Knight's Tournament Up-Front Info
- Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): You choose the thrill level, using a 5-point scale. Levels 1 and 2 are quite mild. Level 5 is fairly intense--I'd give it a 7.5 on my thrill scale.
- Height restriction to ride: 40 inches. Maximum height is 6' 4" and maximum weight is 220 lbs.
- Knight's Tournament and other Legoland California Rides Photo Gallery
What's a Robocoaster doing at Legoland?
Not that younger children (40 inches and taller) wouldn't enjoy the ride. Guests are given the option to choose a thrill level based on a five-point system. Levels one and two are quite mild. But level five is notably intense. Who would have guessed that one of the most thrilling rides in California is at Legoland?
The ride consists of six robotic arms. Each arm holds two roller coaster-style seats with over-the-shoulder harnesses. At twelve riders per cycle, the lines can get long for Knight's Tournament.
Can resemble a dance routine
It appears that the ride consistently delivers the same program for a given intensity level. When riders choose the same level, the six robotic arms and their passengers look as if they are performing a weird, high-tech, precision dance routine.
At level five, Knight's Tournament tosses riders around like rag dolls. Swinging this way and that, riders slam into the harness restraints. Heed the warnings about stowing loose articles. The ride takes place over a pool of water, so it's unlikely that riders could retrieve lost glasses, cell phones, or other items. Making use of the water, and adding to the utter disorientation, guests observing the action can trigger water cannons and soak the riders.
As wild a ride as Knight's Tournament delivers, there has been speculation about even wilder applications for the Robocoaster concept. The robotic arms could be incorporated into a dark ride and simulate a flying vehicle, for example. Or, instead of the stationary arms that are planted in the ground for Knight's Tournament, ride designers have talked about mounting robotic arms on roller coaster trains. That could take thrill rides to a whole new level.
