Detonator: n. Device used to initiate the reaction of a disrupting explosive.

In Short:

Detonator is an extreme drop tower, the second tallest ride in the Park, putting riders through 5.5G.

Statistics:

Opened: 2001
Manufacturer: Fabbri
Area: Calypso Quay
Ride Type: Megadrop
On Ride Photo: No
Official Rating: Extreme Thrills

Photos:

Video:

See Detonator in action: TTP Park Video can be found in Downloads.

TTP Review:

Detonator is a 115ft high Fabbri Megadrop, and is one of the highest and most intense rides in the park. You sit in one of 12 seats, in a circle around the tower. You are then slowly winched up, until you get to the top, where you hang. You are suspended there for what feels like ages, either feeling scared or admiring the view, when a countdown begins to sound:

5..dum..dum..4..dum..dum..3..dum..dum..2..dum..dum..1...DETONATE...

Then you drop the 100ft and feel yourself lift off your seat. Arguably, there is no ride in Thorpe Park where riders value their restraints more than on Detonator! You pull 5.5 G at the bottom of the drop, and come off the ride with the adrenaline really pumping.

Detonator is a great tower ride. There are bigger and more imposing tower rides out there, but not many really come close to the thrill of this one. Themeing is good, with cannons dotted around the outside of the ride, and the ride music is impressive - a suspense building soundtrack prepares you for your adrenaline-filled Detonator experience. If there's one gripe with the ride then it's the low throughput - there are only 12 seats, and queues build up quickly. Unfortunately, the ride is short, too (although this does help with queues). However, what Detonator does, it does well.

It's fast, it's fun, and it's very intense. Detonator can be likened to a cannon - it's explosive.

Positives:

• One of the most intense drop towers in the world.
• Offers riders a spectular view of the Park.
• Large seats make the ride accessible to all - and allow for a lot of airtime.
• Tension building ride music makes the experience even more scary!
• Puts riders through more G force than any other ride in the Park.

Negatives:

• Low throughput means that long queues often build.
• As with all drop towers, the ride time is short.

Your Reviews:

"This is one ride that is WILL pack a punch! Even if you are a thrill seeker it will leave you trembling in your boots!"
Helen, Southampton, UK.