Talk About Scariest Pendulum Rides
When it comes to adrenaline-pumping attractions, few rides strike terror quite like a pendulum. With their massive swinging arms, dizzying heights, and chaotic spins, these thrill machines make hearts race and screams echo across amusement parks worldwide. Here’s a closer look at five of the scariest pendulum rides on Earth—and why they’re not for the faint of heart.
1. Giant Frisbee – Nagashima Spa Land (Japan)
Features
- Height: 147 feet (45 meters)
- Top Speed: 68 mph (110 km/h)
- Swing Angle: Almost 120°
What Makes It Terrifying:
The Giant Frisbee doesn’t just swing—it launches you into the sky with force and fury. With a massive disc spinning 360° as it swings near-vertical, riders are sent hurtling toward the sky and then plummeted back toward the earth. The smooth but relentless motion creates the feeling of total weightlessness followed by gut-punching G-force, especially as you stare straight down at the ground mid-swing.
Visual Vibe: A towering crimson-and-yellow beast of a machine silhouetted against the Japanese skyline—screams echoing as it carves arcs through the sky.
2. Maxx Force Pendulum – Prater Park (Austria)
Features
- Height: Approx. 130+ feet
- Special Feature: Swings through a building with lights and sound
What Makes It Terrifying
This one combines physical fear with psychological thrill. Riders swing back and forth into and out of a massive themed building, often feeling like they’ll slam into the structure. The indoor portion features flashing lights, booming sound effects, and a claustrophobic design that tricks your brain into thinking you’re in real danger.
Visual Vibe: Like swinging on a wrecking ball through a haunted warehouse—one second in the open air, the next surrounded by chaos and illusion.
3. Delirium – Kings Island (USA)
Features
- Height: 137 feet (42 meters)
- Top Speed: 76 mph (122 km/h)
- Swing Angle: 120°
What Makes It Terrifying:
This massive pendulum starts gentle, then suddenly catapults you at freeway speeds into the clouds. As it reaches its apex, riders are flung so high that the horizon tilts, giving the illusion of flying—or falling. The open floor beneath your feet and the synchronized swinging-spinning motion create a full-body sense of danger.
Visual Vibe: Giant teal arms lifting a spinning disk of riders over treetops and roller coasters—visitors below stopping just to stare in awe (and fear).
4. KMG Afterburner – Traveling Ride (Europe & USA)
Features
- Height: Up to 147 feet (45 meters)
- Portable Setup: Built for fairs and carnivals
What Makes It Terrifying:
The Afterburner looks like a swinging axe with a spinning blade, and feels just as dangerous. Its temporary, mobile design only amplifies fear—this isn’t a permanent fixture but a ride that packs up and moves to the next town. Yet, it still delivers terrifying G-forces, sustained airtime, and disorienting spin cycles.
Visual Vibe: Neon lights, a pounding soundtrack, and a swinging blade slicing through the night sky at dizzying speeds—a horror movie wrapped in carnival lights.
5. CRAZY WAVE XXL – Various European Locations
Features
- Height: 145 feet (44 meters)
- Top Speed: 65+ mph
- Ride Style: Full-swing pendulum with spinning seats
What Makes It Terrifying:
Unlike most pendulum rides, this one adds individual seat rotation, meaning riders not only swing and spin—they’re also flipped upside down mid-air. No two rides feel the same. One second you’re soaring forward, the next you’re spinning head-over-heels as the pendulum rockets through a full arc.
Visual Vibe: Imagine a spinning windmill blade where every spoke is a seat—and you’re strapped to one, hurling across the sky in unpredictable patterns.
Dare or Not
These pendulum rides push the boundaries of engineering, physics, and human fear. Whether swinging over 100 feet into the air or spinning uncontrollably through a maze of lights and sounds, each ride offers its own flavor of fear. For adrenaline junkies, they’re bucket-list worthy. For others, they’re best admired safely from the ground.
Would you dare to ride them all?