Pennsylvania: The Dark Ride State.
By Shelby Brokaw
Originally staples of early amusement parks, Dark Rides and Fun Houses allowed many sparks to flex their creativity, producing some bizarre, and down right whacky effects and storylines. Sadly outside of the Universal and Disney parks, these attractions are sparse, with chains like Cedar Fair and SeaWorld only containing a handful. The State of Pennsylvania on the other hand, features many rare and unique Dark Rides and Fun Houses. So if you're planning a park trip to Pa., here's some can't miss haunts and scares!
Kennywood Park, Pittsburgh, Pa.:
“The Old Mill”
Located directly on the main Midway, this attraction has been a constant at Kennywood Park since 1889, and has gone under a variety of names and themes. Originally the ride took a more scenic vibe, minus the large drop towards the end of the ride. Each boat is propelled by a stream of water past the various show scenes. Some themes included the Panama canal, but its most famous incarnation was “Hardheaded Harold's Horrendously Humorous Haunted Hideaway”. In 2004, the attraction was re themed to Garfield, entitled Garfield's Nightmare. The story followed the titular fat cat facing his fears during a food coma. This version was very different from the more fun house-like iterations of the attraction. In 2020, Garfield's Nightmare was closed, making way for the new Old Mill. Done by the ScareHouse company, the ride now follows a cowboy named Harold, with many tributes to the park's history (Look out for that orange cat and some familiar tombstone names). The ride system combined with the charming new theme makes this a must do for history fans.
“Ghostwood Estate”
Opening in 2008 Ghostwood Estate replaced Gold Rush, a spooky mining themed adventure. While missed by many, Ghostwood still stands its own in Kennywoods dark ride lineup. Enstasked by the spirit of lord Kenneth Ghostwood (in a neat little pre show) to cull some of the spirits in his overcrowded estate. The firing is fairly accurate, and while the targets are obvious, the resulting effects are still impressive. For the 2020 season the guns were removed due to covid 19, while the sets are nice to look at, the pre show and shooting is sorely missed. A lot of the effects are showing there age, and since it was designed for gunplay, there’s really no jump-scares. Hopefully for your visit they will be restored for a full Ghostwood experience.
“Noah’s Ark”
The first funhouse on this list, and probably one of the most unique ones in existence. Entering through the mouth of a blue whale, this journey into the rocking vessel is filled with animals, spinning tunnels, and plenty of history. While opening in 1936, the entire boat was rebuilt due to wood rot in 1996. During this renovation, the iconic whale was replaced with an elevator, as the ride was now themed to an archeological dig. For the Ark's 80th birthday, the famous whale was reinstalled, squishy tongue included. Although this attraction was closed for the 2020 season, it has since reopened. Kennywood Park is often praised for its rollercoasters, but The Old Mill, Noah's Ark, and Ghostwoodestate makes it a can't miss for dark ride enthusiasts.
Waldameer Park, Erie, Pa.:
“Whacky Shack”
“Hello Earthlings'' and welcome to the Whacky Shack! Designed by legendary dark ride creator Bill Tracey this attraction opened in 1970. Paul Nelson, the current park owner, commissioned the ride during Traceys early ride building days. Previously Whacky Shacks could be found around the United States, but today it stands as the last of its kind. It’s quite a shame, as the stunts and scares in Whacky Shack are very well executed, and all feel wacky. Like strobe lights, roarating tunnels, mermaid skeletons, skull spiders and one oversized rat. Every inch of this attraction feels creative and unique (except for those McDonald’s toys glued above the entrance) which can mostly be attributed to the mind of Bill Tracey, who also designed another attraction for the park.
“Pirates Cove”
Unlike its cousin Whacky Shack, this attraction has no vehicles, instead providing a walkthrough experience. The highlight effect of the attraction has to be the moving floorboards, an element recently restored on Noah’s Ark. You’ll pass through plenty of nautical scenes, as Traceys figure design continues to stand out, straying away from generic piracy to much weirder tides. The lack of a ride vehicle also makes Pirates Cove an easy walk on during your visit. While walkthrough attractions like this were once plentiful, many would fall victim to vandalism and fires, making this another rare and wonderful walk through in Pennsylvania.
Knoebels, Elysburg, Pa.:
“Haunted Mansion”
No, not that one, this Haunted Mansion actually opened in 1972, but besides the name the two are very different attractions. The plot of this Haunted Mansion goes as follows.
“The former owner of this mansion, Ishmael Hepplewhite had purchased and renovated the building as a wedding gift to his bride Ruth. Ishmael was an explorer, spending most of his time searching for the fabled treasure of Ulgratha. The treasure, a bronze idol, was said to be evil and that whoever disturbs the treasure shall be forever cursed. Returning home for his wedding with treasure in hand, Ishmael unleaded the curse that still looms over the mansion today. It is said that Ishmael Hepple was heard running and screaming through the home the night of his wedding, never to be seen or heard from again. All things in the mansion are under the spell of the curse, from the paintings to the walls on which they hang....The furniture moves and even the rooms have become twisted and distorted. Ghosts, ghouls, and spirits of all kinds stay here, though we suspect they don’t have much choice in the matter. In the dungeon laboratory some visitors with severe results of the curse are kept until a cure is found. The wizard in the library and the quirky scientists that run the laboratory are continuing to search for a cure. If you get lost leaving the dungeon, travel down the back road past the cemetery, through the atrium. Thanks to the curse, the atrium has become somewhat of an overgrown jungle! Will there ever be a way to undo the curse? Only Ishmael Hepple knows, and his spirit is trapped within the walls of the mansion forever!!!!”
So despite only going 2.5 mph, it's an extremely fast paced ride. Unlike other similar attractions, no wiring or glass separates guests and the props, creating an even greater sense of fear. Knoebels prides itself on its ride maintenance, which really shows when looking at the Haunted Mansion. The sound, lighting, and timing still lines up perfectly, never feeling run down or dilapidated. Several of the rides' figures were also designed by Bill Tracey, with his name even appearing in the tombstone section. The Knoebels family ingenuity is also on full display, the infamous truck being made from a refrigerator shelf and lights, and the organ pipes repurposing lumber shipping containers, some of the props even coming from the defunct Westview Park. It has a very handcrafted aesthetic, something very different from its Disney counterparts.
“Black Diamond”
Previously known as the Golden Nugget at Morey's Piers and opening in 1960, this three story dark ride was moved to Knobels in 2011. The ride was designed by coaster creator John C Allen, with tracks made by The Philadelphia Toboggan company. While typically coaster designers, Black Diamond is considered by enthusiasts and the park as a roller coaster. The original theme took on a more western inspiration, while the current version draws from the local mining history of Elysburg. While its rollercoaster elements don't extend past its lift hill and single drop, it still provides a haunting experience, with a credit to boot!
Hersheypark, Hershey, Pa.:
“Reeses Cupfusion”
For those who enjoy dark rides and peanut butter, Hersheypark has you covered with this new for 2019 attraction. With the help of commander Cup and a trusty blaster, you'll make your way through Mint the merciless and his goons as they attempt to steal the Crystal cup. This ride replaced another Reeses based experience called “Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge” manufactured both by Sally Corporation. For this remodeling, the targeting system was changed to incorporate screen based sections, along with the usual bullseyes. The new cast of characters and (very in depth) storyline is an improvement from the sports theming it bore prior. This is also one of a few screen based shooter rides in the state
“Hershey Chocolate World Tour”
If this song doesn't get stuck inside your head, it will be after your third ride, thanks to the fact that this attraction is free. Located inside a separate facility adjacent to Hersheypark, Chocolate World contains just about any type of Hershey Candy. While we covered this attraction before (blog link here), its free dark ride still deserves some praise. Built to replace Hersheys real chocolate factory tour, the ride starts off with a choir of singing cows, before the hershey mascots guide you through the process of making themselves? The ride system was manufactured by Arrow developments in 1976, with the ride originally containing a large diorama of a cocoa bean farm. Today the ride vehicles now feature some modern updates, like monitors inside each ride vehicle, and a screen based section, featuring Instagram photos (Use the Hashtag #Hersheychocolateworld). At the end of your journey, you'll even receive a free fun sized candy bar, it doesn't get much better than that!
Conneaut Lake Park, Conneaut Lake, Pa.:
Devils Den
The Pretzel amusement ride company were staples of carnivals and amusement parks in the 1900s, with over 1400 installed during the company’s existence. Of that number only 4 remain, including Devils Den. The Pretzel ride cars are very simple, even using shopping cart wheels, with no mechanism the cars travel up a lift hill, passing through the infamous gum wall (ew), and descending a small drop. The rest of the ride features sharp turns past the various stunts. As the ride uses gravity, and even features a similar layout to a wild mouse, some enthusiasts consider this ride a roller coaster because of its use of gravity (This is Charlie’s 50th credit). Another Pretzel ride can be found in Camden Park, a similarly sized park to Conneaut located in West Virginia. As the park is currently remodeling, Devils Den is temporarily closed, however the park has stated the attraction is safe from removal. So we can all breathe a sigh of relief that we will still have the chance to brave the Devil's Den.
Charlie’s (Cofounders) Opinion on Devil’s Den: Is it a Coaster?
This “Dark Ride” was my 50th coaster. Though most people don’t count it as one anymore (I think it started when Coaster Count removed it as an official credit), this will always be a coaster to me. It fits the definition and I feel that’s enough. It’s sister coaster is at a little park (oddly similar in size to Conneaut) in West Virginia called Camden Park. Including Devils Den I currently have 95 credits and with the trips planned I will likely get to 100 long before I make it to Camden. But for 150 you will find me in Camden Park’s Haunted House.
Fun Fore All, Cranberry, Pa.:
“XD Dark Ride”
Despite its name, this entry is less of a traditional dark ride, being more of a 4D theater with blasters. Riders can choose up to 8 different movies, each tackling a separate genre. From Kaiju movies, zombie flicks, and a children's film titled Los Banditos. The Fun For All entertainment complex is the smallest destination on its list, located in Cranberry township, easily within a half hour drive for Pittsburgh residents.
Idlewild, Ligoner, Pa.:
“Confusion Hill”
An apt title, this tiny facade, hidden away in Hootin Holler, first appears as an ordinary magic show. After our attendant ducked behind a doorway, we just stood there well, confused. After being ushered in, we saw how unorthodox Confusion Hill was. Each room is made of slanted floors, there to serve the optical illusions. Our attendant also really gave his A game, being one of the most engaging hosts in a park that i've experienced. The “walkthrough” opened with the rest of the Hootin Holler area, and really shows just how creative parks can get with dark rides and Fun Houses. Sometimes you'll experience a state of the art shooting ride, or you'll find a wall of fossilized gum. Giant rats, farting zebras, singing cows and with iconic figure work from the likes of Bill Tracey these attractions can provide images and memories for park guests that go in many creative and albeit confusing ways. So if you're planning a Pennsylvania park trip, you may come for the coasters, but you'll stay for the dark rides.