Teacups

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Teacups, or spinning teacups, are a type of amusement ride. Riders sit in teacup-shaped cars that spin on a circular floor, which itself turns on a larger base. A motor powers the ride and it starts slowly, then speeds up as power increases. The operator spins each cup while the base turns underneath.

The motor can be mounted in the middle or on the outside. If it’s in the middle, a gearbox changes the direction and speed. If it’s on the outside, a small rubber wheel under the rim drives the rotation.

One early famous teacup ride is Disney’s Mad Tea Party, opened at Disneyland in 1955. It was designed by Karl Bacon and Ed Morgan of Arrow Development. Similar versions exist at Disney parks in Florida, Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and at many other parks and by various manufacturers.