[citation needed] Once released, the car is fired downwards by pneumatics rather than simply falling under gravity, with the ride reaching a speed of 46 mph at the base of the drop, giving the impression of weightlessness for riders.

In July 2000, Thorpe Park's Wicked Witches Haunt and part of Mr Rabbit's Tropical Travels were destroyed in a fire.

Although Mr Rabbit's Tropical Travels was recovered and reopened later in the year, Wicked Witches Haunt was destroyed beyond repair.

In 2001 Detonator opened as the park’s tallest ride at 115 feet in replacement of Wicked Witches Haunt.

In 2007, the ride opened with a new theme tune after the park decided it was no longer plausible to pay royalties for the original soundtrack.