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The Smiler

X-Sector, Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB

Access Guide

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Ride/Attraction Summary

  • Summary View
    • The Smiler is located in X-Sector.
    • For the X-Sector Access Guide please click here (new tab).
    • Guests with a red ride access pass are required to ride with a carer over the age of 14 years.
    • This ride has separate access for Ride Access Passes, Fastrack Passes, wheelchair users and Standard Passes.
    • The minimum standing height restriction is 1.4m.
    • The maximum chest size restriction is 56 inches.
    • This ride includes rigorous motion and / or velocity and is therefore not recommended for guests with back, heart or neck conditions.
    • This ride includes rigorous motion and / or velocity and is therefore not recommended for expectant mothers.
    • In the unlikely event of an evacuation, the process may include climbing ladders, walking over narrow balconies and being strapped into a harness. For this reason it is not suitable for all guests.
    • In the unlikely event of an evacuation, the evacuation process requires guests to walk 25 m + independently.
    • Guests can transfer from their own wheelchair into the ride vehicle. Guests can be supported to do this, but not carried.
    • For safety reasons, due to the speed and motion of this ride guests must be able to keep their head upright without assistance.
    • Guests who have a prosthetic limb will need to remove their prosthetic due to the nature of the ride. If you have a prosthetic, please speak to a member of the guest service team, or visit the website here (opens new tab) for all relevant restrictions that may apply
    • Due to the speed and motion of this ride guests must be able to brace themselves with their hands and / or feet and remain sitting upright. Guests also need to be able to exit the ride independently / with assistance from a member of their group, in the unlikely event of an evacuation.
    • Guests who have a plaster cast or brace should seek medical advice before choosing to ride. If guests choose to ride they should check they can meet the rides safety requirements.
    • The ride has strong magnetic fields and is therefore not suitable for guests with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) or pacemakers.
    • This ride includes flashing lights and smoke/mist/fog effects and as a result may not be suitable for all guests.
  • Other Services/Facilities View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For the theme park map please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff or Guest Services.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The quiet/safe place is located in No.1 Towers Street.
  • Ear defenders and RADAR keys are available from Guest Services.
  • Portable hearing loops are available for use around the resort. These are available from Guest Services.
  • Free WiFi is available throughout the resort.
  • All staff undertake Disability Awareness and Equality Training.

Ride Access (Standard Passes)

  • Access Point View
    • This ride/attraction access point is signed.
    • There is stepped access at this access point.
    • This access point is an open gateway.
    • The width of the access point opening is 98cm.
    • There are 24 steps leading down to the queuing system immediately beyond the access point.
      .
  • Queuing System View
    • Access along this queue consists of; steps going up and steps going down.
    • The approximate length of this queue is 375m.
    • This queue can be extended during busy periods.
    • There are additional ramps/slopes along the extension(s).
    • Path surfaces in this queuing system are concrete.
    • The queuing area is open air.
    • The minimum width of the queuing area is 75cm.
    • There are a total of 58 steps along this queue.
    • Steps are clearly marked.
    • Handrails along the stepped section(s) are on both sides for some sections and on the left or right hand side for others.
    • There are not any resting/seating areas along the queue.
    • Music/themed noise is played along the queue.
    • There are strobe lighting/flashing light effects along the queue.
    • The queuing system is level between the access point steps and the ride station.
      The ride station is accessed via 2 steps.
      Once inside the station there is a level section followed by 32 steps leading up to the platform.
  • Ride Transfer View
    • Access to the platform is via closed double gates.
    • The gate(s) is/are activated remotely by staff.
    • This ride/attraction platform access point is signed.
    • The gate opening width is 76cm.
    • Guests have to step up and into the carriage.
    • The carriage is secure and will not move when guests are transferring.
    • Staff are unable to provide assistance when transferring into/onto the ride/attraction.
    • The restraints for this ride/attraction include: shoulder harnesses.

Ride Access (Fastrack Passes and Ride Access Passes - Ambulant Disabled Guests)

  • Access Point View
    • This ride/attraction access point is signed.
    • There is stepped access at this access point.
    • This access point is an open gateway.
    • The width of the access point opening is 98cm.
    • There are 24 steps leading down to the queuing system immediately beyond the access point.
      Ride Access Pass holders who require step-free access to the ride station can use the lift located within the Buy the Smiler Shop.
  • Queuing System View
    • Access along this queue consists of; steps going up and steps going down.
    • The approximate length of this queue is 80m.
    • Path surfaces in this queuing system are concrete.
    • The minimum width of the queuing area is 75cm.
    • There are a total of 58 steps along this queue.
    • Steps are clearly marked.
    • Handrails along the stepped section(s) are on both sides for some sections and on the left or right hand side for others.
    • There are not any resting/seating areas along the queue.
    • Music/themed noise is played along the queue.
    • There are strobe lighting/flashing light effects along the queue.
    • The queuing system is level between the access point steps and the ride station.
      The queue does split into 2 channels for Fastrack and Ride Access passes along the route to the ride station, but distances are similar and access identical.
      The ride station is accessed via 2 steps.
      Once inside the station there is a level section followed by 32 steps leading up to the platform.
  • Ride Transfer View
    • Access to the platform is via closed double gates.
    • The gate(s) is/are activated remotely by staff.
    • This ride/attraction platform access point is signed.
    • The gate opening width is 76cm.
    • Wheelchairs are not permitted in/on the ride/attraction itself.
    • Wheelchairs can be left at the ride/attraction transfer platform/area.
    • Guests have to step up and into the carriage.
    • The carriage is secure and will not move when guests are transferring.
    • Staff are unable to provide assistance when transferring into/onto the ride/attraction.
    • The restraints for this ride/attraction include: shoulder harnesses.

Ride Access (Ride Access Passes - Non Ambulant Guests via Buy The Smiler Shop)

  • Access Point View
    • This ride/attraction access point is not signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
    • This access point is an opening with no gate(s) or door(s).
    • The width of the access point opening is 175cm.
    • This ride access route is via the platform lift in the Buy The Smiler shop.
      There is no queuing system, staff will direct guests to the lift.
      After the lift there is a single manual door leading to the platform.
  • Queuing System View
    • Access along this queue is step free, via lift.
    • The approximate length of this queue is 25m.
    • Path surfaces in this queuing system are concrete and vinyl.
    • The queuing area is sheltered.
    • There is a lift in the queuing system.
  • Ride Transfer View
    • Access to the platform is via closed double gates.
    • The gate(s) is/are activated remotely by staff.
    • This ride/attraction platform access point is signed.
    • The gate opening width is 76cm.
    • Wheelchairs are not permitted in/on the ride/attraction itself.
    • Wheelchairs can be left at the ride/attraction transfer platform/area.
    • Guests have to step up and into the carriage.
    • The carriage is secure and will not move when guests are transferring.
    • Staff are unable to provide assistance when transferring into/onto the ride/attraction.
    • The restraints for this ride/attraction include: shoulder harnesses.
    • Ride Access Pass holders can use the same route in reverse to exit if required.

Lift (Buy The Smiler Shop - Step-Free Route to Ride Platform)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the Buy The Smiler Shop.
  • The lift was out of use at the time of the survey.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the shop entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0 (Shop), 1 (Platform).
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 93cm x 140cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • Comments View
    • This platform lift can be used by Ride Access Pass holders to gain step-free access to The Smiler ride boarding station platform.
    • Ride Access Pass holders can also use it to exit the ride.

Ride/Attraction Experience

  • For information regarding the nature of this ride please click here (new tab).
  • The ride/attraction is open air.
  • Guests may get wet on this ride/attraction.
  • This ride/attraction has smoke, fog or misting effects.
  • The ride/attraction goes forwards.
  • The ride/attraction descends from a high height.
  • The ride/attraction goes upside down at points.
  • Music/themed noise is played during the ride/attraction.
  • There is some flash photography on the ride/attraction.
  • The ride/attraction goes into darkness/low lighting in places.
  • Strobe lighting/flashing lights are used during the ride/attraction.

Ride Exit (Main Exit Via Shop)

  • Ride Transfer View
    • The carriage is secure and will not move when guests are transferring.
    • Staff are unable to provide assistance when transferring out of/off the ride/attraction.
    • Guests have to step down to the platform when exiting.
    • Access from the platform is via a closed single gate.
    • The gate(s) is/are opened manually by staff.
    • The opening width is 85cm.
    • As you leave the platform there are 14 steps leading up to a footbridge.
      There are then 2 more sets of stairs on the route leading down to the shop; one of 14 steps and then one of 32 steps.
  • Exit Route View
    • Access along this exit route consists of; steps going down and steps going up.
    • The approximate length of this exit route is 100m.
    • Path surfaces in this exit route are concrete.
    • There are a total of 60 steps along this exit route.
    • The majority of steps are clearly marked.
    • Handrails along the stepped section(s) are on both sides.
    • There are not any resting/seating areas along the exit route.
    • Music/themed noise is played along the exit route.
    • The photo counter is located in the Buy The Smiler shop.
    • The photo counter is at a height of 76cm.
  • Exit Point View