German developer Sunkid premiered its new ride, the Sundancer, at EAS this year.
The ride has a small footprint and is ideal for families. Depending on the version, either four or two seats sit within a passenger car that travels around a circular track. The ride also includes an interactive element, something that is especially important for today’s customer, said the company’s Georg Dobler.
“We placed particular emphasis on making the ride an interactive one. The rotation speed can be influenced by the user from within using a wheel in the centre and the car can be tilted when at high speeds using buttons. Everything is electronic so all ages can easily work it.”
Having four seats makes the ride a “communicative, group experience,” said Dobler. Kids can ride from the age of four when accompanied with an adult and seven without. “We have most recently installed in Tolli Park, a location in the German town of Mayen, and are looking at several more this year,” he added.
“In terms of operator feedback, we have found that, in a location where the Sundancer is in among competitor’s rides, ours is always the most popular.”
Sunkid also works on renovations for theme parks. “We have been approached by theme parks asking us to work on their roller coasters. Instead of simply replacing one aspect of the ride, we overhaul an entire ride, incorporating more comfortable restraints, for example.”
