Grim’s Haunted Carnival: Ferris Wheel vs. Roller Coaster

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Following your experience in the fortune teller’s tent, you feel more enlightened about yourself, but that was a lot of brain work. It’s time for some raw, kinetic experience! Signs ahead of you point to two thrilling rides: the Ferris wheel, and the roller coaster. However, they seem to be located on opposite sides of the park, and your trial run of Grim’s Haunted Carnival won’t last forever, so which is your priority?

Ferris Wheel

  • Originally designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. as a landmark for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Similar designs have existed since at least the 17th century, though!
  • The world’s tallest Ferris wheel is currently the High Roller in (where else?) Las Vegas, at 550 ft (167.6 m).
  • Are heights not your thing? That’s okay; acrophobia affects 2-5% of the population. You’re not alone!

Roller Coaster

  • Prototypes date back to the 17th century, when special sledding slides in St. Petersburg inspired imitators called “Russian Mountains.” A French model with wheeled cars premiered in 1817, declined, then resurged during the Belle Époque.
  • The oldest surviving roller coaster in the United States is “Leap the Dips” in Pennsylvania’s Lakemont Park, built in 1902. It’s pretty lowkey, but it still works!
  • Worried about falling out of a coaster car? It’s not likely! Roller coasters keep you in place through friction and centrifugal force.

This faceoff will start at 11:00 AM EDT on 10/23 and go for 24 hours! Usual VS bonuses apply.

Swag (generously sponsored by @susi): 1 shirt, 1 mug, and 3 sticker sheets will be raffled among the top 50% of players on the winning team!

Artwork by Daniela Gamba