Ferris Wheels have been around since the 17th century

Before the Ferris Wheel existed as we know it today, it was known in 17th century Bulgaria as the ‘pleasure wheel.’ Pleasure wheels had chairs suspended from rings, and the entire contraption was turned by strongmen and it is thought that they may have originated in 17th century Bulgaria.

Dodgems weren’t originally supposed to crash into each other

When the dodgem cars were first invented in 1920, the whole point was not to bump into other bumper cars — hence the name “Dodgems,” because you had to dodge ’em.

The thrill of the ride, back then, came from having to dodge your fellow riders best you could.

Rollercoaster used to be made of wood

When rollercoasters were first built over 100 years ago, they were made of wood! This was much cheaper and less permanent that metal, and meant the rollercoaster could be taken down more easily. Must’ve been a creaky ride!

The Disneyland railroad steam trains are powered by French fry oil

The Walt Disney Company touts its commitment to environmental sustainability, and they demonstrate it with its unusual way of powering one of its rides: with cooking oil.

Since 2009, the Disneyland Railroad steam trains have been run on bio-diesel made from recycled cooking oil used to make park favourite fried foods like French fries, saving around 200,000 gallons of petroleum diesel each year, according to Disney Parks Blog.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 4th, 2024