For 65 years, Chance Rides has adapted familiar attraction formats to changing technology, markets and guest expectations, as the manufacturing firm marks a milestone anniversary. Founded in 1961 by Harold Chance, the company began with the CP Huntington train, which would become one of its signature offerings. Over the decades, the company has expanded its engineering portfolio to include portable rides, carousels, roller coasters, people movers, observation wheels, and trams.
Aaron Landrum on the Evolution of Portability and Market Expansion
President and CEO Aaron Landrum identifies the development of the CP Huntington as a defining moment in the company’s history, followed by a major shift toward ride portability that transformed commercial possibilities for travelling operators. “That was a fundamental shift when, at that time, the industry was taking days or weeks to set up a ride,” Landrum says, noting that setup times dropped to a day or two. Morgan in the 2000s and forming international partnerships with Sweden’s EVX Mobility in recent years.
Aaron Landrum on Designing for Multigenerational Families and Accessibility
Attraction design has shifted away from individual age demographics toward experiences that accommodate multigenerational families and guests with different physical abilities or sensory sensitivities. Landrum notes that modern design challenges focus on including everyone from small children to grandparents. This philosophy guided the creation of the psychedelic Looper carousel at Area15 in Las Vegas, where an artistic approach demonstrated a willingness to explore new creative directions. Operators also communicate daily behavioral observations directly to the manufacturer, helping shape everything from restraint mechanisms to immersive carousel elements.
An exciting strategic partnership between @chancerides and Reverchon has been announced. The partnership will begin with Chance Rides manufacturing Reverchon’s signature Spinning Coaster Stall Turn in the US for North American clients.🔗https://t.co/HIl8zsjzSE pic.twitter.com/HBvLqf1vgD
Travis Lane on Uptime Demands and Whole-Life Economics
Operators evaluating capital investments increasingly focus on throughput, reliability, maintenance, and total cost of ownership. Lane emphasizes that 99% uptime is no longer sufficient for modern business cases. “All of the calculations on paper, it all divides by zero if the ride is down,” Lane says, stressing that maintainability must be built into projects from the beginning. Landrum adds that properly maintained products frequently remain in parks for 30 years, during which time the company can retheme them to extend their utility within a destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chance Rides founded and what was its first product?
Harold Chance founded the company in 1961, beginning operations with the CP Huntington train.
Which international partner has Chance Rides recently worked with?
The company established an international partnership with EVX Mobility based in Sweden.
What specific installation was cited as an example of a creative design shift?
The company built a psychedelic Looper carousel for Area15 in Las Vegas.
What uptime percentage does Travis Lane state is no longer sufficient for operators?
Travis Lane states that 99% uptime is no longer a good enough uptime for modern attraction business cases.