Lagoon Amusement Park is gearing up to take thrill seekers to new heights—literally. The Utah park has officially announced “Nutcracker,” a brand-new Screamin’ Swing ride from S&S Worldwide, set to debut in 2026. And trust us, this isn’t your average holiday decoration come to life.
Standing at an impressive 105 feet tall, with swings that soar up to 135 feet, Nutcracker promises to dominate the park skyline and deliver one of the most intense experiences in Lagoon’s history. To put that in perspective—that’s nearly the height of the Statue of Liberty from heel to crown!
A Ride That Packs a Punch (and a Few G-Forces)
Lagoon isn’t holding back on stats here. Riders will reach speeds up to 68 mph, feeling everything from -0.42G of airtime to a jaw-dropping 4.67G, more than what astronauts experience during launch. That’s some serious air—and a serious thrill for anyone ready to board.
Each swing cycle lasts about 108 seconds, and with 40 riders per cycle, the ride’s capacity clocks in at roughly 1,200 riders per hour. Riders will need to be at least 48 inches tall, so while it’s not for the little ones, it’s a perfect new addition for teens and adults craving something more extreme.
A Nutcracker You Won’t Forget
True to its name, Nutcracker will feature a massive 50-foot statue of the iconic holiday figure—crafted by 3dxScenic—as the centerpiece of the ride’s theming. But that statue will only be the start of the spectacle. With its twin swinging arms and striking design, this ride is set to become a visual landmark in the park’s skyline, especially near the Biergarten area, where its theme ties right in.
Lagoon’s Director of Special Events, Julie Freed, noted the collaboration behind this “engineering achievement,” praising partners S&S Worldwide for the ride design, Big D Construction for its massive support structures, and 3dxScenic for bringing the Nutcracker icon to life. The attraction’s pneumatic power system even boasts a 7,500-gallon air tank, fueling what Lagoon calls “a ride experience unlike any other in the park’s history.”
New Dining to Match the Thrill
Lagoon isn’t just raising the bar for rides—it’s adding new eats, too. Right near Nutcracker, a fresh dining experience is in the works to pair up with the new thrill. Here’s what to expect:
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A restaurant/bar tied into the theming around Nutcracker, designed to lean into the Biergarten atmosphere.
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It will offer a place for guests to refuel—think elevated casual dining, drinks, and a space to relax before or after braving the swing.
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A chance to soak in the scale of Nutcracker up close, with views oriented to highlight the ride’s dramatic height and spectacle.
This isn’t just a food stand—it appears to be a thoughtfully-themed gathering spot designed to complement the thrill, not just conveniently located but part of the story of the ride.
Lagoon’s recent moves—adding exciting family rides, then stepping up to a ride with serious G-forces and scale—along with this new nearby dining experience, show the park is doubling down on being a destination for both big thrills and solid guest amenities. Can’t wait to see how it all comes together in 2026.
