Dreamworld Disputes Claims Made by US Theme Park

Press Release By Richard Wilson
2 August 1999

Dreamworld's $16-million high-tech thrill ride, the Tower of Terror will retain its title as "the fastest, tallest ride in the world" despite recent claims made by a United States theme park.

Chief Executive Officer of Dreamworld, Mr. Fred Maybury today dismissed statements made in the media that "Superman the Escape", located at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California had exceeded Dreamworld's world speed record as "inaccurate and misleading".

"The fact is, by design, both rides are identical reverse free fall roller coasters and not designed to achieve a speed greater than 161 km/hour (100mph) and operate safely," Maybury said.

This has been confirmed by the ride's manufacturer, Intamin AG of Switzerland.

"Dreamworld's Tower of Terror is capable of matching or exceeding speeds recorded by the US ride, but for safety reasons Dreamworld chooses not to", Maybury added.

No verification or confirmation has been provided that the Tower of Terror's speed record had been broken other than reports made in the media.

On February 7, 1997 Dreamworld's Tower of Terror officially claimed the world speed record reaching a speed of 161 kilometers per hour (100 mph). The speed was registered on a Police calibrated hand-held Falcon radar gun and verified by a Justice of the Peace."