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

Photo: Thorpe ParkIn Short:

Detonator is an extreme drop tower, the joint 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

Max Height: 115ft (35m)
Max Speed: 46mph (74km/h)
Max G. Force: 5.5
Throughput: 400 people/hour
Ride Duration:
30 seconds

Photos:

Detonator area
The very tall tower!
Detonator seats
At the top of the tower
Plummeting!
Riders' hiarious expressions
From the entrance
Detonator against the moody sky backdrop

Video:

Switch between 360p, 480p and 720p HD!

Music:

Hear the Detonator Soundtrack in the TTP Music Player - click the link below to open the player in a new window. Copyright for these tracks remains with the original artists and Thorpe Park.

Music Player

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.
9/10

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.

"I personally hate the experience of being launched down this tower, but it got me very scared, the drop seems like it would never come. Be warned, its extremely intense..."
Josh Day-Jones, Cheltenham, UK.

"It is the most stomach churning ride in the Park! It is one of my favourites though, as the intensity builds as you enter the queue line!"
William, Calne, UK.

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