Swing and spin up to 65 feet in the air above Lost City...
Swing and spin up to 65 feet in the air above Lost City...
| Theme Park | Thorpe Park |
|---|---|
| Park Area | Lost City |
| Type | Gyro Swing |
| Audience | Thrillseekers |
| Opened | 25 May 2001 |
| Manufacturer | KMG |
| Model | Afterburner |
| Height | 65 ft |
| Extras | Fastrack |
Vortex
Vortex is a swinging pendulum ride from Dutch ride manufacturer KMG. It is a great example of the company's Afterburner model, swinging riders up to 20 metres above the ground.
Guests sit on seats arranged facing inwards in a large circle attached to Vortex's central arm. The circle spins as the arm swings, at its peak reaching an angle of 120°. Facing inwards creates a very communal ride experience, even better if you are in a large group who know each other.
If you're lucky enough to find yourself sat in the right seat, you'll find yourself at the top of every swing when the ride reaches maximum height, giving a beautiful weighless feeling before you dive head-first toward the ground. A top swing is never guaranteed, but is a prized experience if you get it.
Vortex opened in 2001 as one of the rides brought in after the big fire at the park the previous year. It didn't begin operating until seven weeks into the 2001 season, which caused Thorpe to feature on BBC's Watchdog as visitors complained that it was unavailable for their visit. However, once opened, the ride became a guest favourite and remains today one of the best of the Lost City flat rides.
Vortex ride entrance
Vortex sign
Swinging high above Lost City
Sunny day spinning
Vortex is near the Dome
Spin and swing
Swing and spin
Ready for another season of thrills
Vertical spin
Vortex takes riders 65ft above Lost City
The ride begins
Pendulum arm
Vortex has a turquoise and gold colour scheme
Go for a spin
The ride swings directly over the queue line
Test seat
A busy single rider queue on a sunny summer day
Vortex area
Vortex sits next to the lake near the park entrance
Vortex POV
