Kennywood's new extraterrestrial thrill ride, the Cosmic Chaos, will land in time for the amusement park's opening in May. The ride, called MEGA DISK’O by its manufacture Zamperla, Inc. seats 24 people on a giant disk, a.k.a., the UFO. From a top height of 50’ the space ship begins its untamed flight along the 120’ concave track while its passengers spin around in circle. The result? An experience that offers guests an "out of the world" experience!
"This ride is definitely the best new ‘flat ride’ we could purchase," states Kennywood Entertainment President, Pete McAneny. "The ride sensation is totally different than anything I've ever experienced. Just when you think you've seen everything, something completely different arrives. It also has a novel seat design that seats riders on a motorcycle-like pedestal seat with a back restraint. Arms and legs are free from restraint and the rider looks outward, creating quite a visual impact for both riders and those who are content to simply observe."
As the Kennywood Web site indicated, the ride includes some UFO theming – thanks both to its manufacturer, Zamperla, and to Kennywood Team Members. Once the ride purchase agreement was signed, Kennywood’s ride supervisors brainstormed names and possible themes. Deciding the "disk" looks rather like a UFO, everyone went to work creating concepts relating to an outer space theme.
Matt Eames, Kennywood’s lead Phantom Fright Nights make-up artist, provided alien concepts and a Team member contest proved successful for providing the name. From the 38 entries submitted (including U F, Area Fifty Fun, Orbiting Odyssey, Alien Abductor, Mind Warp, to name a few). Mike Kostich of the rides Maintenance Department submitted the winning name, Cosmic Chaos.
Zamperla is known internationally for adding one of a kind theming to its rides. Kennywood guests continue to give great reviews to other rides from Zamperla: the Aero 360 with its two giant Kennywood arrows, and the Garfield Pounce Bounce in Kiddieland. There’s every reason to believe Cosmic Chaos will live up to its name – both in look and performance!
For more information, please visit www.kennywood.com