In the heart of the amusement park Toverland stands an attraction known both for its innovative approaches and its technical challenges: Dragonwatch, a parachute tower that opened last summer. This article highlights the technical peculiarities and difficulties of Dragonwatch and takes a look at the future of this fascinating yet malfunction-prone attraction.
The Origin of the Problems
Since its inauguration, Dragonwatch, Toverland's latest highlight, has been grappling with numerous “teething problems.” Visitors experienced unexpected incidents, including gondolas stalling for hours and rescue operations by the fire brigade. These incidents are particularly notable given that the parachute tower type is not a new concept. For comparison, a similar attraction by Intamin in Disneyland Paris, the Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, has been operating without significant issues since 2010.
The Technical Divergence
The key to Dragonwatch's problems lies in its technical design. While similar attractions, like the one in Disneyland Paris, are hydraulically driven, Toverland opted for an electrically powered variant with a belt drive. This innovative approach makes Dragonwatch a prototype of its kind, but it also brings unforeseen technical difficulties.
Intamin's Vision of a “Technical Wonder”
Despite the challenges, the manufacturer, Intamin, praises Dragonwatch as a “technical wonder.” The new drive system is highlighted for enabling smooth and quiet operation. According to Intamin, this technology promises not only a reduction in noise levels but also simplified maintenance. However, these advantages have not yet been clearly confirmed in practice.
Ongoing Disturbances and Future Prospects
After being closed for weeks between late October and mid-December 2023, the attraction is currently out of operation again. The exact cause of the current malfunction remains unclear, raising further questions about its long-term reliability and safety.
Collaboration and Responsibility
Despite the technical difficulties, Intamin emphasizes the successful collaboration with Toverland and the importance of Dragonwatch for the park's success. However, to what extent this collaboration can overcome the existing challenges remains an open question. The future of Dragonwatch will depend not only on technical development but also on how Toverland ensures the safety and trust of its visitors.
Dragonwatch represents the risks and opportunities that come with introducing new technologies in the amusement park industry. While innovations have the potential to enrich visitors' experiences, safety must always be a priority. The coming months will show whether Toverland can master the technical challenges of Dragonwatch and restore the trust of its guests in this impressive attraction.
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