| |
“I can't believe we're about to do this!” I cried.
I had caught up with Calvin, who stood with his hands planted firmly on his hips, surveying the rides before us.
“Believe it, my man, this is totally about to happen. What ride do you want to tweak, bro?”
We were standing on the main plaza. From here, smaller paths branched out to all the various rides and attractions featured at Happytown. Despite not having any exciting rides to speak of, the theme park itself was expansive. Mr. West, the man who had developed the park, had filled the place with countless tiny attractions that encouraged people to spend money to win cheap prizes. His plan all along had been to squeeze as much money out of each guest as possible. Big rides were more fun, but nowhere near as profitable. The result was a theme park that felt more like a fair or carnival, full of games and kiosks but no major attractions.
“Honestly, I'm not sure where to begin! I feel like none of these rides have any potential at all.” I said, grimly.
“Totally agree, dude, this place is lame,” agreed Calvin. “But what about that spinning horse ride? I mean, horses are pretty tight!”
“The carousel?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at Calvin.
“Sure, man, whatever you call it!”
“Who needs an english lesson now?” I joked.
Together we walked down the path that led to the carousel. It was one of the newer rides in the park, and Mr. West had spent a fair chunk of change getting it. These were the only kinds of rides the boss would ever go for. Rides that were simple and risk-free. Plus, the price of admission didn't cover the cost of a ride on one of the faux horses, so it meant more money for the park. Just thinking about that fat, greedy man helped me make up my mind.
“This is the one. This is what we're going to modify.” I said.
“Yeah? Awesome, dude! Just, like, tell me what you want me to do and I'll hop to it!” Calvin cried.
With half an idea in my head, and a sidekick willing to pitch in, I set to work. I kept Calvin actively engaged, scurrying back and forth from the carousel to the mechanic's shop, retrieving parts and tools I would need. In the meantime, I set to work creating a new and improved ride for the patrons who would arrive tomorrow!
The end result was pretty straightforward. I tweaked the rotational gears of the ride to make it spin slightly faster. I then modified each individual horse on the carousel, putting springs at the top and bottom of each pole that would make the up and down motion a LOT more explosive. Then, keeping safety in mind, I added seat belts for each horse to ensure a small child wasn't launched into the atmosphere thanks to a bucking bronco! When it was done I stepped back to admire my handiwork.
“It's a masterpiece,” Calvin said softly. “I think I might cry!”
“Very funny,” I said with a grin. “Hopefully the crowds like it tomorrow!”
“You won't have to wait long, my dude. The sun is starting to rise!”
Calvin was right! I had lost track of time and ended up spending all night in the park! We would have just enough time to get home and change before heading back for work. I was tired, but also thrilled. In just a few hours my skills as a Roblox theme park designer would be put to the test for the first time!