Rides
Supersonic
A host of fast-paced, high-action rides have opened in recent months. We take a look at some of the most significant around the world
The new 35,0000sq m (377,000sq ft) Ducati World area of Mirabilandia Park opened its doors in July, with its signature attraction coming in the shape of a world-first interactive duelling coaster.
Called Desmo Race, the ride is themed on the Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s Ducati Panigale V4 Superbike, with passengers actually race each other, with the bravest outracing the other.
The 60-second race takes place on two separate intertwining tracks, both 1050m (3,444ft) in length. The aim is to replicate a World Superbike race, with each rider having their own drive system. Using a throttle grip, riders can determine exactly how fast they want to go. The ride vehicles contain an powerful electric drive, which, if required, can catapult riders to a top speed of 26.2mph (42.2kmph) with a torque of 1050Nm within a few seconds.
The ride climbs to 22m (72ft) during the experience. Based on Maurer’s Spike coaster, planners were able to create the route and ride elements with freedom, as the Spike configuration means, unlike a conventional coaster, it doesn’t need block brake sections and drive straights.
The design of the vehicles sees passengers almost sitting on the ride rail itself. Original components such as display and lights are fully functional. In addition, a sound generator provides the full Ducati sound when accelerating to create an authentic overall experience.
The first of several recently-opened hybrid steel-wood coasters in Europe, Walibi’s Untamed, is the rebirth of the park’s only wooden coaster, which has been transformed into an all-new ride with a record-breaking five inversions and 14 air-time moments.
To convert the former Robin Hood wooden coaster into a hybrid, changes were made to the supporting structure, extending the ride length by around 50m (164ft) and increasing its height by around 5m (16.4ft). It now reaches a top speed of 92kmph (57.1mph), 12kmph (7.5mph) faster than the previous version.
The ride uses Rock Mountain’s I-Box system, with the new track being a conversion of the previous version.
Part of the brand new Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park at the American Dream mega-mall in New Jersey, New York, two major rollercoasters by Gerstlauer feature, with both themed on the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The first, called TMNT Shellraiser, is a steel coaster based on Gerstlauer’s Euro-Fighter model, with this particular version holding the record for world’s steepest plunge on a rollercoaster.
Reaching heights of 141ft (43m) and speeds of up to 62.1mph (100kmph), the LSM launch coaster feature a vertical drop of 121.5°. At its peak, the ride will pause at the top of a 122ft (37.2m) drop, giving riders a glimpse of New York City, across the Hudson River.
The second ride is another record-setter. Called The Shredder, the steel coaster features spinning cars and intertwines with TMNT Shellraiser on its course. With a track length of 2,247ft (685m) and reaching heights of 85ft (26m) the ride now holds the record as the world’s tallest and longest free-spinning rollercoaster.
Two other smaller coasters feature in the park, with the Chance Rides-manufactured Nickelodeon Slime Streak and the Intamin-manufactured Sandy’s Blasting Bronco.
A new hybrid coaster at Energylandia, Zadra holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest wooden rollercoaster.
Zadra – the Polish word for splinter – is Energylandia’s 15th rollercoaster and features a 90° drop and three inversions, one of which is a Zero-G Stall. Towering at 63.8m (209.3ft) and reaching a top speed of 75.2mph (121kmph), the ride uses Rocky Mountain Construction’s I-Box Track, which consists of a steel track on wooden supports. A first for the manufacturer, this is the first coaster to be built from scratch using I-Box rather than having the track built onto an existing wooden rollercoaster.
Zadra takes the record of world’s tallest wooden rollercoaster from the T Express at Everland and Wildfire at Kolmården in Sweden, both being 56m (183.8ft) in height. The ride is primarily made of pine, an extremely weather-resistant material sourced from the US state of Georgia.
With its wood/metal combination, the ride has an old school feel with a modern approach. A combination of technology from Rocky Mountain Construction and Vekoma, the build took 11 months, starting in November last year with completion in August.
The ride opens as part of a new zone for the park. Called Dragon Castle, the medieval fantasy land is sited on the 50,000sq m (538,000sq ft) surrounding Zadra and is made up of periodic gothic architecture and the ruins of elaborate castles. A smaller second Vekoma coaster – Frida – is a family-friendly option for kids.
Opened in August, this new ride from Mack is a steel launch coaster reaching speeds of up to 62.1mph (100kmph), shooting riders out of the station up into an arched horseshoe roll. At its peak, Steam Racers reaches 124.7ft (38m).
The ride is a key attraction for Sunac Resort – a new cultural tourism zone opened in June this year. Covering 240 hectares, the massive resort development features eight areas, including Sunac Land, a waterpark, snow park and Ocean Park.
Sunac Land also features the Flying Eagle a suspension coaster which is the fastest in the park, reaching 118kmph (73.3mph). Soaring through a set of artificial mountains the ride recreates the flight of an Eagle, reaching heights of 197.5ft (60.2m).
Entering the world of The Twilight Saga, Midnight Ride is a VR experience taking guests on a motorcycle thrill ride with Jacob and his Wolf Pack.
Using a real-world motorcycle on a user-controlled motion base, guests wearing headsets ride through a moonlit setting. On the ride, vampires are on the prowl, with riders helping to draw them out so the Wolf Pack can regain control of the town of Forks.
Playing as avatars, 24 guests can enjoy the experience in VR at once. Branching paths and choices offer alternate experiences, increasing replayability.
The experience is a combination of CAVU’s ride systems and VR specialist DreamCraft’s technology, while Thinkwell led the production and creative process, and Framestore created the media.
To create the immersive experience, several special effects are used, including haptics and offboard and onboard audio.
“Guests can move through the Twilight world and interact with friends, family and familiar characters using our highly responsive motion base,” said Mark Stepanian, VP of Innovation and Engineering at CAVU. “Coupled with force feedback haptics, wind and scent, the ride is designed to fully engage all the senses and makes for a ground-breaking experience.”
The world’s first spinning rapids ride to actually feature rapid rivers, Lava Drifting is the latest addition to China’s Haichang Ocean Park.
Also the longest spinning rapids ride in the world, Lava Drifting is themed after a volcano, with the 1km (0.6mi), 11-minute ride culminating in a steep drop from the wings of a manta ray.
It takes visitors around the park, with multiple viewing spots and vantage points for other visitors.
The preliminary layout was developed by Legacy Entertainment. The ride features a control system designed to ensure safety, precision and accuracy. This includes multi-zone control and advanced vehicle tracking.
“The ride path has been carefully woven through the Rainbow Falls section of the park,”said Legacy’s Taylor Jeffs. “This symbiotic relationship is instrumental in activating the land.”
The Polish word for Werewolf, Wilkołak is a new addition to Polish theme park Majaland. Described as a family coaster, the ride is based on Plopsaland’s Heidi The Ride, and is a steel-wood hybrid reaching heights of up to 22m (72.2ft) and speeds of up to 71kmph (44.1mph).
The ride follows the theme of a horror film, with the station stylised as an abandoned, haunted house standing on the edge of the forest. In here lives the werewolf, which has left its mark on the train carriages in the form of claw marks.
Developed at a cost of €7.5m (US$8.2m) The Great Coasters-designed Wilkołak is the first wooden rollercoaster to come to Poland since the closure of Warsaw’s Sto Pochiech amusement park in 1939. It would be followed shortly by another wooden hybrid – Zadra at Energylandia.
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
