The ride itself is absolutely amazing and half way through my head was actually spinning!! the ride is In 2 halves with a vertical lift to the second part and 14 loops!!! Intense but in a very good way and it certainly does its job. I had a very big smile on my face at the end and so did everybody else.

For thrill-seekers in 2026, The Smiler at Alton Towers is absolutely worth the visit, as it still holds the world record for the most inversions (14). The ride is a masterclass in psychological and physical disorientation, featuring a "Marmaliser" center point with flashing lights, mist, and "laughing gas" effects that fit its sinister, hypnotic theme. In 2026, it remains one of the park’s most popular attractions, often commanding wait times of 60–90 minutes. The ride features two lift hills—one of which is a terrifying vertical climb—and provides a "relentless" experience where you are rarely upright for more than a few seconds. While some 2026 reviewers find the ride a bit "rough" or "rattly" compared to newer coasters like Wicker Man, the sheer scale of 14 loops makes it a unique engineering marvel. If you enjoy high-intensity G-forces and a disorienting narrative, it is a "must-ride"; however, those prone to motion sickness should exercise caution.