In the Dark

As some of you may know, Wonder Mountain’s Guardian opened this year at Canada’s Wonderland. It was touted as a revolutionary ride for the interactive-dark-ride genre, and combines some roller-coaster elements with interactive 3-d technology. I finally got a chance to take a spin on this ride recently, and while it was certainly not up to Disney standards in terms of theming, it was a unique ride. One of my girls (6) enjoyed it, although she did say it was a bit scary at times and for that reason she really did not want to ride it again. Our nearly 3-year old was not tall enough (42-inch requirement).

A new dark-ride is certainly a possibility in Cedar Point’s near future. What I’m curious about discussing here is not necessarily whether or not you want one, but rather what type of dark-ride you would like to see emerge at Cedar Point and why. I have certainly been clamoring for a new family dark-ride for years, and due to WMG being installed I’m a little excited that Cedar Point’s return to a dark-ride experience may be around the corner.

Personally, I am not a fan of the interactive dark-ride genre at all. I would much prefer a well-themed experience along the lines of Pirates of the Caribbean, which to me still stands as arguably the single greatest dark-ride experience ever constructed.

So what about you? If you were in charge of making the final call (god forbid), what would you choose and why?

I'm not a fan of 'dark rides' either. I visited KennyWood a few years back, and their 2 indoor dark attractions were a hot mess, and not enjoyable at all. I don't know how CP indoor attraction was, as I didn't get the opp. to ride it. I like the idea of CP opening later in the AM, stay open later at night, and use the lighting technology they already have. Maybe make the bigger attractions 'change' with lighting & effect after dark?

I'm a huge fan of dark rides, Janeen, just not the interactive ones that turn your ride into a giant shoot-em-up video game on wheels.

Cedar Point has not had a dark ride since removing the old Pirate Ride (near Blue Streak). It was a great ride for its time, but that time has long-since passed. Legend has it that it served as the inspiration for Walt Disney's great ride. But alas, dead men tell no tales. ;)

Like I said, though, what I’m curious about discussing here is not necessarily whether or not you want one, but rather what type of dark-ride you would like to see emerge at Cedar Point and why.

I highly doubt you are ever going to see a dark ride themed or interactive like at Disney or Universal because you cant justify the expense at a seasonal amusement park.

Hey, don't forget Cedar Point's Earthquake ride! Also a great old-school dark ride.

Disney's Pirates (like Haunted Mansion)was originally conceived as a walk-through attraction, so it seems unlikely Pirate Ride (then located at the Freedomland theme park in New York State) was a direct inspiration.

In a dream world, I'd love to see an attraction on the level of Pirates or Haunted Mansion at Cedar Point, but the space requirements alone (the show buildings for both attractions are huge) would rule that out.

I'm also not a fan of interactive dark rides, but they are popular.

So: what kind of dark ride would I like to see at Cedar Point? One that combines elements of a Disney ride (detailed theming), multiple ride experiences (part coaster, part water ride, perhaps), one or two "how'd they do that" special effects, and some type of interactivity (because it's popular).

I'm convinced if the park did some sort of dark ride it would have to be something like the robotic arm virtual roller coaster at Epcot. Clearly, it would have to be larger with more capacity and probably several robotic arms set up like Mission Space so several groups of riders would ride at the same time. I have little faith that the park could pull off a quality dark ride with the attention to detail and for it to be worthwhile. But, I'm with you, I would like to see the park add something along those lines.

When it comes to the idea of Cedar Point getting a dark ride, I'd be more inclined to vote for a Sally Dark ride instead of a Triotech darkride/coaster. I just recently got to ride Ghostwood Estate at Kennywood (a Sally ride) and I enjoyed it. Definitely something Cedar Point could benefit from.

As for theme, I'd love to see something focused around the great pumpkin. Kind of like, "It's the Great Pumpkin Chase, Charlie Brown"...or something of that nature. And with the new movie coming out next year, it'd be awesome to see some of that animation incorporated into the ride experience (in 3D of course). I could see a LOT of potential with that.

Also, on an unrelated note, I'm surprised no one brought attention to the visible markers during Coastermania lunch. If you didn't see them, there are a TON of survey markers (various utility markers as well) in and around the Point Pavilion area leading to Raptor's exit. Has this been discussed yet? I wonder if it has anything to do with next year. Now, I'm not suggesting it's for a new ride.......just food for thought.

^^ What *do* you think the park "could pull off"?

^Interesting point. A 3D dark ride tied to the upcoming Peanuts movie would be cool. Though it might be prudent to wait and see if the movie is successful first.

It's a Peanuts movie with unique animation that honors the original animation style. I mean, did you see the teaser?! It'll be a hit! :)

I think it will be a hit. Just saying.... before Edge of Tomorrow and the Fault in our Stars opened, everybody "knew" which one be the more popular movie, and "everybody" was wrong...

Kevinj said:
but rather what type of dark-ride you would like to see emerge at Cedar Point and why.

ANY kind that's not just geared towards children. Sorry, Peanuts doesn't do it for me.

Well, considering it's something they apparently NEED in terms of what the "whole family" can experience, it wouldn't be something that is geared towards you (individually) anyway. And being that it'd be at Cedar Point, a Peanuts theme makes most sense since it's the kind of wholesome fun that can be enjoyed by the whole family....predominately kids.

TTD 120mph said:

As for theme, I'd love to see something focused around the great pumpkin. Kind of like, "It's the Great Pumpkin Chase, Charlie Brown"...or something of that nature. And with the new movie coming out next year, it'd be awesome to see some of that animation incorporated into the ride experience (in 3D of course). I could see a LOT of potential with that.

Also, on an unrelated note, I'm surprised no one brought attention to the visible markers during Coastermania lunch. If you didn't see them, there are a TON of survey markers (various utility markers as well) in and around the Point Pavilion area leading to Raptor's exit. Has this been discussed yet? I wonder if it has anything to do with next year. Now, I'm not suggesting it's for a new ride.......just food for thought.

I actually love the idea of a Peanuts themed dark ride in the area of the old Picnic pavilion /Pirate ride if they could somehow make one fit (I don't know how, I know Raptor station is in the middle.). IF... the markings are somehow related to the secret plan for the bathroom renovations at Chickie & Pete's I will retract most of my post on the subject.

I think Cedar Point could pull off more than some think. The fact of the matter is, a family-oriented world-class dark ride has simply not been on the top of the priority list for the park.

Who among us truly knows the limits of what they could do? And on the same token, who among us knows what ideas have been discussed? Very few, if any.

Ginormous coasters are expensive and cost money for upkeep. I firmly believe that, if the park indeed had the will, it could find a way to pull off a very well-done and well-themed dark ride that also doesn't break the budget.

Now, do I expect something on par with the aforementioned POTC at Disney? No. This is not Disney. But do I think it's OK to have expectations beyond the typical Sally Dark ride? Yep. I think the park could find a balance that could work for them. Well-done, manageable theming that goes far enough to wow the audience but certainly not to the level of the new animatronic 7 dwarfs on the new Disney coaster. I think it's possible.

I'm not sure what I think about the Peanuts theme. I certainly think it would need to be inviting to all ages, but that might be aiming a little too firmly at the kids for my taste. Done well enough, though, I can see that as a possibility. My gut would to see the park steer in a more general direction, though.

Mr Ouimet brings a lot to the party, I think. From what I've read and from what I've experienced, it seems clear the company is changing and growing under his leadership.

Given Cedar Fair's long relationship with the Peanuts characters, a dark ride that involves those characters just seems likely. When you have a proven asset, you should use it.

I rode Garfield's Nightmare and the Ghostwood Estate at Kennywood and was less impressed with the latter because of the "shoot the targets" aspect. I do like the Haunted Mansion at WDW but I agree something similar would take up a TON of space. I would also love to see a modern version of the Earthquake ride or something along that lines , but like others said if a dark ride does happen; it will probably be Peanuts related with the added possibility of a Red-Baron type flyer that you sit in that would shoot at other planes (targets) in the distance/sky (?). Guess we'll have to wait and see.

I like the interactive ride, the competition is great for families. However, I don't like the idea of the dark ride/coaster concept that WMG is. Something like Toy Story Mania would be awesome.

I am not a fan of the interactive dark rides. I suppose Kennywood's ride is good, but I wouldn't know as I was so distracted by the shooting. When I finally put my gun down the scenes were hard to see for the dozens and dozens of glowing targets.

But it is the latest thing and people do seem to enjoy them. My guess is Cedar Fair has latched onto something with Guardian and we should expect to see at least one or two more. If Cedar Point seems a likely candidate for the next one, another possibility is Knott's. They've already stepped it up with a couple of outstanding remakes not to mention they've had a large dark ride building sitting idle for a couple of years now.

I didn't know anything about markings around Point Pavilion until now. If that should turn out to be the location of the rumored dark ride, nothing would make me happier. I sit in fear that something or someone may come along to alter the beautiful, historic Colliseum, ballroom, and arcade. Leave it alone, please.

For the record, my favorite style of dark ride is the classic bump-thru-the-dark ride, designed to surprise and startle the rider, causing them to jump, scream, and laugh. Think Knoebels, Waldameer, and the like. And I know, they're old, tacky, and out of favor these days. But I like em.

I think its important to note that Garner Holt (sp?) out in California has been doing WONDERS for Knott's classic attractions. I really think bringing them on board is a must in the discussion of a dark ride/attraction at the park

I strongly hope that a dark ride is installed at the park. I was excited at first for the new Wonder Mountain Guardian--- but pictures/videos and reviews of the ride have me hoping one is not installed at Cedar Point. What would be great is pulling Garner Holt, and the designers of WM Guardian and have a collaborative effort.

I would prefer there be NO PEANUTS characters involved in a dark attraction. Disney's success of Pirates of the Caribbean/Haunted Mansion have one thing in common--- NO MICKEY! (unless you count the hidden ones)

The key issue with Cedar Point's dark ride (which I believe is going to happen in the near future) is all about adequate planning. The design team really needs to take a strong look at what would work, what won't work and go from there. It seems Guardian was a little thrown together--- this won't work at Cedar Point.

My hope is for a dark ride that tells an immersive story, has high levels of detail (Garner Holt animatronics), and becomes an instant top attraction alongside such Cedar Point experiences as a ride on Gemini, Magnum and CP/LE Railroad.––