Welcome to the Dark Ride Database
Theme parks are known for a variety of rides, such as rollercoasters, water rides and carousels. Another popular type of theme park rides are dark rides. These rides consist out of a transportation system that takes riders through a building with a number of scenes. Dark rides are often highly immersive rides and contain a lot of theming. The purpose of this website is to create an overview of all dark rides and collect as much information as possible about these rides. Think of the ride systems, theming, manufacturers and much more. Along with the dark rides, this website also collects information about semi-dark rides. These are transportation systems that are in the open air, but also contain an enclosed building with scenes at one point in the ride. The website also collects a third category of rides that we dubbed ‘show rides’. These are rides like madhouses, simulators, interactive theatres, and flying theatres and 3D films.
Besides creating the overview of the rides, this website is also dedicated to publishing news items and specials about rides and/or manufacturers. When we opened our website on 1 April 2020, we only focussed on existing rides in Europe, as part of Phase I of our website. Since then two new phases have been launched: “The Americas” on 1 October 2020 and “The rest of the world” on our first anniversary. Since 1 April 2022, our second anniversary, the database also includes an ‘archive’ with dark rides and show rides that don’t exist any longer.
Rides in the Dark Ride Database are divided in three categories: dark rides, semi-dark rides and show rides. See below the three categories and the various of types that a ride can get classified as. If you have any questions about the classification of rides, please e-mail us at [email protected].
The definition of a dark ride is a ride that contains a transportation system that takes its riders through a building where a variety of scenes are displayed. A dark ride is (almost) completely enclosed. The station may be located outside of the building (for example: It’s A Small World in Disneyland Paris, France), but no ride elements should take place outside. If a bigger part of the ride or specific elements take place outside of the dark ride building, the ride will be categorized as a semi-dark ride. Small exception to this rule are balconies, that are often found on ghost trains. The balcony is usually out in the open, but small and usually contains no elements. These rides will still categorize as a dark ride. Some non-ghost train dark rides may also feature a small outdoor section and still qualify as a dark ride.
Dark rides are divided in seven types:
1.1 Car Ride
Most dark rides are car rides. Cars follow a specific track or path through the building. These cars can be on the ground, suspended, track based or trackless. A car ride can have a second car attached as a ‘trailer’ and still count as a car ride. When more cars are attached to each other, the ride will qualify as a train ride.
1.2 Train Ride
When the transport system consists out of a combination of more than two cars, the ride classifies as a train ride. It is not necessary for the cars to look like a train, as long as the cars are attached to each other.
1.3 Omnimover
An omnimover is a ride system that was first developed by Walt Disney Imagineering for their ‘Adventure Thru Inner Space’-ride at Disneyland (CA, U.S.A.) that opened in 1967. It consists out of various cars that are all attached to each other and make an infinite loop of cars. These cars won’t stop during normal operations. If they have to stop, the complete ride will stop. An Omnimover is also often called Endless Transit System.
1.4 Boat ride
Also a common dark ride type and probably the oldest one, is the boat ride. They come in various sizes and may contain a splash or not. Some Log Flumes and Rapid Rivers also fall under this category.
1.5 Rollercoaster
Some rollercoasters are partly or completely enclosed and heavily themed. If they contain scenes, they will receive an entry in the database. Please note that an indoor coaster will not automatically count as a (semi-) dark ride. To count as a dark ride, the ride must pass through at least two scenes.
1.6 Tower Ride
In some rare occasions, a system of a tower ride ride has been fitted in a setting that counts as a dark ride. A tower ride is a transportation system that will move its riders in a vertical direction. As long as it contains a transportation system, it will be categorized as a (semi-) dark ride and not a show ride.
A Semi-Dark Ride is a transportation system that contains both parts with and without dark ride scenes. Most notable semi-dark rides have large outdoor parts, but also enclosed rides with major parts in the dark or without scenes (usually enclosed roller coasters) will classify as as semi-dark ride as long as the ride passes through at least two dark ride scenes. The types of transportation systems for semi-dark rides are the same as dark rides.
The third category of the Dark Ride Database devotes itself to what we call ‘show rides’. These are rides that are completely enclosed, but do not feature a transportation system. Instead, they focus on a certain type of show (that varies between types) and tell a story. Show rides are often highly immersive and contain a special ride system to simulate a certain feeling or vision. Rides that do not feature a ride system (walk-throughs, fun houses and standing theatres) are excluded from this category.
3.1 Madhouse
The Madhouse was designed as an improved version of the haunted swing. Some versions appeared in the early ’90s, but the concept was improved and populized by Vekoma and Efteling in 1996 for Villa Volta. Nowadays, Vekoma and Mack Rides are both suppliers of Madhouse rides.
3.2 Simulator
The most known version of the simulator is the motion simulator. Over the years, more simulators have been developed, such as Immersive Tunnels, but also Virtural Reality based simulators. A simulator usually shows a video, combined with movement.
There is a more strict rule for simulators that revolve around VR to qualify for the database. A VR simulator only qualifies for an entry if the storytelling reaches beyond the multimedia (such as the use of a pre-show).
3.3 Flying Theatre
A Flying Theatre is a specific type of motion simulator that deserves its own entry. People are sitting above each other instead of behind. Flying Theatres usually show movies that give its riders the sensation of flying.
3.4 3D Film
The most common version of the show ride is the 3D film. It is usually a theatre with seats that serve as a cinema. You will need to put on 3D glasses to view the film. A 3D theater with movement in the chairs (reaching from freedom movement to vibrations) will qualify for an entry in this category. 3D theaters without moving chairs are excluded from the database because of the lack of a ride system.
Websites and parkmaps may list a 3D film under the film that is showing. If the theatre has a specific name, usually found on the building (such as “3D Cinema”), we prefer to refer to that name instead.
3.5 Interactive Theatre
The interactive theatre is a cinema like show ride. Every chair in the theatre has its own weapon and lets all riders simultaneously shoot at the screen. The multimedia can be both 2D or 3D. Movement in the seats is no longer required to qualify.
An indoor ride does not automatically qualify as a (semi-)dark ride. To qualify, the ride must contain at least two scenes. There can be a lot of discussion on the definition of a scene and in the end there still can be a thin line between a qualification or not. Sometimes it is also the way the ride feels. However, we have made some characteristics that could define a scene.
With these characteristics, we try to filter rides that contain attributes along the ride, from those that contain real scenes. Not every scene in a dark ride will contain all the elements listed above, but usually a dark ride will contain all of them at some point. Indoor rollercoasters like Vogel Rok (Efteling, Netherlands) and Hyperspace Mountain (Disneyland Paris, France) pass attributes during the ride, but lack a real scene inside its own room.
Every listing has a specified status, stating whether a ride is operational, closed, or anything in-between. Especially important is the element or rethemes. As described in paragraph 1, entries on the Dark Ride Database rely heavily on the combination of ride system and scenery. Therefore, a retheme results in a completely new ride experience. A rethemed dark ride or show ride might be considered a new entry, based on the following criteria.
A (Semi-)Dark Ride is considered rethemed when:
A Show Ride is considered rethemed when:
There are five different possible statuses:
Ride pages contain a ‘Features’ section. This section sums up specific elements or characteristics of that ride. Below you can see a list of all possible features. If you have any questions about the features of rides, please e-mail us at [email protected].
Even though we have set several rules and guidelines, it is still not always a clear line when we determine if a ride should qualify for an entry in the database. Therefore we have made two lists of rides that are often discussed. The first list contains rides that do not qualify for an entry on our website. The list also has a column that explains why. The second list contains rides that do have an entry in the database, but some qualifications of the ride are highly discussable. Both can be found here.
The Dark Ride Database relies on its users for a great part of the information on its website. You can notify our team with any updates of information, pictures or even by adding new rides to the database.
You can notify the editors of the Dark Ride Database by using the correct forms. You can add information to existing rides by clicking on the button ‘Submit Information’ on the page of the particular ride. If you want to add a new ride to the database, you can use the ‘Submit Ride Information’ button on the top right corner of this website or the main menu on your mobile device. Try to add sources or explain how you got the information to your submission. This makes it easier for the editors to verify correct information.
The editors of the Dark Ride Database will look at the information you provide and will let you know the result of your submission. Before submitting, please read the submission agreement. If you have any questions on submitting information to the database, please e-mail the editors on [email protected].
When the information or pictures that you added to the database get published, they will be part of the database for an indefinite time. You can request the removal of information or pictures by sending an e-mail to [email protected] The editors will judge your request and notify you with the actions to follow. Due to the informative nature of this website, it is not likely that information will be removed. However in the following cases, your request is likely to be accepted:
Requests for the removal of information or pictures will only be dealt with if they are sent in through e-mail to the editors on [email protected]. Please write a clear e-mail with who you are, what information or pictures you want to have taken off our website and why. Anonymous requests will be ignored.
The Dark Ride Database was started by three theme park fans from The Netherlands: Johan, Erik and Luc. Together with friends we have visited several theme parks all over Europe. One of the highlights of the trips were always the dark rides. However, we soon found out that it is hard to find information about dark rides online. We have been speculating about it for quite some time, but eventually we decided to start the Dark Ride Database.
Location: The Netherlands
Occupation: Service Integration Manager
DRdb occupation: Website developer
What is your favorite Theme Park?
I always think: “it is not the Efteling right?” But every time I come back there after an international trip I am amazed by the quality of the park. So it would be easy to just say Efteling. Other than that I am a huge fan of Europa Park and Disneyland Paris.
What is your favorite (Semi-)Dark Ride?
This is either a hard one to answer, but also very easy. My home park is the Efteling, in this case both Symbolica and Fata Morgana. I’m also a huge fan of Abenteuer Atlantis in Europa Park. The ride never has a queue, no matter how busy the park is. And it looks amazing! Other than that Piraten in Batavia and Pirates of the Carribbean are both great.
What is your favorite Show Ride?
This category should count itself lucky that flying theaters are part of it. Although I don’t mind catching these rides they don’t really work for me. Flying Theaters are great though. The whole experience of Voletarium is great but This is Holland has a slight advantage due to the seating arrangement. Edit: madhouses are cool too.
Location: The Netherlands
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
DRdb occupation: Editor
What is your favorite Theme Park?
For years my favorite park was Warner Bros. Movie World Germany and when it transited to Movie Park Germany I tried to keep it that way, but did not succeed. Currently my favorite park is Phantasialand in Germany. However, I still have a soft spot for Movie Park Germany.
What is your favorite (Semi-)Dark Ride?
I became an instant fan of the new Piraten in Batavia in Europa-Park (Germany). Other rides that are definatelly between my favourites are Justice League: Battle for Metropolis (rode the one in Six Flags Great Adventure) and Fata Morgana (Efteling).
What is your favorite Show Ride?
I always enjoy show rides that have a longer storytelling, such as Madhouses and some simulators. Villa Volta (Efteling) Star Tours (Disneyland Paris) and Time Riders (Movie Park Germany) are definately among my favourites.
Location: The Netherlands
Occupation: Landscape Architect
DRdb occupation: Editor
What is your favorite Theme Park?
Eeerm…. Well, I can’t really choose. As home parks I really love being in the Efteling or Toverland, but apart from that I love the rides in Phantasialand, the atmosphere in Tivoli or Europa-Park, the landscaping in PortAventura and Alton Towers and the theming of Disneyland Paris. If I have to pick a favorite among them, that would probably be Europa-Park.
What is your favorite (Semi-)Dark Ride?
Difficult choice as well…. My favorite rides are Fata Morgana (Efteling), Phantom Manor (Disneyland Paris) and I Corsari (Gardaland); all of them are beautiful long dark rides with a very good atmosphere throughout the entire ride.
What is your favorite Show Ride?
That would be Hex (Alton Towers)! I love madhouses for their combination of theming, storyline and technical illusion. And a madhouse inside an actual historic castle is definitely my favorite!Caribbean
Location: England
Occupation: Calibration Engineer
DRdb occupation: Editor
What is your favorite Theme Park?
I’ve got two clear favourites at the moment, which are Liseberg and Dollywood. Their quality of attractions combined with incredible atmospheres and stunning natural scenery really make them stand out for me, though admittedly they both have a little catching up to do on the dark ride front!
What is your favorite (Semi-)Dark Ride?
I would have struggled to give a singular answer to this until reasonably recently, but right now it’s Magic Gallery at Oriental Heritage Changsha (also now found at a few other Fantawild Resorts in China). It’s amazingly detailed, has a highly refreshing narrative and gives a very lengthy ride time that’s just packed with almost every effect and feature that makes a dark ride special.
When it comes to semi-dark rides I don’t think Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios Singapore specifically) has been topped by anyone for that powerful combination of epic dark ride and thrilling rollercoaster. It’s the one attraction that sparked my passion for both of those types of attractions and really led me to where I am today.
What is your favorite Show Ride?
Can I cheat and say Jinshan Temple Showdown? It’s a special combination of dark ride attraction and show (again found at various Fantawild Resorts) that ends with guests leaving the vehicle and experiencing an intense and wondrous spectacle of theatrics as a culmination of the storyline.
If not I’ll have to go for another Hex (Alton Towers) shout out both for being a childhood favourite and having the historical ambience that sets it apart from other Madhouses, plus an honourable mention for Myth (Visionland parks) for taking the physical hardware and storytelling of Flying Theatres to another level for me.
Location: The Netherlands
Occupation: Graphic Design
DRdb occupation: Editor
What is your favorite Theme Park?
I like most European parks that focus on theming and have grown over a long period of time. Efteling, Phantasialand and Europa-Park for instance.
What is your favorite (Semi-)Dark Ride?
Without a doubt Fata Morgana at Efteling. Geister Rikscha (Phantasialand) and Indiana River (Bobbejaanland) are up there as well. Generally, anything involving animatronics is bound to catch my interest, preferably Omnimovers.
What is your favorite Show Ride?
All Mad Houses and Time Riders (Movie Park Germany).
Location: The Netherlands
Occupation: audiovisual designer
DRdb occupation: Editor
What is your favorite Theme Park?
I actually don’t have a alltime favourite, but I do tend to prefer parks with intersting history, even though these are mostly considerderd “B-parks”. Movie Park Germany is one of the parks I tend to enjoy a lot when visiting, but is it my favourite? Not sure.
What is your favorite (Semi-)Dark Ride?
Fata Morgana has to take that cake, it is a big classic that even beats out PotC in Dlp in my opinion. The soundtrack is great and the scenery is phenomenal, with a great line of suspense and mystery through the attraction.
What is your favorite Show Ride?
Time Riders grew on me, but I have to go with Arctic-1, great sense of humour! A true underrated classic.
Location: California, United States
Occupation: Instructional Technology Specialist
DRdb occupation: Editor
What is your favorite Theme Park?
My favorite park is my home park, Disneyland, but I would absolutely love to visit Efteling one day.
What is your favorite (Semi-)Dark Ride?
It’s so hard to just pick one because there are so many amazing rides at so many amazing places, but growing up in Southern California, I have fond memories of a lot of “classic” rides such as Knott’s Berry Farm’s Kingdom of the Dinosaurs or Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, but I would say my current favorite ride is Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure. To me it encapsulates all the best parts a dark ride can offer, despite not even being a fan of the IP it’s based on.
As far as rides I’ve only seen videos of, I suspect Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland will become my new favorite (if I ever get to visit there and ride it).
What is your favorite Show Ride?
I love anything that has animatronics, so something like America Sings or Carousel of Progress seem like a perfect choice, but there will always be a special place in my heart for Captain EO.