California’s Great America Needs to Demonize “the Demon” during Halloween Haunt
It seems like a match made in heaven…err, HELL perhaps.
Since California’s Great America began their annual Halloween Haunt, it has missed out on what would be the EASIEST haunted attraction – ever. That’s right, I’m talking about the Demon.
Photo Credit: Kris Rowberry. All Rights Reserved, 2015.
If you were ever looking for an excuse to bring back some of the older theme of this classic Arrow Development ride, wouldn’t Haunt be the perfect opportunity?
Let’s start with the queue line. By now, every park fan has probably heard of the infamous “Demon Song” – a nearly twenty-six minute loop of a custom theme song for ride, coupled with skits between. And there’s no need to look for it, CGA – here it is…in it’s entirety:
This “demon-itization” could also include sprucing up all the accent lighting around the ornate rock work. And you know what, why not throw in some zombies on the other side of the fence just to make things interesting?
Now, let’s get to some of the most contentious, yet easiest to accomplish items, if you use a little creativity.
1.) Fog in the Tunnels:
Photo Credit: Kris Rowberry. All Rights Reserved, 2003.
We can all see the light sockets are still there from the 1980 season (check out how amazing it was, too):
http://www.greatamericaparks.com/demon001.mpg
…and while they’ve just been DYING to be reused (couldn’t resist), why not do a much cheaper alternative for now by just throwing some white (or red strobes) inside the tunnel, with two of those Haunt fog machines at the entrance to it? The train will naturally draw in the fog into the tunnel and the effect will be both disorienting and amazing at the same time.
2.) The Bloodfall:
Photo Credit: Kris Rowberry. All Rights Reserved, 2004.
This one is arguably more complicated. We’re guessing the pump may have gone out a few years ago and it isn’t too easy to get out to be replaced. But – that doesn’t mean you can’t fill the pond below with that eerie red liquid for effect or throw some more strobes and fog out there…
.2.) The Demon Himself:
Sadly, last weekend when I stayed until closing, the head wasn’t even lit up. Not even the eyes. Too bad, because when he is – it’s awesome:
Photo Credit: Kris Rowberry. All Rights Reserved, 2004.
People give the Paramount-era at this park a bad rap – most of the lighting and water effects WORKED during this time (sans the big tunnel).
Need we remind everyone the 40th park anniversary is coming up in 2016 next year. With nostalgia a BIG seller these days, what better way to throw it back, then to finally see a return of our terrifying Demon…
What do YOU think? Tell us in the comments section below or on our social media links!
Throwback Thursday – Triple Wheel at Great America
If this photo doesn’t capture my love of amusement and theme parks, then I’m not sure what photo could…
Two defunct rides in this picture – can you spot the other one?
Yours truly on the venerable (and sorely missed) Triple Wheel at Great America in Santa Clara, CA. Here’s hoping it brings as much joy to you as it did to me finding it in an old photo album.
For those wondering what the ride looked like that I’m pictured on, this great video from GreatAmericaParks.com should help you out – the sound ALONE should spark your memory:
Newest Lost Parks Episode Debuts – Frontier Village in San Jose
These are the days I look forward to the most. After several months of blood, sweat and tears, we are finally ready to pull back the curtain on our latest “Lost Parks of Northern California” – presenting San Jose’s beloved Frontier Village.
Be sure to LIKE and SHARE the video with all your friends, family and favorite television networks and personalities – let’s make this the biggest Lost Parks episode EVER, TOGETHER!
Carousel Columbia at California’s Great America is a part of Hollywood
Carousel Columbia is a stunning park icon. It’s taller than Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle by 33 feet!
But, has it been living a lie for nearly four decades? No, it really is the tallest carousel in the world (by one foot).
You see, since Marriott’s Great America opened up back in 1976, its been considered fact that the base of the ornate spire on the roof is actually a potbellied stove from the 1938 film, “Marie Antoinette” while the column caps are from “The Swan” in 1956.
So, having no social life on a Saturday night, I decided to see if I could spot the future carousel bits in some photos or video online. That’s when my jaw hit the floor – which if you know me well, is ACTUALLY a possibility.
Check out these screengrabs from the Swan’s theatrical trailer, via YouTube:
While we see what looks like the column caps in the sketch here:
Look what also shows up in the actual film:
Need a better angle? Here you go:
Now, for a comparison – here’s two shots from this week (2014) thanks to the magic of a 400mm lens with a 1.4x crop sensor:
The pot bellied stove that sits atop Carousel Columbia
The two Hollywood props that make up the ornate detail of Carousel Columbia.
Then, I was able to find a clip of “Marie Antoinette” and saw this, what appeared to be the capstone of the columns, but not quite:
That being said, has the park been getting it wrong for nearly 40 years?
Well, that’s where it gets tough. Hollywood is notorious for re-using props and sets. It’s very possible that the props could have been used and recycled in both films. Considering the artistry that went into building them, wouldn’t YOU want to recycle them to lower costs?
So, did the park get it wrong 40 years ago – what do YOU think? Watch the trailers and check out the photos for yourself – see if you can spot a piece of Carousel Columbia!
The Demon Song and Soundtrack
In honor of Halloween’s approach, what better way to theme your own, personal Haunt than by using the complete, original 1980 soundtrack from the line of the Demon at both Great America’s.
Yes, the “Demon Song” has been online for some time – but not the whole, nearly 30 minute queue recording, so enjoy!
A word of warning – this track is seriously corny!
Great American Thrills® 