Dark Rides 

The generic name ‘Dark Ride’ as applied to almost every type of passenger transportation system employed to move people around a scenic experience was probably coined originally to describe the ghost train.

Todays dark rides have developed into sophisticated computer controlled ride systems able to negotiate very small radius curves, climb steep gradients and achieve a very wide speed range.

The passenger module no longer only faces in a forward direction but is able to rotate at variable speeds, is fitted with multi-lingual commentary and in many cases now provides a degree of passenger interaction with the experience.

Dependant upon car capacity and the method of loading; systems can handle between 250 and 1500 passengers per hour.

WGH has supplied the full range of options but its systems are probably most notable for being able to accommodate passengers in wheel chairs.  The special wheel chair unit is normally located off track and is automatically inserted and removed from the ride without causing disruption to the normal flow of the system.  

The illustrations show some of the installations with their locations listed below. 

Cadbury World, Birmingham, UK:

Cadabra Ride

Parc Astérix, France:

Train Fantôme

Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Edinburgh, UK:

Barrel Ride