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The Circus Fun House was originally a one-story
attraction located on the main Casino floor. At some point in time, possibly
the mid-1970's, it was moved over to the right side and reconstructed
as a two story walkthru as a way to add space for the arcade expansion.
Amusement Ride experts from The Palace -- Ralph Lopez Sr. and Ralph Lopez
Jr. -- also helped with the renovation of the Fun House, learning custom
Barrel building secrets from a local wood expert. |
The Lopez Family, Father and Son were the
main people in charge of all the rides and renovations In addition they
designed the dark ride facades and oversaw the carousel restoration work
for the Palace for many a year while working for the Lange family. Much
more on the Lopez family and there contribution to the Dark Ride evolution
will appear in an upcoming article. |
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Upon entering the Circus Fun House, you had
a choice of either going through the revolving barrel, or you could bypass
it via a path. From here, you climbed a spiral staircase up to the second
floor, while an Animated Displays Creators "Evil Clown" turned
and waved to you, setting up the mood for fun! Traveling through the dark
hallways, you would first see a red Sea Serpent that was floor activated. |
Next up would you would enter the Circus
Wagon portion where you could wave to your friends below in front of the
animated Gorilla prop. The exterior of the Wagon contained a Giraffe Head
as well as an old Esso gas station Lion. Once through the wagon, you entered
into the Falling Barrel Chamber, then under a sheet of sparkle material.
A hard left turn lead to another floor activated stunt, possibly the Yellow
Witch, yet another ADC Display. |
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Traveling straight ahead lead into the famous
Tilt Room! A bit of creativity was to be had here as the room was painted
in such a way by the Lopez Team that the painting style, combined with
both blacklight and strobe lighting created walls that looked as if they
were both contracting and expanding! Furthermore, all the walls and floors
were at odd angles making walking a challenge. Around this crooked mess
you would go, emerging into the Diminishing Hallway Chamber -- a series
of doorways eventually leading you close to a mirror in which you see
your reflection. |
Soon after you find yourself at the top of
a very large Steel Slide that leads down to the ground floor. People with
no sense of fun could bypass the slide with a set of stairs, which also
allowed you to steal a few extra turns on the slide. |
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Finally, a rather Brutal Mirror Maze was
the last section to puzzle the mind, and it was tough, the secret in being
that the entrance, was alas also the exit, and for the uninitiated, it
was several nerve racking moments before they realized their mistake! |
The Fun House still sits for the most part,
while the Mirror maze section was sold and carted off to the South. If
you listen carefully... you can still hear the Laughter of the Evil Clown!
Most of the props from the Fun House still remain lovingly in their hometown
state of New Jersey. This was a wonderful old fashioned Fun House and
is sadly missed by all who knew what its contents held! |
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SHHHH!!!! Hear the Clown Speak to you! And
if you close your eyes hard enough, you can almost see the Barrel, turning
and inviting you in to the start of this Wonderful Fun House! Here's a
ticket, enjoy! |