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Post by gary on Oct 21, 2007 9:49:11 GMT -5
Having a attractive front is half the battle.
They've done a good job at it. I'm split between weather the faded look it recently has gives it authenticity, or makes it appear beat-up. It's a funny catch 22. It should look spooky, but if it looks neglected, you'd think the casual/possible rider might get the idea that the ride is not worth checking out. I guess this is moot, since they've been doing a great job at making renovations as needed. It certainly puts out the word that they are proud of this flagship dark ride and it's still going strong with no signs of letting up.
The use of hanging chandelliers is a great touch. The animated, talking Count is perfect. He not only barks for the ride to passer-bys, but he entertains those waiting in line.
The one thing I wish I saw more of in the lobby (and maybe the ride too) would be the use of those flicker lamps, giving the appearance of candles. Another idea would be shooting out a little fog at night. Just a touch. These theatrics really get the mood right. The only drawback is the constant cost of fogjuice!
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Post by Brandon on Oct 21, 2007 10:36:24 GMT -5
The lobby is one of my favorite parts of the ride. I LOVE the crooked slats and zig-zag designs that make up this masterpiece. But you are ride--customers might wonder if some touchup isnt done here and there. I know that Scotty paints the floor red on average of every two years or so. It is a sticky situation with the panels in the lobby because they do not see the elements of weather so are not in jeapordy of getting rotted, so why touch them up? But at the same time, they do look "tired". A few years ago, they did install those Scary Paintings around the lobby, which helped a little. I was told by Chris Trimper in 02 that this was Granvilles Pet Peeve, meaning it is his one true love and most important ride. Actually, the HH was one of the first outdoor rides in the park. When this ride was originally installed in 62, there were no other rides on the side or in back, except for maybe the ferris wheel. So, being one of his firsts, its like your first-born child I suppose. Fog would be a great idea -- Or a machine to create mist from water. They used to order HUGE, and I mean HUGE drums of the fog juice for the electric chair fog and the Inverter ride on the side. But, they have stopped fog in both locations. When the electric chair had fog, it would literally fog up the upstairs so much that you couldnt see--so they had to stop. I am worried about the count. The air cylinders in his mouth and eye lids are wearing down and not responding to the digital signals, so he isnt moving like he should. Plus, they are not replacing his faded clothes. Oh well, it still draws people to his "Happily Haunted Abode"!
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Post by gary on Oct 25, 2007 17:50:09 GMT -5
i can see too much fog being a factor, on the inside. the glycol can also leave a slippery residue on things over time, too. but i know stillwalk manor believes in putting out a light mist and i'd have to say it definitely adds to the atmosphere.
i'd seriously consider giving the count a once-over before next season. he's a big element of what newcomers judge the ride on as they first approach it.
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Post by mike biggs on Dec 13, 2007 22:52:21 GMT -5
The exterior was what always drew me in. The jagged, weathered, crooked fence and boards, old spooky chandeliers, eerie organ music, and of course, the count. I was wondering why the electric chair's fog was absent in recent years, I just assumed it was becoming costly and needed to be cut out of the budget. What, with all those people riding it over and over all day long for one price with their arm bands. Mold was another problem that crossed my mind too as for the reason for excluding the fog.
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