DARIEN, N.Y. -- Construction will begin in March on two new rides at Darien Lake Amusement Park, which opens for the season in 84 days.
The first new ride is Brain Drain, a 70-foot-high water slide. General Manager Chris Thorpe said the 300-foot ride is a real rush.
"The floor drops out from under you and you are entering the slide going 34 feet per second," said Thorpe.
Also new is Rolling Thunder, a 7-story-high circle that continuously flips riders around for two minutes.
"It's a unique free standing structure that rocks you back and forth until ultimately hanging people upside down," said Thorpe.
Genesee County Chamber of Commerce president Ton Turnbull said the additions are exciting. He remembers a time when the park was very different and he said that watching Darien Lake grow has been a ride of its own.
"The early days of Darien Lake when there was just picnic tables, paddle boats, a petting zoo. Watching this grow was fantastic," said Turnbill.
The relaxed height restrictions on Rolling Thunder make it unique. Most roller coasters at the park prevent young kids from riding, but Rolling Thunder is okay for anyone 48 inches or taller.
"You want the perfect balance of thrill and family bonding togetherness and the fact that you can face each other, I'm going to get a kick out of my kids next to me rolling upside down," said Thorpe.
Both rides willl debut in early May.