Amusement Park News

Quassy Amusements in Middlebury, Connecticut began its 117th year by introducing several new attractions for the 2025 summer season. The largest and most anticipated addition came from Italian manufacturer SBF/Visa Group, which delivered a figure eight spinning coaster to the park.

The coaster was named Crazy 8 after parkgoer Cassie Shaw won a naming contest held at the park. Construction progress was documented across Quassy's social media channels, and the ride made its official debut in late June. Its indigo blue and yellow cars spun freely along a figure eight track painted in a complementary shade of blue. As part of her prize, Shaw became the first guest to board the coaster she named.

Crazy 8 offered a lively, family friendly ride experience. The cars rotated quickly as they traveled along the twisting layout, creating a different ride pattern each time. The park reported enthusiastic feedback from guests, particularly families who enjoyed riding together. Height requirements were 36 inches for riders accompanied by an adult and 47 inches for children riding alone.

Rides 4-U, representing SBF/Visa of Italy, has a long history with Quassy, having supplied seven attractions to the park over the years. Earlier additions included the Free Fall ‘N' drop tower purchased in 2010 and FRANTIC, a Dance Party 360 ride installed five years later. The manufacturer also provided the park's kiddie bumper cars, still a popular draw for young guests, as well as North America's first oscillating Reverse Time ride. Other SBF/Visa attractions at Quassy included a mini pirate jet ride, now called Skipper's Clippers, and a Pirate 32.



Alongside Crazy 8, the park added a CP Huntington train engine from Chance Rides during the season. The engine previously operated at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, and New Jersey based Rides 4-U handled both this purchase and that of Crazy 8.

Another new attraction was an Aladdin themed Wave Swinger from Wooddesign Amusement Rides BV of the Netherlands. This ornate swing ride replaced the park's former Yo Yo attraction, which had been in operation at Quassy for more than two decades.

Park president Eric Anderson described the Wave Swinger as an ideal replacement. He noted that its lower minimum height requirement allowed younger guests to enjoy the attraction with an accompanying adult. The ride features both single and double seats, with height requirements of 39 inches for accompanied riders and 47 inches for unaccompanied guests. Its capacity reaches up to 42 riders.

The Aladdin Wave Swinger was intricately handcrafted. It was originally created with the 1992 Aladdin animated film in mind. Wooddesign is known for its custom carousel and swing designs that emphasize nostalgia and artistry, making the new wave swinger a fitting addition to the historic park.



According to Anderson, the new rides and the added train engine significantly enhance the guest experience. The additional train engine provided important operational support for the popular railroad attraction. After a complete refurbishment in Quassy's maintenance shop, the park was able to alternate engines as needed to avoid service disruptions.

Beyond new rides, Quassy also invested in improvements to Wooden Warrior, the park's award winning family coaster. Approximately 300 feet of pre engineered track from The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio was installed. The top two layers of lumber were replaced in three areas: the right side of the turnaround before the first drop, the right side of the first bunny hill and airtime hill, and the left side of the hill leading into the coaster's tunnel.

Anderson said that both the new attractions and the Wooden Warrior upgrades helped make the year one of the most exciting in Quassy's history. He described the additions as valuable enhancements to the park's long standing family focus.



Quassy, which opened in 1908 as a trolley park destination, continued to upgrade its facilities. In 2024, the park completed a significant renovation of its Fieldside Pavilion, including a new roof, skylights, and an improved electrical system.

One of the year's most meaningful additions was the return of a long lost piece of Quassy's history. After 40 years, the park's stolen Sea Dragon Hippocampus carousel figure was recovered, fully restored, and placed outside the carousel. A plaque beside it honored park co owner George J. Frantzis, whose dedication to the carousel helped preserve its legacy.



Quassy's summer season concluded on September 14. The annual Oktoberfest returned September 20 and 21 with live music, Bavarian themed food, and activities such as pumpkin decorating. Tickets, including dinner and a drink, were priced at $33.99.

Discounted 2026 admission passes went on sale. Weekday passes began at $69.99, while any day passes were $95.99. Parking passes cost $35.