[Question] Complete Darkness?

[produceguy]

I'm treating my best friend to a 3 day trip to DL/DCA in a couple weeks. Aren't I a nice guy? LOL!

Problem is.... he panics during periods of COMPLETE darkness. He's ok if there is a tiny amount of light, or something to focus on.

I know so many of the rides have periods of darkness, but just how dark is it? Its been years since I've been and so much has changed over the years. I guess I'm wondering most about these rides:

Matterhorn: The ride to the top. Is it complete darkness to the top, or is there light from the outside peeking in, here and there?

Space Mountain: Back in the day, there were light beams and stars everywhere. What about now, with Ghost Galaxy?

Tower of Terror: I've never been on this.

Haunted Mansion: Doesn't it go dark in the stretching room? I can't remember if the candles stay lit tho???

Anything else I need to consider?

Thanks guys!

[DrFink]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Haunted Mansion Holiday has periods of darkness in the stretching room but they aren't extensive.

Tower of Terror you might want to just skip. A majority of that ride, from what I have seen in pov videos, is in the dark.

As far as any ride with complete darkness, maybe have some sort of light out for him? A cell phone, a handheld led light, etc.. A majority of the rides have some sort of darkness period. That is kind of the point of a dark ride.

[RaddaRadda]

Re: Complete Darkness?

I know Pirates has that very small period of time when going down the hill its dark as well.

[Druggas]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Bring a flashlight.

[alphabassetgrrl]

Re: Complete Darkness?

How about bringing a small flashlight, to shine on maybe the wall of the ride vehicle? Not enough to disturb people around you, but enough for your friend to have a focus point?

I hope you and your friend have a great visit!

[bayouguy]

Re: Complete Darkness?

I'd say the initial incline in the Matterhorn is the darkest. It lasts about 20 plus seconds, then the bobsleds break out to the light. Pirates is themed to be a nighttime, so even with lights, the interior is dim.

[monster heck]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Please don't bring a flashlight. We complain a lot about flash photography here. A flashlight will not help anyone.

Mught I suggest a glowstick? They're fun and they don't ruin other people's enjoyment. The glow will help your friend.

[bamato]

Re: Complete Darkness?

-There are some spots in Indy that are dark (not that it will be open during your visit).
-Big Thunder has a spot or two in complete darkness.
-The Disneyland Railroad has some dark tunnels.
-Finding Nemo might be a disaster if he has darkness/claustrophobia issues.

[KellyMcG86]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Pirates I know does, Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones (which I guess will be closed anyway)... Space Mountain is dark, but I believe it has "stars" everywhere, they just don't exactly illuminate. However, I have never been on ghost galaxy (soon!) so I'm not sure if it's very different. Would a cell phone screen be enough light for them? That may be less disturbing than a flashlight, though the idea of just using it to light the side of the vehicle may keep it confined.

[DrFink]

Re: Complete Darkness?

-Finding Nemo might be a disaster if he has darkness/claustrophobia issues.

I am so glad someone mentioned this. produceguy, I would strongly suggest you do not take your friend on this ride. I have minor claustrophobia issues and have stuck it out through the Nemo ride twice but I am done with it after the last time I rode it. There are periods of darkness and you are basically stuck in a hot, sardine can with about 20 other people.

[Acpisme]

Re: Complete Darkness?

I second the glow stick idea. That would be perfect for those moment on HM or with TOT. Matterhorn is dark briefly as you ascend but then you can see the falling snow projection and that works until you hit more light.

[produceguy]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Hmm? Glow sticks. That's a good idea. Maybe he could wear one around his neck under his shirt, and pull it out as needed? Need to find some of those quickly. We leave in 13 days!

Would a glow stick last for a full day, does anyone know?

Thanks for all your replies everyone! You are so helpful!

[smartlabelprint]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Hmm? Glow sticks. That's a good idea. Maybe he could wear one around his neck under his shirt, and pull it out as needed? Need to find some of those quickly. We leave in 13 days!

Would a glow stick last for a full day, does anyone know?

Thanks for all your replies everyone! You are so helpful!

I don't think a single glow stick will last all day. Maybe 6 hours. If you buy a small package and break the seals throughout the day you should be good to go. Sounds like a great idea to me!

Recently I bought a pack of glow stick bracelets from the Target dollar bin area. They were supposed to have connectors but I didn't see any in the box.

[TodAZ1]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Anyone remember the very beginning of Adventure Through Inner Space? Just after your Atomobile entered the "microscope?" Now THAT was complete darkness!!

[Juni]

Re: Complete Darkness?

What part of tower of terror is in complete darkness? As far as I can remember, doing a mental ride through in my head, you are always able to see around you. I can't see a portion that is complete "I can't see anything" darkness.

[matman730]

Re: Complete Darkness?

From what I remember of riding TOT a couple of times last week, all of the drops wind up in complete darkness, though you quickly come back into at least some light each time.

[bamato]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Any time the elevator is in motion during the pre-show, it's in complete darkness.

[Bob Weaver]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Adventure thru Inner Space was one of the darkest dark rides ever, and the beginning was intentionally dark to disguise the fact that you were no longer moving forward into the microscope, the track actually curved around, so you were moving sideways and then backwards. Also the vehicles rotated back and forth slightly to disguise the curving motion. It was dark all the way through the rest of the attraction with the only light being that coming from effects or projections. It became known as a "makeout ride" because of the darkness, and in those days there weren't the security cameras covering every inch of the park. Same with Rainbow Caverns at the end of Mine Train thru Nature's Wonderland - totally dark, no ambient light, and the only visible light was the fluorescent colors of the water. These probably wouldn't be approved today.

[The First Star]

Re: Complete Darkness?

With the projections, the Ghost Galaxy overlay actually brightens the ride area, and at some points, you can even see the track. This would probably make it easier for your friend; however, the ride is completely dark between the right turn after leaving the load area and the beginning of the first lift. As you recall, this area usually has those blinking blue lights the rest of the year.

[alphabassetgrrl]

Re: Complete Darkness?

Downside of a cellphone screen or a glow stick is that they shine in all directions; lots of "light bleed." The advantage of a very small flashlight is you can shield it with your hand, keeping it pointed only toward yourself or your own ride vehicle, and not disturbing anyone else.