Knott’s Invites You To Soar Over Orange County

New ride will swing riders over 300 feet off the ground

BUENA PARK, Calif. – Next summer Knott’s will invite guests to rise above the crowd as they board WindSeeker.  Rising 300 feet in the air, WindSeeker will take 64 passengers to new heights as it ascends above the theme park and then swings passengers for a ride like no other. 

    WindSeeker will be designed and manufactured by Mondial, a company based in the Netherlands that has been creating thrill rides for the amusement park industry since 1987.  Mondial is known for their innovative and unique rides and maintains the highest standards in regards to quality and safety.

    WindSeeker will feature 32, 2-person gondolas that will ascend to a height of 301 feet.  Once it has reached the top of the tower, WindSeeker will spread it’s metal arms swinging  riders for a 60 second flight at a 45 degree angle at a speed of 8 rotations per minute. 

“Due to the long airtime, riders will experience a spectacular sense of weightlessness.  This, combined with the fact that riders legs will be unrestrained, will create a sense of exhilaration which will enhance the feeling of free flight,” said Knott’s General Manager, Marty Keithley.

    WindSeeker will be located at the current site of Knott’s Sky Cabin. Groundbreaking for WindSeeker is scheduled for fall of 2010 with completion expected by summer 2011.

Fact Sheet

• Manufacturer:                         Mondial, a Dutch-based ride manufacturer
• Height:                                    301 Feet
• Diameter:                                81 Feet
• Diameter in Full Swing:         110 Feet
• Capacity:                                 32 suspended twin seats (64 total passengers)
• Max. Swing Angle of Arm:    Up to 45 degrees
• Ride Cycle Time:                    3 Minutes
• Restraint System:                    Individual over-the-head lap bar with interlocking seatbelts.
• Ascent/Descent:                      50 Seconds
• Rotation Speed:                       25-30 mph (8 Rotations per minute)
• Location:                                 Knott’s Boardwalk Area
• Cost:                                        $5 million
• Groundbreaking:                     Fall 2010
• Ride Opening”                        Summer 2011