FLYINGHIGH The Condor opened in 1991 and is located in Orleans Place next to the Superman roller coaster and Rue le Dodge, which is French for bumper cars. It was relocated to Gurnee from Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. The ride was installed in 1988 at Six Flags Great Adventure and was one of the first of three production models to appear in the US. The ride is manufactured by HUSS of Bremen, Germany. HUSS introduced the ride in 1984 at the World’s Fair in New Orleans and it was called the Cyclo Tower. Unfortunately it spent most of its time closed because of operating problems. It took an additional 4 years of re-engineering before the ride was put into production. Six Flags purchased two of the rides and had planned to use the condor as part of its ride rotation program. It was an idea for parks to have new rides each year at a reduced cost of purchasing a new ride for the parks. Luckily for us it landed in Gurnee and never flew away. The ride is a 112 foot tower and offers amazing views of the park and parking lot. I love going up to the top and looking for my car. My little one just loves this ride and it never gets old to her. We have been riding on it together since she has been tall enough. It is a great family attraction because riders can sit together. One child can sit in front of you in each car between your legs and they will feel safe and secure. It reduces their stress level making them feel protected. The ride was designed to be programmed for various speed cycles but at Six Flags it only has two. The normal operation during the year and a version during Fright Fest where it slows down at the top. I wish that Six Flags would actually utilize the programming and make the ride more of an adventure. Riders would never know if there next ride was going to be fast or slow or in reverse. Let’s mix it up because we have the technology. At night this is one of the best rides in the park to look at. It says fun and carnival as it lights up the night sky. If you are attracted to the ride then that is a good thing. The lighting was designed for the«European Fair Circuit» where rides compete against each other to sell tickets. The flashier the ride the more people wanted to ride it. Luckily for me it’s included in my season pass or my little one would have cleaned out my wallet. There are 28 gondolas all painted to resemble a condor. Riders climb in as two riders or they can ride solo. In addition to an added seat belt there is an original pneumatic air pressure sliding gate. I love informing my little one that when I was a kid there were no added safety features like seat belts. Thanks a lot insurance companies. It freaks her out and she often asks why I never flew out. The ride has a dual rotation as it moves up the tower. It is fun to watch but even more fun to ride. There is also a tilting motion of the gondolas when it reaches the outer part of its rotation. It makes you feel like you are actually turning. We love riding the condor and a trip to Six Flags would not be complete if we didn’t jump on board for a whirl. My little one and I often make a bird noise like«Ca-cow» as we spin to the top. It is one of those traditions that I hope she shares with her children one day.
