View source for WindSeeker

{{Short description|Swing ride at several Six Flags parks}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2012}}
{{Infobox attraction
<!--GLOBAL STATISTICS-->
| name = WindSeeker
| logo = WindSeeker Logo.svg
| logo_width = 250px
| image = Windseeker Cedar Point.jpg
| imagedimensions =
| caption = WindSeeker at Cedar Point
<!--INDIVIDUAL PARK STATISTICS-->
| location = Canada's Wonderland
| location2 = Carowinds
| location3 = Cedar Point
| location4 = Kings Dominion 
| location5 = Kings Island

| location6 = Knott's Berry Farm
| location7 = Worlds of Fun
| section = [[Canada's Wonderland#Action Zone|Action Zone]]
| section2 = [[Carowinds#Crossroads|Crossroads]]<ref name="Official C"/>
| section3 = The Boardwalk
| section4 = [[Kings Dominion#Candy Apple Grove|Candy Apple Grove]]<ref name="BTT 2011-8-31" />
| section5 = [[Kings Island#Coney Mall|Coney Mall]]
| section6 = [[Knott's Berry Farm#Fiesta Village|Fiesta Village]]
| section7 = [[Worlds of Fun#Americana|Americana]]
| coordinates = {{coord|43|50|26.40|N|79|32|32.89|W|region:CA-ON_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| coordinates2 = {{Coord|35|06|7.60|N|80|56|28.85|W|region:US-SC_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| coordinates3 = {{coord|41|28|57.99|N|82|40|50.35|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| coordinates4 = {{coord|37|50|13.98|N|77|26|47.02|W|region:US-VA_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| coordinates5 = {{coord|39|20|26.62|N|84|15|49.83|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| coordinates6 = <!--Use {{Coord|display=inline}}-->
| coordinates7 = {{coord|39|10|27.27|N|94|29|21.25|W|region:US-MO_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| status = Operating
| status2 = Operating
| status3 = Operating
| status4 = Operating
| status5 = Operating
| status6 = Relocated To Worlds of Fun
| status7 = Operating
| cost = [[United kingdom dollar|US$]]5 million
| cost2 = $6.5 million<ref name="Herald 2011-8-25" />
| cost3 = $5 million
| cost4 = $6.5 million<ref name="TPT 2012-1-24"/>
| cost5 = $5 million
| cost6 = $5 million
| cost7 =
| soft_opened =
| soft_opened2 = March 30, 2012<ref name="Herald 2012-3-30" />
| soft_opened3 =
| soft_opened4 =
| soft_opened5 =
| soft_opened6 =
| soft_opened7 =
| opened = May 24, 2011<ref name="CW not open"/>
| opened2 = March 31, 2012<ref name="Carowinds Open" />
| opened3 = June 14, 2011<ref name="CP open"/>
| opened4 = April 6, 2012<ref name="KD Open"/>
| opened5 = June 21, 2011<ref name="KI official opening"/>
| opened6 = Mid-August 2011<ref name="KBF open ABC"/>
| opened7 = 2014
| closed2 =
| closed3 =
| closed4 =
| closed5 =
| closed6 = September 19, 2012<ref name="Planned Worlds of Fun attraction has checkered past">{{cite web|last=Haake|first=Garret|title=Planned Worlds of Fun attraction has checkered past|url=http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/planned-worlds-of-fun-attraction-has-checkered-past|publisher=[[KSHB]]|access-date=August 31, 2013|date=August 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903150807/http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/planned-worlds-of-fun-attraction-has-checkered-past|archive-date=September 3, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| closed7 =
| previousattraction = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.--> Jet Scream
| previousattraction2 =
| previousattraction3 = Ocean Motion 
| previousattraction4 = El Dorado <br> [[Hypersonic XLC]]
| previousattraction5 = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
| previousattraction6 = Fiesta BBQ (Restaurant)
| previousattraction7 = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
| replacement = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
| replacement2 = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
| replacement3 = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
| replacement4 = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
| replacement5 = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
| replacement6 = [[Sol Spin (Knott's Berry Farm)|Sol Spin]]
| replacement7 = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
<!--GENERAL STATISTICS-->
| type = [[Tower swinger]]
| manufacturer = Mondial (amusement ride manufacturer){{!}}Mondial
| designer = <!--Should be linked.-->
| model = Wind Seeker<ref name="wind_seeker" />
| theme = <!--Should be linked.-->
| height_ft = 301
| speed_mph = 30
| gforce = 1.5
| capacity = 960
| riders_per_vehicle = 2
| duration = 3 minutes
| restriction_in = 52
| virtual_queue_name = [[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|Fast Lane]]
| virtual_queue_image = Cedar Fair Fast Lane availibility.svg
| virtual_queue_status = available at all parks
| single_rider = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| vehicles = 32
}}
'''WindSeeker''' is a {{Convert|301|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} [[swing ride]] at several [[Six Flags]] parks. The rides are Wind Seeker models manufactured by [[Mondial (amusement ride manufacturer)|Mondial]].<ref name="wind_seeker"/> They opened for the 2011 season at [[Canada's Wonderland]] in [[Ontario]], [[Cedar Point]] and [[Kings Island]] in [[Ohio]], and [[Knott's Berry Farm]] in [[California]]. [[Carowinds]] in [[North Carolina]] and [[Kings Dominion]] in [[Virginia]] opened their WindSeekers in 2012. The first four each cost [[United States dollar|US$]]5 million, while the remaining two each cost $6.5 million. [[Cedar Fair]] (now [[Six Flags]]) relocated the Knott's Berry Farm WindSeeker to [[Worlds of Fun]] in 2014, where it reopened as '''SteelHawk'''.<ref name="Planned Worlds of Fun attraction has checkered past" />

The three-minute ride features 32 suspended twin seats – 64 seats total – spinning around a central tower. A lighting package was installed on all four WindSeekers,<ref name="windseeking"/> consisting of [[LED]] light strips mounted on the arms that support the swings and, with the exception of SteelHawk,<ref name=westcoaster />) colored floodlights to illuminate towers from above.

WindSeeker at Canada's Wonderland was the first of the four parks to open on May 24, 2011. Problems soon after the ride opened led to a closure for repairs;<ref name="CW not open"/> it reopened several weeks later.<ref name="CW back open"/> The second WindSeeker opened to the public at Cedar Point on June 14, 2011,<ref name="CP open" /> followed by the third at Kings Island on June 21, 2011,<ref name="KI official opening" /> and the fourth at Knott's Berry Farm in August 2011.<ref name="KBF open ABC"/><ref name="Knotts opening"/> The following season, the fifth WindSeeker opened at Carowinds' on March 31, 2012,<ref name="Carowinds Open" /> along with the sixth at Kings Dominion on April 6, 2012.<ref name="KD Open"/>

On September 21, 2012, Cedar Fair announced the temporary closure of all WindSeekers in response to two incidents at Knott's Berry Farm.<ref name="Sept 2012 closures"/> All the installations, excluding Knott's Berry Farm, later reopened.<ref name=reopen2013>{{cite news |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/28/4196761/carowinds-ride-malfunctions-stranding.html |title=Carowinds ride malfunctions, stranding dozens |publisher=Charlotte Observer |first=Cleve |last=Wootson |date=July 28, 2013 |access-date=July 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221201800/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/28/4196761/carowinds-ride-malfunctions-stranding.html |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Official KBF"/> The Knott's Berry Farm installation remained closed and was eventually relocated to [[Worlds of Fun]].<ref name="Planned Worlds of Fun attraction has checkered past" />

==History==
On their Facebook pages throughout August 2010, several [[Cedar Fair]] amusement parks hinted frequently at a new ride to be opened in 2011. On August 24, 2010, [[Canada's Wonderland]],  [[Cedar Point]], [[Kings Island]], and [[Knott's Berry Farm]] all announced that they would be adding a [[Mondial (amusement ride manufacturer)|Mondial]] WindSeeker, to open sometime in spring 2011.<ref name="Wonderland gets WindSeeker ride despite lawsuit"/><ref name="Kings Island to add Windseeker ride"/><ref name="New ride at Cedar Point tops out at 301 feet"/><ref name="KBF LAT announcement"/>

Construction of the WindSeekers at Canada's Wonderland, Cedar Point, and Kings Island began in late October and early November 2010. To install them, Canada's Wonderland's Jet Scream ride was removed and Cedar Point's Ocean Motion was moved to the former [[Demon Drop]] site.<ref name="Official CP" /><ref name="Official KI" /><ref name="Official CW" /> Construction was scheduled to begin around the same time at Knott's Berry Farm, where the Sky Cabin observation tower was to be removed to make way for it.<ref name="KBF LAT announcement"/> On January 7, 2011, however, it was announced that their WindSeeker would not replace Sky Cabin but instead be located in the [[Knott's Berry Farm#Fiesta Village|Fiesta Village]] section of the park.<ref name="KBF location change"/> Work began almost immediately after this announcement.<ref name=KBFbegins/>

Kings Island's WindSeeker was originally scheduled to be the first to open, on April 30, 2011,<ref name="KI scheduled opening"/> but the opening was delayed because of bad weather<ref name="KI won't open"/> and eventually took place on the morning of June 21, 2011.<ref name="KI official opening"/> It was the first WindSeeker to use the ''[[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|Fast Lane]]'' program.<ref name="Official KI"/>

{{Stack|float=right|[[File:Canada's Wonderland WindSeeker.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=WindSeeker in operation at Canada's Wonderland.|WindSeeker in operation at Canada's Wonderland.]]}}
The WindSeeker at Canada's Wonderland was originally scheduled to open on May 8, 2011, one week after that of Kings Island.<ref name=CWclosed/> On May 24, 2011, after problems were discovered during testing, Canada's Wonderland announced on their Facebook page that it would open to the public later that day,<ref name=CWopen /> but it was quickly closed again when further mechanical problems were discovered.<ref name="CW not open"/> From May 24 to mid-June 2011, the ride was intermittently closed because of a variety of problems, most of which have since been resolved. At the beginning of October 2011, the hydraulic dampers used on the Knott's Berry Farm model were added to reduce the amount of swing movement even more.<ref name=CWaddsdampers>{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1099419#p1099419 |title=Canada's Wonderland Adds Better Dampers |publisher=[[Theme Park Review]] |date=October 10, 2011 |access-date=October 14, 2011}}</ref>

Cedar Point's WindSeeker was originally scheduled to open on May 14, 2011, two weeks after that of Kings Island.<ref name=CPdelay /> After almost a month delays in construction and testing due to bad weather, it opened on June 14, 2011.<ref name="CP open" />

Before the decision to keep the Sky Cabin at Knott's Berry Farm and to place its WindSeeker elsewhere, their WindSeeker was to have the same color scheme as others.<ref name="KBFcolors" /> Also, instead of there being the red "UFO" on the top of the tower, original promotional materials show that a large purple "K" was to be placed on the top of the ride.<ref name="Rumor: Knott's Berry Farm's Sky Cabin to get reprieve as Windseeker moved">{{cite web|last=Sim|first=Nick|title=Rumor: Knott's Berry Farm's Sky Cabin to get reprieve as Windseeker moved|url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20110106/2902/rumor-knotts-berry-farms-sky-cabin-get-reprieve-windseeker-moved|publisher=Theme Park Tourist|access-date=February 14, 2012|date=January 6, 2011}}</ref> The ride opened in mid-August 2011 after three months of delays.<ref name="KBF open ABC"/><ref name="Knotts opening"/> In late 2011, Fast Lane became available on the Knott's Berry Farm WindSeeker.<ref name="Official KBF"/> On September 7, the ride stalled for nearly three hours, and on September 19, it stalled again at the top of the tower for three and a half hours. Both incidents prompted Cedar Fair to close all other WindSeekers until an internal investigation is completed.<ref name="Sept 2012 closures"/> After the investigation was complete, all WindSeekers reopened except Knott's' model which was dismantled by December 11, 2013, to be sent to Worlds of Fun.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=screamscape|author=Screamscape|number=410792621192540160|date=11 December 2013|title=And it's gone... RT @I305Evan: @screamscape Knott's Berry Farm's WindSeeker is now fully disassembled...}}</ref>

[[File:WindSeeker (Carowinds) 01.jpg|thumb|left|alt=WindSeeker in operation at Carowinds.|WindSeeker and Sky Tower at Carowinds]]
Throughout August 2011, the [[Carowinds]] web site had six different [[QR code]]s, each of which led the user to a website giving a clue as to what the 2012 attraction might be.<ref name="Carowinds Screamscape"/> When all six clues were put together, they made a picture that read "Voiceless it cries, wingless flutters, toothless bites, mouthless mutters, fun soars to new heights... August 24".<ref name="Carowinds Riddle" /> On August 24, 2011, it was officially announced that Carowinds would receive the fifth WindSeeker,<ref name="Official C"/><ref name="Carowinds PR" /> and on September 1, 2011, [[Kings Dominion]] officially announced that the sixth would open at the park in 2012.<ref name="Official KD"/><ref name=KDannoncemnt /> The WindSeekers at Carowinds and Kings Dominion have the same appearance as those at Canada's Wonderland, Cedar Point, and Kings Island and opened in 2012.<ref name="Official C"/><ref name="Official KD"/> Their construction started in early November 2011, after the parks closed for the season. At Carowinds, a section of the lake was filled near [[Nighthawk (roller coaster)|Nighthawk]] during construction to accommodate the ride's large footprint.<ref name="Carowinds PR" /> At Kings Dominion, El Dorado was removed at the end of the 2011 season to make room for WindSeeker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20110829/4681/kings-dominion-set-remove-el-dorado-end-2011-season |title=Kings Dominion set to remove El Dorado at end of 2011 season |publisher=Theme Park Tourist |date=August 29, 2011 |access-date=October 8, 2011}}</ref> Much like El Dorado, WindSeeker would sit in the same former spot as [[Hypersonic XLC]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stilwell|first1=Andrew|title=A-Z Coaster Of The Week: Hypersonic XLC|url=https://www.coaster101.com/2016/11/07/z-coaster-week-hypersonic-xlc/|website=Coaster101|access-date=February 16, 2021|date=November 7, 2016}}</ref> The first WindSeeker tower piece was installed there on January 20, 2012, and at Carowinds on January 23, 2012.<ref name="KDTwitterUpdate">{{cite tweet|user=KingsDominionVA|author=Kings Dominion|number=160426025979883520|date=20 January 2012|title=First piece of #Windseeker is up!}}</ref><ref name="CFacebookUpdate">{{cite web|title=Wall Photos|url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150551946873599&set=a.125492718598.106289.91085023598&type=1|publisher=Facebook|access-date=January 23, 2012}}</ref> Carowinds soft-opened their version on March 30, 2012, to media and invited guests;<ref name="Herald 2012-3-30" /> it opened to the public on March 31, 2012.<ref name="Carowinds Open" /> Kings Dominion officially opened their model on April 6, 2012.<ref name="KD Open"/>

On August 30, 2013, [[Worlds of Fun]] announced that they would be adding SteelHawk, the relocated WindSeeker from Knott's Berry Farm.<ref name="Worlds of Fun to add SteelHawk thrill ride">{{cite news|last=Engle|first=Tim|title=Worlds of Fun to add SteelHawk thrill ride|url=http://www.kansascity.com/2013/08/30/4447686/worlds-of-fun-to-add-steelhawk.html|access-date=August 31, 2013|newspaper=[[The Kansas City Star]]|date=August 30, 2013}}</ref>

==Structure==
All six WindSeekers consist of the same parts in an identical structure. The {{Convert|301|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} center tower is made up of eight parts. The base section is different from the other seven tower pieces because it supports the rest of the tower. On top of the eighth tower piece, there is a steel platform where workers and mechanics can observe the operation of the ride and perform maintenance. Above this platform is an element called the "red UFO" or the "Crown". The gondola itself has a number of parts. In the middle of the structure there are wheels that allow the swings to rotate as they go up and down the tower. The gondola is raised and lowered by cables linking the gondola structure to four sets of yellow wheels, each attached to a different section of the steel platform at the top of the tower.<ref name=Structure/> Hydraulic dampers that were not in the original design were added to all the WindSeeker installations to reduce the movement of the swings while in operation.<ref name="Hyrdraulic Dampers"/>
{{multiple image
| align = center
| image1 = WindSeeker tower with annotations.jpg
| width1 = 215
| alt1 = Breakdown of the structure of WindSeeker at Kings Island.
| caption1 = 
| image2 = WindSeeker upper structure with annotations.jpg
| width2 = 400
| alt2 = Zoomed look at the top of WindSeeker's structure at Kings Island.
| caption2 = 
| footer = A breakdown of the structure of WindSeeker at [[Kings Island]], including both a full-length shot of the tower ''(left)'' and a close-up of the ride carriage and the top of the tower ''(right)''.
}}

=== Tuned Mass Damper inside "red UFO" or "Crown" ===
Inside the "red UFO" or the "Crown", a [[Tuned mass damper|Tuned Mass Damper]] is hidden which is to counteract [[vortex shedding]] vibrations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windseeker |url=https://flow-engineering.com/projects/windseeker/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Flow engineering |language=en-US}}</ref> Vibrations due to vortex shedding occurs at the critical wind speeds where the vortexes in the wake of the structure coincides with the structures natural frequency which causes resonance. The tuned mass damper adds damping which limits the vibrations.
{{multiple image |align = center |footer=Different dampers on two WindSeekers: Cedar Point's former hydraulic dampers (left) and Kings Island's long-rod dampers (right), which are used on all models in the 2012 season. |image1=Cedar_Point_WindSeeker_Hydraulic_Dampers.jpg |width1= 200 |alt1=A close-up shot of the hydraulic dampers on Cedar Point's version of the ride. |image2= New hydraulic dampers on WindSeeker Kings Island.jpg|width2= 200 |alt2= A close-up shot of the hydraulic dampers on Kings Island's version of the ride.}}

==Ride features==
All the WindSeekers have speakers mounted to the inside of the gondola structure. They play 18 different tracks, among which are Hedwig's theme from the ''[[Harry Potter (film series)|Harry Potter]]'' films, the theme songs from ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial|E.T.]]'', ''[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]'', and ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]'', as well as songs from ''[[Flight of the Valkyries]]''.<ref name="Official KD"/><ref name=CPreview /><ref name="CW speakers"/><ref name="Carowinds audio" /><ref name="KBFreview" /> At Cedar Point and Kings Island, the WindSeeker sign changes colors during night operation.<ref name="KI sign lights"/><ref name=CPPOV /> At Cedar Point, as the gondola makes its way up the tower, the [[LED]] lights at the top of the tower go out, making the tower invisible, though the LED lights on the gondola remain lit. When the gondola comes back down, the lights at the top of the tower come on again.<ref name=CPPOV /> At Canada's Wonderland, the LED lights at the top of the tower remain on throughout the cycle, keeping the tower visible at all times.<ref name="CWwindseeker photos" />

{{multiple image| align= left| footer= Variation among WindSeeker signs comparing Knott's Berry Farm (left) and Kings Island's (right). |width1= 99 |width2= 111 |image1= Knott's WindSeeker Sign.jpg |alt1= Knott's Berry Farm WindSeeker Sign |image2= Kings Island WindSeeker sign at Sunset.jpg |alt2= Kings Island WindSeeker Sign}}
The WindSeeker at Knott's Berry Farm differed from the other five in several ways. Rather than white, blue, and green on the tower, Knott's adopted a color scheme using orange, purple, and yellow to reflect the [[Spanish California]] theme of the Fiesta Village section of the park.<ref name="KBF Screamscape"/> The tower at Knott's had no lights at the top.<ref name=westcoaster /> The ride's sign had a Mexican theme and did not light up.<ref name=Knottssign />

==Ride experience==
Riders sit in one of 64 seats placed around a central tower, which brings the gondola up and down. A restraint bar is fixed over the rider's lap to keep them firmly in their seat. There is no seat belt across the rider's lap, but there is one from the seat to the restraint bar in case the lock on the restraint bar fails. After the operators determine that it is safe to proceed, the gondola rises to the top of the tower to a musical accompaniment, beginning to spin slowly around the central tower and picking up speed as it ascends further.

[[File:Knott's WindSeeker In Action.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|WindSeeker at Knott's Berry Farm showing the difference in colors.]]
By the time it reaches the top, it is rotating around the tower at its full speed of approximately {{Convert|30|mph}}. The gondola remains at the top of the tower for just over a minute before starting its descent and immediately beginning to slow down. By the time it reaches the bottom of the tower, all rotation ceases. One cycle of the ride lasts three minutes.<ref name="Official KBF" /><ref name="Official CP" /><ref name="Official KI" /><ref name="Official CW" />

==Problems and accidents==
The four WindSeekers opened in 2011 are based on the same prototype design by Dutch amusement ride manufacturer Mondial Rides. The WindSeeker at Canada's Wonderland was the first to be completed and thus the first to be tested. It was discovered during testing that the swings could rock back and forth once rotation reached full speed, and were close to hitting each other in some cases. Therefore, [[hydraulic]] dampers not included in the original design were added to all four WindSeekers to reduce this rocking.<ref name="Hyrdraulic Dampers"/><ref name="Knott's Berry Farm hopes to open Windseeker thrill ride in July">{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=Knott's Berry Farm hopes to open Windseeker thrill ride in July|url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-xpm-2011-jun-14-la-trb-knotts-windseeker-06201113-story.html|access-date=February 13, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=June 14, 2011}}</ref> Nevertheless, there were still incidents: on June 14, 2011, the swings on Cedar Point's WindSeeker began to sway in different directions, and some seats almost collided with each other. In one reported case, a rider had to extend his leg to stop the seat in front from hitting him. In another, a seat collided with the kneecap of a rider who had closed their eyes.<ref name=CPexplain /> Official explanations suggested that the hydraulic dampers could fail under high winds: apparently, high winds and the imbalance arising when some swings are full and others not could cause the swings to collide.<ref name=CPexplain/> On June 29, 2011, [[Jennifer Valentyne]] of ''[[Breakfast Television (Citytv Toronto)|Breakfast Television Toronto]]'' rode the WindSeeker at Canada's Wonderland for her "Live-Eye" spot on the show. When the swings reached the top of the tower, the seats began swinging and hitting each other. As the ride continued, Breakfast Television hosts [[Kevin Frankish]] and [[Dina Pugliese]] asked whether the seats were supposed to touch each other, but received no response.<ref name="BreakfastTV" />

Additional problems were discovered when the ride opened to the public. The WindSeeker at Canada's Wonderland underwent repairs for just over a week when it was discovered that one of the 32 pairs of seats had been removed for an unstated reason.<ref name="CW Screamscape"/> They were replaced and testing began shortly after. In another case at the same installation, riders were stuck at the top of the WindSeeker tower for 20 minutes when the swings did not come down.<ref name=CWridersstuck/> Since these incidents, ride operations are suspended during high winds or heavy rain.

Aside from the many minor problems all WindSeekers had in 2011, the first major accident occurred on June 2, 2012, on the Cedar Point installation. According to numerous news and rider reports, WindSeeker operated normally as the gondola made its way up the tower. Attached to the tower and gondola are a set of electrical cables that are located inside a plastic casing and are secured by two side panels to prevent the cables from moving around. At the top of the tower, winds were reportedly strong enough to push the electrical cables out of the socket on the tower causing the cables to move around freely. According to a rider riding WindSeeker at the time of the accident, as the gondola made its way back down the tower, the cables got stuck in the rotating gondola. The plastic casing began to be ripped apart as well as the cables causing the ride to come to a complete stop just over halfway up the tower. Because the electrical cables had been damaged, Cedar Point employees had to manually bring down the gondola. Riders were stuck on the ride for over an hour and no one was injured. WindSeeker at Cedar Point remained closed until the cause of the accident was found and fixed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/cedar_point.htm |title=Cedar Point |publisher=Screamscape |date=June 4, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/Copy_of_cedar-point-ride-malfunctions-strands-riders-150-ft-in-the-air |title=Cedar Point ride malfunctions, strands riders 150 ft. in the air |publisher=wcpo.com (ABC) |date=June 2, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604203253/http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/Copy_of_cedar-point-ride-malfunctions-strands-riders-150-ft-in-the-air |archive-date=June 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fox8.com/2012/06/02/thrill-ride-malfunctions-at-cedar-point/ |title=Thrill Ride Malfunctions at Cedar Point |publisher= Fox 8 Cleveland |date=June 2, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref> The ride reopened on June 5, 2012.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=cedarpoint|author=Cedar Point|number=210135557920137216|date=5 June 2012|title=@flamingscrubs Yes, WindSeeker is now open!}}</ref>

During the 2012 season, all of the WindSeekers except Kings Island's experienced incidents in which the ride stopped, stranding riders in the air.<ref name="Sept 2012 closures"/> Two such incidents occurred in September at Knott's Berry Farm, in one case leaving riders stranded at the top of the ride for nearly four hours, prompting the [[California Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] to order the ride shut down indefinitely on September 19 pending investigation of both the length of time riders were stranded and the actual causes of the incidents.<ref name=KBF-stateclosure/> Two days later on September 21, Cedar Fair announced the closure of all other WindSeekers to conduct an internal review. The company said that until the review concludes, none of the rides would operate again.<ref name="Sept 2012 closures"/> The rides remained closed through the remainder of the 2012 season at the five seasonal parks but reopened at all parks in 2013, excluding Knott's Berry Farm's version which was relocated to [[Worlds of Fun]].<ref name=reopen2013/><ref name="Official KBF"/>

==Reception==
[[File:Windseeker at night (2).png|thumb|upright=0.9|View at night (Cedar Point)]]
One week after the officially opening at Cedar Point, attraction reviewer Brian Krosnick of ''Theme Park Tourist'' submitted an online review saying that it was "truly breathtaking". The review applauded "the inclusion of on-ride audio and such an exemplary lighting package", commenting that it was "more than anyone expected or could've asked for". Krosnick pointed out that, because of the location of the ride beside [[Lake Erie]] and the hot summers, the lights on the ride attract massive "clouds" of bugs. He felt the ride cycle might be too short for the type of ride, particularly the time spent at the top.<ref name=CPreview /> On July 13, 2011, Nick Sim, also from ''Theme Park Tourist'', reviewed the ride at Kings Island and made similar remarks.<ref name="Kings Island review" />

''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' blogger Brady MacDonald complimented the "impressive nighttime spectacular from anywhere in the park". He reported having thoroughly enjoyed the ride at Knott's Berry Farm and said that he would ride it every time he visited the park.<ref name="LAT review" /> Tom Sherer of the ''[[Sandusky Register]]'' praised Cedar Point's WindSeeker for having one of the best views of the park<ref name="showcase page 1" /> and commented that it "isn't as extreme as a lot of people fear, unless you're afraid of heights."<ref name="showcase page 2" /> He criticized the name ''WindSeeker'', pointing out that the ride closes in high winds.<ref name="showcase page 3" /> Another reviewer called the view from Knott's Berry Farm's version "simply breathtaking" and urged readers to "get a ride on it as soon as you can". The same reviewer, however, also criticized the choice of music, suggesting that the park should have used "themes from more 'southwestern' films" to fit with the overall theme of the Fiesta Village area.<ref name="KBFreview" /> Members of the general public have also applauded the addition.<ref name="Cedar Point's New WindSeeker Swing Ride Opens for the Summer!"/>

==See also==
* [[SkyScreamer]], a similar ride by [[Funtime (manufacturer)|Funtime]] at other [[Six Flags]] theme parks
* [[2011 in amusement parks]]
* [[2012 in amusement parks]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<!--##### CANADA'S WONDERLAND #####-->
<ref name=CWopen>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/#!/CanadasWonderland/posts/10150186858828924|title= Canada's Wonderland Announces Windseeker open |publisher=Facebook |author=Canada's Wonderland |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=May 24, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name=CWclosed>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1015691--ride-nearly-ready-to-fly|title=Ride Nearly Ready to Fly |publisher=York Region |date=May 26, 2011 |access-date=May 29, 2011|first=Adam |last=Martin-Robbins}}</ref>

<ref name="CW not open">{{cite web|last=Taylor|first=Robert|title=Wind Seeker at Canada's Wonderland Not Actually Open|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/1427-wind-seeker-at-canada-s-wonderland-not-actually-open/|publisher=COASTER-net.com|access-date=January 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219202722/http://coaster-net.com/news/1427-wind-seeker-at-canada-s-wonderland-not-actually-open/|archive-date=December 19, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="CW back open">{{cite web|last=Sim|first=Nick|title=WindSeeker tower ride back open at Canada's Wonderland|url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20110610/4184/windseeker-tower-ride-back-open-canadas-wonderland|access-date=February 25, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="Official CW">{{cite web|title=WindSeeker|url=http://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker|publisher=Canada's Wonderland|access-date=February 14, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="CW Screamscape">{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/cw_-_windseeker_0.htm |title=Canada's Wonderland seat missing |publisher=Screamscape |date=May 30, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |first=Lance |last=Hart |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528163931/http://www.screamscape.com/html/cw_-_windseeker_0.htm |archive-date=May 28, 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name=CWridersstuck>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox19.com/story/14906315/kings-islands-windseeker-debut-delayed-due-to-weather |title=WindSeeker Delay Break-Down Video(End Of Video) |publisher=Fox 19 |date=June 15, 2011 |access-date=June 19, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="CW speakers">{{cite web |url=http://www.cwmania.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=45340#p45340 |title=WindSeeker JBL Speakers at Canada's Wonderland |publisher=CWMania |date=June 13, 2011 |access-date=June 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007083213/http://www.cwmania.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=45340#p45340 |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="Wonderland gets WindSeeker ride despite lawsuit">{{cite news|title=Wonderland gets WindSeeker ride despite lawsuit|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/wonderland-gets-windseeker-ride-despite-lawsuit-1.936543|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115073950/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2010/08/26/con-windseeker-suit.html|url-status=live|archive-date=January 15, 2013|access-date=June 28, 2011|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=August 26, 2010|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

<ref name="BreakfastTV">{{Cite episode|title=Breakfast Television|url=http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1030744929001.000000/wednesday-7am8am/|access-date=June 29, 2011|series=Breakfast Television|series-link=Breakfast Television (Citytv Toronto)|network=Citytv|station=CITY-TV|location=Toronto|airdate=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316161039/http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1030744929001.000000/wednesday-7am8am/|archive-date=March 16, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="CWwindseeker photos">{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=240487072654770&set=o.95469803923&type=1&theater |title=Canada's Wonderland WindSeeker at Night |publisher=Canada's Wonderland Facebook (Coleen Flammia Dwyer) |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref>

<!--##### CAROWINDS #####-->
<ref name="Official C">{{cite web|url=http://www.carowinds.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker|title=Carowinds WindSeeker |publisher=Carowinds |access-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Carowinds Screamscape">{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/carowinds.htm |title=Carowinds |publisher=Screamscape |date=August 3, 2011 |access-date=February 29, 2012 |first=Lance |last=Hart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210012556/http://www.screamscape.com/html/carowinds.htm |url-status=live |archive-date=February 10, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="Carowinds Riddle">{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/carowinds_2012_2.htm |title=Carowinds WindSeeker Riddle |publisher=Screamscape |date=August 3, 2011 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |first=Lance |last=Hart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831023642/http://www.screamscape.com/html/carowinds_2012_2.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 31, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Carowinds PR">{{cite web|title=WindSeeker Takes Flight at Carowinds in 2012|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/windseeker-takes-flight-at-carowinds-in-2012-128210973.html|work=Press Release|publisher=PR Newswire|access-date=August 24, 2011|author=Cedar Fair (Carowinds)|date=August 24, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Carowinds audio">{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/windseeker-takes-flight-at-carowinds-in-2012-128210973.html# |title=Carowinds WindSeeker Audio System |publisher=PR Newswire |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Herald 2011-8-25">{{cite news|last=Self|first=Jamie|title=Carowinds new 'flying machine' sends riders 30 stories up|url=http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/08/25/3317337/carowinds-30-stories-up.html|access-date=February 22, 2012|newspaper=Herald Online|date=August 25, 2011|archive-date=March 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331210313/http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/08/25/3317337/carowinds-30-stories-up.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Herald 2012-3-30">{{cite news|last=Worthington|first=Don|title=Carowinds in Fort Mill opens its sky-high ride, the WindSeeker|url=http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/03/30/3860772/carowinds-in-fort-mill-opens-its.html|access-date=March 30, 2012|newspaper=Herald Online|date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401205641/http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/03/30/3860772/carowinds-in-fort-mill-opens-its.html|archive-date=April 1, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Carowinds Open">{{cite web |url=http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/carowinds-open-2012-season-march-165900947.html |title=Carowinds Open for the 2012 Season on March 31 |publisher=Yahoo Finance |date=March 31, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

<!--##### CEDAR POINT #####-->
<ref name="CP open">{{cite news|title=WindSeeker takes flight|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/news/2011/jun/14/windseeker-operational-find-out-tonight-sanduskyregistercom|access-date=June 15, 2011|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=June 14, 2011 |first=Tom |last=Jackson}}</ref>

<ref name="Official CP">{{cite web|title=WindSeeker|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=February 14, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name=CPreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20110623/4273/review-windseeker-cedar-point |title=Review: WindSeeker at Cedar Point |publisher=Theme Park Tourist |date=June 23, 2011 |access-date=June 24, 2011 |first=Brian |last=Krosnick}}</ref>

<ref name=CPexplain>{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/cedar_point.htm |title=Actual Cause For Swing Movement On Cedar Point WindSeeker Explained and Video |publisher=Screamscape |date=June 27, 2011 |access-date=June 27, 2011 |first=Lance |last=Hart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806174947/http://www.screamscape.com/html/cedar_point.htm |url-status=live |archive-date=August 6, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name=CPdelay>{{cite news|first=Tom|last=Jackson|title=WindSeeker won't fly on park's opening|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/news/2011/may/05/cedarfaircalltj5xx11xml|access-date=May 8, 2011|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=May 6, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name=CPPOV>{{cite web |url=http://www.coasterforce.com/news/park-news/1582-cedar-points-windseeker-will-blow-you-away |title=WindSeeker Night POV at Cedar Point |publisher=Coaster Force |date=June 14, 2011 |access-date=June 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929081600/http://www.coasterforce.com/news/park-news/1582-cedar-points-windseeker-will-blow-you-away |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="New ride at Cedar Point tops out at 301 feet">{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Tony|title=New ride at Cedar Point tops out at 301 feet, but (alas!) it's not a roller coaster|url=http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2010/08/new_ride_at_cedar_point_tops_o.html|access-date=June 28, 2011|newspaper=Cleveland|date=August 25, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name="Cedar Point's New WindSeeker Swing Ride Opens for the Summer!">{{cite news|title=Cedar Point's New WindSeeker Swing Ride Opens for the Summer!|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cedar-points-new-windseeker-swing-ride-opens-for-the-summer-123927419.html|access-date=August 12, 2011|newspaper=PR Newswire|date=June 15, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="showcase page 1">{{cite news|last=Sherer|first=Tom|title=Belaboring the Point|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/files/www2.sanduskyregister.com/file_attach/2011/October/1.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402011833/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/files/www2.sanduskyregister.com/file_attach/2011/October/1.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 2, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2011|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=October 2, 2011|page=C1}}</ref>

<ref name="showcase page 2">{{cite news|last=Sherer|first=Tom|title=Belaboring the Point|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/files/www2.sanduskyregister.com/file_attach/2011/October/2.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402011847/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/files/www2.sanduskyregister.com/file_attach/2011/October/2.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 2, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2011|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=October 2, 2011|page=C2}}</ref>

<ref name="showcase page 3">{{cite news|last=Sherer|first=Tom|title=Belaboring the Point|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/files/www2.sanduskyregister.com/file_attach/2011/October/3.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402011905/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/files/www2.sanduskyregister.com/file_attach/2011/October/3.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 2, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2011|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=October 2, 2011|page=C3}}</ref>

<!--##### KINGS DOMINION #####-->
<ref name="Official KD">{{cite web |url=http://www.kingsdominion.com/what-s-new/new-windseeker |title=WindSeeker |publisher=Kings Dominion |access-date=September 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204231358/http://www.kingsdominion.com/what-s-new/new-windseeker |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name=KDannoncemnt>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/kingsdominionva/posts/10150272325326875 |title=Kings Dominion WindSeeker Announced |publisher=Kings Dominion |date=September 1, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="BTT 2011-8-31">{{cite web|title=Windseeker and Dinosaurs Alive make the line up for new 2012 attractions|url=http://behindthethrills.com/2011/08/windseeker-sails-out-of-the-bag-at-kings-dominion/|publisher=Behind the Thrills|access-date=February 22, 2012|author=Erik|date=August 31, 2011|archive-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929094159/http://behindthethrills.com/2011/08/windseeker-sails-out-of-the-bag-at-kings-dominion/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="TPT 2012-1-24">{{cite web|last=Sim|first=Nick|title=Image: Kings Dominion begins installing WindSeeker tower pieces|url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20120124/5839/image-kings-dominion-begins-installing-windseeker-tower-pieces|publisher=Theme Park Tourist|access-date=February 22, 2012|date=January 24, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="KD Open" >{{cite web|last=Bacqué|first=Peter|title=Kings Dominion's new attractions on schedule|url=http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2012/mar/06/tdbiz03-biz-to-go-kings-dominions-new-attractions--ar-1742785/|publisher=Times-Dispatch|access-date=March 6, 2012|date=September 22, 2012|archive-date=April 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410202549/http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2012/mar/06/tdbiz03-biz-to-go-kings-dominions-new-attractions--ar-1742785/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<!--##### KINGS ISLAND #####-->
<ref name="Official KI">{{cite web|url=http://www.visitkingsisland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides-12-14-11-44/WindSeeker-2 |title= Windseeker |publisher=Kings Island |access-date=February 14, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="KI scheduled opening">{{cite news |url=http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/301-foot-tall-windseeker-is-kings-islands-newest-ride-877743.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226231504/http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/301-foot-tall-windseeker-is-kings-islands-newest-ride-877743.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |title=301-foot tall WindSeeker is Kings Island's newest ride |publisher=Middletown Journal |date=January 8, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |first=Justin |last=McClelland }}</ref>

<ref name="KI sign lights">{{cite web |url=http://www.coasterforce.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=31878 |title=Kings Island WindSeeker Opening Day |publisher=CoasterForce |date=June 22, 2011 |access-date=June 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929081548/http://www.coasterforce.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=31878 |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="KI won't open">{{cite news|title=Kings Islands' Windseeker won't open with park|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2011/04/kings-islands-windseeker-wont-open.html|access-date=June 28, 2011|newspaper=BizJournals|date=April 29, 2011|author=Business Courier}}</ref>

<ref name="KI official opening">{{cite news|title=Kings Island's new Windseeker ride to open today|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2011/06/kings-islands-new-windseeker-ride-to.html|access-date=June 28, 2011|newspaper=BizJournals|date=June 21, 2011|author=Business Courier}}</ref>

<ref name="Kings Island to add Windseeker ride">{{cite news|title=Kings Island to add Windseeker ride|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/08/23/daily14.html|access-date=June 28, 2011|newspaper=BizJournals|date=August 24, 2010|author=Business First}}</ref>

<ref name="Kings Island review">{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20110713/4465/review-windseeker-kings-island|title=Kings Island WindSeeker Review |publisher=Theme Park Tourist |date=July 13, 2011 |access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref>

<!--##### KNOTTS BERRY FARM #####-->
<ref name="Official KBF">{{cite web|title=WindSeeker|url=http://www.knotts.com/rides/Thrill-Rides-1-5-12-42/WindSeeker|publisher=Knott's Berry Farm|access-date=February 14, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name=KBFbegins>{{cite news|last=Mello|first=Michael|title=Work begins on new Knott's ride|url=http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2011/01/07/work-begins-on-new-knotts-ride/66222/|access-date=January 9, 2011|newspaper=The Orange County Register|date=January 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111043359/http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2011/01/07/work-begins-on-new-knotts-ride/66222/|archive-date=January 11, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="KBF Screamscape">{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/kbf_-_2011_0.htm |title=Knott's WindSeeker Tower |publisher=Screamscape |date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=June 19, 2011 |first=Lance |last=Hart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723053459/http://www.screamscape.com/html/kbf_-_2011_0.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 23, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="KBF LAT announcement">{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=WindSeeker thrill ride to alter Knott's Berry Farm skyline in 2011|url=http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/windseeker-thrill-ri-7426/|access-date=June 28, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=August 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526213512/http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/windseeker-thrill-ri-7426/|archive-date=May 26, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="KBF location change">{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=Knott's Berry Farm to relocate WindSeeker thrill ride, delaying launch|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-jan-07-la-trb-knotts-berry-farm-windseeker-01201107-story.html|access-date=June 28, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=January 7, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Knotts opening">{{cite news|title=PREVIEW CALENDAR: Dance, comedy, special events and theme park listings for Aug. 11–17|url=http://www.nctimes.com/entertainment/events-calendar/article_379a8e79-848d-5f44-8c0e-3e1e83fb48dd.html|access-date=August 12, 2011|newspaper=North County Times|date=August 11, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="KBF open ABC">{{cite news|title=Windseeker ride opens at Knott's Berry Farm|url=https://abc7.com/archive/8324770/|access-date=February 25, 2012|newspaper=[[KABC-TV]]|date=August 24, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="KBFreview">{{cite web|title=In The Parks&nbsp;– Knott's opens Windseeker, Disneyland and DCA, Universal|url=http://micechat.com/blogs/in-the-parks/3080-parks-knotts-opens-windseeker-disneyland-dca-universal-update-page2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104114233/http://micechat.com/blogs/in-the-parks/3080-parks-knotts-opens-windseeker-disneyland-dca-universal-update-page2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 4, 2011|publisher=MiceChat.com|access-date=February 13, 2012|author=In the Parks}}</ref>

<ref name=Knottssign>{{cite web |url=http://www.westcoaster.net/updates.php?updateCD=080911&page=9 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222140650/http://www.westcoaster.net/updates.php?updateCD=080911&page=9 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 22, 2013 |title=Knott's Mexican Theme WindSeeker Sign |publisher=Westcoaster |date=August 9, 2011 |access-date=August 9, 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="LAT review">{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=Review: WindSeeker soars at Knott's Berry Farm after flight delays|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-windseeker-knotts-review-08201123,0,229966.story|access-date=August 26, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=August 22, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name=westcoaster>{{cite web |url=http://www.westcoaster.net/updates.php?updateCD=081611&page=9 |title=Westcoaster&nbsp;– Knott's Berry Farm |publisher=Westcoaster |date=August 16, 2011 |access-date=August 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728011807/http://www.westcoaster.net/updates.php?updateCD=081611&page=9 |archive-date=July 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="KBFcolors">{{cite web|title=More Windseeker News|url=http://parkthoughts.com/2011/08/24/more-windseeker-news/|publisher=Park Thoughts|access-date=February 9, 2012|author=Justice}}</ref>

<ref name=KBF-stateclosure>{{cite news|title=State shuts Knott's ride for investigation|url=http://www.ocregister.com/news/ride-372262-knott-down.html|access-date=September 21, 2012|newspaper=[[The Orange County Register]]|date=September 20, 2012|author=Tully, Sarah|author2=Quick, Sonya|author3=Salazar, Denisse}}</ref>

<!--##### GENERAL #####-->
<ref name=Structure>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.460374703923.250283.95469803923|title=WindSeeker Construction Photos |publisher=Facebook |author=Canada's Wonderland |date=April 26, 2011 |access-date=May 30, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Hyrdraulic Dampers">{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/cw_-_windseeker_1.htm |title=WindSeeker Hydraulic Dampers Added |publisher=Screamscape |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=June 14, 2011 |first=Lance |last=Hart }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

<ref name="windseeking">{{cite web|title=Windseeking across the continent|url=http://parkthoughts.com/2011/06/30/windseeking-across-the-continent/|publisher=Park Thoughts|access-date=February 25, 2012|author=Justice}}</ref>

<ref name="wind_seeker">{{cite web |url=http://www.mondialrides.com/products/Wind_Seeker/index.html |title=Wind Seeker |publisher=Mondial |access-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424135413/http://www.mondialrides.com/products/Wind_Seeker/index.html |archive-date=April 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="Sept 2012 closures">{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=Problems at Knott's Berry Farm force ride closures nationwide|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-knotts-windseeker-riders-stuck-09201221,0,1284072.story|access-date=September 22, 2012|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>

<!--##### CURRENTLY UNUSED REFERENCES #####
<ref name="KBF open">{{cite web|title=We are happy to announce that WindSeeker is OPEN!!!!!|url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150256563130876&set=a.104124665875.103406.10286130875&type=1|publisher=Facebook|access-date=August 18, 2011|author=Knott's Berry Farm|date=August 18, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name=KBFopenjune>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-xpm-2011-jun-14-la-trb-knotts-windseeker-06201113-story.html |title=Knott's to open WindSeeker in July |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 14, 2011 |access-date=June 17, 2011 |first=Brady |last=MacDonald}}</ref>

<ref name="Q1 results">{{cite web|title=Cedar Fair's CEO Discusses Q1 2011 Results&nbsp;– Earnings Call Transcript|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/268104-cedar-fair-s-ceo-discusses-q1-2011-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=qanda|publisher=Seeking Alpha|access-date=May 8, 2011|date=May 5, 2011}}</ref>

##### -->

}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker WindSeeker at Canada's Wonderland]
* [http://www.carowinds.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker WindSeeker at Carowinds]
* [http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker WindSeeker at Cedar Point]
* [http://www.kingsdominion.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/WindSeeker WindSeeker at Kings Dominion]
* [http://www.visitkingsisland.com/rides/Thrill-Rides-12-14-11-44/WindSeeker-2 WindSeeker at Kings Island]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130903230124/https://www.knotts.com/rides/Thrill-Rides-1-5-12-42/WindSeeker Windseeker at Knott’s Berry Farm] (Archived)

{{Six Flags}}
{{Wonderland}}
{{Carowinds}}
{{Cedar Point}}
{{Kings Dominion}}
{{Kings Island}}
{{Knott's Berry Farm rides}}
{{Worlds of Fun}}

{{good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Windseeker}}
[[Category:Amusement rides introduced in 2011]]
[[Category:Amusement rides introduced in 2012]]
[[Category:Carowinds]]
[[Category:Cedar Point]]
[[Category:Amusement rides manufactured by Mondial]]
[[Category:Cedar Fair attractions]]<!--Leave; As a removed ride was only operated by Cedar Fair before the merger-->
[[Category:Six Flags attractions]]
[[Category:Swing rides]]
[[Category:Towers in Ontario]]
[[Category:Towers in Ohio]]
[[Category:Towers in Virginia]]
[[Category:Towers in California]]
[[Category:Towers in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Amusement rides that closed in 2012]]
[[Category:Amusement rides introduced in 2014]]