Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first 'Ultra-Accessible' theme park, has officially opened its latest interactive attraction: WingZ of Wonder.
Developed in collaboration with Italian ride manufacturer Zamperla, the new interactive tower ride marks a significant milestone in inclusive attraction design. Standing approximately 40 feet (12 meters) tall, WingZ of Wonder is not just a standard drop tower.
It features a unique interactive element that puts riders in control of their own experience. By 'flapping' their arms, guests can make their butterfly-themed gondolas rise and fall as the central tower rotates.
Inclusion by Design
The attraction was co-designed by Zamperla’s engineering team and Morgan’s Inclusion Institute to ensure that accessibility was a core requirement rather than an afterthought.
The ride features several key innovations:
- Interactive Flight: Sensors detect arm movements to control the gondola’s height. For guests who may have limited mobility, a companion or caregiver in the same gondola can assist with the flapping motion, ensuring everyone participates in the fun.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Specialized gondolas allow guests to remain in their wheelchairs during the ride, eliminating the need for transfers and making the experience more seamless and dignified.
- Smooth Motion: Utilizing a cable-driven system, the ride offers precise, smooth movements designed to be comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities.
A Powerful Partnership
"WingZ of Wonder represents what's possible when engineering starts with inclusion as a design requirement," said Catherine Lorenzo, President of Morgan’s Wonderland. "Zamperla listened closely to how our guests move, play, and experience rides, and the result is an intuitive attraction never before seen in this industry."
Antonio Zamperla, CEO of Zamperla, added: "We are proud to bring our 'All Access' commitment to life in a powerful way. Supporting Morgan’s Wonderland, recognized globally for its inclusive mission, makes this project especially meaningful for our team."
Visiting Morgan’s Wonderland
WingZ of Wonder is now open to the public. It joins more than 25 other accessible attractions at the 25-acre park, including previous Zamperla collaborations like Joy’s Happy Swing and Jette’s Wonder Bikes.
The ride has an instant capacity of 16 riders and is designed for a broad demographic, requiring a minimum height of 36 inches (90 cm) to ride with a companion, or 48 inches (120 cm) to ride alone.
As with all attractions at Morgan’s Wonderland, the goal of WingZ of Wonder is to provide a shared experience, allowing family members and friends of all abilities to play together side-by-side.
