Alton Towers has further delayed the opening of its new rollercoaster The Smiler due to “unforseen teething problems”.
The record-breaking 14-inversion ride was scheduled to open on Thursday, but this will now not happen.
The park has not yet set a revised opening date, but this website understands that even a Saturday opening remains uncertain.
Dogged by construction delays throughout the project, technicians from German manufacturers Gerstlauer are still working on electronic instrumentation associated with the ride.
The £18 million ride was originally scheduled to open on 16 March along with the start of Alton Towers’ main season.
Generic FAQs
The park has set up a frequently asked questions page, featuring three questions.
All of the answers begin by explaining that Alton Towers features over 50 other rides and attractions.
Guests with advance-purchase tickets or booked hotel rooms are able to revisit the resort at another time if they choose to cancel due to The Smiler’s unavailability.
News of the latest delay was broken by the park at lunchtime today and the announcement has attracted considerable criticism from guests on social media websites.
Meanwhile, actor Gerry Cannell – who has portrayed the elusive Doctor Kelman at The Sanctuary scare maze since last year – has confirmed that he will not be appearing at the ride.