Around the World XXL – Jean van der Beek
80-metre-high Funtime swing ride – formerly Condor
Operator: Jean van der Beek – Doornberg B.V. (Apeldoorn, Netherlands) · since 2017
0 fansAround the World XXL by Jean van der Beek is a travelling high-altitude swing ride made by Austrian manufacturer Funtime. The tower reaches a height of 80 metres and has been part of the Dutch showman van der Beek's operation since 2017. The same ride previously travelled around Switzerland under the name “Condor”. On Around the World XXL, the seats hang from chains as the rotating ring of seats rises above the fairground. This ride combines sweeping views with an open-air experience.
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What to expect
- High ride with a view
Highlights & records
Funtime high-altitude swing ride by 2016, with a tower height of 80 m and 32 passenger seats; presented by Maier (Switzerland) in 2016 under the name Condor.
From the Swiss Condor to the Dutch Around the World XXL: the 80-metre Starflyer is a distinct Funtime high-altitude swing ride offering far-reaching views.
The ride on Around the World XXL by Jean van der Beek
When you board, the seats are still close to the ground. As the ride begins, they start to rotate and the seat assembly is lifted up the tall tower. The rotation causes the seats to swing outwards on their chains. The view of the surroundings keeps changing as you ride. Passengers experience not only the height, but also the wind and the steady circular motion.
Around the World XXL by Jean van der Beek can carry 32 people at a time. The ride is also interesting to watch from below: as the seats spread out above the fairground, the large tower remains visible at the centre. Unlike on a Ferris wheel, guests are not enclosed in cabins. The open views and movement at height define the ride.
Video
General
- Manufacturer
- Funtime (Austria)
- Model
- Funtime Star Flyer (80 m)
- Year built
- 2016
- Premiere
- 2016
- Original name
- Condor
- Also known as
- Condor; Around The World XXL – Maier
Ride
- Height
- 80 m
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 21.5 × 19 m
- Power rating
- 200 kW
History: Around the World XXL by Jean van der Beek
Manufacturer Funtime built the swing ride in 2016. It made its debut on 29 April 2016 at the Chilbi in Chur. At the time, the ride was called “Condor” and belonged to showman H. P. Maier from Frauenfeld, Switzerland. It travelled under this name during the following season too.
In 2017, the ride passed to Dutch showman Jean van der Beek from Apeldoorn. With its new operator, it was renamed Around the World XXL. The new name recalls other swing rides associated with van der Beek, but this is a distinct Funtime design. The older Around the World XL, later operated by Daniel de Voer, was already built as a Dutch one-off in 2008. The two rides therefore differ in manufacturer, year of construction and height.
Timeline
Debuted 29.04.2016 at the Chilbi in Chur (Switzerland) as Condor with H. P. Maier. Transferred to Jean van der Beek from the Netherlands in 2017 and operated thereafter as Around the World XXL. Not the same as van der Beek's earlier self-built 60-m rides, including Around the World XL (de Voer, 2008).
- Operator
- Jean van der Beek – Doornberg B.V. (Apeldoorn, Netherlands)
- With operator since
- 2017
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
2016–2017 H. P. Maier (Frauenfeld, Switzerland)
Van der Beek's operation at European fairs
With Around the World XXL, van der Beek's operation travels to larger events in Germany and beyond. For example, the city of Crailsheim listed the swing ride for its Fränkisches Volksfest 2026 under the operator “Jean van der Beek – Doornberg B.V.” The Kirmesecke overview also lists appearances at the Dachauer Volksfest and other German funfair sites.
The towering structure quickly becomes a landmark. The ride is easy to spot from a distance, especially across a large site. After dark, its illuminated structure stands out too. This ride is therefore a striking part of the fairground scene for both passengers and spectators.
Who is Around the World XXL suitable for?
If you enjoy rides at height and open swing rides, Around the World XXL offers you a combination of views and movement. As the ring of seats rises, your view of the fairground changes. If you are sensitive to heights or spinning, bear this in mind before you board. The applicable height and safety rules are displayed right at the ride.
You can find more swing rides and tower rides in our overview of funfair attractions.
