Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of immersive attractions, has lifted the veil on its latest haunted house-style themed attraction in progress at IAAPA Expo today.
Sally has provided the latest information on the brand-new Haunted Hotel project that the firm is developing for Funtown Splashtown in Saco, Maine, US.
Funtown Splashtown will partner with Sally to add the Whispering Pines Hotel to its property next year, which customers will fast discover is actually the park’s Haunted Hotel dark ride attraction.
“We are really excited to work with Funtown Splashtown,” says Sally Dark Rides chairman and CEO John Wood. “Blending a magical, spooky theme with our company’s interactive technology and unmatched theming allows us to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that is both cursed and family-friendly!
“We are especially pleased to work with Funtown to deliver what we know will be a beloved attraction to many of their guests. This classic, family ride, complete with black-light style décor and theming is found in theme parks all over the world and is a proven favourite with families due to its ageless appeal and repeatability.
“For this special attraction, we have created an original storyline that will only be found at Funtown. And besides, doesn’t every park need a good haunted house?!”
Legend and a curse
This latest adventure is brought to life by mystery, enchantment, and Sally’s unique creativity. The attraction’s star, an enthralling animatronic witch, has cast a spell on the hotel, which was built on the site where she once lived. It will be up to Funtown’s visitors to aid in her abolition and declare the town safe from her wicked ways and terrible spells.
Senior VP Funtown Splashtown William Cormier says: “We have wanted to bring Sally’s ride magic to our park for quite some time.
“We have heard from our guests that they would love a haunted ride here at Funtown for many years, so the idea of working with Sally to create our very own Haunted Hotel excited us right away.
“We cannot wait to open it to our guests next season. We are especially thrilled to see the ride’s star – the wicked witch – casually cursing IAAPA Expo attendees this week. There is no better way to unleash her spirit than right here.”
Four-passenger ride cars will mystically transport passengers through 14 scenarios including hotel rooms, before finishing with a voyage to an otherworldly dimension.
A dark ride storytelling adventure
Guests of the Haunted Hotel will play an important role in the plot as the hotel’s proprietor requires assistance in breaking the witch’s curse and rescuing three unsuspecting hotel guests.
Riders are therefore asked to work with a professional ghost hunter with their own “Curse Eradicator” when they board the special ride vehicle. The Curse Eradicators, the latest part of Sally’s heritage of designing personal, interactive devices, puts the power of haunt-busting in the hands of guests. The Eradicators will be employed to break the witch’s spell as they move seamlessly across each room.
The attraction’s closing sequence will require the riders to work together to rescue the lost hotel guests from the witch’s wicked “Dimension X” after weaving across various frightening passageways of the hotel.
“We knew we had to bring our new witch with us to IAAPA Expo,” adds Lauren Weaver of Sally Dark Rides. “We always love to bring something new, unique, and eye-catching to the show – and this character is no exception. This week, she will spell-bind IAAPA Expo attendees, and next year, we will unleash her on Funtown Splashtown.”
Sally Dark Rides was recently nominated for an IAAPA Brass Ring Award for its work on a major dark ride at Lost Island Theme Park.
