Alton Towers ride launch delay

Alton Towers' new record breaking rollercoaster has opened after several delays because of technical problems.

The 14 loop ride, which cost the theme park £18 million to build, was meant to open around a week ago.

With 14 loops to the previous record of 10, it is the largest roller-coaster ever built.

Alton Towers' new record breaking roller coaster still remains closed because of teething problems.

The 14 loop ride, which cost the theme park £18 million to build, was meant to open five days ago.

For more information, head to Alton Towers' website.

Alton Towers' new record breaking rollercoaster has had its opening delayed again because of technical problems.

The 14 loop ride, which cost the theme park £18 million to build, was meant to open to the public yesterday.

However on the Staffordshire attraction's website, it says the ride is still not operational today, due to 'unforeseen teething problems'.

People who have booked tickets to specifically ride the new rollercoaster are advised they can have their tickets revalidated for another date during the season.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Alton Towers have revealed that their new ride, The Smiler, will not be open today, as anticipated.

Visitors who have already booked tickets for the park today have been told:

"Guests who have booked tickets for 23rd May to specifically ride The Smiler can have them revalidated for another visit during the season."

The theme park has not yet said when the ride will be due to open.

The wait is almost over for roller coaster enthusiasts - Alton Towers will open its new £18 million ride called The Smiler on the 23rd May.

With 14 loops to the previous record of 10, it is the largest roller-coaster ever built. Only a dozen people have been on it so far, a slightly reluctant Callum Watkinson was one of them.

Alton Towers' new roller-coaster, billed as the first of its kind in the world, will preview today, ahead of its opening on May 23.

'The Smiler' cost £18 million to build, has a drop of 30 metres and a maximum speed of 52 miles per hour.

The ride is the world's first 14 looping roller-coaster.

Rollercoaster enthusiasts have created a computer simulation of Alton Towers' new ride 'The Smiler', which is due to be in operation from next month..

The video above was posted on YouTube in February and was computer-modeled using plans of the real coaster.

It shows the view from the point of view of the rider. 'The Smiler' has cost £18 million to build.

• The Smiler is twice the size of Nemesis
• Highest drop – 30m
• Maximum speed – approx 85km/hr
• Track length – 1,170m (3x the length of Oblivion)
• Ride time – 165 seconds (3x the ride time of Rita)
• Location – X Sector
• Investment for the Resort - £18m
• Opening date – May 2013