1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Theme Parks

Dark Rides

Reviews, info, & links about "dark rides," the industry's term for any attraction that conveys guests through an indoor environment, such as Pirates of the Caribbean or The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

Best Haunted Attractions

Roller coasters get most of the glory, carousels get plenty of PR spin, and whirling rides get lots of...dizzy passengers and the occasional visit from a clean-up crew. But haunted attractions, also known as spooky rides or by the industry term, dark rides, have been, and continue to be, an integral part of the theme park and amusement park experience as well.

Bug Out on Universal's MIB ride

So, you Will Smith-wannabes think you have the stuff to join the Men in Black? Slip on the black shades, enter the "recruitment program" at MIB Alien Attack and find out. Issued laser guns, passengers travel in ultra-sophisticated vehicles through an alien-infested New York City streetscape and rack up points by blasting the otherworldly bugs. The bugs, however, blast back.

Coney Island's Spook-A-Rama Still Keeping Riders in the Dark

While it may not have the cachet of Nathan's hot dogs, the Cyclone roller coaster, or the Wonder Wheel, the Spook-A-Rama at New York's Coney Island is nevertheless a seminal piece of living amusement park history. One of the few remaining classic haunted attractions, enthusiasts consider the Spook to be the Sistine Chapel of dark rides. Read on mortals...IF YOU DARE!

Curse of DarKastle ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Review and overview of the Curse of DarKastle ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA.

Dark Ride

Another ode to the classic haunted rides.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland Park

Overview and review of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland in California.

Hersheypark- Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge

Video ride through of Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania.

Jocco's Mardi Gras Madness at Jazzland and Six Flags New Orleans Video

Video of the defunct Jazzland ride. The park, which was later known as Six Flags New Orleans, was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Laff in the Dark

A shrine for classic dark rides, both those that are still operating and those that have gone to the great tunnel of love in the sky. The fans that keep this site going obviously have a great affection for the genre.

Nights in White Satin- The Trip at Hard Rock Park, SC

Review and overview of the Nights in White Satin- The Trip ride at Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida Ride Review

Universal incorporates so many innovations into its utterly unique dark ride/coaster, it has coined a new label for Revenge of the Mummy: psychological thrill ride. But the ride also unleashes physical thrills, including a surprisingly potent coaster experience, to produce a wild, kinetic, frenetic attraction. Read my review and overview, then check out the photo gallery.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

The most sophisticated attraction on the planet, Spider-Man blurs the line between virtual and reality so well that you'll emerge slack-jawed and awe-struck.

The Cat in the Hat at Islands of Adventure

Oh, the places you'll go at Islands of Adventure. The most whimsical and charming "island" at the Universal Orlando park, and the one expressly geared for young children, is Seuss Landing. Its showcase ride, The Cat in the Hat, brings guests face to face with the beloved Seussian characters and into their wacky, wonderful world.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends Ride at Epcot in Walt Disney World

Overview and review of The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride at Epcot in Walt Disney World, Florida.

The Tower of Terror Rises (and Falls and Rises) Again

A review of the seminal Disney theme park dark ride/freefall attraction.

They're Dying to Meet You at the Haunted Mansion

Casual and ardent fans alike typically pair the Haunted Mansion with Pirates of the Caribbean as the archetypal Disney attractions. Here is my full review, plus links to behind-the-screams secrets revealed, Museum of the Weird facts about the ride, a Haunted Mansion Photo Gallery, a history of the attraction from Disney legend Marty Sklar--even the lyrics to the theme song, "Grim Grinning Ghosts."

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, the Pirates Ride for Me

Check out the seminal Pirates of the Caribbean E-Ticket attraction, including a review, some below-deck insights from Disney Imagineering legend Marty Sklar, a 16-photo gallery--even the lyrics to the rousing "Yo Ho" song. Drink up, me 'earties!
Explore Theme Parks
About.com Special Features

Watch the Ball Drop in Times Square

What to bring and wear if you're attending this world famous celebration. More >

Hot Winter Travel Deals

Check out these tips on finding the best airfare, hotel rates and cruise deals. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Theme Parks
  4. Park Rides and Attractions
  5. Dark Rides

©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.