand, on the industry, and thus why so many people do in fact place a massive amount of weight upon an SW project.

It is not just another coaster, and whilst I never implied it has some mystical force, it is of huge importance in this industry, and should be treated as such.

The SW rides represent the pinnacle of the UK, and world at times, boundary pushing technology. There is rightly now a level of expectation, and standard that has been set, so in a way they do have a kind of special mystique about them - as well they should at our pinnacle park!

In this case, I don't think you have a grasp of exactly what the SW concept does in fact stand for, not perhaps in name to be facetious, but in meaning.

 

[Dave]

They have mentioned the weather as a major factor but no company is ever that expressive about their failures.

I think the late may date is wrong too, I just don't think they dare announce a date until they are sure now.

 

[Fredward]

...and not at all SW like.

I think you fail to see what SW are... They aren't some mystical force, some amazing perfect rollercoaster that will never fail. All it is is a code name for Alton Towers' major investments. That's it.

Saying a ride being late is not at all SW like, lateness has no correlation on whether a rollercoaster is given an SW codename.

Just a little thing that irks me!

Fair enough. What irks me is it being acceptable for Altons biggest major investment in a proper thrill/major ride in a decade, given the title of something that represents the culmination of the very brightest minds in the UK industry, and is the beacon and window to our industry - which is actually what the SW tag now represents... being somehow given a lesser sense of importance than it deserves.

I'm not saying Alton are at fault, the point is it would be nice to have a better understanding and openness as to what is happening - there is nothing wrong with that at all.

Perhaps you weren't around for the original SW's and missed the impact they had, first hand, on the industry, and thus why so many people do in fact place a massive amount of weight upon an SW project.

It is not just another coaster, and whilst I never implied it has some mystical force, it is of huge importance in this industry, and should be treated as such.

The SW rides represent the pinnacle of the UK, and world at times, boundary pushing technology. There is rightly now a level of expectation, and standard that has been set, so in a way they do have a kind of special mystique about them - as well they should at our pinnacle park!

In this case, I don't think you have a grasp of exactly what the SW concept does in fact stand for, not perhaps in name to be facetious, but in meaning.

No.

the SW tagline is what Alton Towers uses for their major investments. The only major investment that has not used one is Rita, every 3-4 years you can expect a new SW that's not because of what you say they are mystical rollercoasters, but it's the name they give them.

Yes Nemesis, Oblivion, Air had big impact when they were opened. That wasn't because they were SW's. That was because they were solid investments.

The SW represents nothing i'm afraid. maybe 3 people in the country believe "represents the culmination of the very brightest minds in the UK industry, and is the beacon and window to our industry" but sorry to say, it's just a working title Alton Towers use. Don't give it a meaning which it doesn't have.

It's only a homage to fans really.

This is also only 4 SW's hardly a large pool of data to come up with the views you've had.

 

[TheMan]

They have mentioned the weather as a major factor but no company is ever that expressive about their failures.

I think the late may date is wrong too, I just don't think they dare announce a date until they are sure now.

I know there is a divide, most in favour of not being that fussed if it opens late or not, I just can't sit comfortably in that camp - but that does make sense what you are saying about not announcing a date. The end of May would be ridiculous, that's akin to having not done any work or made any progress from the time they started building the thing essentially.

I know Rita was a bit all over the place, but as coasters go that is a large scaled filler attraction for a park like Alton, not at the time mind you I guess - having said that, it wasn't ever really given the importance or fanfare of their world stage, major coaster designs.

Whilst everything else has been brilliant, this opening time business is just not of a standard that Alton have set for themselves since Nemesis.

Thanks anyway Dave.

 

[TheMan]

the SW tagline is what Alton Towers uses for their major investments. The only major investment that has not used one is Rita, every 3-4 years you can expect a new SW that's not because of what you say they are mystical rollercoasters, but it's the name they give them.

Yes Nemesis, Oblivion, Air had big impact when they were opened. That wasn't because they were SW's. That was because they were solid investments.

The SW represents nothing i'm afraid. maybe 3 people in the country believe "represents the culmination of the very brightest minds in the UK industry, and is the beacon and window to our industry" but sorry to say, it's just a working title Alton Towers use. Don't give it a meaning which it doesn't have.

It's only a homage to fans really.

This is also only 4 SW's hardly a large pool of data to come up with the views you've had.

This is nonsense Fredward sorry mate. "Only" four SW's? How many exactly would you have liked them to build - that's the culmination of over 20 years of planning and design experience, at the very top of the industry! You are making out like two letters mean nothing, I am saying the letters are irrelevant you can call it TP for all I care it is what that represents that is important here!

Homage to fans? What? They were calling it those before fan sites even existed!

I just cannot believe you don't grasp, especially as an Alton Towers enthusiast, the importance and huge significance of these rides on a global scale!!

It is way more than just "solid investments" - how am I even having this debate on an Alton Towers forum?

These have been some of the most high profile, important, and technically challenging coasters built on the planet some of which like Oblivion especially, remain absolutely world class!

I swear, you must just want a debate for the sake of it. I give Alton some grief at times, but to downplay the SW rides significance and what they stand for is just absurd (and yes, SW, because RITA was NOT in this class and therefore not named one!)

You cannot just band around names like Nemesis, Oblivion and (as much as I am not a fan) air, like they are just some "solid investment" coaster - they were built to have an air of mystique, of magic, and be truly spectacular and special in their day.

American parks build Solid Investment coasters... on car parks!

Come on dude, really?

 

[CoasterCrazyChris]

Of course it is Alton Towers fault.

Construction of an £18 million ride should start at least 18 months before the anticipated opening date. Not less than a year.

 

[Fredward]

the SW tagline is what Alton Towers uses for their major investments. The only major investment that has not used one is Rita, every 3-4 years you can expect a new SW that's not because of what you say they are mystical rollercoasters, but it's the name they give them.

Yes Nemesis, Oblivion, Air had big impact when they were opened. That wasn't because they were SW's. That was because they were solid investments.

The SW represents nothing i'm afraid. maybe 3 people in the country believe "represents the culmination of the very brightest minds in the UK industry, and is the beacon and window to our industry" but sorry to say, it's just a working title Alton Towers use. Don't give it a meaning which it doesn't have.

It's only a homage to fans really.

This is also only 4 SW's hardly a large pool of data to come up with the views you've had.

I just cannot believe you don't grasp, especially as an Alton Towers enthusiast, the importance and huge significance of these rides on a global scale!

I don't believe you don't grasp that these names are only working titles. That's it, I couldn't give any damn about having arguments. Your the one taking this to heart.

They do not have any mystical meaning. Many people had this argument a thousand times when Th13teen was being made.

It's just a name, stop judging investments by it's code name and start judging them about the actual product.

 

[James]

See, TheMan, your views are what I believe is very wrong with the perception of the Secret Weapon tag.

This will be a brilliant ride and will fit in with the Secret Weapon portfolio beautifully. I really don't see what the issue is here. Yeah it's opening in May, but Alton Towers do not owe it to the world to have it open by March. Many parks around the world open their rides mid-way through the season. Alton Towers have done it in the past. Plus there's rumour of soft openings during April, that's only a month behind schedule. Considering it was rumoured they were 2-3 months behind schedule the construction team have done a brilliant job catching up with things.

Can't we just be happy that there will be a complete, polished and amazing roller coaster come this May?

Your views aren't quite true TheMan, as Alton Towers have confirmed themselves the SW tag simply stands for 'project name for big investments' - as I said many years ago, we could have a dark ride as a SW one year. If the tagline has some significance for you then that's fine, but in Alton Towers eyes it does not. It's simply something that has caught on over the years and remains in history as a way of naming big projects.

 

[James]

Of course it is Alton Towers fault.

Construction of an £18 million ride should start at least 18 months before the anticipated opening date. Not less than a year.

I agree with this. Although *hopefully* this will be a lesson learnt for Alton Towers.

I'm not one to slate the delay too much though, as none of us are certain of what has happened. Might be poor planning, accidents on site, problems with the land, weather issues, the site becoming a lake temporarily - could be one or a number of reasons.

I'm disappointed. But all we can do is wait and hope that come May there will be a world class ride added to Alton towers.

 

[TheMan]

I don't believe you don't grasp that these names are only working titles. That's it, I couldn't give any damn about having arguments. Your the one taking this to heart.

They do not have any mystical meaning. Many people had this argument a thousand times when Th13teen was being made.

It's just a name, stop judging investments by it's code name and start judging them about the actual product.

It's code name represents the zenith of coaster manufacturing/technology. This is a standard set by the world class rides that have come under this code name.

That is a stone cold, hard fact. The title SW, at Alton Towers, means it will have something unique, special, or of supreme quality about it. Like SW6 or not, it pushed the boundaries of technology, the question as to whether it was a TRUE SW or not (which is what the debate was about...) comes down to, was it thrilling enough, and can a family coaster really be given the SW mantra.

Given what it attempted to achieve, and the incredible technology it used, it simply redefined the boundary of what an SW now represented - it did not, at any time, bring into question the significance or importance of the the SW tag when used represents.

SW7 is probably the most significant since Nemesis, as it is defining the parks next 4 years after a seriously baron spell with no major out and out major thrill ride investment since Oblivion.

I can just imagine Alton Towers and Merlin etc, sat around their desks, talking about SW projects like they don't matter, don't mean anything, and are just a solid investment with no magic or sparkle about them that sets them apart.

Yeah, can just imagine John sat round that table now.

 

[Fredward]

I don't believe you don't grasp that these names are only working titles. That's it, I couldn't give any damn about having arguments. Your the one taking this to heart.

They do not have any mystical meaning. Many people had this argument a thousand times when Th13teen was being made.

It's just a name, stop judging investments by it's code name and start judging them about the actual product.

It's code name represents the zenith of coaster manufacturing/technology. This is a standard set by the world class rides that have come under this code name.

That is a stone cold, hard fact. The title SW, at Alton Towers, means it will have something unique, special, or of supreme quality about it. Like SW6 or not, it pushed the boundaries of technology, the question as to whether it was a TRUE SW or not (which is what the debate was about...) comes down to, was it thrilling enough, and can a family coaster really be given the SW mantra.

Given what it attempted to achieve, and the incredible technology it used, it simply redefined the boundary of what an SW now represented - it did not, at any time, bring into question the significance or importance of the the SW tag when used represents.

SW7 is probably the most significant since Nemesis, as it is defining the parks next 4 years after a seriously baron spell with no major out and out major thrill ride investment since Oblivion.

I can just imagine Alton Towers and Merlin etc, sat around their desks, talking about SW projects like they don't matter, don't mean anything, and are just a solid investment with no magic or sparkle about them that sets them apart.

Yeah, can just imagine John sat round that table now.

sigh. Believe it or not, over think the meaning of SW or not, it doesn't matter, I've said my point. Believe SW means some magical mystical force fair enough.

...as Alton Towers have confirmed themselves the SW tag simply stands for 'project name for big investments' -

 

[TheMan]

It's simply something that has caught on over the years and remains in history as a way of naming big projects.

How exactly dude is that different to what I said earlier about the letters being irrelevant, but what it stands for is where the importance lies. I also said that SW6 stretched peoples acceptance of what an SW can be.

The world's eyes are on an Alton Towers SW project, they set the standards high themselves, I agree a dark ride of exemplary quality could be an SW. The point is, the standard has been set, there is a level of expectation created by past SWs and they have taken on almost a life of their own. Which is WHY Alton Towers is so successful.

It has developed a meaning, and to suggest once again, it is simply a "big investment" is absurd - they have gone out of their way on every SW to make sure it stands apart from everything else in some way, shape, or form, to be truly world class in its own way.

They are doing it again with Sw7 - it's not even debatable, just look at the Towers.

They are actually hyping it as an SW this time - which is great! They aren't trying to lessen it's meaning, if anything they are using it more and more every time as a sign of a truly significant world class/beating/first (whatever) investment.

Maybe 20 years ago, SW just meant let's try and build something mad and whilst we haven't got a name we will call it that - however, after 4 supreme quality SW successes that graced the World's stage, and a fifth on the way more actively USING the SW tag, to argue it's growing public significance, or indeed what it now represents is absolutely ridiculous.

20 Years ago, you had a point. Now though? No way.