FARMINGTON—Lagoon is a destination spot for tourists and locals alike but now it has national recognition, the amusement park’s newest ride Primordial was named #1 Best New Theme Park Attraction by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2023.

“We’re thrilled,” said Julie Freed, director of special events and spokesperson for Lagoon. “An expert panel picks the best of the best. We don’t nominate ourselves.”

They put out the top 18 or 19 theme parks, she said. “Parks like Disneyland, Universal, etc. It was nice to even be nominated. Then people voted and after the new year they announced we were the #1 theme park ride.”

There is a group of American enthusiasts who hold a conference at different parks every year, said Freed. “They wanted to hold it at Lagoon because they knew Primordial was opening. I’m sure they had some influence too.”

Primordial opened last season, she said. “It was later than we planned but we wanted it to be perfect. We opened it up to season pass holders first. We’ve been working on it for eight years. This is our baby and they loved it.”

It’s a family ride, Freed said. “It’s 36” and up so (most) 3-year-olds can ride it. Everyone has worked day and night so I’m proud of them for getting this recognition. It’s such an honor.”

Primordial is a 3D interactive roller coaster, she said. “It is world class, state-of-the-art and has an original storyline. It’s the best of the best. Over 75% was designed and built locally. Typically you buy a ride off the shelf. We wanted to do our own story.”

The ride takes place in a magical kingdom, said Freed. “A dragon brings the day and an owl brings the night. But they are taken over by an evil force and you’re fighting to free the owl so he can bring the night back and the dragon so he can bring the day back. You’re freeing the good guys.”

The coaster twists and turns in the dark so riders don’t know what to expect, she said. “Then it comes to a screen and slows down almost to a stop.”

There is 5,000 square feet of game play screens, Freed said. “It’s totally random. You have a pointer device and blaster so you’re interacting with the screen. Players are scored so you’re competing with other riders. It shows the best scores. It’s really fun.”

Freed said there are eight possible endings. “People come back and see something different. That’s an element we’ve never done before.”

Primordial is an 80,000 square foot mountain, she said. “Both Colossus and the Jet Star II could fit in the mountain and there would still be room for the Merry-Go-Round. There are three floors and it’s five minutes long. Cannibal is only two minutes long.”

The feedback has been phenomenal, said Freed. “Guests have loved it so far.”