FARMINGTON—It’s been two years since Lagoon opened the new ride Primordial. This season a new steampunk-themed area called The District was added. Both have been very popular with Primordial being named #1 Best New Theme Park Attraction by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2023. 

The amusement park hasn’t stopped there. Lagoon announced another new ride will be coming in 2026. With a lot of fanfare, the name was revealed in front of a large crowd of patrons visiting Lagoon on Friday.

“I am here on behalf of our fabulous collaborative team,” said Julie Freed, director of special events and spokesperson for Lagoon. “It is our pleasure to share some very exciting news with you.”

Freed told the guests that If they feel a surge of Oktoberfest energy in the air, they are absolutely right. “Today we are celebrating a tradition of safety, craftsmanship, quality engineering and a thrilling new beginning. We are officially announcing Lagoon’s new exhilarating attraction set to open next season – the Nutcracker.”

As Freed spoke a huge banner with a picture of a Nutcracker was lifted up by a crane behind her. A cupboard filled with flowers and nutcrackers was also uncovered. It will serve as the entrance to the ride.

“Next year a 50 foot Nutcracker icon will proudly stand guard, ready to welcome every guest to join the fun,” said Freed. “The best part is the icon will be dwarfed by the sheer size of the ride itself.”

Freed said Lagoon is proud to bring the world class power and engineering of an SNS worldwide scream and swing right in the park. “As you can see, this colossal, jaw dropping ride will dominate the skyline here at Lagoon.” 

This ride is built to thrill, she said. “Here are a few fun facts to put its power in perspective. The steel arch structure measures about 105 feet tall, taller than the Wicked tower. As you swing, you won’t just see the sky – you’ll hang in it.”

Riders will fly up to nearly 150 feet above the ground, the same height as the Sky Coaster at maximum speed, said Freed. “Riders will soar at a blistering 68 miles per hour. Nearly as fast as the top speed of Cannibal during the main sweep of the ride. Guests will experience up to 4.7 vertical G’s. More forces than astronauts experience when exiting the Earth’s atmosphere. The total ride experience lasts approximately 108 seconds of pure exhilaration.”

Big D construction is constructing the foundations and support structures for the ride, she said. “We have partnered with 3dx Scenic who is already fabricating our 50 foot Nutcracker icon. Finally to ensure a safe and fun experience for our guests, all riders must be a minimum of 48 inches tall to ride. We’ll see you on the swing. Let’s get cracking.”