As someone who absolutely adores dark rides seeing the likes of The Curse at Alton Manor open its doors has left me really questioning, how the future of new dark rides or re-themed may actually look here in the UK. Like I don’t expect miracles and they are all at the identical level as The Curse but what really could be the future? Of course, I don’t think I need to say this as I’m sure a lot of you will know but this is all based upon speculation, preferences and opinions NOT facts.
Less Shooting Interaction:
I feel as if the days of shooting interactive dark rides are gradually starting to fade. They evidently becoming less and less used now to make a dark ride good. However, the screen-led interactive dark rides seem to be more on the up. That’s not necessarily referring to the UK parks as such but we do tend to follow the likes of others around the world. I feel the decision will come inevitably just like it did with VR to get rid of these additional gimmicks that aren’t truly needed. Some rides yeah I can get behind like Laser Raiders but the likes of Tomb Blaster no thank you.
More Props & Special Effects
As we’ve seen with The Curse the ratio of screens to props and special effects is perfect. There are not too numerous screens that it feels like a cop-out of easy theming aspects but there is so much happening around including smells, lighting, sounds, moving props, and animatronics that’s only to name a few. It’s really creative how the ride has come together to become THE best themed dark ride in the UK by miles. I think this is something we shall hopefully see emphasised on further re-themes and new rides. Special effects work really well particularly projection mapping when done right it can be such a mind-blowing experience to witness. Again the props have to be present as I find too many screens make it all feel cheap.
Intense Detailing
The level of detailing is fundamental. If it’s lightly done it can still be good but not as extraordinary as thorough detailing. Adding in small things you perhaps don’t notice straight away or may never notice until someone points them out is exciting. Ensuring there are no light bleeds in the ride building, ensuring areas you don’t want seen are disguised and more importantly making sure anything broken gets repaired. What are the costumes of the characters? How does this audio match the scenes you’re entering? Intense and detailed care and attention on dark rides are 100% needed in my opinion.
Modernising
A lot of our UK dark rides rightfully feel fairly aged with their theming and sets. That’s completely acceptable given they’ve not had refurbishments happen to them so you can’t expect miracles, right? But I do think it’s time now to reconsider them slowly and just make more current touches. Whether that’s a full rework of the ride or straightforward little things to make them seem in a more now time zone. Again, each park has its own different budget and plans and that’s fair enough. I have no doubt we will always maintain some classic dark rides in the UK like Ghost Train at Pleasure Beach which is ace. But I do think dark rides could be creeping in and we will someday end up with some world-class experiences under our belt too. The way our UK parks are heading is bloody amazing to see that’s for sure.
Overall:
To me, I think the future of UK dark rides is looking insanely positive. It’s going to be a radiant and exceptional time for them. I know right now we’re all down and focused on upcoming coasters but I do think ultimately there’ll be a time when this will be the same for dark rides. I think The Curse has set the bench so high that now we’ll see more park experiments and try their own versions of this level of theming & storytelling. The likes of Valhalla opening and being at its utter greatest right now shine a light on the fact our UK dark rides are coming on leaps & bounds even if it does take time it’ll be worth it in the end. Of course, I can’t mention Ghost Train at Thorpe due to not riding it yet but I can’t say I’ve heard all that much about it either. So, I’m intrigued as to whether this is continuing that flattering feed of modifications but I’m sure we’ll find out soon. But the future to me looks positive and I can see UK dark rides becoming a thing we do best and The Curse has given me that hope alongside Valhalla.
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What do you reckon our future of dark rides look like?
Thank you so much for reading & I’m excited to hear your opinions!
