Mexico City – Meeß-Gusik
The family roller coaster with a Mexican flair
Operator: Daniel Meeß-Gusik (Herne)
Mexico City brings a roller coaster ride right into the funfair, in a format that is especially appealing to families. The portable ride operated by showman Meeß-Gusik combines a classic track layout with colourful Mexican-style decor. From the sidelines, you can watch the cars as they travel around bends and over small changes in height.
Unlike large looping coasters, this ride is not about inversions or extreme heights. Mexico City is all about the alternation between climbs, descents and winding sections. This makes the ride an appealing stop for anyone who likes roller coasters and is looking for an accessible introduction to the world of coasters.
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What to expect
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Family roller coaster with a Mexican theme; originally Goldexpress, later Speedy Gonzales. Compact SDC junior coaster with classic turns and drops.
Small roller coaster, big thrills – from the lift hill to the final turn.
The special design of the family roller coaster
Behind Mexico City is a junior coaster made by the Italian manufacturer SDC in 1994. The ride occupies an area of around 32 by 14 metres at the fairground. Its layout combines a compact footprint with a winding track, on which the cars repeatedly pass by the façade.
For the ride, the train is first lifted by a chain lift. After that, gravity determines the speed along the course. This creates a roller coaster experience that is fundamentally different from the steady rotation of a circular ride.
Mexico City: This is what riding a roller coaster feels like
After boarding, the train first takes you to the highest point of the ride. Then the ride itself begins: the cars roll along the track, change direction and pick up noticeable speed on the descents. The tight bends in particular give the relatively compact track its character.
As the train travels along the tracks, you repeatedly get a view of the other attractions. The combination of the breeze, the sounds and the sight of the next bend brings the ride to life. Children who want to try larger rides can first watch a full ride from the ground with their companions.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- SDC (Italy)
- Model
- SDC Junior-Coaster
- Year built
- 1994
- Premiere
- 1994
- Original name
- Goldexpress
- Also known as
- Mexico City; Mexico City Family Coaster; formerly Speedy Gonzales and Goldexpress
Ride
- Height
- 11 m
- Lift / drive
- Chain lift
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 32 × 14 m
- Power rating
- 40 kW
Mexico City: History from the Golden Express to the present day
The current ride began in 1994 under the name Goldexpress with showman Neupert. Later, it appeared as Speedy Gonzales with the Walkhöfer family. In the following years, the attraction developed into its current Mexico City theme.
Since 2024, the ride has been operated by Meeß-Gusik from Herne. Its multiple name changes are part of its funfair history: the technology remains intact, while its design and presentation continue to evolve under new operators.
Timeline
Built and put into operation as Goldexpress (Neupert) in 1994. From 1998, as Speedy Gonzales with Walkhöfer. From 2008, under the name Mexico City with Walkhöfer/Fischer. Since 2024, as Mexico City with showman business Meeß-Gusik.
- Operator
- Daniel Meeß-Gusik (Herne)
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
1994–1997 Peter Neupert (Berlin); 1998–2007 Bernd Walkhöfer (Hildesheim); 2008–2023 Steve Walkhöfer and Diana Fischer; since 2024 Meeß-Gusik (Herne)
Who is Mexico City suitable for?
If you’re looking for a family roller coaster with classic turns and drops, Mexico City offers a lovely mix of movement and fun. The ride can be a shared experience for families before they try the really big attractions.
At the entrance, you’ll find the current requirements for age, height and accompanying adults. Check them before joining the queue. You can find more family roller coasters and rides in our overview of attractions.
Upcoming funfair dates
