This Family-Owned Park Just Dropped One of 2026’s Wildest Thrills

While the 2026 travel season is dominated by billion-dollar corporate launches—think the high-speed Fast & Furious coaster in Hollywood or the massive World of Frozen expansion overseas—industry insiders are keeping a very close eye on Farmington, Utah.

Nutcracker has quickly climbed the ranks as one of the most anticipated ride openings of the year, proving that independent, family-owned parks can still punch way above their weight class.

By bringing in a world-record-level S&S Screamin’ Swing, Lagoon isn’t just serving its local fanbase; it’s cementing its status as a bucket-list destination for national coaster enthusiasts who crave that rare blend of extreme G-forces and a regional, “non-corporate” atmosphere.

Related: The 10 Most Anticipated Theme Park Launches of 2026

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The ride itself is a literal peak into the future of the park, changing the skyline with a dynamic swing height of 135 feet—nearly the height of the Statue of Liberty. As first reported by the Standard-Examiner, the attraction propels riders at a blistering 68 mph, matching the speeds of the park’s legendary Cannibal coaster.

At the center of the action stands “Hans,” a towering 50-foot Nutcracker icon that cleverly hides the ride’s massive air tanks and funnels guests directly into the park’s Biergarten for post-swing refreshments. According to Julie Reed, Lagoon’s director of special events, the goal was a ride that is “intense but smooth,” offering a “sky-hanging” experience that completely transforms the South Midway.

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But Nutcracker is just the opening act for a season of major upgrades. Visitors will notice a brand-new entrance fountain and a sleek new courtyard, with two exclusive social clubs slated to open later this summer.

Perhaps most significantly, the park is already looking toward 2027 and beyond; the Wild Kingdom Train is closed this year as Lagoon begins rehoming its animal residents to make room for a future expansion. Reed teased that the upcoming project will be “incredible, over-the-top, like no one has seen at Lagoon before.” For now, the focus is squarely on the swing—just be sure to catch a glimpse of the view from the top before those 4.67G forces send you back to earth.

Related: I Got a First Look at the New Disney Adventure World—Here’s What Impressed Me Most