It wasn't very long ago at all that we'd been convinced that Knott's had all but given up on the Calico Mine Ride during Halloween Haunt.  The attraction was plagued with lame themes, even lamer execution and a crew usually of newcomers to the Haunt Family that barely had a clue as to what was going on.

We wrote for many seasons how disappointed we were and what a sure-fire let-down the Mine Ride had become during Haunt.  Once the must see attraction at the Scary Farm, with a line wrapping well into the Roaring '20s area past Corckscrew, the Mine Ride seemed as though it had taken the plunge into the abyss of yesteryear.  Quite frankly, Theme Park Adventure had all but given up on this attraction, waiting to take pictures or even ride it ourselves until the end of our week-long stay each year at Haunt; we'd lost all hope and didn't have any interest in the ride anymore.

The tide's turning, and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Cavern of Lost Souls made great strides to improve the status of the Mine Ride during Haunt - bringing it back to fans' radar screens in 2006.  The theme was that of lost miners and a mountain ripe with spiders and other creepy crawlies in every shaft.  Cavern was very decent in 2005; following-up a year later with an even more improved vision was critical to the successful re-surfacing of what should always be one of Halloween Haunt's cornerstones.  Once again, the Mine Ride is something that shouldn't be missed; it has special effects, amazing props and an energetic team of talent.

While on the subject of props and effects - major props go out to the design and Build teams on this one.  It's not easy filling an attraction as large in scale as the Mine Ride with scary stuff, especially on the timetable you're given and the shoestring budget you have to work with.  It's safe to say that Cavern of Lost Souls is one of Halloween Haunt's true triumph stories.  And that is much more exciting to report than another year of suck!

The talent that works the Mine Ride - big kudos to you as well.  It's tough being a monster in an attraction; you have to stay pretty much in one place and attempt to scare guests riding past at a set speed with a minimal amount of means at your fingertips.  For those who hired in and stuck with Cavern throughout Haunt - bravo!  You all did very well!  Working either the Mine Ride or Timber Mountain when you first hire in to the Scary Farm is something you should feel proud of.  Now that the Mine Ride is back on track to being fantastic each season, newbies should take great pride in saying they are part of the Cavern team.

Spiders terrify people - and they make for awesome maze/attraction themes.  The idea of giant spiders lurking in the dark passages of the Calico Mine is chilling.  It works on all levels - and we are stoked that Knott's has taken this idea and run with it.  Arachnids and monsters - a great combo pack when surrounded by the darkness of the mine; an even better combo when Knott's steps up its game and truly puts some work into the attraction.  That is the case with Cavern of Lost Souls most definitely.  We are very excited about this comeback story and cannot wait to see the improvements for 2007's run!

Once again, the Mine Ride is a Haunt attraction worth waiting in line for.  It's been a long time since we've said that - and it feels awesome.  Kudos to Knott's and much love to the Cavern team - from the monsters to the designers, prop makers to the train operators.  You should all be very proud!

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