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United Kingdom Amusement Park Ride Is Designed To Cure Hangovers
After seeing a 250% increase in people puking on rides, the staff at Thorpe Park in Surrey decided to do something about it. And with the help of science, they've created the United Kingdom's first winged roller coaster, the Swarm. Not only that, but it's designed to cure hangovers.
First, riders are shot through head first down a 128-foot drop. While this may sound counterintuitive, neuropsychologist Dr. David Lewis explains the blast of oxygen on the high-speed ride actually speeds the metabolic rate of a drunk person, helping to break toxins down more quickly.
There is also a breathalyzer next to the height bar. If you fail, you're sent to The Swarm and not allowed on any other rides until you've sobered up. While Thorpe Park doesn't condone drinking and riding, they understood many freshman just starting college probably don't realize they're still suffering from the previous night's partying.
"We felt it was our duty to ensure that all of our guests enjoy the extreme nature of our rides and by putting them on the Swarm, which is proven to be the ultimate hangover cure," Mike Vallis, divisional director of Thorpe Park, told news.com.au.
For a visual idea of the ride, check out the video above.
Filed under: Europe, United Kingdom, News, Theme Parks












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Todd Sep 26th 2012 9:35PM
I know the "hangover" cure sounds ridiculous... but it couldn't be ANY MORE true.
A few years ago, I went out partying one night and drank one too many martinis.
Went to Six Flags the next day. I could hardly walk and, in fact, was trying to get out of it. But my company was sending me there as part of a promotional campaign... and I had to be there.
1st up? The Batman.
I thought I was going to puke all over everyone!!!! BUT --- by the end of the ride... my headache was gone and I was no longer sick!!!
Since then, I've always said: with a hangover? Ride a rollercoaster!!! (just pray you don't puke first)
rawkstar4179 Sep 27th 2012 1:33AM
See!!! I knew I wasn't (completely) crazy!! I used to do the same thing for migraines when I worked at Universal Studios. I lived about a 5 min drive from Universal, and when I could feel a migraine coming on (assuming I wasn't already at work), I'd head in early, hop on Hulk or Dragons once or twice, and it would be gone. My coworkers thought I was nuts, but it worked for me. Not sure I'd be riding it with someone that failed a breathalyzer though. Not everyone has a strong stomach and I'd really rather not be puked on by a half drunk college kid.
tws952 Sep 27th 2012 11:58AM
Make sense. Could it have been the rush of adrenaline that did it?
kallien atalie Sep 27th 2012 3:35AM
I'm doing a speech on an amusement park aimed toward senior citizens and I need help thinking of rides designed for them.
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110728022125AAZIBIE
Lassie Sep 27th 2012 9:49AM
I imagine a good puke up of a stomach full of booze will make you feel better. I would hope they make you take a barf bag when you get on.