Magic Flight – Merckx
Belgian Miami classic with a history dating back to 1996
Operator: Francis Merckx
Magic Flight – Merckx is a travelling Belgian ride of the Miami or wiper type. It is one of the classic, high-swinging funfair rides, where a long row of seats swings together along a moving track. Unlike a roller coaster, it has no track: the thrill comes from the repeated movement, the change between the two sides and the view of the fairground.
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What to expect
From Chippendales to Magic Flight: the eventful history of this Belgian wiper ride is as distinctive as the way it works.
Magic Flight at Belgian funfairs
Magic Flight has also been documented as a travelling attraction in recent funfair seasons. A published line-up of rides for the Jaarmarktkermis in Niel from 6 to 16 November 2026 lists the ride under Francis Merckx and describes it as a Tripride. This provides a specific indication that the ride continues to appear at Belgian fairs.
The combination of classic Miami technology, an eventful showman's history and its current name, Magic Flight, makes this ride an interesting example of the long lifespan of travelling funfair rides. If you are interested in the development of such rides, this example shows how a familiar basic principle continues across different operators and designs.
Where Magic Flight – Merckx is touring
1 stop
The line links the stops in chronological order; it does not show a travel route.
What a ride on Magic Flight – Merckx is like
On Magic Flight, you sit side by side on a shared moving bench. During the ride, the structure follows an arcing motion. If you sit at one of the outer seats, you experience the change of perspective from side to side particularly clearly. The movement feels different from the free spinning of a Break Dance and also differs from a classic roundabout. This distinctive rhythm is what makes a Miami ride recognisable.
The name Magic Flight suits the ride's character: your view sweeps across the fairground as the row of seats repeatedly changes position. Funfair fans may also be interested in the ride's design, as a travelling wiper ride is not just an attraction but also part of the illuminated fairground setting. At Belgian fairs, the ride is listed as a Tripride.
General
- Manufacturer
- Sobema
- Model
- Miami / wiper ride
- Year built
- 1996
- Premiere
- 1996
- Also known as
- Chippendales
The history of Magic Flight and its operators
The ride's history dates back to the 1990s. Specialist historical records list it as a build by Belgian manufacturer Sobema from 1996. The documented sequence of operators includes A. van den Broeck initially, followed by J. Bols and C. Kinschots. The name Chippendales is also recorded from this earlier period. The ride later passed to F. Merckx and is known as Magic Flight.
Its operator history is an important distinguishing feature: not every ride with a similar name is the same physical attraction. Especially with widespread ride types such as the Miami, previous names, manufacturers and changes of operator help you identify an attraction over several decades.
Timeline
Previously known as Chippendales; documented sequence of operators: A. van den Broeck, J. Bols/C. Kinschots, F. Merckx.
- Operator
- Francis Merckx
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
A. van den Broeck; J. Bols and C. Kinschots
Who is Magic Flight suitable for?
Magic Flight is especially appealing if you are looking for a ride with plenty of movement but do not necessarily want a roller coaster with tracks, steep drops or inversions. The sensation comes from the seats swinging together. If you are sensitive to repeated changes of direction, take the type of movement into account when deciding whether to ride.
The safety and height requirements displayed at the ride always apply. Fares and the actual duration of a ride programme may also vary from one fair to another. When you visit, it is therefore worth checking the information at the entrance. You can find more rides and their types in our attraction overview.
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