Pacific Park gives Tilt-a-Whirl a shark makeover

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Sharks have always been fascinating ever since Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" showed their ferocity as a force of nature to be reckoned with. Pacific Park recognizes this fear and fascination humans have with sharks by having rider sit inside shark heads in its newly-opened Shark Frenzy Tilt-A-Whirl.

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"World's first shark-themed ride" is obviously a false claim, but it's nice to see some effort being made to give the ride a unique look.

99er's avatar

^Right! Did they forget about 'JAWS'?

Reminds me of this though...

But that is some cool theming. I really like how the operators booth is a lifeguard stand.

Last edited by 99er,

-Chris

Tilt a Whirl is certainly an old standard, these days found at fairs and carnivals more so than big theme parks. But Larson/Sellner could really cash in by pursuing the idea of themed tilts and renewing interest in one of America's oldest rides.

Turkey Whirl at HW is just delightful with their poultry-shaped cars, and that very thing encourages me to ride it every time. I've seen Sea Shells and stuff like that somewhere. Turtles, maybe? I'll have to look it up.
And I think CP missed the boat with their tilt. It could've been a perfect Lucy/football theme instead of the standard ride.

kpjb's avatar

The Turtle Whirl is at Dutch Wonderland.


Hi

slithernoggin's avatar

There are certain not to be missed rides when I visit parks. Tilts, Whips and haunted houses. Tilts are the best ride ever, though.


Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep.
--Fran Lebowitz

I miss the old hand-operated tilts! I remember the one at Indiana Beach when the ride-op really knew what he was doing and made sure every car had its share of spinning. The entire ride cycle was almost 10 minutes! I loved it...my older brother not so much! :)


Jerry - Magnum Fanatic
Famous Dave's- 206 restaurants - 35 states - 2 countries

I am digging this tilt a whirl. One of my all-time favorite rides. It was really fun showing my son how to lean to get the car spinning faster.

rollergator's avatar

Great White, Mako, Jaws all came to mind immediately....I'm sure I'm missing some...


You still have Zoidberg.... You ALL have Zoidberg! (V) (;,,;) (V)

Raven-Phile's avatar

Proposing to your girlfriend when the tilt-a-whirl pops out of the water just doesn't have the same appeal, if you ask me...

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