This spring, visitors at Kings Dominion will be able to ride on a 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel or sit in an oversized convertible car that swings 85 feet up in the air.
The northern Hanover County theme park is adding the two rides to its lineup next year. The rides and the park open April 4.
"These are great complements to our ride selection," park spokesman John Pagel said. "We can't put all roller coasters in or all kids stuff. We have to have a good mix."
The Americana Ferris wheel and the El Dorado swinging pendulum ride provide that balance, he said.
The two rides are being recycled from Geauga Lake, a former amusement park near Aurora, Ohio, that operates only as a water park. Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., an Ohio-based theme-park operator, owns Kings Dominion, Geauga Lake, nine other amusement parks and five other water parks.
The company dismantled the Geauga Lake rides, including the Dominator floorless steel roller coaster that opened at Kings Dominion this year.
The Americana and El Dorado have been dismantled and shipped to Kings Dominion. The park is in the process of refurbishing the two rides. Site work will begin late next month, and the ride installation will take place after that.
The Americana will be installed near the Rebel Yell roller coaster, while the El Dorado will be closer to the Hurler roller coaster.
The Americana will be the first Ferris wheel at the park, which opened in 1975. It will feature 24 six-person gondolas. At 110 feet, it won't be as tall as the replica of the Eiffel Tower, which has an observation platform that is 275 feet off the ground.
Kings Dominion wanted to add the Americana because of the long history that Ferris wheels have with amusement parks, Pagel said. "The Americana is something that the entire family can get on together."
The El Dorado carries up to 40 riders in the oversized 1950s-style convertible. The car acts as a pendulum and carries riders to a height of 85 feet during a two-minute ride.
Pat Jones, Kings Dominion's vice president and general manager, said adding the two rides reflects the park's commitment to offering attractions for the entire family. -- Gregory J. Gilligan
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