Tiki Typhoon

Tiki Typhoon is the newest thrill ride at historic Belmont Park in San Diego. Opened in the spring of 2025, the ride has taken the place of the “Octotron” in the northern section of the park, right next to the legendary wooden roller coaster Giant Dipper. Visually, the attraction blends perfectly into the California coastal vibe of Mission Beach, as its entire design features a colorful, tropical South Seas style with carved tiki masks. Technically speaking, the ride is a modern take on the carnival classic “Round-Up,” whose motion is based entirely on the force of centrifugal force. Up to 33 passengers line up side by side inside a large, circular cylinder. As soon as the ride starts, the giant drum begins spinning rapidly at 18 to 20 revolutions per minute. Due to the enormous speed of around 30 kilometers per hour, passengers are pressed so firmly against the padded outer walls that they remain securely held in place. The real highlight begins when a hydraulic arm lifts the rotating cylinder to a steep 70-degree angle. As the floor drops away beneath their feet, passengers experience a spectacular sensation of weightlessness while tilted at an angle. The ride is open to anyone 107 centimeters or taller and can be enjoyed with single-ride tickets or a day pass.