Walking through the Hoppings, many rides use height to garner a thrilling reputation. However, one ride barely needed to get 10ft off the ground to have me clinging to the bars, begging for it to end. That ride, ladies and gentlemen, is Tagada, also known as The Odeon.
What Makes Tagada So Intense?
You have probably seen this ride before in previous years, through social media videos, testimony from friends, or perhaps you've passed it at the Hoppings. Either way, I should have thought twice before underestimating it. It's a circular ride, no seat belts or straps to be seen, just a padded headrest and long benches. This made me think it wouldn't be too bad, with those falling off the seats doing so to look funny in front of friends.
As I got on the ride, I had the sense to go to the far corner of the bench, against a barrier between me and the door. This would prove to be a very wise decision once the ride got started. Consisting of a wheel on a 45° axis, as it starts spinning, it's easy enough to stay sat on the bench. As it picks up speed, it starts to rock.
A First-Hand Experience of Chaos
I got a front row seat to just how chaotic this ride can be. My legs refused to stay on solid ground as the ride tossed me about, my arm wrapped around the barrier to keep me steady. Some of the Tagada rides offer more handles to hold onto, but the one I rode at the Hoppings had a few metal handles interspersed behind the headrests. However, I really appreciated the more substantial handhold.
This was very necessary later in the ride, as the music got louder and the ride tossed people even more. One attendee was thrown over his friend in an attempt to stay seated. As the 4-minute ride continued, at one point, bubbles were blown onto the ride, just adding to the pure chaos of the ride. I've been on a lot of thrill rides over the years, and while it wasn't the biggest, it was certainly the most hair-raising.
Safety Concerns and Bans
When I say the ride is intense, I'm not the only one. Tagada rides are banned in the United States and Australia due to the high rate of broken bones resulting from the ride. In fact, the Tagada rides at the Hoppings have a history, with a teen having been flung off the ride in 2011. While the style of ride remains legal in the UK, some councils have banned its use due to safety concerns.
That being said, it was truly one of the most thrilling rides at the Hoppings, and should be treated with respect. This is one that you ride only if you dare.
