Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah, has revealed plans for a new high-thrill ride, the Nutcracker, a Screamin' Swing attraction set to open in 2026. This announcement marks the park's first major ride addition in three years, aiming to significantly enhance the visitor experience with a towering structure and high-speed swings.
The Nutcracker will stand over 100 feet tall and propel riders at speeds reaching up to 68 miles per hour. Park officials describe it as one of the most innovative and daring rides in Lagoon's history, promising an intense experience for thrill-seekers.
Key Takeaways
- Lagoon Amusement Park is adding a new ride, the Nutcracker, in 2026.
- The Nutcracker will be a Screamin' Swing, standing over 100 feet tall.
- It will reach speeds of up to 68 mph and lift riders nearly 150 feet high.
- This is Lagoon's first new ride in three years, designed to boost visitor excitement.
- The ride features a 50-foot Nutcracker icon and will seat 1,200 passengers per hour.
New Thrills Coming to Lagoon
Lagoon Amusement Park, a long-standing entertainment destination, is preparing for a significant expansion. The upcoming Nutcracker ride is a Screamin' Swing, a type of attraction known for its pendulum-like motion and high G-forces. This addition is expected to draw a large number of visitors looking for extreme experiences.
The ride's design, engineered by S&S Worldwide, emphasizes both height and speed. According to park details, riders will experience G-forces greater than those felt during an astronaut's launch. This indicates a powerful and fast-paced journey for those who choose to board the Nutcracker.
Fast Facts: The Nutcracker Ride
- Ride Type: Screamin' Swing
- Opening Year: 2026
- Height: Over 100 feet tall
- Max Speed: Up to 68 mph
- Max Elevation: Nearly 150 feet (equal to Sky Coaster)
- Capacity: 1,200 passengers per hour
- Icon: 50-foot tall Nutcracker figure
Engineering and Design Details
Lagoon has partnered with several industry leaders to bring the Nutcracker to life. S&S Worldwide is responsible for the ride's innovative mechanics and fabrication. Big D Construction is handling the foundational work and support structures. Additionally, 3dxScenic is creating the prominent 50-foot Nutcracker icon that will stand at the ride's entrance.
Julie Freed, Lagoon's director of special events, shared insights into the ride's experience.
"As you swing, you won't just see the sky, you'll hang with it,"Freed stated. She also noted that riders will reach an elevation of nearly 150 feet above the ground. This height is comparable to the park's existing Sky Coaster attraction, offering a similar aerial perspective.
Comparison to Other Park Attractions
The Nutcracker's dynamic swing height of 135 feet places it among Lagoon's tallest attractions. It will be slightly shorter than the Cannibal roller coaster's tallest loop, which stands at 140 feet. This comparison highlights the new ride's significant scale within the park's current offerings.
Shane Dustman, a frequent Lagoon visitor and season pass holder, expressed his positive view on the collaboration between Lagoon and S&S Worldwide. He recalled their previous successful partnership on the Rocket ride.
"They (Lagoon) worked with S&S in the past… they did the Rocket with S&S, so I knew it was a swing,"Dustman commented.
Lagoon Park's History
Lagoon Amusement Park has been Utah's only amusement park for over a century, celebrating 139 years of operation this year. The park offers 55 rides, a water park, and other features that create a diverse experience for visitors. Its commitment to refreshing attractions is a key part of its long-standing appeal.
The park's last new ride, Primordial, a fantasy-themed roller coaster, opened in 2023. The Nutcracker represents the next step in Lagoon's strategy to introduce more extreme attractions and maintain visitor interest.
Visitor Anticipation and Impact
The announcement of the Nutcracker has generated excitement among park enthusiasts. Masen Curtis, a high school student who visits Lagoon often, expressed enthusiasm for the new attraction.
"I'm actually really excited for the new ride. I think it's a new opportunity for people to get more excited about Lagoon, especially since they've been making new rides,"Curtis said.
Curtis believes the Nutcracker aligns with Lagoon's direction toward more extreme rides. This focus is likely to attract a demographic seeking high-intensity thrills. Mei Gregory, another frequent visitor, also shared her excitement. She mentioned her favorite rides, Wicked and Samurai, and added,
"For the new ride, that looks freaking awesome, I am so excited."
Enhancing the Park Experience
Park officials confirm that the Nutcracker is part of Lagoon's ongoing strategy to refresh its visitor experience. This includes offering a wider range of extreme attractions. The goal is to keep the park dynamic and appealing to both new and returning guests.
The addition of a ride like the Nutcracker is crucial for amusement parks. It helps them stay competitive and relevant in the leisure industry. New attractions often lead to increased attendance and positive media attention.
Fans like Curtis and Gregory are already planning their visits for 2026. They aim to be among the first to experience the new thrill. This level of anticipation underscores the importance of new ride announcements for amusement parks.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The construction of the Nutcracker is a significant project that involves detailed planning and execution. The collaboration with specialized companies ensures that the ride will meet high standards of safety and engineering. The 50-foot Nutcracker icon will serve as a prominent landmark, further integrating the ride into the park's thematic elements.
The introduction of the Nutcracker is expected to reinforce Lagoon's position as a premier entertainment destination in Utah. It continues the park's tradition of offering a diverse array of attractions for all ages, with a growing emphasis on high-thrill experiences.
