True or False? A ride must take place in the dark to be considered a Dark Ride… FALSE!! What the what?! Then why in the world are they called “Dark” Rides?! There are a few important elements that make an attraction a Dark Ride:
- The attraction is more or less contained inside a building.
- Guests are moved from room to room.
- Lighting and show elements control the narrative.
- The attraction tells a story!
Some of the most beloved attractions are considered Dark Rides.
Example: The Haunted Mansion
1.The attraction is contained inside a building 
Fun Fact- This is only the façade of the attraction. The building that houses the ride is located behind it!
2. Guests are moved from room to room.
Guests are taken through each scene on a “Doom Buggy”. The track is in continuous motion (unless they have to stop it to aid passengers getting on/off). The Buggies are programmed to turn and face specific scenes, another example of how Imagineers drive the story.
3. Lighting and show elements control the narrative.
Ominous music fills the air, the sound of an organ. What’s this? Who is playing the dreadful tune? The Doom Buggy turns to face the organ. With the help of effects and lighting, guests can see it is one of the ghosts who live at the mansion.
4. The attraction tells a story!
Welcome to Master Gracey’s home. Here you will be greeted by a Ghost Host (he is not Master Gracey) who will take you on a tour of the spooky estate. You will meet the 999 ghosts who call the mansion home. As you leave you will be reminded that there is always room for one more!
Now that you know how to identify a Dark Ride, let’s test your skills! Check out each picture and determine if it is considered a Dark Ride-
Results
Consider yourself a Dark Ride expert!
Looks like you could need a bit more practice.
#1. Peter Pan’s Flight is a Dark Ride.
Housed inside a building, guests “fly” above the scenes, various lighting and dark lighting fill the attraction, AND it tells the story of Peter Pan from a completely new perspective. This classic attraction is one of the most popular Dark Rides!
#2. Avatar Flight of Passage is a Dark Ride.
While this attraction does take place inside a building and there is a story to be told; it is missing crucial elements to make it a Dark Ride. While the Banshee or ride vehicle is a personalized simulator that moves up/down, side to side, it is anchored down. There is no traveling from scene to scene. The main storying telling element is the screen in front of the ride, not a physical scene that Imagineers have created using props and design elements. For these reasons, this attraction is not a Dark Ride.
#3. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is a Dark Ride.
Buzz Lightyear has recruited YOU to help defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. This fun attraction is housed inside a building, guests ride on an omnimover track through each scene, bright & fun lighting is found throughout and there is a story to be told. It is a great example of a Dark Ride!
#4. Splash Mountain is a Dark Ride.
This one is tricky as it is considered a hybrid Dark Ride. The attraction takes place inside AND outside. It has a vehicle or log, that moves guests throughout vibrant & whimsical scenes. While the ride is known for the drop at the end, when all is said and done, this is not just a thrill ride. It tells the story of Br’er Rabbit and the lessons he learns about straying to far from home. Because of this, it is considered a Dark Ride!
#5. Spaceship Earth is a Dark Ride.
This is arguably the most well recognized attraction housing… the giant golf ball that is Spaceship Earth! Guests are transported through time on a moving omnimover system as they are shown the history of mankind on Earth. It is legit dark in there and dependent on lighting & special effects. Each scene is created with incredible audio-animatronics™, authentic props, and intricate show elements. This makes Spaceship Earth a classic Dark Ride.
#6. Space Mountain is a Dark Ride.
Well, it is most certainly housed inside a building and it is most definitely DARK; however, there is no story to be told here. We do not have any characters or narrative…in the end it is a super fun thrill ride that just so happens to take place in the dark!
Which Dark Ride is your favorite? Were there any rides on the quiz you were surprised about? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
