EXPLORE LAGOON: RIDES: Turn Of The Century 

  

 

Opened: May 1987

Location: South Midway

Manufactured By: Zierer

Ride Model: Wave Swinger 48

Structure Height: 31 feet (39 feet in operation)

Structure Weight: 32 metric tons

Base Dimensions: Approx. 66 feet in diameter

Aerial Operating Circle: 69 feet in diameter

Ride Capacity: 48

Hourly Capacity: 960 riders per hour

Height Requirement: 46" minimum

 

history & info

Riders choose from an individual swing on the two outer rows or a double swing on the inside row. When the ride begins, the tower rises, lifting the swings up and spinning riders in a clockwise direction.

      Turn Of The Century was built in basically the same spot as the Rockets ride which was one of the park's longest-operating attractions. The Rockets were removed the previous year. Though commonly called Wave Swinger, Lagoon's model is named Turn Of The Century. The park was celebrating its 100th anniversary in 1987. Centennial Screamer opened on opening day and Turn Of The Century was added later in the season. Lagoon held a contest to name this new ride and the winner received several prizes including a season pass. The name fits in reference to the park's centennial and the fact that the ride it replaced was built at the turn of the 20th Century in 1900. Turn Of The Century was originally painted orange, yellow and light green. This changed to the current pink and blue in the early 1990s. A ramp for increased accessibility was added in 1992. In 2004, double seats were added to the inside row. Turn Of The Century does not allow open-toed shoes or sandals on the ride.

      Zierer is a German company which has served the amusement industry for decades. They have built rides for Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags and many parks around the world. Other Zierer rides at Lagoon include Dinosaur Drop, Kontiki, Ladybug Bop, OdySea, Puff The Little Fire Dragon and Wicked.

 

photos

Turn Of The Century turning on its lights at dusk.

Photo: Rick

 

Turn Of The Century in operation.

Photo: Rick

 

in the news

11 AUG 2006: "Turn of the Century a popular ride" (Deseret News)

 

  

 

SOURCES

Lagoon

Zierer

Deseret News

Lagoon Employees

Website Visitors

 

Updated 28 Mar 2008