At a Glance
Duration: 1 minute, 30 seconds
Look Out For: mild heights, spinning, and some optional tilting
Opening on March 31, 2002, TriceraTop Spin is simply a primeval reskin of the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. But how scary is TriceraTop Spin? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
TriceraTop Spin has a ride duration of 1 minute and 30 seconds. However, like with any ride, you should factor in a few extra seconds in the ride vehicle for slight delays or for loading and unloading.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
TriceraTop Spin has no height requirement or official warnings from Disney. Because of this, it could be a great choice for small children or even the most sensitive of riders.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The TriceraTop Spin ride vehicles consist of individual cars (or dinosaurs) seating approximately 4 passengers in 2 rows of 2. Each row shares a small seat belt and the front row has a lever to control the up and down movement of the vehicle, while the back row has one that tilts the car forward and backward.
4. How Does TriceraTop Spin Work?
TriceraTop Spin works like a standard spinner or carousel ride, rotating the ride vehicles in a fixed circle for the entire duration. What makes this attraction slightly unique is the riders’ ability to move the vehicle up and down and tilt backwards and forwards via its levers. For reference, this attraction is essentially identical to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin over in Magic Kingdom.
5. Is TriceraTop Spin Scary?
TriceraTop Spin is not intentionally scary whatsoever. Without any spooky theming or even dark settings, this attraction is a great one for those who may be easily frightened on other rides.
It is worth noting that, as an older ride, it tends to make a lot of noise with its aging hydraulics and other mechanisms. If anyone in your party is especially sensitive to loud noise – especially coming from machinery – you may just want to be prepared for the extra sound level on this attraction.
6. How High is TriceraTop Spin?
TriceraTop Spin does involve some mild heights. However, this is totally up to the riders – and the cars are estimated to reach a maximum height of around 20 feet. Since each individual car controls how high or low they go, you can simply remain close to the ground if you so desire.
7. How Fast is TriceraTop Spin?
TriceraTop Spin does not go fast. While perhaps a bit faster than the slow crawl you’ll find on Pirates of the Caribbean, I would compare the speed of this attraction to a standard carousel or very similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant or the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Magic Kingdom.
8. Does TriceraTop Spin Have Drops?
TriceraTop Spin does not technically have drops. However, it is worth noting that the levers do control the up and down motion of the vehicle as well as allow your car to tilt, resulting in vertical movement if you want it. Regardless, it’s nothing like a real thrill ride drop, and the controls will simply send you down or up slowly.
9. Does TriceraTop Spin Cause Motion Sickness?
TriceraTop Spin may cause motion sickness to some riders. While the outdoor setting and lack of any screens or 4D effects certainly help, this attraction is still – at its core – a spinning ride. If you or anyone in your party has trouble with carousels or other similar attractions like Dumbo the Flying Elephant or the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, you may want to skip out on this one.
10. Is TriceraTop Spin Claustrophobic?
TriceraTop Spin should not feel claustrophobic for most riders. As mentioned before, there is a small, fabric seat belt, but the outdoor setting and short ride duration make it a very non-confining ride, in my opinion.
11. Are There Animatronics on TriceraTop Spin?
There are no animatronics on TriceraTop Spin. However, there are technically a few static figures of triceratops dinosaurs moving up and down at the center of the carousel. Much like the mouse in the center teapot in Mad Tea Party, they are very cartoonish and have limited movement. In fact, many any guests will fly right by them without noticing.
TriceraTop Spin Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Dinoland USA section of Animal Kingdom. Once entering the line, you will simply wind around the outside of the attraction until you get to the loading station. This queue is very similar to Alien Swirling Saucers in Hollywood Studios or Mad Tea Party in Magic Kingdom, and does include some slight cover from sun and fans. Even so, I would not recommend spending too long in this line on an especially hot summer afternoon.
TriceraTop Spin Ride Walkthrough
Once boarding the vehicle, the ride will begin by lifting a few feet off the ground and rotating like a carousel. At this point, you will be able to control the up and down or tilting movement of your dinosaur by using whichever lever is in front of you. If you wish to remain motionless or stay at the bottom, just sit back and enjoy the ride! After about a minute and a half, the ride will come to an end and ease you slowly back to the ground so you can exit.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is TriceraTop Spin? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from Sharp Productions:
