drop tower
Vertical plunge ride
A drop tower is an amusement park ride that lifts passengers to a height and then releases them into a controlled free fall, producing a sensation of weightlessness before braking near the bottom.
The name also applies to specialized research facilities where scientists study objects or conduct experiments in brief periods of microgravity by dropping them down a tall shaft.
The drop tower was the scariest ride at the fair.
In both contexts, the essential feature is a vertical structure designed to create or simulate free fall.
Unimpeded downward motion
- weightlessnessAbsence of apparent mass
- g-forceAcceleration in gravitational units
- plummetRapid downward descent
- accelerationRate velocity changes
gravity · descent · velocity · zero-g · butterflies · floating · airtime · hang time
Entertainment destination with rides
- attractionPull toward something
- rideJourney atop something
- queueOrdered waiting line
- ticketEntry permit slip
Six Flags · Cedar Point · Dreamworld · Hersheypark · funfair · carnival · thrill ride · Larson
Emergency response hormone
- screamLoud sharp cry
- rushQuick sudden movement
- heart-poundingCausing intense physical excitement
- exhilaratingIntensely invigorating or exciting
anticipation · daredevil · white-knuckle · euphoria · intense · dizzying · vertigo · climax
Raised flat structure
- capsuleEnclosed dose container
- gondolaSuspended transport cabin
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
- trackPath or monitored route
braking system · pneumatic · cable · harness · restraint · vertical · steel frame · observation deck
State of awaiting something
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- ascentUpward movement
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- releaseTo let go
plunge · catch · recovery · repeat · lineup · wait · boarding · lap bar
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
- acrophobiaDread of elevated positions
panic · apprehension · cold sweat · trembling · hyperventilation · phobia · unease · hesitation
freefall
Unimpeded downward motion
- weightlessnessAbsence of apparent mass
- g-forceAcceleration in gravitational units
- plummetRapid downward descent
acceleration · gravity · descent · velocity · zero-g · butterflies · floating · airtime · hang time · lurch
theme park
Entertainment destination with rides
- attractionPull toward something
- rideJourney atop something
- queueOrdered waiting line
ticket · Six Flags · Cedar Point · Dreamworld · Hersheypark · funfair · carnival · thrill ride · Larson
adrenaline
Emergency response hormone
- screamLoud sharp cry
- rushQuick sudden movement
- heart-poundingCausing intense physical excitement
exhilarating · anticipation · daredevil · white-knuckle · euphoria · intense · dizzying · vertigo · climax · surge
platform
Raised flat structure
track · braking system · pneumatic · cable · harness · restraint · vertical · steel frame · observation deck · safety net
anticipation
State of awaiting something
release · plunge · catch · recovery · repeat · lineup · wait · boarding · lap bar · shoulder harness
terror
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
acrophobia · panic · apprehension · cold sweat · trembling · hyperventilation · phobia · unease · hesitation · regret
- carnival ridesFerris wheel, carousel, bumper cars, merry-go-round, tilt-a-whirl
- gravity ridesfreefall
- amusementsarcade, carnivals, pinball machine, fairs, ferris wheel
- attractionszoo, museum, theme park, amusement park, water park
- theme parksroller coasters, roller coaster, Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, carousels
- fairgroundsfairground, ferris wheel, carousel, cotton candy, funnel cake
drop towercarousel
Revolving platform with seats
merry-go-round · kiddie ride · gentle ride · ferris wheel · train ride
drop, tower, dropped, drops, towering, dropping, dripping, droplet, towers