After riding the Ghost Train for the first time this season it kind of sparked a question of how important is it to actually keep dark rides up to date and keep them looking modern? This post is simply based on my opinion & I would love to know your thoughts!
I feel the rides which have opened in the last 5 or maybe pushing 8 years don’t really count for this? It’s more or less the rides based at Blackpool Pleasure Beach alongside a few others elsewhere.
The likes of River Caves springs to mind all the time on this topic. It simply is old. It is looking tired inside in regards to the neighbour dark ride The Ghost Train. It’s incredible that majority of the animatronics and effects work. But it definitely would benefit from a overhaul or simple modern touch to majority of the props & scenes. Whether that’s simple like for like replacements or brand new editions added. Recently they’ve added a hologram effect of a jellyfish to the under water scene. It’s a very random effect to be added and in comparison to the rest of the scene the difference is very noticeable. But if that’s an insight to the future of the entire ride then we are here for it.
I feel the likes of Duel is also guilty of been in need of some enhancements in all honesty. The recent edition of slapping UV paint all over their animatronics definitely was a questionable move to make. It’s just made them seem quite tatty. This ride has so much potential as well and some of the scenes are done so beautifully especially The Spiders Room. But who knows perhaps there’ll be changes for the 2020 season once they re-open.
Then the likes of The Ghost Train which has received that upkeep & change within the first scene you enter. Yet it’s completely enhanced the ride experience in such a positive way. It’s made the ride feel modern but still equally as eerie with the older props & scenes. The older scenes also faced a face lift in regards to lighting and small touch ups but it’s made the World of difference. This has become one of our favourite UK dark rides now.
There’s a few examples of changes and rides in need of change. I’d definitely say upkeep is essential across the dark rides to ensure they keep up to date with the times and remain relevant. I love the likes of River Caves a lot but can definitely see how they could improve it. But I also don’t think those new rides like Haunted House Party & Wallace & Gromit are in need of any changes just yet.
What’s your thoughts on this topic?
