History
I’m Humber Rodríguez, proud owner of KIDS-N-RIDES.I’m thrilled to share with you the incredible tale of our beloved vintage kiddie ride “The Whip”.
Our story begins in the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York, in the year 1961.Picture my father, Mr. Humberto Rodríguez Sr., stumbling upon a gem of a street kiddie ride called “The Whip” — a charming carnival creation mounted on a truck.
Little did he know, this chance encounter would ignite a legacy of happiness that would span generations.With a twinkle in his eye and a heart full of dreams, my dad struck up a conversation with the ride’s operator – who just so happened to be the owner, and the very Italian engineer who fabricated it in 1954, and he was selling it!
Talk about fate at its finest.Without too much hesitation, my dad ended up buying it.
Soon after, he brought it with him when he moved with the family to Puerto Rico in 1962, and the rest is history… That same year I was born.
From its humble beginnings,The Whip quickly became a beloved fixture in the hearts of kids all across the island, spreading smiles and joy with every whirl and twirl.
What started as a 5-cents thrill ride soon evolved into A Staple At Birthday Parties, School Events, City Carnivals, and Corporate Picnics – Weaving its magic into the fabric of our community and spreading fun and laughter for nearly 50 years!
As the years passed, my dad gradually passed the reins to me, entrusting me with the honor and responsibility of carrying on the legacy of The Whip.
And with emotion swelling in my heart, I eagerly took on the role of president of our company Rio Piedras Amusement Inc., committed to preserving the spirit of fun and happiness for years to come.
Fast forward to March 2024, and I’m thrilled to announce the triumphant return of The Whip, now in the enchanting city of Orlando, Florida!
After undergoing a meticulous two-year restoration… This Iconic Ride Is Back And Better Than Ever
Ready To Whisk You Away On A Whirlwind Of Nostalgia And Excitement !!!
But “The Whip” isn’t just a ride… – it’s a cherished part of my life, filled with countless memories and a sentimental value beyond measure.
At KIDS-N-RIDES our mission is simple yet profound:
“We Bring Kids Smiles” 😃everywhere we go.
So,
If you are ready to ADD A CLASSIC & UNIQUE TOUCH OF THE PAST and A WHOLE LOT OF FUN and ENTERTAINMENT to your next events…
LOOK NO FURTHER 👀 because
“THE WHIP” IS HERE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN !!!
See you soon riding on “The Whip” where the laughters last forever… 🤡
Photo Gallery
FAQ
Kids-n-Rides is an amusement rides company, dedicated to entertain kids ages 3 to 93.
We specialize in small mobile carnival rides.
Presently we have “The Whip” ride, our pride and joy? but very soon more rides are coming our way!
We’re Birthday Party Specialists, and do all kind of events too, big and small.
The Whip is mobile amusement ride.
It is a small version of the 1914 original world-famous The Whip carrousel
manufactured by W. F. Mangels Company in Coney Island, New York.
The original was a big carnival ride permanently laid on the ground. More of this same original Mangel’s “The Whip” were brought in to some amusement parks across the nation many years ago. Interestingly, a few of these original ones still exist and are in operation today! Ours is attached to the back of a big truck and was built in 1954, in New York too!
The Whip can only be operated while the truck is parked, and the brakes locked. Although the ride and the vehicle are both part of the whole unit, you can only operate one or the other, and not both at the same time. You either “move the truck” or “move the ride” so to speak.
The ride consists of a 14′ x 7′ oblong track on which seven stainless steel carts move.
The operator stands in front of the controls which are located in front of the track.
While the carts move along the straight or “long section” of the track, they move at slow speed,
but as soon as either end is reached, the speed is gently and moderately increased as they “snap the curve” in one small safe sweep, creating a lot of amusement and entertainment for riders and watchers alike!
The carts have cushioned seats, and are fitted with seatbelts, and safety handlebars that lift up for entering and exiting the carts. The entrance and exit to the ride itself consist of two little gates, one on each side, which lead up to a three steps stairway. At the top of the stairs is access to the carts.
The carts move along the track at 7 RPM (+/- 1).
The Whip can load up to 21 kids, or 7 adult riders, or a mix of both. Each cart can accommodate 1, 2, or 3 kids (depending on their size), or 1 adult, or 1 adult & 1 kid (again depending on their size). Max. weight is 225 lb. Height: 35″ min., 6’6″ max. per person.
Riders with special needs are allowed to ride if they can seat straight up, be able to support their head and upper body unassisted, and remain under control. Also they must be mentally aware of what to expect as riders of The Whip? aware of “what is going on” before, during, and after riding, and can remain seated and secured.
NOTE: Nobody “under the influence” is allowed to ride.
Discretion and common sense is customary!
Each ride is approximately 3 minutes long, but the operator can make it last longer, or stop at any moment.
No, The Whip operates with the truck’s engine, and that’s one of this ride’s benefits. We bring the ride to you? practically everywhere!
The Whip measures 25′ long x 8′ wide x 10′ high. Keep in mind that we can bring it only to where there’s enough open space around it for our patrons to walk around or just watch, and where the ground is hard enough for the truck not to get stuck. If necessary, we can open just one of the side gates to get in & out, and keep the other one closed, depending on the situation.
Yes, actually that’s the most common place we go. Normally we park right in front of your home, parallel to the sidewalk or perpendicular to the driveway, so the kids and the parents have space to hang out and watch, or even dance if they so desire. We also regularly bring it to elementary schools, day care facilities, parks, community centers, near pool areas, or wherever the party is.
Not only The Whip have color LED flashing lights inside and out, but it also has MUSIC !
A modern BLUETOOTH stereo music system plays YOUR MUSIC all around! Just tell us what music you like and we either play it for you, or you connect your own smartphone.
Absolutely! Our operators are fully trained and qualified to assure a safe, smooth, and fun experience for everyone.
Here at Kids-n-Rides we are grateful to have no history of losses or insurance claims. Our history include decades of safety awareness and attention to detail, due to the fact that our founder Mr. Humberto Sr., and his son and actual owner Humberto Jr., both have a combined 80 years of experience working with two of the major airlines in the world. Kids-n-Rides is a very safety conscious company. We are proud of that, and strive to stay like that.
? SAFETY FIRST? ALWAYS !!!
Yes, our company is fully insured; inspected & approved, and licensed by the Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection, Tallahassee, FL. COI’s are provided upon request.
Since it’s humble beginnings back in 1961, Kids-n-Rides have always been a family business, and has remained so throughout its 50+ years in operation! It was founded in Puerto Rico by Mr. Humberto Rodriguez, Sr., under the name Rio Piedras Amusement, Inc.
It is very important to book 6-8 weeks in advance, or even before that if you know the date and want to secure it. The Whip is very popular and some of our best clients book a year in advance year after year, some of them multiple times a year! However, if you have a last minute booking, we’ll do our best to accommodate you, but please call ASAP.
We are willing and able to provide our special kind of entertainment in just about every event and venue; provided rules, regulations, and guidelines allow it. Please check with your venue before booking.
Here Are Some Ideas:
– Birthday Parties
– School Events, Carnivals, and Verbenas
– Easter Events
– Day Care
– Pre-K and Elementary Schools
– Graduation Parties
– Summer Camps
– Back-to-School
– Harvest Events
– Oktoberfest
– Playgrounds
– Campgrounds
– County Parks
– City Parks
– Town Parks
– Family Reunions
– Classmates Reunions
– Libraries
– Museums
– Zoos
– Churches
– Fundraisers
– Airports
– Hospitals
– 4th of July
– Christmas Celebrations
– Public and Private Festivals
– Sports Venues
– Baseball Parks
– Skateparks
– Waterparks
– Training Centers
– Kids Zones
– Trampoline Places
– Bouncing Places
– Amusement Parks
– Horse Ranches
– Conventions and Meetings
– Car Dealerships
– Farmers Markets
– Shopping Malls
– Grocery Stores
– Wholesale Stores
– Retail Stores
– Resort Hotels
– Corporate Picnics
– Movie Theaters
– Concerts
– Music Videos
– Movies & Featured Films
– TV Shows
– TV Series
– TV Ads
– TV Commercials
– Internet Ads and Commercials
– Social Media Ads.
– Social Media Posts
– Draw Customers!
– Use Your Imagination! ?
–
BRING THE FUN
HIRE US FOR ALL OCCASIONS!!!
The regular price for birthday parties is $295 for the first hour, and $75 for each additional half hour (plus tax, and travel fee of $0.60 per mile after the first 5 miles).
?? Ask for our 50% Promotional Deal, or our $98 per hr. Summer Special ?
For all other reservations please contact us at 954-699-7508, info@kidsnrides.com, or use our convenient contact form.
A non-refundable* 50% deposit is required to reserve and secure your date & time slot. The remaining 50% balance is due no less than 10 days prior to your reservation date (a reminder email will be sent out to you). If the remaining balance due is not received by ten days prior to the event, your reservation will be null, the date & time slot will become available to others, and Kids-n-Rides will have the right to cancel such event for the date and time you requested.
* All deposits are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another date & time, based on availability.
Full refunds can be granted for cancellations due to unexpected acts of nature, severe weather, or a declared state of emergency.
For your convenience we accept: Apple Pay, Zelle, Cash App, debit cards, and credit cards (credit cards charge a 3.5% fee per transaction).
Please contact us at: info@kidsnrides.com or 954-699-7508