Both Canada’s Wonderland and Knott’s Berry Farm have announced WindSeekers for the 2011 season. Both rides will stand 301 feet tall and will hold 64 riders. Below you will find each park’s press release and renderings of the ride. We will know about Kings Island’s and Cedar Point’s additions by the end of the day.
Canada’s Wonderland:
Canada’s Wonderland takes excitement to new heights in 2011, with the addition of WindSeeker – a 30-storey swing ride.
Towering high above the Park, WindSeeker will ascend 301 feet (91.7M) and spread its metal arms, swinging riders at a 45-degree angle at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour. WindSeeker will feature 32 two-person swings that will provide riders with a sensational feeling of weightlessness as their feet dangle at heights never experienced before at Wonderland.
“We are continuing to change the landscape at Canada’s Wonderland and with the addition of our new thrill machine WindSeeker, we will be 70 feet (21.3M) higher that our previous tallest rides Drop Tower and Behemoth”, said Raffi Kaprelyan, Vice President and General Manager of Canada’s Wonderland. “For riders that are looking for extreme height and intense thrills, this ride will be a must-do for 2011”.
Knott’s Berry Farm:
WindSeeker will be designed and manufactured by Mondial, a company based in the Netherlands that has been creating thrill rides for the amusement park industry since 1987. Mondial is known for their innovative and unique rides and maintains the highest standards in regards to quality and safety.
WindSeeker will feature 32, 2-person gondolas that will ascend to a height of 301 feet. Once it has reached the top of the tower, WindSeeker will spread it’s metal arms swinging riders for a 60 second flight at a 45 degree angle at a speed of 8 rotations per minute.
“Due to the long airtime, riders will experience a spectacular sense of weightlessness. This, combined with the fact that riders legs will be unrestrained, will create a sense of exhilaration which will enhance the feeling of free flight,” said Knott’s General Manager, Marty Keithley.
WindSeeker will be located at the current site of Knott’s Sky Cabin. Groundbreaking for WindSeeker is scheduled for fall of 2010 with completion expected by summer 2011.
You can see forever from Windseeker at Wonderland. It is sad that the one at Knotts had such a short life