To be honest the lifts probably feel worse on Smiler as both of them are not working as intended. With most gerst's the train stops at the bottom of the lift and the chain speeds up to get the catch car in place before slowing down so it gently connects with the train and then speeding back up to t...

I often go on my own in the week. It's ok, there's quite a lot of solo people there then.  Smiler single rider queue is brillant!

I won't do the Rapids on my own as it feels awkward sharing the boats with a family i don't know, but will do everyhing else.

Hey all :) this my first post, so first hello! I'm a bit of a coasterphobe I've only recently managed to do my first coasters I'm 31 and have always admired the art of coasters and how much fun they bring to people but have always been terrified! Since November I've managed... Drayton Manor - Buffa...

I hope they keep VR. I've never used it though. I want them to keep it because it makes the queue massive. But as soon as you reach the first member of staff they say "Non VR riders move past the queue!". So I never have to wait for more than 15 minutes to ride, even if the queue board say...

I love the ride, but it's not the most reliable one in the park. So i won't queue if it's longer that 45 minutes, it will break down at least once in that time. Also, for some reason, it doesn't always like hot weather

I find one train rougher than the other. It's almost unbearable in one, but much better in the other - i can't remember which colour is the smooth one though

Bound to be a coaster of some kind, if it's an "SW"

Those ‘cloud chasers’ have a lot to answer for. Before sub ohming, and cloud chasers, most indoor places allowed vaping, it was inoffensive and didn’t cause anybody any bother. Then some folk started going too far, blowing out giant plumes of thick, sweet smelling, vapour and all hell broke loose. ...

Got stuck on the Skyride for ten minutes a few weeks ago, Was hugely relieved it started again.  Bearing in mind how long a full evacuation takes....

No. no, no, it should stay! It's a good fun ride - and we need more rides and not less

I've been to Towers loads of times this year, for me The Smiler has been the most reliable coaster on the park, in stark contrast to the first few years. I don't find it rough either, apart from a couple of jolts. I hope it stays in it's sweet spot. only negative for me is the indoor queue section. ...

I've been to Towers loads of times this year, for me The Smiler has been the most reliable coaster on the park, in stark contrast to the first few years. I don't find it rough either, apart from a couple of jolts. I hope it stays in it's sweet spot. only negative for me is the indoor queue section. ...

Hi, Not been in the 2018 season so far but thinking of going for Oct half term.  My usual plan in previous seasons with ERT was Spinball, Oblivion, Ent in ERT, then Smiler at 10, then on to Rita, 13, Nemesis, Air. However WM now changes that and it's scarefest so no ERT (grrrrr). Plan to be at the ...

Interesting. I was on the Rapids today and there was some mist in the tunnel.

Hi all, I will be visiting Alton on the 24th of August last went four years ago! Very excited but this year is the first time I'm driving there beforehand, what time is best to get to the car parks? I have been reading reviews and seen some people have parked up about 9:50 and not got into the park...

Jakethepeg wrote:

Yeah, everytime I go on this I remain completely dry which annoys me as thats not the point of going on it.

I'm inclined to agree with you. We do have Valhalla and Stormforce 10 (when they're working) so there is an appetite in this country for getting drenched. 

I must admit I find Rita the roughest of Alton's coasters. It seems to shake from side to side a bit

That is an element of the ride which usually goes unnoticed by many. I wonder how many other guests feel uncomfortable walking under? I suppose the whole ride is geared up to superstitions, so just believe they cancel themselves out :) Funnily enough I'd already ridden it a few times and not notice...

I love the coaster, but I'm always uncomfortable with the thought of walking under the ladder as you enter the station building.

jackf1tz wrote:

It's been pretty reliable ever since they've put it back on 2 train operation, at least moreso than Rita, Th13teen etc.

I hope it's sorted now. had a lot of downtime compared to it's usual self. Was running good yesterday though.