Hello Arthur, I didn't realize Clark's Trained Bears had a Mad House. I haven't been there in 20 years, so it sounds like they've expanded. I'm sur they had to, to keep up with Story Land, Santa's Village and Canobie Lake. Do they have any other attractions?
Merlin's Mansion, as Clark’s calls its Mad House, has been open for a long time. If you were there 20 years ago, it was operating. Clark's doesn't have a lot of midway rides; I'd say it's more a roadside attraction than a theme park. Among things to do are bumpers boats, a "dry" water slide, a shooting gallery, and its most famous draw (other than the trained bears), its steam train ride. I believe there used to be an anti-gravity walk-through house years back as well.
Mad Houses are great rides. By far the best installation is Hex at Alton Towers in the United Kingdom. It is set in an actual (real) stately home in the middle of the theme park*. The theme is that Alton Towers (the theme park) have been renovating The Towers (the grand building in the middle of the theme park) and have discovered artefacts and a secret room relating to a local legend of a chained oak (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chained_Oak), which the ride builds upon.
*Well, the entrance and all of the pre-shows are set in the actual castle-like historic building, and then the ride is hidden in a modern building just outside (but as a guest you have no idea and it seems like you are in an authentically historic space throughout).
Dutch Wonderland also has a very small one they call the Dutch Wonder House, which opened in 1964. I just got to experience it a few weeks ago, and due to the tiny size of the building, the effect is limited, but it is still unique and fun.
I have ridden these at both Six Flags New England and New Jersey. I love these! It gives you such an odd feeling inside without really moving you much.
Years ago, when my son was in high school, I took him and three of his friends to Six Flags New England. When they went on a mouse coaster (which only seated four), I wandered around and stumbled on this attraction. I had walked past it on many previous visits, assuming it was some sort of magic show. I was impressed! It was so well-themed in comparison to the other stick-a-picture-of-a-character-on-a-ride attractions in the rest of the park. I met the boys after their ride and brought them over to experience it, and they were equally impressed. I haven't been there in at least ten years, so I'm glad to know this attraction has been so well-maintained.
Hello Arthur, I didn't realize Clark's Trained Bears had a Mad House. I haven't been there in 20 years, so it sounds like they've expanded. I'm sur they had to, to keep up with Story Land, Santa's Village and Canobie Lake. Do they have any other attractions?
Merlin's Mansion, as Clark’s calls its Mad House, has been open for a long time. If you were there 20 years ago, it was operating. Clark's doesn't have a lot of midway rides; I'd say it's more a roadside attraction than a theme park. Among things to do are bumpers boats, a "dry" water slide, a shooting gallery, and its most famous draw (other than the trained bears), its steam train ride. I believe there used to be an anti-gravity walk-through house years back as well.
Mad Houses are great rides. By far the best installation is Hex at Alton Towers in the United Kingdom. It is set in an actual (real) stately home in the middle of the theme park*. The theme is that Alton Towers (the theme park) have been renovating The Towers (the grand building in the middle of the theme park) and have discovered artefacts and a secret room relating to a local legend of a chained oak (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chained_Oak), which the ride builds upon.
*Well, the entrance and all of the pre-shows are set in the actual castle-like historic building, and then the ride is hidden in a modern building just outside (but as a guest you have no idea and it seems like you are in an authentically historic space throughout).
Thanks for sharing info. (Note to self: Must get to Alton Towers.)
Dutch Wonderland also has a very small one they call the Dutch Wonder House, which opened in 1964. I just got to experience it a few weeks ago, and due to the tiny size of the building, the effect is limited, but it is still unique and fun.
Tom, do the seats move? It appears that maybe just the room rotates around stationary benches.
No, the seats do not move. So the illusion is more than a gimmick here than a physical sensation. But it was occasionally disorienting.
I have ridden these at both Six Flags New England and New Jersey. I love these! It gives you such an odd feeling inside without really moving you much.
Right. It's the disconnect between what you are seeing/perceiving and what you are feeling. It's a pretty clever illusion.
I am also surprised it opened in 1999. I assumed it was much older.
I believe Six Flags took over the park in 1997, so this was one of the company's early additions.
Years ago, when my son was in high school, I took him and three of his friends to Six Flags New England. When they went on a mouse coaster (which only seated four), I wandered around and stumbled on this attraction. I had walked past it on many previous visits, assuming it was some sort of magic show. I was impressed! It was so well-themed in comparison to the other stick-a-picture-of-a-character-on-a-ride attractions in the rest of the park. I met the boys after their ride and brought them over to experience it, and they were equally impressed. I haven't been there in at least ten years, so I'm glad to know this attraction has been so well-maintained.
Agreed that Six Flags could do a better job hyping this relatively hidden gem. More people should experience it!