Swing Things

Pendulum rides--which are so named because they are based on the swinging motion of a fixed pendulum--have become very popular at amusement parks over the last ten years or so. In doing research for this blog, I learned that the category of "pendulum rides" is actually quite vast, with at least eight varieties of the ride. These include rides as basic as the classic swinging Pirate ship to the more complicated and rare "Topple Tower" ride. While Hersheypark, Dorney and Knoebels all have several versions of pendulum rides in their lineups, this entry is going to focus on the "Frisbee" style of pendulum ride. A Frisbee pendulum ride definition is as follows from Wikipedia:
"The Frisbee is an pendulum-motion amusement ride...a 14 meter pendulum is suspended between two support frames. Attached to the base of this pendulum in a circular gondola, 8 meters in diameter. 36 to 40 riders (depending on individual design) are seated in the gondola, facing either inwards or outwards.When the ride cycle starts, the gondola begins to rotate. In addition, the pendulum arm begins to swing through an arc of 170°. Riders experience speeds of up to 50mph (80 km/h) during the ride."
All three parks added this type of ride within several years of each other, which is very interesting, considering there are less than twenty Frisbee rides in the United States (that I am aware of). No doubt about it, NEPA loves their Frisbee rides--but which park has the best one?

Hersheypark: The Claw

Named for the shape its seats form, The Claw was the first Frisbee ride that came to NEPA. Installed in 2003, it is located in Pioneer Frontier across from the Dry Gulch Railroad and near their other big pendulum ride (a pirate ship). The Claw seats 32 riders in eight groups of four seats that face inward. The ride itself is good and intense, with the swing reaching a maximum height of about 64 feet in the air. The Claw is a popular ride, and lines for it can become long due the slow nature of loading (it's a stop and start ride, not a continuous loading one). However, it's worth the wait--The Claw definitely delivers a thrilling ride!

Knoebels: Fandango

Opened in 2005, Fandango is named after a lively flamenco dance because, as Knoebels claims, "Much like the dance it’s named for, the Fandango starts slowly, then the speed gradually increases to a whirl of exhilaration." Fandango seats its riders facing outward rather than inward, and the seats are not separated into groups but sit right next to each other. Once Fandango gets going, it delivers nonstop thrills--the ride gets great height, making you feel as if you are almost going to go upside down, and you can get great air time at the ride's highest peak. Another exciting aspect of the ride is the line--located so close to Fandango, the ride sweeps what feels like inches away from your head. The biggest problem with Fandango? Finding it! It is at the very back of Knoebels, tucked away behind the Phoenix roller coaster and Antique Cars ride. Casual Knoebels visitors may miss Fandango, but definitely keep your eyes peeled for this ride, because it should not be missed.

Dorney Park: Revolution

Revolution is almost identical to The Claw at Hersheypark in every way. It seats 32 riders facing inwards in eight groups of four, and has the same intensity as The Claw, as well, reaching a maximum height of about 65 feet. Revolution was introduced in 2004, only a year after The Claw, which probably explains the similarities. Revolution, which is located at the back left side of the park near the hyper coaster Steel Force, packs the same punch as The Claw, and is a very fun ride.

The Verdict

1. Fandango
2. The Claw
3. Revolution

Fandango wins the Frisbee race simply due to the fact that it is a much different ride than either The Claw or Revolution--in a good way. Although I could not find out exactly how high Fandango swings (and if someone knows, don't hesitate to inform me!), I have ridden all three rides and can attest that Fandango goes higher and faster than the other two rides, therefore giving you a more thrilling experience. The outward-facing seats make the ride moire intense, as well. The Claw and Revolution are basically carbon-copies of each other and are both good rides, but I gave The Claw the edge because it came out a year before Revolution and was the pendulum ride that started the three-year Frisbee craze in NEPA.

Pendulum rides are fun in any shape or form, but the Frisbee style is one of the most intense and exciting. NEPA is lucky to have one at all three of its major theme parks, so go out and experience the swinging sensation! You won't be disappointed.