Samurai, Top Scan amusement ride at Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, England.
Samurai is an amusement ride with multiple gondolas mounted on a central rotating arm that moves passengers through vertical and horizontal motions. The main arm spins while each gondola rotates independently around its own axis, creating a complex three-dimensional movement experience.
The attraction first opened at Chessington World of Adventures in 2003 before being moved to Thorpe Park for continued service. This relocation allowed the ride to operate at multiple locations within the same park company.
The ride's name references Japanese warrior traditions, though visitors experience it primarily through the intense physical sensations of spinning. Each gondola rotates independently while the main arm circles, creating the distinctive motion that defines the attraction.
Passengers must be at least 140 centimeters tall and should secure all loose items before boarding. The complete rotation sequence lasts approximately four minutes, giving time to prepare.
While the ride spins, each gondola also rotates independently, meaning passengers experience more than just a simple circular path. This double rotation creates unpredictable motion and significantly increases the intensity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
