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The
first dark ride at the park was called "Laff In The Dark". It
was running for the "New Mountain Park" opening in 1953. It was a
single-level ride with Pretzel
cars. The design reflected that of similar rides at other amusement parks. The
lettering had an "Art Deco" look to it, with a crescent moon placed
between "The Dark". The ride remained for seven years. In 1960,
renovations began of "Laff In The Dark". An upper level was
created. Six new cars were purchased. The transmissions of the new cars were
modified to allow a swift and sure climb to the top. Each car had a differential
gear in the rear axle and a lot of torque. They came with what appeared to be a
colorful primitive ritual mask molded into their front in fiberglass. The ride
was themed as an African jungle and was called "Mystery Ride". The
letters on the building were placed on motorized shafts and rocked back and
forth. Below the letters was the upper level, which featured a brief U-turn over
the loading station. On each side of that were two odd looking figures with
large ears and noses and gum-stick bodies that rocked back and forth. Below that
was the station. On the walls next to the entrance and the exit doors were six
brightly-painted masks, all different and sporting hideous grins.
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Let's go to the Dino Den
EDITORS NOTES: Mountain Park Memories 1 & 2 -- About the Author
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