Orbiter (Canada's Wonderland)

Orbiter (formerly known as Sol Loco) was a HUSS SkyLab at Canada's Wonderland in Ontario, Canada. The ride opened in 1981 for the park's first operating season.[1] The ride closed in 2006 and was partially dismantled but was re-built and re-opened later that season following the sale of Paramount's amusement park chain to Cedar Fair. The ride last operated during the 2018 season and has been completely dismantled and removed as of February 2019.

This article is about the Skylab at Canada's Wonderland. For the fairground ride, see Orbiter (ride). For other uses, see Orbiter (disambiguation).

Orbiter
Canada's Wonderland
AreaAction Zone
Coordinates43.839944°N 79.54150°W / 43.839944; -79.54150
StatusRemoved
Opening date1981 (1981)
Closing date2018
Ride statistics
Attraction typeSkyLab
ManufacturerHUSS Park Attractions
Capacity1200 riders per hour
Vehicles15
Riders per vehicle2
Duration1 minute and 53 seconds
Height restriction137 cm (4 ft 6 in)
Fast Lane Was Available

History

When Orbiter first opened in 1981, it was called Sol Loco and featured a Mexican theme. In 2002, the ride's name was changed to what it is known as today, Orbiter. After 25 years in operation, Orbiter was closed during the 2006 operating season. The ride had been removed from the park map[2] and was surrounded by signs stating "Please excuse our appearance as we are preparing for your future enjoyment".[3] During this closure period, several parts of the ride were dismantled including the ride carriages.[3] This led many people to wonder if the ride would be demolished completely. That same year, it was announced that Cedar Fair would buy all Paramount Parks.[1] Later on in the season, the ride began to be re-assembled and was re-opened to the public.[4]

On 4 February 2019, the attraction was fully dismantled and removed from the park.

Structure

Orbiter is mainly made up of 4 different parts. The first part is the yellow "arm" which supports the entire ride whether it is in operation or not. The second part is the centre red "wheel" which is attached to the "arm". The wheel supports the structure of the ride. The third part(s) is / are the number of white metal supports that support the 15 carriages where riders sit. The fourth and final part are the carriages themselves. This is where the riders sit when the ride is in operation.[5]

Ride experience

Riders take a seat in one of the 15 carriages which hold 2 riders each (for a total of 30 riders). There is no seat belt or restraint system on the ride, only a cage to hold on to during the ride as when the ride is in operation, gravity will keep the rider in place. Once the ride operators give the all clear, the ride begins to spin in a circle constantly picking up speed. It can take about 20 to 25 seconds for the ride to reach its top speed and lift off of the ground. After the ride lifts off the ground, the ride keeps rising eventually coming to an almost-vertical position. A few seconds later, the ride begins to descend back to the ground. The rides braking system is activated and the ride comes to a complete stop by the time it reaches the ground. One ride cycle is about 1 minute and 53 seconds. As of 4 February 2019, Orbiter will not reopen for the 2019 season, this was confirmed by the park.[5][6]

References
  1. "Canada's Wonderland Timeline". CW Mania. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
  2. "2006 Canada's Wonderland Park Map". CW Mania. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
  3. "Orbiter Closed". Thrill Network. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
  4. "2008 Canada's Wonderland Park Map". CW Mania. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
  5. "Orbiter POV". Metacafe. 21 May 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  6. "Canada's Wonderland Orbiter Description". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
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