The COVID-19 crisis has crippled the thrill ride industry, changed the rules, and delayed the release of several big-name projects. But longtime innovator Bill Kitchen knows when it’s time to make a comeback. US Thrillrides has been hard at work fine-tuning the hugely successful Unicoaster concept into the next concept.
Unicoaster Roulette combines the successfully tried and tested concepts seen in places like the Mall of America (Nickelodeon’s Brain Surge) and the American Dream (Jimmy Neutron’s Atom Smasher) with the anticipation of being the next big winner – while you ride. This winning combination and small footprint allow Unicoaster Roulette to fit perfectly into any entertainment venue, from family fun centers, to major theme parks, and now even as centerpiece attractions in casinos! US Thrillrides has found a new quality manufacturer, Visa, so the price has been lowered by 40 percent over the last two sold.
With social-distancing emerging as a prevalent concept worldwide, entertainment venues are being forced to recalibrate how they serve customers. When it comes to thrill rides this means combining the challenge of keeping riders as separated as possible, with the ability to quickly disinfect surfaces and get people moving again. With this in mind the Unicoaster Roulette has been further renovated with shields behind each seat to help protect patrons from airborne hazards. Located within a 52 foot diameter circular site, the 18-foot tall ride seats up to 16 guests at the end of eight arms, providing an hourly capacity of 196.
Unicoaster Roulette delivers the thrills of a rollercoaster experience with minimal height and footprint. With the added appeal of a winner with every ride, repeat riders are common and venues can tailor the prize to fit their needs. Instead of a roulette ball, up to eight pair of riders circle the roulette wheel. Kitchen believes that, “At parks and FEC’s this would be a game, with prizes like a really big plush toy, so an upcharge would be expected by the patrons. At casinos, this would be gambling game, and could offer a cash jackpot to the winning riders.”
