Top 10 EXTINCT Thrill Rides You Can't Ride Anymore

[@christosvoskresye]

I have to say, the Witching Wave looks like it must have been a blast. Somehow it is a lot more appealing than the electric bumper cars. However, there is an issue you did not mention: It seems certain that the gaps between the metal plates presented a serious risk. I could easily imagine an article of clothing or, much worse, a hand or a foot getting caught up in the machinery, with the usual results from "caught in the machinery".

[@heidifedor]

A lot of those turn of the 20th century rides look like death traps.

[@theOlLineRebel]

It is awesome what century-old people managed to invent and actually build!

[@teresayates8274]

Absolutely! I would have loved it!❤

[@the_holographic_charazard3971]

It does look like fun but it looks like it could be really dangerous too

[@cathyguss9178]

@@teresayates8274 ++#

[@Nacho-Mamma]

I’ve ridden the “Vertigo”. The reason it failed was because of the design of the carriage inside the track housing. It didn’t just make you nauseous. It was extremely painful to ride, as the controllers didn’t really understand exactly how to lock the carriage properly, and it would slip loose & jerk the rider, causing whiplash & spinal injuries. Although there may still be a few running still today, my suggestion would be to completely avoid the physical injuries by not riding!

[@xkoala303x]

That’s really cool thanks for sharing!!

[@lastsaint7778]

The hi roller(s) hurt(s) too! When it flips on its side, you smash into the person next to you, or vice versa.

[@infamouschris8607]

@@lastsaint7778 I can believe that, these rides always make me think of washing machines 🙈

[@thewewguy8t88]

yeah i heard about that too. still looks fun though.

[@IamNiggler]

@@xkoala303xdamn I'm so gay lol

[@samwill7259]

This is part of why I can never get THAT into being a theme park fan and just watch videos like this second hand. I couldn't take the heartbreak of getting attached to things that are attached to a specific spot and can be easily lost on a corporate whim.

[@hi-tec5574]

Yeah, that's how I feel about Disney Quest

[@Theonlylamprey]

Same

[@marchingbandtakemebythehan1887]

I’m an amusement park historian, so many amazing parks have been lost to time 😭

[@Nathandelange]

For me, it’s part of the fun being a theme park fan. You never know what’s going to happen

[@kaitlynh2574]

For sure! But there will always be more rides made for you to try out

[@DJWezzyK]

The Sound Factory had one major issue: The whole structure was dancing cause the footers where designed wrong and the forces the ride produced could not be leveled throughout the ride, caused instability in the rides base. Therefore it was unsafe to operate after the whole machine shifted from it's setup base. That was the one major issue the ride did not last long

[@flowertrue]

I wouldn't have wanted to ride that thing anyways with that horrifying green-lipped Coke can in the middle!

[@DJWezzyK]

@@flowertrue The ride was sensational, just miscalculated

[@gb9727]

still, at least it's operating again, now known as 'parkour' with changed seats, which technically doesn't classify this thing as extinct, unless if you count the old version of it/

[@DJWezzyK]

@@gb9727 Gerstlauer had to rebuild the mainframe of the ride from scratch and recalculate the stampd for the ride not to dance on it's supports. So only the arms and the excentrique are the same. The rest is all brand new.

[@gerragotheallidile]

@@DJWezzyK That sucks...

[@braddo7270]

Absolutely love how their reaction to a fatality on a ride was "send it to Kuwait" 🤣🤣

[@breadboxx6662]

I love seeing old footage of these rides in action, but I feel sorry for the person who had to get on the these with those big cameras back then.

[@chaoticcatartist]

As well as fumbling to keep the cam safe. Camras are expensive now nvm back then!

[@SidVacant69]

I never once thought about how inconvenient it must've been filming on rides with big cameras lol

[@Slushiebop]

The fact that the Flying Circus/Giro-Light is still around, just in storage is amazing to me, it should be in a museum

[@gb9727]

still, nanfang made a copy of it. I hope they do it for all the other rides in this video.

[@toidIllorTAmI]

I'm shocked they kept it and are not using it regardless of safety. Most parks don't care.

[@Lloyd00]

Problem with the sky sling was it was an upcharge attraction which I despise.

[@TheTurkaderr]

you and me both...you pay god knows how much to get in,then they want to charge you more...if It's in the damn park, and I paid to get IN the park, I should be able to ride it as many times as I want without paying extra.

[@maryhannahsmith9307]

Right?!

[@racookster]

@@TheTurkaderr- It's easy to see why parks had to charge extra to ride it, though. It only held a maximum of what? Six people? In at least one of those video clips, only four of the seats appeared to be occupied. The parks probably couldn't make back the cost of maintenance and electricity, even by charging extra.

[@chloewebb5526]

The vertigo reminds me of the Zipper for some reason. For those who dont recognize the name, its common in traveling fair/carnivals. You get in a cage that you half stand/sit in, which spins in place, while also spinning around a long pole (like bike chain or tank tracks), but that ole also spings like a sideways propellerbut the operator can stop anyone at the end while its in the sky, and you can also pull a lever in your cage that stops your personal cage from spinning in place. Its pretty much a giant straight line like an "I", with little "I"s that spin around it while the big one also spins. I never realized how convoluted these sound when describing them in words lol, I can't imagine pitching one of these ideas without pen and paper handy lmao

[@jpendowski7503]

The Zipper is my favorite carnival ride. Will still stop at a random carnival if I see a Zipper.

[@thefoss3]

Be Careful if you are riding with someone of significant size difference. I was riding with my significant other who was quite a bit larger than me. And I basically flew around inside the cage freely. Came out very bruised and sore.

[@mikekinsella2822]

I love the zipper.

[@crystanick2697]

That's what I was thinking!

[@jjmailman]

I have ridden both “Flyswatters” and “Thrill Shot” at SFMM (I’m actually in the vid provided by Sean Flaharty). The Flyswatter at Astroworld was really intimidating to watch!! It actually rotated in both directions. The worst was going backwards, as when you were upside down, going up. It really felt like you’d be thrown out, in a direction you couldn’t see. The one at Thorpe was pretty much the same, surrounded by tall foliage!! I remember it being rougher, but couldn’t say way. Thrill Shot was brilliant!! There were 3 or 4 different flipping modes. The best was going up like normal, then flipping at the top, and falling down backwards. Scary as heck, but I never felt unsafe. I was disappointed at their demise.

[@iitzfizz]

yeah i rode the sky swat too, it was a decent forceful flat ride

[@Ilikesaucytoes]

I am so upset because I first visited Thorpe park in 2016 and at the time I was too scared to ride it. However now I’m a coaster fanatic and whenever I see the ride (which Sitill has the seats connected to the tower!) I feel so sad I never got to ride it as it looks like it was really fun as it goes so high up

[@ahyes589]

I rode it at Six Flags New England as a kid before it got replaced by SkyScreamer. It was a pretty good ride for what it was

[@euthanasiadumbwaiter2520]

I also rode the sky swatter when it was at Six Flags New England, where it was called “Catapult”. It wasn’t that comfortable, only ever rode it once.

[@elephantitan0373]

you're fucking tweaking

[@Polarized_Vision]

The Flying Cars looked cool. As someone who prefers coasters over flat rides, if that ride was still open, I would actually give it a try.

[@gb9727]

In fact, i would like a chinese manufacturer to bring that back!

[@morsedregs9239]

I’ve been on that “Sky Sling” or whatever they called it at Magic Mountain. It was the one with the saddle. They charged $25 to ride it. You got to ride it twice with a choice of two of the four different settings each with different degrees of intensity. Of course we chose the most insane setting. It was worth the 25.

[@IKFKSwitch]

Those older and more dangerous rides from the 50s on back to the gilded age, especially some of the crazy old coney Island stuff, and utter insanity like the crystal beach cyclone.. welp, those just look more fun. I'm a huge fan of the human pool table.

[@RICDirector]

🤣😂🤣

[@Salbow_]

I rode the last remaining Double Giant Wheel at Australia's Wonderland (Wonderland Sydney) before its 2004 closure, and it was a favourite of mine, always super memorable. I had no idea there was a Triple Giant Wheel though! I learn new things every time with your videos.

[@jimewen19681]

That same ride operated at Kings Island in Mason Ohio from 1975 to 1987 and the was relocated to Australia. It was called Zodiac. Look up some videos of it in operation at Kings Island on KZbin. There are many videos of it! Australia also got another ride from Kings Island called Bayern Kurve. It was renamed Wizards Fury in Australia.

[@Todd1356]

@@jimewen19681 Hersheypark had one too. It was always a nice, breezy relaxing ride, unless somebody was spinning the hell out of the gondola.

[@debbsrebornnursery]

I remember the zodiac at wonderland, I only went on it a few times, I also didn't know there was a triple one of it

[@Keopro]

The Zodiac was one of my favourite rides at Wonderland as a kid who couldn’t go on roller coasters and the spinning rides!

[@supermarioland2fan]

I luckily was able to ride the Sky Swatter in the late 2000’s at Six Flags New England. I remember the ride operator having to release and redo the shoulder harnesses twice before we were able to ride. It wasn’t too uncomfortable but I was in middle school so my memory isn’t so clear. It was a fun ride, and I think a newer variation on the idea/concept could do well.

[@nojuanatall3281]

I rode swat at Astroworld in Houston TX. It would feel like you were still on it when going to bed that night. It was an alright ride.

[@cathleendemasi992]

I rode it too; it was called Catapult.

[@BRUXXUS]

I rode the SkySling at Frontier City in OKC a few times. It was surreal and quite scary. Being flung up above the towers then seats tipping forward to face the ground.

[@glenpolen5562]

I could never ride anything upside down that continued over and over. I could ride coasters that go upside down coz im gona straighten out soon. lol. These rides look CRAZY. NO way, would i EVER get on those old rides. I dont ride those crazy rides these days. I dont trust them. And i would get very sick. Lol. Great video.

[@NerdyMangler]

I remember it from rct3 personally

[@querellenono2683]

No and Hell No

[@glenpolen5562]

@@querellenono2683 i agree. My 2 feet must stay on the ground when it comes to wild rides like that. 👍

[@Oakleaf700]

@@glenpolen5562 Out of interest, do you suffer from 'Migraines'?...People who suffer from these are more sensitive to movements and are more prone to motion sickness. I get giddy on a simple antique carousel these days!

[@universalgames2901]

Going on rainbow road be like 0:52

[@JAXXNCREATED]

would definitely like a part 2 to this

[@chibimaho273]

i don't think seems yet,

[@gb9727]

Yes, there might be more extinct rides out there

[@gb9727]

i agree! i have found some rides that i think are extinct, and i commented that TPC should make a part 2 with those rides in it.

[@gifflebunk]

The Triple Giant Wheel honestly looks like some kind of otherworldly alien mechanical nightmare! Its general appearance freaked me out a little for absolutely no reason.

[@silverxstar01]

Always loved the design of the double/triple wheels. So striking and retro-futuristic!

[@alexv3375]

Am I the only one who thinks the face on the Absoluter looks a lot like (appropriately enough) the album cover of _The Fun Machine Took A Shit & Died,_ by Queens Of The Stone Age?

[@sirenlover100]

The Sky Swat also exists in RCT3 as part of the Wild! expansion

[@Spike-sk7ql]

I dont know, man... It looks like it would honestly be a pretty fun time on that Witching Waves ride.

[@Bossianus]

I love how Rollercoaster Tycoon has a lot of this closed rides^^

[@coyote_bravo2723]

Flat rides are my soft spot, they are what got me into amusement parks in the first place. I wish I could’ve been able to experience some of these unique rides but at least I can enjoy the old footage.

[@AngryTinyMan]

I have fond memories of the Flight Trainer at Great America - I had gone with a friend who hated roller coasters, but he loved having control over the experience in a way that only Flight Trainer did. Real shame when it was discontinued everywhere - I feel like it would still be popular today. As an aside, I've been in search of information on the most illusive thrill ride I've ever seen - the Niagara Barrel. Built for the Venice Amusement Pier in 1929, it consists of a giant glass-paned barrel that slowly rotates on a horizontal axis. I have failed to find any information on what the actual ride experience is like, though; all I've been able to find is an artist's conception of the ride and a one-second clip of the ride in motion from the 1933 Our Gang short "Fish Hooky."

[@Russia_Moscow_countryhuman]

Could you share that photo and the clip?

[@billmadison2032]

I love that ride when I was there as a kid

[@shaelan]

The Sky Diver, I remember a park near here that had one, it was called the Tumbleweed and located in the Ghost Town section of the park. I don't remember ever riding it, but I remember seeing the ride and my cousins getting off of it and nearly losing their lunches. It was actually fun to watch. It was replaced sometime later by The Condor which still stands and operates to this day.

[@Nlangkirby135]

I rode on an improved version of the sky sling at Six Flags Great Adventure. Best extinct ride I've ever ridden.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

@juiceboxer100 at the boardwalk section where Twister currently is and where Great American Scream Machine was

[@scaryhobbit211]

The Falling Star rides are quickly disappearing at a shocking pace. Those rides used to be almost everywhere, including at both Valleyfair and the Mall of America. Both parks have since demolished the ride, and now that the ride is discontinued by the manufacturer every park is rushing to take theirs down as well.

[@Binx345me]

falling star has nothing on the great HUSS Rainbow!!!

[@scaryhobbit211]

@@Binx345me **Ali Baba enters the chat**

[@easynhonest]

You could have easily added the Boomerang ride at Bertrand Island amusement in NJ . Four or five tub shape cars with no headrests would bee hooked up to arms that would spin on a circular track that would produce a high centrifugal force that would snap your head off if you didn't lean or tilt your head down. The operator would then release the tubs one by one flying into a horseshoe like tunnel where you would uncontrollably spin and slam into the walls and then stop at the end of the tunnel . It was my all-time favorite flat ride .

[@RICDirector]

Holy cats! That sucker sounds lethal.

[@lilblackbelt0001]

I rode Slammer in 2007 and its was so weird. I remember my uncle looking at it and saying nope and my aunt and I rode it. It was better going forward over going backwards

[@RedForeman]

As a time traveler I can confirm that the Witching Waves was absolutely amazing

[@Srtcuz]

I almost fell out the flight trainer when I was little. The shoulder restraints fit weird on that ride. Exactly like u guys said if the ride goes sideways or upside down u can fall out. It was really scary, will never forget that.

[@RG13114]

So manny rides that are gone I kinda wish a few were still here it would be so good to ride one

[@skunkman9815]

I’m still waiting for rides like the ones at the beginning of spy kids 2 island of lost dreams, most notably the juggler

[@robynbrunner4697]

the first of your videos I watched, I had myself convinced you were NileRed/NileBlue.. I have been sucked into them every single time I watch them. I did get to ride a double version of the triple giant wheel at Hershey park. At least, I think it was a double! I do remember when they took it out.

[@NOTnightowl]

I’ve actually been on a ride on the list!!!! Sky Swatter, and holy crap - it hurts. I remember riding when I was a kid and the lap bar just absolutely killed you when you inverted forward and upside down. It was fun other than basically losing both legs - it’d be cool to see them return with better lap bars

[@mellowyell]

Shout-out for a Skydiver reference. It was never an amazing ride, but it played a big part of my childhood visits to our local, Northern Idaho park, Silverwood. Being able to control your own spin was fun.

[@Jhihmoac]

I used to enjoy taking a break on the "Sky Whirl" (triple spider ferris wheel) at Six Flags Great America... The entire ride experience was good for the better part of 45 minutes to an hour as two wheels would always be turning in the air as one would be at the loading/unloading position... Didn't know about the rust issue, though... I was sad to see it gone after the 2000 season...

[@Nina-fp3jv]

Use to go on that ride as well at Great America

[@MB-nv4to]

I loved that ride but if I remember it was rusty at the end. They use a few of the old ride cars for fright fest and you can see how rusty they are even with being kept in storage.

[@kelaarin]

I remember riding one at Magic Mountain long ago.

[@billmadison2032]

When I rode on it. The entire thing was shaking violently. What about you guys?

[@TheRJBro]

I wish i could go on most of these! The monster one with the coke can in the middle looks so fun!

[@Sampler19]

It sure did, especially at night.

[@timedasher]

16:42 my sister says this attraction looks like it would fit well as a boss design from the Cuphead videogame

[@RonaldDScum]

Riverview had so many rides that were way ahead of it’s time. The Fireball was the first coaster with an underground tunnel, The Bobs was ridiculously fast paced for its time, and the boomerang was anything but a vekoma.

[@CrossoverPrincess]

California's Great America was my home park growing up. And I especially loved the sky whirl as I young I called it "The bird cages". I wasn't able to go often, but on Mother's Day of 1997 I rode it one last time, I remember hearing it was going to get torn down, but I was happy to least say good bye to my favorite ride...

[@thecatster]

The fair in my hometown has a Vertigo! I was always afraid to ride it in contrast to coasters since it seemed extremely unstable. I don't think I have any videos though, sadly.

[@maxhagenauer24]

I really really miss the Schwarzdof Enterprises. I know there are still more you can ride but the fact that they are no longer being made is very sad. I just love that idea of pure centrifugal force keeping you in.

[@JackDPearl]

The good news is that the Endeavor (I think by Zamperla) is essentially an updated version with more open seating.

[@maxhagenauer24]

@@JackDPearl Yes but those have restraints, and that takes away from it cause the enterprises you have no restraint and you see how cool it is with just centrifugal force keeping you from falling out.

[@CHEEKY_MONKEY]

I rode some very similar, if not the same, Flight Trainer in Brazil. The shuttle would spin on itself SOOOO SLOOOOW that it really felt unsafe like theres no g-force to keep me in the seat. After one spin i didnt touch the controller anymore. Kinda felt like i chicken out but seeing this terrible accident OMG im glad i trusted my instinct. btw rip lady!

[@UKFunfairsTV]

I remember us having a sky sling in the UK at fantasy island, absolutely insane it was called, it definitely dominated the skyline 👍🏻, awesome Video 😎

[@gb9727]

I would like a Chinese ride manufacturer like Nanfang to bring that back.

[@shawnokeefe1580]

rode the Kings Dominion flight commander ride....was petrified to go on it and remembered it being kinda tame

[@benmcreynolds8581]

The triple sky wheel and I personally like the "get to control your own maneuverable aircraft with a joystick control" if they just really improved that safety harnesses in the seats and maybe it's safer to also improve a safety roof that will also help to at least keep anyone from falling out of the rocket ship 🚀 the first bumper cars wave track was interesting and I'd like to see how we would build one today.. with all our material science advancements, technology, engineering, bumper cars capabilities, safety measures understandings, etc. I really wish we still invested in stuff like this around where I live. Oh man I live in Oregon and there was this janky theme park next to the enchanted forest all my life growing up. It had the scariest, it is falling apart, "rollercoaster" it climbed pretty high up but omg was it the most legitimate thing I thought was going to fall apart on me as I'm riding it... It closed down sometime between 2010 & 2018 I think. The enchanted forest is still there tho so that's cool. It's like a odd brothers grim storybook location in the Oregon woods mixed in, my favorite is the mining caves of the gnomes of the mountain king. You go into this cave system and they have all this uv reactive rock and stuff and it's just so awesome.

[@DontPanicVU]

I remember the vertigo remains sitting in the employee parking lot at cedar point. With rumors among staff always being wild, I didn’t believe when someone said it was destroyed in a storm.

[@basilstorm9461]

Any time I hear “Rye Playland” mentioned it gives me a jolt. I feel like no one knows about it but it’s the closest park to me

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Witching Waves looked really cool

[@Shag471]

I rode that Intamin Flight Commander (as it was called) at Kings Island the year before the accident happened. Only rode it once and vowed to never ride it again because of how unsafe the ride felt. In fact, we were getting drinks afterwards at a stand nearby and someone loudly said “Oh my god!” and everyone standing around immediately turned to look at the ride. They, too, must’ve known how dangerous the ride looked and felt. My girlfriend even dropped the drink she was holding when she quickly turned to look.

[@jenniferwarner119]

SAME!!!! I refused to do the barrel rolls!! So scary!!!

[@mmartens3]

@@jenniferwarner119 same! I refused to ride with friends who would roll it.

[@Standby4titan]

im shocked to find out that the sound factory was modified into parkour. im lucky enough to have ridden parkour several times and have to say its literally one of the best flatrides ive done. on top of a really good ride experience its also dirt cheap compared to most other rides,

[@tireja252]

German funfair rides are by far the best

[@Standby4titan]

@@tireja252 we have some very nice gems yeah. i do miss the flasher though :(

[@tireja252]

@@Standby4titan We still got Gladiator and Flasher can be ridden in France. Rather miss Flying Circus, Imperator, Sky Trip, High Energy, Frisbee, Thriller, Eurostar, Spinning Racer, Cyber Space, Vortex and so on

[@Standby4titan]

@@tireja252 sadly the gladiator never seems to be close to where I live. High energy is a big loss that I would have loved to ride.

[@nixzusehen851]

@@tireja252 For the High Energy, If you fear it'd be gone, It's currently in the workshop of the showmen and is beeing prepped :)

[@itz_nelusuin_kinder130]

Neat to find out the history about Six Flags Magic Mountain! It’s my home town. Although, I have seen the ride green lantern. That’s one for the history books.

[@Happymali10]

The FlySwatter has actually become relatively popular to recreate in OpenRCT, a fanmade freeware Rollercoaster Tycoon game/overhaul.

[@TheJFish94]

I remember seeing Catapult at Six Flags New England and it was one crazy ride. So crazy that I dicided not to go on it when I when back in 2012. Now I regret not going on it. If I had a time machine (like a Delorian from Back to the Future or a Tardis from Doctor Who), I'd go back in time to ride this insane ride just once!

[@aheartlikethesea]

TARDIS!

[@fearlessfreep]

I remember riding Sky Pilot at Kings Dominion (their Flight Trainer) and loving it. The ability to control your ride was unique. I was always baffled when it was taken down - I had not heard about the death at their sister park. I think that ride could certainly be done again, safely.

[@bluhoneymoon]

you should check out the history of Luna park Sydney!! plus it has one of the last operating wooden wildmouse coasters and intamins first single rail coaster!

[@carminecdinoproductions]

I’d love to see the Parkour ride model added to various carnival and fair circuits around the world including some in the USA as well as various theme parks around the world including some in the USA as permanent installation models!

[@SetecX]

I rode the Vertigo Sky Sling at Cedar Point a number of times. One of my all time favorite ride experiences. I still have the ticket and the VHS they sold of me riding it.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

Imagine if Witching Waves was revived, but with seatbelts added to the vehicles!

[@christianlewis6789]

In my opinion, the closest things we have to it (and, by extension, probably ever will) are the Music Express and the related model derivatives. Still, I'm inclined to agree with you.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

@@christianlewis6789 Imagine a revived and reimagined Witching Waves but with electrical cars and seatbelts and lap-bars added to the vehicles!

[@bwc1976]

Witching Waves looks amazing, I would have loved to try it! And although Flight Trainer would have been too intense for me, I feel it should have been given more of a chance once the restraints were updated after the King's Island incident.

[@viddork]

I'm surprised to find that I've actually been on two of these. I rode a Flight Trainer once, after obtaining a promise from my friend that he wouldn't turn us upside down too much. (I've never been much of a fan of being upside down on rides.) Then, somehow, _I_ kept us inverted through almost the entire ride. I still don't know how that happened. Also rode the triple ferris wheel. Not a bad ride experience, as I recall, although I wasn't all that thrilled with the gondola design that make you feel like you're in a cage. (You can get the sense of that from this video.) And I remember how ridiculous that Eddie Murphy movie was, and speeding it up in this video only makes it more absurd.

[@mauriciodezem4620]

The Flight Commander was bought from Kings Island by a Brazilian park (which no longer exists). Unfortunately due to the maintenance costs, the park got rid of it a few years later :( Awesome video!

[@rideguy70]

Great vid, and it's crazy to think I've been on 4 of these rides (Flight Trainer, Sky Sling, Sky Swatter--in both locations!, and Triple Wheel). For the Triple Wheel, there was a "cousin" of this ride at Magic Mountain called the Galaxy, which was a double armed wheel, and the only one of it's kind I know of. While a few pics exist of it, I'm not aware of any video, but I rode it a lot as a kid a loved it. I will add on Sky Sling, it's not quite true the seat swung freely. As I recall, you were able to "program" the seat tilt program you wanted. One was no tilting at all. One tilted down as you went up, but then straightened up on the way down, one stayed upright on the way up and tilted on the way down, and I think there was an option where you remained face down pretty much the entire time (though I'm not as sure about the last option). If you watch the segment posted, you can see the seat flipping at different times due to these options. As I recall, flipping down at the top was the most intimidating.

[@Todd1356]

Hersheypark had a double wheel for years.

[@ScottyMania313]

The Skyswat wins just on the fact that it's location is now part of a dark ride based on "Black Mirror". To me, this is a win

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

The Sky Swat looks so fresh and new

[@mikaoleander]

16:18 wow did not expect the parkour to appear in this video! this flatride was at my local fair once ages ago, and was the only ride i ever actually marathoned as a kid. i absolutely loved it, the suspended seats and the very fast spinning gondolas make this much better than comparable flatrides!

[@gb9727]

I would like Gerstlauer to make another one of those, maybe bring it to the UK.

[@damegataco]

I've been on the Hi Roller ride... that thing is sooo weird. The sensation it causes when the train goes around the loop curve is the weirdest feeling ever since it would literally go from entering a downwards loop, into a tight right turn, then an upwards loop, then a tight left turn, and finally back to an upwards loop. That sensation going from such loop into to tight turn is impossible to explain. I also been on the flight trainer, but I was so young it was before I was comfortable with rolling upside-down. My dad constantly tried, but I was just like "NOOOOO." Totally regret it as I never got to ride it again. I also went on the new model of the sky sling at SFMM when it was there. Also been on the skyswatter... It was ok, but I wouldn't say it felt like you would "almost hit your head on the way down. Maybe if you were in the back row, but I only rode it once so I can't say. Also pretty sure I went on the triple giant wheel.... It would have been so long ago that I don't really remember it. Literally would have been 6 years old.

[@jeffm5056]

I rode Flight Commander many times at Kings Island. It was a cool ride. I remember when that lady fell out of the ride. They claimed that the victim was drunk at the time (not that it excuses what happened) BUT I believe it happened on the same day when two other people died in the bier garden area. If memory serves me right, someone fell into the pond next to the bier garden, and when an employee went in to get them out, he stepped on an exposed power line for the lights or the fountain and got electrocuted. When someone tried to pull him out, they too got electrocuted.

[@jimewen19681]

Black Sunday June 9th 1991. 3 people died in 2 separate incidents not long apart from each other. This was Kings Island's darkest day ever recorded for deaths in the park. Candy Taylor from Toledo Ohio was the lady who was indeed drunk and fell to her death. The ride was updated and lost popularity after this incident.

[@serpenking]

I'm no rollarcoaster expert, but the "flight trainer" reminds me of a ride in the old timey carnival (/kiddie park) themed section of Dollywood in Tennessee. Has the levers where you can adjust the "airplanes" wings to go up or down while spinning on the arm. Don't remember the name, but it's darn near identical to the video shown. Fun ride too. I always liked riding it to cool down from all the coasters. I believe this ride had over the shoulder restraints.

[@ThemeParkCrazy]

I think you're referring to the Fly-O-Plane, which existed at a few parks back in the day.

[@TERMINALFlamingOcean]

The first one is so creative! They should make a modernised version

[@christianlewis6789]

Am I mistaken in my guess that one of Biro's double wheels operated at Kings Island as Zodiac??? Also, that interior rusting thing is utterly TERRIFYING to think about what would've happened if they would've been kept in service, considering what happened a few years ago in my home state of Ohio...

[@jimewen19681]

Yes Zodiac operated at Kings Island from 1975 to 1987. Zodiac was removed after the 1987 season and relocated to Australia to Australia's Wonderland in Sydney. Zodiac suffered a lot of mechanical issues in the mid 80s. It was located exactly where the new Antique Car ride is now. Also Flight Commander also sat in same spot as well. Most of 1987 Zodiac did not operate. Also to note that only one side of the double wheel was used in its latter years. Yes the ride never actually had a line as it was a high capacity ride.

[@ellie8161]

The Giro ride’s movements are so unpredictable to me. It feels like it’s alive, but the living arm belongs to a giant idly playing with the passenger platform like it’s just a fidget toy.

[@jimwhelan9152]

Good list except I don't see why the triple wheel is classified as a "thrill ride." Also I think the parachute rides which I know existed at Coney Island and Knott's deserved a mention. The initial version of today's drop towers. Maybe one is still in existence.

[@ronscurti1269]

ANOTHER AMAZING VID BY TPC.

[@ThePirateprincess23]

These flat rides look really cool and I would have definitely given some of a try.

[@reddragon8488]

damn i wish i had a time machine to ride the flight trainer It seemed like a cool attraction I wish that had reached Mexico and they should also at least keep something like one of The pods

[@Jackp499]

I’ve ridden a crazy train. Most painful ride in history

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I’ve only seen the double one at Hershey Park when I was 2 at 13:28

[@wannabe0757]

Your channel makes me love thrill rides again

[@skippythealien9627]

The first time I visited Six Flags was probably around when I was 11 and still deathly scared of roller coasters...much to the dismay of my father lol. But one of the first rides i ever went on was the Sky Whirl or Triple Ferris Wheel at Six Flags Great America. I wish it was still there although i totally understand that the maintenance issues probably made it a nightmare to take care of

[@Wdast]

12:17 it is not decoration, it is Thorpe park not being bothered to take it down, in addition the queue has the old slammer signs still in it.

[@gb9727]

It's still SBNO at Thorpe to this day!

[@rcjew]

If you want to talk about unique rides, how about the Galaxy ferris wheel at Magic Mountain (not Six Flags)? It was one of a kind! Enjoyed several rides on it and it was great! Was sad to see it gone one day. Look it up. You'll know what I mean. And don't forget Chance Turbo! Rode it once and it was unforgettable! It was better precursor to the Chance Chaos! Sad to see it go down with the old Belmont Park, San Diego. Wish both rides were brought back.

[@Clay3613]

Sound Factory looked amazing! 18:45 Woohoo!

[@danielplainview2584]

Went on the Sky Swatter Catapult at SFNE over a decade ago. It was out of service most of the time but I got to ride it a few times. Incredible ride! Imagine the air time on a good coaster, it's almost entirely that.

[@scoopydaniels8908]

I remember a smaller version of the skydiver being at a fair in Lancaster Pennsylvania in the early to mid-90s. It was a really fun ride, clearly dangerous, we got on it with a friend of ours who hated roller coasters and somehow we convinced him that it was a chill ride, and listen to him right on the border of crying the entire time as we rolled with laughter and continued flipping the individual compartment with the wheels.. I have to Google it, but I'm fairly certain there was a tragic accident on the ride shortly after we had fun on it which is kind of scary

[@Callie83]

These flat rides videos are definitely some of my favorites! Thanks TPC!!

[@Mental_Illboy]

Are you a flat rider or are you a curved rider?

[@katashworth41]

I unfortunately only went to Thorpe after The Slammer closed, it looked really interesting.

[@jillredmond548]

Unlucky, right?

[@DeathsHead1]

I’ll be honest, I really thought that the image in the video title was going to be not featured or clickbaity. But you, sir, delivered!

[@rockingtr1]

Sky Whirl was in constant motion. Able to load while other arms were rotating. Can still hear the incredibly loud screaming motors in my head.

[@universaldorks1153]

It's kind of important to note the lady that fell out of the Flight Commander was drunk af and passed out and it was her leg pressed up against the joystick that kept the pod upside down letting her slip out.

[@ellie8161]

We shouldn’t blame her. If any person is capable of controlling the ride in such a way, then it’s still a problem with the ride’s design itself. It’s a shame that the ride couldn’t be saved, though.

[@ThemeParkCrazy]

I felt that detail was somewhat irrelevant because the pod still should have held her in despite that. People pass out on thrill rides all the time. And restraints should keep them in. That's the responsibility of the designers.

[@Aeyrie1]

I rode the Sky Whirl long ago at Six Flags Great America, when it was still Marriott's. I rode it once and decided I'll stick with coasters.

[@NateN-kv2fb]

That fun fact was really interesting 🧐

[@izaakz12]

Great video 😁

[@the-trustees]

I miss the Sky Coaster. The opposite of the Sky Sling, you get towed up to about 100 feet from the base to a tower about 100 feet behind where you got attached to a slack cable on the back of a skydiving harness, allowing the distance up and behind to extend the cable fully. You pull a rip cord and free fall about 40 feet and pendulum at a high (seeming) speed looking like you'd hit the lowered base where you were initially attached. After a dozen or so "pendulums", they slow you down and you return to the spot you got harnessed up after it raises from the lowered position it was in during the ride. Only skydiving and bungee provide free fall intensity greater than this awesome ride. And it only cost $15.

[@johnmickey5017]

As far as I know the Kennywood one is still running, at least I can’t find any announcements that it permanently closed.

[@the-trustees]

@@johnmickey5017 It's a shame that they aren't profitable enough to prosper. The initial cost must be hard to recoup without charging so much to guarantee failure. I'm just lucky I got to do it before it disappeared!

[@johnmickey5017]

@@the-trustees at kennywood at least you’d have to get to the reservation booth first thing in the morning to ride, definitely up until the late oughts (I moved after that). I think the ride was about $18-$22 for a single rider, which didn’t seem to deter people

[@Komicklepto]

They have one at Blackpool's South Pier.

[@the-trustees]

@@Komicklepto Thanks!

[@roundtown74]

I remember riding the Flight Trainer under the name of Top Gun while Paramount owned Kings Island. I remember doing just one “barrel roll” in it and felt that I wasn’t being none too smart.

[@mmartens3]

I loved top gun! It was a different ride though. It was more like a roller coaster. It was on a track. It was one of my favorites. The flight trainer was called flight commander. I did not enjoy flight commander. I refused to ride with anyone who did barrel rolls. I did enjoy sky lab. It was interesting that that one didn’t have any restraints at all. I guess because it was enclosed. I felt safer in that one. King Cobra was another favorite of mine at Kings Island in the 90’s.

[@ayanadixon4763]

I got to ride Flight Commander, KI version of the flight trainer the weekend before the lady fell out of it. My cousin and I were doing barrel rolls the entire time. I was shocked to see the newscast of the woman's death, because we felt completely safe in the restraints.

[@assemblyrequired7342]

I would absolutely have loved to have tried the Absoluter while it still inverted. It looks like Mission: Space on steroids. Too bad that it needs maintenance so often. I'd like to think that it has potential if the rider pods were made out of a lighter material like carbon fiber, putting less stress on the arms.