JayTricky

OK now this is awesome. Go on the scanner, go to http://www.the-smiler.com/thesmiler/ - on the homepage. Go to page 3 of the main pictures (the promo image of woman screaming), and scan the image. You get a full animated 3D image. Very very cool. Even better; http://www.facebook.com/altontowersresort - move your phone/device and the image is viewed from a different angle. or.. scan this image.

Wow...the game is very addictive. Confirms a worlds first too that will be revealed May 1st. Looks like there might be leg ticklers and other effects.

New update from http://www.altontowers.com/the-smiler I'm liking the inverted drops.

14 inversions it is then! Looks pretty insane. Looking at the stages of the ride in the video, the name starts to make a bit more sense.

Ok Mr. Wardley ....

I don't know what it is about the Alton Towers fanboys always wanting to believe there is going to be something so outlandish and crazy being built, and it's going to "blow away the rest of the world", and what they don't even realize, if that they took a step back from always seemingly having to prove something to everyone, maybe they'd realize that Alton Towers, just on it's own merits, is actually probably one of the best parks in the world. It doesn't need a "world's first" or some stupid gimmicky thing, it's actually a decent place to visit without all that crap. --Robb I agree with all of that. It's a shame that people can't just enjoy a ride being built without having to believe and push rumours of 'secret elements' to somehow put it in the limelight... It doesn't need a gimmick.... If its a good enough coaster, people from around the world will enjoy it anyway. Considering its John Wardeys last design, maybe the secret weapon theme has left with him. He's had a good run and I hope this is a good swan song. More track going up on Monday, when guests are out the park. It'll be nice to see some photos with more than just the knot element. When are TPR next visiting AT? I know there's a mini-uk trip scheduled.

No it's not. Alton Towers themselves have not once mentioned any form of secret element for this ride. It was dreamt up by a TowersTimes member as a way of explaining the possible 14 inversions. The marketing for this by Alton has been very good and not at all over the top like TH13TEEN. It's the fanboys and enthusiasts on most of the UK forums that are taking the washing machine idea overboard. A lot of people want this ride to fail. I have a feeling a lot of my fellow countrymen have pissed off people on here in the past!

another...

We do have April Fools Day... I think that was the day TH13TEEN's secret element was revealed.

Agreed, and thank god there isn't. Everything is pointing towards a launch now.

WDW Hollywood Studios had some AMAZING pretzels. When handing over the money I was told "No, it's ok - Mickey is paying for it today" by the worker... which I was shocked about. Very very generous. Does this happen a lot? Also, the Rose and Crown pub at Epcot had a great fish and chips. I've ate there a few times and always enjoy going back especially when eating in front of the fireworks.

^^ and I thought it was just me. They're definitely not rushing it, that's for sure.

Made me laugh.

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure Sea World Busch Gardens Tampa Animal Kingdom Epcot Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom Fun Spot Kissimmee Fun Spot iDrive Coming up... Alton Towers Thorpe Park Port Aventura

There is still a blue square, yes - but on other images posted on other websites, there are pictures which clearly show that there is just an inversion in that position. Towerstimes have removed all news articles that they originally released about the washing machine element. But they have also put their rep on the line by claiming that there IS something record breaking. E.g a secret element. Lets say you're right and there is just a straight Peice of track there, then how is this a worlds first? How is it record breaking? There are 8 inversions outside, to break that record WITHOUT the secret element would take what, 6 more inversions inside? Not a chance that is happening. Unless its to do with the trains, I can't see how there won't be a secret element. Not necessarily a washing machine, but something new and groundbreaking.

Managed to get both Universal parks in today. Here in Orlando for two weeks. Hulk was looking and running fantastic as normal... Beautiful day.

In other images, TowersTimes blurred out a section of the track that hasn't been blurred out in the previous snow pic. Which is confusing. They still maintain that there is something behind their censored box though!

Another look at the 'Staffordshire knot' inversion element of The Smiler. Taken off the AT official site. (Image is two weeks old).

Did this as a mock up to back up your theory. I can see what you're getting at!

Not a fan of the layout then? I think it's pretty remarkable considering the limited space.

It's a shame, but not that disappointing. This thing happens, especially considering the terrible weather we have had over the last two months. I'd rather it be open, to it's full potential, and 100% complete. Bring on May.

Nothing in the dark section will be revealed until opening day. Of which, I will be there, and it will add to my excitement 'not knowing' what's going to happen inside. Apart from the quite obvious barrel roll that has been seen on pictures, TowersTimes have themselves agreed with AT to blurr out any possible secret element. Once commercials are released, it might tell more, maybe the inversion count. It's interesting to me how they're branding it 'world beating' and 'worlds first' at the same time. World beating, probably will be the inversions - 14 of them. Worlds first, maybe the secret element?