In the early 2000s, Preston & Barbieri introduced the Mini Tower, a compact version of its larger Scary Drop—a free-fall tower designed for thrill-seekers. With this scaled-down attraction, up to 6 riders can be lifted to a height of up to 7.5 meters, the maximum allowed to remain within the "Mini" category, before experiencing a controlled drop.
This ride offers younger visitors the thrill of zero gravity in complete safety. By 2003, a Mini Tower was already operating in a major German amusement park, proving the immediate success of this innovation designed for families. This first mini tower marked a turning point, bringing the excitement of free-fall rides to a previously excluded audience, blending accessibility and fun in a perfect balance.
Today, the Mini Tower stands out for its compact design and optimized performance for junior riders. It features a 3.65 × 3.2 m footprint, making it ideal for limited spaces while still accommodating 90 riders per hour. Its ascent and descent phases are fully programmable, allowing operators to adjust the bounce sequence and drop speed according to thematic and intensity preferences.
From a technological perspective, the Mini Tower adopts key innovations from larger towers, such as permanent magnetic brakes, ensuring smooth and safe deceleration. Over the years, Preston & Barbieri has expanded its Mini Tower lineup, first introducing a 12-meter intermediate version and, more recently, a 13.6-meter family model with four gondolas, increasing capacity to 480 riders per hour.
This continuous evolution highlights the company’s commitment to refining the Mini Tower, ensuring it remains a blend of thrill, safety, and innovation for amusement parks worldwide.
