All systems go at Space Shuttle Max

MANILA, Philippines - Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the country’s first and only world-class theme park, continues to thrill its patrons this holiday season with the launch of its newest ride, the Space Shuttle Max.

Over the past 14 years, the Space Shuttle has become an icon for Enchanted Kingdom. Countless guests have gone through its spine-tingling loops and jaw-dropping speed as it created unique and memorable experiences for the guests with every cycle.  

The number of years of operation, however, had taken its toll on the ride and by the end of last summer, the attraction necessitated a major upgrade so that it can be good as new and even better.

The whole train was replaced with the latest available model, the Vekoma Mark 1212 train, and coaches from Holland. 

The new design will give riders a greater feeling of space, as the body is more open, affording a more exciting experience. It has a more comfortable ergonomic seating position and a state-of-the-art automated harness system.

The new system takes into consideration the size and body mass of the rider, resulting in a more comfortable experience. 

Also, the hydraulically operated harness system is controlled by the ride operator and need not be lowered or lifted manually by the ride attendants. As a safety feature, the ride system will not function if any of the harnesses are not locked.

A smoother ride is expected of the Space Shuttle Max because of the way it is attached to the track with better-controlled movements. Vibration will be at a minimum, with the train and coaches having fewer welds and whose axles are milled from solid high-grade steel billets.

Adding to the smoother rides is an entirely new braking system that is an industry and world’s first. 

EK’s Space Shuttle Max is the first boomerang-type roller coaster to be installed with a magnetic braking system, replacing the previous pneumatic one and should result in a more gentle experience of braking, reducing the sudden jerk passengers normally experience.

“We are proud to present the new Space Shuttle Max in time for the holidays. The highly awaited ride will be very much welcomed by the huge crowd we are expecting this season. EK will be filled again with the sound of the ride and the screams of delight from its riders,” says Mario Mamon, EK’s president and chairman.

From now to Jan. 3, 2010, EK is open daily from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight. The fireworks display is at 10 p.m.

Enchanted Kingdom is located in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. For more information, visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or call 843-6074 to 76 or 830-2111 to 16.