Amusement Park
mechanism research

Dark Rides
These rides have a large indoor room  and pass through a series of scenes. People may ride in cars on a track or in boats that float in water.

Attractions such as the bright, cheerful “it's a small world” aren't necessarily spooky—or even dark—but are still considered “dark” rides. 

Flat Rides
A “flat ride” spins around and usually include a circular platform. Depending on their speed and other factors, they may or may not be thrill rides. Slow-moving flat rides are often grouped into “kiddie rides,” and are for young riders.

Drop Rides
Drop tower rides, such as Disney’s The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Six Flags’ Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom, which slowly raise passengers high into the air and then have them drop down quickly.

Pendulum Rides
Pendulum rides swing passengers back and forth aboard platforms mounted on the ends of arms or held up by a cable, as if on a giant swing.