Fast & Furious – Zimmermann-Krämer
The Tivoli Orbiter with two former names and 18 gondolas
Operator: Michael Zimmermann & Söhne (Zimmermann-Krämer), Filderstadt
Fast & Furious by Zimmermann-Krämer is a travelling Orbiter made by British manufacturer Tivoli Enterprises. Its circular motion, gondolas that swing out to the sides and sporty façade make this roundabout ride a distinctive sight at the fairground. The name now refers to a ride that has travelled under two other names.
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What to expect
Highlights & records
Tivoli Orbiter with 18 outward-swinging two-person gondolas; formerly Orbiter and Destroyer.
From Orbiter to Destroyer to Fast & Furious: this classic combines a long history on the road with a dynamic new look.
What a ride on Fast & Furious is like
On the Orbiter, passengers sit in pairs in one of the 18 gondolas. As the whole ride rotates, the gondolas swing outwards. This creates a lively combination of rotation, sideways acceleration and an open view of the activity all around. Unlike a roller coaster, it has no track: the movement comes from the rotating platform and the pivoting arms.
Fast & Furious creates a fast-paced atmosphere. From the outside, you can especially see how the individual gondolas adjust as the rotation picks up. If you enjoy classic roundabout rides with a strong centrifugal force, this offers a different experience from a Break Dance or Musik Express. The ride feels compact but dynamic, as several movements combine.
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General
- Manufacturer
- Tivoli Enterprises (United Kingdom)
- Model
- Orbiter
- Year built
- 1995
- Premiere
- 2021
- Original name
- Orbiter
- Also known as
- Destroyer
Ride
- Height
- 7.5 m
Vehicles & capacity
- Gondolas
- 18
- Riders per gondola
- 2
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 17 × 19 m
- Power rating
- 80 kW
The history of Fast & Furious and its former names
The ride was built by Tivoli Enterprises in 1995. It first travelled with Thiel from Saarbrücken under the name Orbiter. As early as 1996, it moved to Johan Geeries in the Netherlands, where it was known as Destroyer for many years. The ride therefore links the funfair histories of Germany and the Netherlands.
After its time with Geeries, the Orbiter went to the Zimmermann showman family. The ride was redesigned for its return to service and given the name Fast & Furious. Its reopening took place on 29 October 2021 at the Hubertusmarkt in Bergheim. The name change should not be confused with the construction of a new ride: it is the developed version of the Tivoli Orbiter from the 1990s.
Timeline
1995 as Orbiter with Thiel; 1996–2017 as Destroyer with Johan Geeries; redesigned after changing operators to Zimmermann; reopened as Fast & Furious on 29.10.2021 in Bergheim.
- Operator
- Michael Zimmermann & Söhne (Zimmermann-Krämer), Filderstadt
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
1995: Thiel (Saarbrücken); 1996–2017: Johan Geeries (Netherlands)
Operator, design and special features
The ride is associated today with Michael Zimmermann & Söhne from Filderstadt; the name Zimmermann-Krämer also appears in line-up lists. Its modern look is based on a fast, automotive theme and is visibly different from its former design as Destroyer. Despite the new presentation, the Orbiter retains its characteristic movement principle.
The 18 gondolas have room for a total of 36 passengers. Its relatively compact size also makes the ride an eye-catching attraction at urban fairgrounds. On our attractions overview, you can find more travelling round rides and compare their different movement patterns.
Who is the Orbiter suitable for?
Fast & Furious particularly appeals to visitors who enjoy spinning and lateral acceleration but do not want to ride upside down. The freely swinging gondolas give the ride its own rhythm. If you are sensitive to prolonged spinning, you should consider how the ride moves before getting on. You can find out the specific access rules at the ride; staff make decisions based on the displayed safety requirements.
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