Indiana Beach puts a new spin on family fun with Zero Gravity

Rides 4 U delivers SBF/Visa's take on classic attraction

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

MONTICELLO, Ind. — Celebrating a milestone in 2026, Indiana Beach has a century-long history of fun. Over those 100 years, the park has blended a special mix of both classic and new rides. This year, the new addition practically does that in a single attraction.

Zero Gravity, a new spinning ride, joins the lineup. The park began giving its audience the opportunity to give it a whirl on May 16.

Manufactured by SBF/Visa and distributed through Rides 4 U, Zero Gravity is a new hit for both companies.

The ride mimics the experience from the old Rotor, an innovation of the late 1940s and sold by various companies in the second half of the 20th century.

Riders stand facing inward in an upright barrel. As the drum rotates at high speed, centripetal force is achieved, pressing riders against the wall. At full speed, the floor is lowered to leave riders stuck in place against the wall, eliciting screams and giggles. The maximum speed is 28 rpm.

What makes the modern version even more captivating is the clear, translucent walls of the drum drawing in crowds of spectators on the outside.

Zero Gravity can hold 24 riders per cycle, bringing in a theoretical hourly capacity of 480 riders.

“Zero Gravity brings something completely fresh to our lineup — a modern, high-energy take on a classic Rotor experience that we haven’t had in years,” said Tom Crisci, IB Parks and Entertainment. “Guests ride in a spinning drum with dynamic lighting and effects. It expands our offerings by adding a high-capacity, high-thrill flat ride that delivers intense forces and a memorable 'stuck to the wall' moment, perfect for thrill-seekers who want something beyond our coasters like Steel Hawg, Hoosier Hurricane or the new All American Triple Loop. For our 100th anniversary, it perfectly blends nostalgic ride styles with modern technology and effects, giving families and teens a unique, shareable thrill.”

Indiana Beach has placed the ride at the north entrance, steps away and across from the Falling Star.

“It’s in a high-traffic area, which should make it easy for guests to find and ride as soon as they enter the park,” said Crisi. “We did not retire any rides to make space for it. We were able to add Zero Gravity while keeping the entire existing ride lineup intact, which is exciting because guests will have even more options this season.”

The park has an array of flat rides that offer various experiences.

“What drew us to Zero Gravity was its perfect fit for Indiana Beach’s personality,” Crisci told Amusement Today. “Classic fun with a modern edge, ideal for celebrating 100 years. It’s a brand-new SBF Visa model, which means reliability, strong visuals and that wow-factor 'floor drop' moment that creates instant excitement. We were also looking for a ride that fills a gap in our current lineup. We have excellent coasters and family rides, but this adds a different kind of spinning, high-G thrill that complements everything else without overlapping.”

While the spinning creates strong forces, the experience is actually not dizzying. Interaction between riders — laughs and comments — creates a contained environment. Cameras inside allow the ride operator to monitor safety.

SBF-Visa is headquartered in Italy. According to Tommaso Frison in sales, the company has been manufacturing the ride for about 10 years, but its new popularity has skyrocketed. More than 80 units have been sold, and by the end of this year, that number will approach 100.

Indiana Beach offers a selection of roller coasters, aerial rides, flat rides and water attractions. In addition, there are lodging and cabin accommodations right at the park’s Lake Shaffer setting.