Most pictures of UFOs are blurry, so today's pictures of the old Flying Saucers fit right in! The difference is that these were taken by somebody trying to control their saucer and take a clear photo. It didn't work so well.
Apparently boys of a certain age particularly enjoyed this ride. First: you're on a cool flying saucer! Second, you get to crash into your friends, or even complete strangers. Boys love mayhem. The kid on the right is gunning for someone.
The photographer was moving, the subject was moving, I guess we can't be surprised at results like this.
Those vehicles really weren't built for two - even an adult and smallish child. I've heard it was hard enough for one person to control where to go; with two it must have been impossible. Still... I wish I could experience it for myself! The newer "Flying Tires" attraction at DCA is so big and slow that I don't think it would be the same.
I gave the Flying Tires a second chance a few weeks ago, and they were just as boring as when I first rode them. It seems that space could have been put to much better use.
ReplyDeleteSad to hear that, Tokyo. Space is at such a premium there, hopefully something new will be made there that IS less boring.
ReplyDeleteEven tho they say it was not the best ride ever invented mechanically speaking, I too wish I could have had a ride in a flying saucer, just to say that I did if nothing else!
Cool pictures today, Major :-)
The floor of this ride always makes me think of those thermal covers you put on backyard swimming pools.
ReplyDeleteMelissa -
ReplyDeleteWhen you mentioned swimming pools in reference to the Flying Saucers, all I could think of was Magic Mountain's El Bumpo. Anyone else remember that ride?
http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/sr9610.htm
TokyoMagic!, while I haven't been on the Flying Tires yet, video footage of them does not inspire. So slow, so clunky - the only praise I hear for the attraction has to do with Mater's songs.
ReplyDeleteNancy, I would not be surprised if this ride goes away in a few years.
Melissa, I thought swimming pool covers were basically big tarps.
K. Martinez, I do remember El Bumpo, as a kid I thought it was super cool - bumper cars, but in little boats!
Even motion-blurred photos of the Flying Saucers are welcome. Thanks for these!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I thought swimming pool covers were basically big tarps.
ReplyDeleteThey are, but some of them have those little circular dimples in them to hold in the heat. And they're usually blue.
@K. Martinez - El Bumpo looks like lots of fun! Like bumper cars, but with spinning, rocking, and splashing instead of just whiplash!
I remember riding this, I was too small to go alone, I had to ride with my Mom. My Dad was too big.
ReplyDeleteBut the two of us together were still heavier than optimal, so we just sort of puttered around. Mom hated crashing into things, so it was a very dull ride indeed. I remember it was a long wait.
When we went back next, the ride was gone, or we didn't ride it, can't recall for sure. Anyway, once was enough.
Ha, Pool Tarp. It looks just like one.
JG
It was a long wait due to its small number of riders, broke down often and my favorite attraction. Bumping into one another is one thing. I loved to be able to scoot fully across the floor without a collision....or hitting the poor soul at the other end :). You could pick up decent speed...and it was so smooth. A great memory.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh....
ReplyDeleteMelissa - High Priestess of Prose, Poetry and Pool Covers. It kinda rolls off the tongue, now doesn't it-??
Was this more fun than the flying tires in Carsland now?
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the Flying Tires. I assume because of their size, they are sluggish compared to the original.
ReplyDelete