Carnival Chronicles: The Thrills and Memories of the Gravitron: A Ride into Nostalgia

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Gravitron with the classic Thriller sign, source unknown.

After sharing stories about some of my carnival ride memories like the Skywheel and the Hi-Roller, I was delighted by the flood of nostalgic responses from friends and readers. These tales sparked so many fond memories, and I realized there's lots of rides that deserve their own spotlight and the one that comes up a lot in conversation is the Gravitron.

The Gravitron, a signature attraction that has graced carnivals and fairs across the world, stands out as a captivating marvel of engineering and entertainment. Built by Wisdom Industries Ltd., a renowned manufacturer of amusement rides, the Gravitron has etched itself into the hearts of thrill-seekers for decades. It can be found in countries around the world and was first manufactured by Wisdom USA in 1983. Since its debut, it has become their number one seller. In the 1980s, several units were also made under license by ARM in the UK and Ferrari in Australia. Nowadays, you can find this ride with names like Alien Abduction, Starship 2000, Starship 3000 and many other UFO related names but for myself, no matter the theme, I'll always refer to it as the Gravitron.

The ride operates on a simple yet thrilling principle: centrifugal force. The Gravitron generates a force of 4 Gs, pushing the boundaries of safe amusement ride physics. While it wasn’t the first ride to use centrifugal force—preceded by rides like the Chance Rotor and Hrubetz Round-Up—the Gravitron has certainly made its mark in the amusement world.

I remember seeing the Gravitron a few years before I finally mustered the courage to ride it. Its appearance—a futuristic spaceship spinning at dizzying speeds—was both fascinating and intimidating. The ride's enclosure, with a single entry and exit door that sealed shut before the ride began, only heightened my apprehension. As someone who was always wary of the unknown, the Gravitron seemed like an impenetrable fortress of thrills, especially when you hear random screams from it over the loud music blasting from the ride.

Once the automated door closes, the excitement begins. Riders barely realize they’re in motion, as everything around them moves in unison. The Gravitron rapidly accelerates to its top speed of 24 rpm in less than 20 seconds, powered by a 33kW 3-phase motor. At this speed, the 45 panels that riders lean against are supposed to rise upwards, leaving them stuck to the wall with their feet off the ground. Sometimes not all of the panels rise, depending on the age and upkeep of the ride, and it adds to the fun when you see the person that doesn't rise up—not that it's their fault, it's just one of those luck-of-the-draw things. Regular riders often find themselves turning sideways or even upside down as the ride gains speed. There have been some that can actually walk on the walls, though most carnival companies don't really allow it or aren't supposed to. The forces felt on the Gravitron are similar to those experienced by NASA astronauts during rocket launches and space travel simulations. However, the recommended ride time is supposed to be capped at around a minute and a half to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

When I was in the 6th grade, my sister persuaded me to ride the Gravitron at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Accompanied by her best friend Marcy and Marcy's soon-to-be husband, we ventured into the fairgrounds with the lingering taste of pizza from our car ride over. Despite my fears, the experience turned out to be exhilarating. The enclosed design prevented any visual disorientation from the spinning, and instead, I found myself immersed in the videos playing on the TV screens in the center and the blaring rock music that filled the chamber.

The intensity of the G-forces varies based on body weight, with most adults finding the pressure on their chest and face a bit uncomfortable. They often breathe a sigh of relief when the ride comes to a stop. On the other hand, kids and teenagers are thrilled by the experience, eagerly recounting the number of times they’ve ridden it and how fantastic it was. The sight of someone lying against the wall sideways or upside down, or even the one not rising up, is always a memorable one.

Gooding's Million Dollar Midways Gravitron

A few days later, my mama’s co-workers from Hackbarth Delivery Service organized a company outing to the fair, and I tagged along. Armed with unlimited ride handstamp, G for Goodings, back in the day when most carnivals used stamps instead of wristbands, we headed towards the Gravitron by the front gate. That year, there were two Gravitrons at the fair—a rare sight today but not uncommon in the 1970s to early 1990s when carnival companies often showcased multiple units of popular rides.

I rode the first Gravitron three times in succession before rejoining my mama’s group. Upon discovering the second Gravitron, I eagerly boarded it as well. This one, a different color from the silver Gravitron near the gate, seemed to offer a slightly longer ride, thanks to the operator’s discretion most likely. The music selection, alternating between Whitesnake's self-titled album and Heart's "Bad Animals," enhanced the experience even more. Both are still within my favorite albums of all time.

Inside the Gravitron, there’s a central circular control booth with a futuristic swiveling chair situated over the center axis of the ship. This section is reserved for the operator, who rotates with the ride but is safe from any G-forces due to their position at the center. The booth is typically surrounded by flashing lights and disco lights, creating an exciting ride atmosphere.

Throughout the night, I rode both Gravitrons at least seven times each, relishing the unique energy each provided. While my mother opted out of the Gravitron, she did join me on the Skywheel, also known as the double Ferris wheel, and the Amor Express—my favorite version of the Himalaya/Music Express rides.

The Gravitron can accommodate up to 45 people at once, and the ease of loading and unloading (simply by walking in) gives it a theoretical capacity of 1,000 people per hour. The entire ride can be racked on a single trailer, making it one of the most efficient and portable amusement rides ever produced in terms of portability and rider capacity. Setting up the Gravitron takes about six hours, and an experienced crew can tear it down in just three. This efficiency, combined with its thrilling experience, has solidified the Gravitron’s place as a beloved attraction at carnivals and fairs worldwide.

Over the years, I’ve experienced Gravitrons operated by various carnival companies, including Cumberland Valley Shows, Reithoffer, Conklin, and Royal American Shows. Each had its own charm, yet the essence of the ride remained consistent—an enthralling blend of speed, music, and centripetal force. My last ride on a Gravitron was the last year Pugh Shows played the Shrine Circus in Marietta, Georgia, with Terry. The ride experience most definitely felt different as an adult, and my body said, "Thanks for the effort, but let's keep this one in the vivid memories of my youth."

Today’s Gravitrons continue to captivate new generations of riders, although the frequency of seeing multiple units at a single event has diminished due to increased costs and logistical complexities. While some safety features have been added to the ride over the years, for the most part, while the theming has changed a bit, the user experience, the core design and excitement remain unchanged.

The Gravitron will always hold a special place in my heart, symbolizing the transition from fear to exhilaration and the enduring joy of carnival rides. While I may leave the high-speed spins to the younger crowd now, the memories of my Gravitron adventures will forever be a great part of my thrill-seeking years.

Do you have any Gravitron stories of your own? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support my storytelling journey, any small token of appreciation is always welcome. Let's keep the nostalgia and excitement of these rides alive together!



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