PW Sept 09 P34-36:PW Sept 09 P34-36.qxd 26/08/2009 13:42 Page 36
Dark Rides
www.parkworld-online.com
MonStars of Rock
Over the next few scenes, the
band members are introduced,
Freestyle Music Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this season as they get ready for the gig.
unveiled a new-look dark ride. MonStars of Rock replaces the former Hard Skins, the drummer, is
Rock Park’s Moody Blues-themed Nights in White Satin attraction and reminiscent of Frankenstein’s
provides guests with a front row seat at a “monsterific” reunion concert. monster; Dee Frib, the lead
The transformation was carried out in record time by ITEC singer, is a fashionable yet
Entertainment of Orlando, including 14 all-new scenes, complemented by frightening female zombie; Rox,
an onboard soundtrack synchronised to each scene. Using an existing ETF on bass guitar, is a headless
ride system, ITEC devised a new theme, storyline, characters, all scenic horseman with a Jack-o-Lantern
elements, animation, lighting, audio, original music and new show for a head; Riff (the Ripper) is a
systems. mummified lead guitarist; while
“Rides of this scope typically would be conceived and built in a year or Dex, the phantom keyboard
more, but at the park’s request we pulled off the entire project in under player, has a look that could kill.
90 days!” reveals ITEC president Bill Coan. “Freestyle Music Park wanted Bill Coan talks us through the rest of the ride: ”The scenes that follow
a new dark ride that would be family-friendly, providing an exciting show the MonStars’ vehicle – a hulking hearse that gets piled ridiculously
experience for children and yet entertaining for teens and adults. Music high with the band’s equipment as they each join the ride to the concert.
had to play a big role, in keeping with the park’s overall theme.” Spooky, embarrassing and comical moments are all woven together in
Lead by senior designer Eric Gorden, ITEC’s creative team drew on TV order to build excitement while keeping the scare factor at hand. The final
shows such as the Addams Family, The Munsters, Scooby Doo and various scenes happen in a haunted graveyard and show the Fright Festival’s wild
monster-themed movies for inspiration. opening number. The feel of a live rock concert is created with a laser
In the queue line, the music is light show, electrifying, heart -pounding music, vocals and other special
classic pop with a ghoulish twist effects including smoke, lasers and spits of water.”
(think Monster Mash), giving way to ITEC already has several high profile dark rides under its belt, including
a slightly scarier rock vibe projects such as Men In Black – Alien Attack, The Amazing Adventures of
throughout the ride, morphing into a Spider-Man and The Cat In the Hat for Universal – all using tried and
hard-hitting, yet still scary, rock song tested characters. Right now it is producing the third generation of the
near the finale. As they wait to ride, Revenge of the Mummy attraction for Universal Studios in Singapore.
guests are informed they are going But how did the company get on when it came to creating an original
to a “Fright Festival” where monsters theme and set of characters for Freestyle Music Park? “Because Mon-
come back from the dead for a Stars’ characters are drawn from familiar monsters found in books, plays
reunion rock concert. Where? The and movies, guests quickly relate to them,” reveals Coan. “They also
city cemetery on Friday 13th, of enjoy finding out how the characters are unique. Each is funny, creepy
course. and unpredictable all at the same time.”
Coming in 2010...
During the ride passengers will visit an Arabian Desert where they will
encounter snakes that slither inside the vehicle, feel bats’ wings flutter
Opening next summer at an unnamed park in Asia, EcoQuest has an
around them in a cave, voyage deep into the sea and travel to the
interactive and educational element to it. Based on the science of geo-
Rocky Mountains where snow will fall around them. The ride's finale will
engineering, which is used to control weather conditions, the concept
simulate a flight out from the ocean, into the clouds and culminating in
was conceived by Attraction Design Services (ADS) of Florida.
outer space where guests can appreciate Earth from a quiet and
The ride will feature large panoramic vistas, life-like moving animals
inspiring perspective.
and thrilling weather effects as riders travel back in time to correct man’s
ADS is responsible for all design work, with fabrication (including the
environmental mistakes and save the planet. A unique sideways riding
ride vehicles) carried out locally in Asia. The US company already has a
vehicle with on-board surround sound and special effects will enhance
number of dark rides under its belt, including The Exterminator at
the action and keep riders on the edge of their seats. A touch screen
Kennywood and Nights in White Satin at Hard Rock Park.
mounted in front of passengers in each car will present instructions for
Meanwhile in California, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is moving
each task.
forward with plans for a new Haunted Castle ride, scheduled to open
The year is 2060 and the earth is in trouble, so the story goes.
in June 2010. The park’s existing Haunted Castle, which has operated
While the devastating
since 1973, closed in late August.
Fujiwhara storm forms
The replacement ride is being designed by R&R Creative Amusement
outside, scientists of the
Designs of Anaheim in collaboration with Boardwalk technical and
EcoQuest institute are
facilities staff and will utilise 10,000 sq ft of basement space
asking for volunteers to
below the Boardwalk.
board special transport
The location has been home to a number
vehicles to go back in
of dark rides over the years, starting with
time and correct the
Dante’s Inferno in 1935, followed by
conditions that have led
Laff-Land, Treasure Island, Pirates
EcoQuest
to drastic and
Cove and the Haunted House.
from ADS
destructive climatic The new-look Haunted Castle at Santa
changes on Earth. Cruz Beach Boardwalk
36 SEPTEMBER 2009
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