Zodiac is a HUSS Enterprise flat ride located at Thorpe Park in Surrey, United Kingdom. The attraction features a large rotating disc with suspended gondolas that seat two riders each. As the disc spins and is gradually lifted by a hydraulic arm, riders experience a combination of rotational and tilting forces, creating near-inversions and high G-forces.
The ride originally opened in 2000 under the name Enterprise, but was renamed Zodiac the following year to better align with the expanding Lost City theme and the opening of Vortex. This decision established the ride as a permanent installation. During the 2001 season, an incident occurred in which a gondola became partially detached from the main frame of the ride, resulting in the park being fined £65,000 in 2004.[1] In 2006, the ride was replaced with another HUSS Enterprise, sourced from Drayton Manor. This version featured a different aesthetic from the original 2001–2004 installation, with plain white spokes and minimal red striping.[2]
Photographs of each version of this ride
A photograph of the original version of Zodiac. Opened in 2000, and the theming (visible in this photo, which was taken in 2003) was applied for the 2001 season. This HUSS Enterprise was removed at the end of the 2005 season.
A photograph of the replacement Zodiac. This HUSS Enterprise was relocated from Drayton Manor at the end of the 2005 season, and has been operating at Thorpe Park since 2006. (This photo was taken during the 2006 season).
Ride experience
Riders board small gondolas suspended around a large central disc. Ride operators circulate around the disc to ensure all gondola gates are properly closed before the ride begins.
Each gondola accommodates two riders and does not feature restraints, relying on the forces generated by the ride to keep passengers securely in place while allowing a freer experience.
The disc starts rotating slowly and progressively accelerates. As the speed increases, the suspended gondolas are forced nearly sideways, reaching a rotational speed of 13.5 revolutions per minute. Simultaneously, the disc is lifted into the air by a hydraulic arm. At the maximum tilt of 70°, riders experience a near-inversion in the gondolas, performing a movement analogous to a vertical loop on a roller coaster. After reaching the peak tilt, the arm lowers, the disc slows, and the gondolas gradually return to a stationary position, with gravity reorienting the bases of the gondolas toward the ground.
Safety
In the uncommon event that Zodiac (or any other HUSS Enterprise ride) tilts beyond 90 degrees, an emergency stop procedure is triggered. During this process, the gondolas may swing uncontrollably until the ride comes to a complete stop. The ride is then gradually returned to a level position.
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Wheelchair accessible
Must transfer from wheelchair
