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DROP ZONE STUNT TOWER PICTURES: KINGS DOMINION
Photos Of The Drop Zone Attraction At Paramount's Kings Dominion In Virginia

  The Drop Zone Stunt Tower at Paramount's Kings Dominion is one of the world's tallest "giant drop" rides.   Drop Zone differs from conventional "compressed air" drop towers in ways that makes it incredibly scary.
  First, there is Drop Zone's incredible height.  The tower is 305 feet tall... the height of a 30 story skyscraper.  It's about as tall as King's Dominion's trademark Eiffel Tower (it's 332 feet high.)  The height of the Eiffel Tower observation deck and the drop point on the Drop Zone tower are almost exactly the same.
  Second, Drop Zone is a true free fall ride.  Once released, riders fall unencumbered at 106 feet per second (72 miles per hour.)  There is no compressed air braking mechanism to slow down the ride.
  Third, Drop Zone waits until the very end to stop.  The ride doesn't slow appreciably until it's nearly at ground level.  This is because of a new braking technology, adapted from the launching mechanisms of rollercoasters.  Drop Zone uses "linear induction" to stop.  A line of electromagnets are arranged towards the bottom of the tower.  When the ride nears the ground, the electromagnets are energized.  The repulsive force of magnetism is what keeps riders from slamming into the ground.  This is the same magnetic technology that gives the Volcano rollercoaster its incredibly fast start.

Note:  This page contains several high resolution, large size photographs.  These photos were taken to be instructive and give you the best possible feel for the park.  As such this these  pictures may take extra time to download, especially with a dial-up internet connection.

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Picture of the entrance to the Drop Zone Stunt Tower.  Note the silver rails on the side of the orange and yellow tower.  These are the electromagnets that quickly and smoothly stop the ride just a few feet above the ground.


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Picture of the entire 305 foot Drop Zone tower.  The photo really doesn't do justice to the ride's scale.  Drop Zone dwarfs everything when you're inside Kings Dominion.   The tower is so large that it's easy to lose perspective.  Think of falling off a 30 story skyscraper.
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53 people can ride Drop Zone during each cycle.  The green "trolley" you see above the riders is the mechanism that raises the "doughnut" on which riders sit.  Giant steel crane cables slowly pull the trolley and doughnut together to the top of the tower.


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The ride up is slow, scenic and can really play with your head.  It takes about a minute and a half to ride Drop Zone.  Most of the time is spent slowly ascending the tower.


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  As you approach the top of the tower, you stop and hang in the air for a few very long seconds.  You hear a mechanical noise above your head.  The doughnut suddenly breaks away from the trolley.
  The doughnut is suddenly in free fall.  53 rides are simultaneously dropped at a speed of ten stories per second.  Magnets abruptly brake the ride just feet before it hits the ground.  You have just dropped 272 feet in less than 3 seconds.

  WHAT DROP ZONE FEELS LIKE:  Many riders say the wait at the bottom and the trip up is the worst.  It gives your mind plenty of time to get scared.  The split second after the drop begins can be terrifying.  Once in free fall, most riders feel secure and begin enjoying the drop.  By the time the magnets have stopped the ride, many are high on adrenaline and ready to go again.

  DROP ZONE TIP #1: Your feet dangle freely on this ride.  Take off your shoes to prevent losing them... and to intensify the experience.

  DROP ZONE TIP #2: The height restriction on this ride is relatively low.  Children may be able to ride Drop Zone at an incredibly early age.  Before allowing a child to ride, Drop Zone should be explained thoroughly.  Do not force or allow a reluctant child to ride.

  DROP ZONE TIP #3: Stop by Drop Zone regardless of whether you plan to ride.  Watch the faces of the people exiting the ride (they are very expressive.)  Watch how people react in varying ways to the experience.  It's some of the best "people watching" anywhere!

  DROP ZONE WARNING:  No one should be forced, cajoled, guilted or otherwise pressured to get on this ride.  If someone is hesitant, do not allow them to get on Drop Zone.  Drop Zone one of the most potentially terrifying rides at any amusement park.  Your day at a theme park should to be fun, not traumatic.

  Click below to continue your Virtual Tour of Kings Dominion.
NEXT:
Hypersonic XLC: Extreme Launch Coaster


Return To: Kings Dominion The Unoffical Guide


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