That's why we give extra credit to those men and women that work tirelessly night after night in a position that we personally feel would be akin to Hell, especially knowing that your brothers and sisters across the Scary Farm are out and about, kicking ass and taking names. 

Perhaps both the Mine train and Log Ride (their talent suffers similar isolation, obviously) are disregarded as rookie attractions, where those merely lucky enough to get their foot in the virtual Halloween Haunt door end up.  However, we know for a fact that there are individuals that return to work these attractions after their first year.  And so the saying goes, different strokes for different folks.

Some talent actually loves working the Mine Ride.  In 2008, it returned to Haunt as Black Widow's Cavern.  And as usual, there was really energetic - and really clueless talent to be found lurking in the mine shafts.

It is always fun to hear the screams of terrified people as the train creeps forward through the darkness.  Even if you can't see what's happening to your fellow passengers - you certainly know what is happening to them!  Usually, it's a loud noise, followed by screams and the familiar sound of a shaker can, and then laughter.  People do love seeing each other get scared - and so this attraction is particularly good for that type of Haunt people watching activity.  In fact, we feel that being able to see other guests get absolutely freaked out and then laughed at by everyone else is the most compelling reason to ride it.

So in a nutshell, the story with the Mine Ride remains the same over the years - Haunt has become SO detailed and so rich with its new mazes, etc. that to make both the Minte Ride and the Log Ride true contenders for guests' time and attention, they REALLY need to be over-the-top and kick-ass.  And Black Widow's Cavern - is not.

There are some nice elements and some very nice mechanical effects/props used throughout the ride.  However, a few gems here and there does NOT a Mine Ride save.  It needs a LOT of cash and attention poured into it to be on par with the rest of the offerings at Halloween Haunt.  And Knott's - specifically, Cedar Fair - is not going to do that, so we are not holding our breath on this.

Both the Mine and Log rides have become Haunt attractions that you do if you have done everything else and you have some time to kill.  And that sucks, because some of us remember the day when these attractions were THE things to visit - with lines snaking all the way into the Roaring '20s area by Corkscrew.

Sadly, those days are long gone, and we honestly don't see them returning.  Probably ever.

That puts a huge amount of pressure on Haunt designers and the crews that work the two attractions.  Yet, Theme Park Adventure understands the dynamics of the situation.  This is something we have written about for years.  We cannot and do not fault the designers or crew.  It's a funding issue, plain and simple.  And it is quite simple - without proper funding, none of us should expect anything great to happen to the two rides during Haunt ever again.

The talent can knock themselves out - but with crap theming and no budget for surroundings, they can only be so effective.  And they are, to a point.  There are guests that can and do jump at anything.  Hell, there are members of the TPA team that resemble that remark!  However, as Knott's Scary Farm becomes more and more sophisticated, so do the demands of its visitors.

It's safe to say that the true fans know now what should be expected from the two rides.  So it's no surprise when they deliver mediocre thrills at Haunt.

The soundtrack within Black Widow's Cavern is about as forgettable as its theming.  Throw-away and non-existent. 

The talent did what they could with what they had.  Some of the guys and gals really gave it all they could; others simply stood there and shook cans at the train as it passed.  Not good.  Not great.  Kinda sad.

In closing, Black Widow's Cavern is take it or leave it IF you have time and are REALLY hard-pressed to find something new to do at the Scary Farm.  Otherwise, it's unfortunately, at the bottom of the list when it comes to must-see attractions at Haunt.  That stinks, but that is the reality.

We don't have any great expectations for this attraction in 2009, but wish the men and women that work it all the best and all the respect in the world.  Good luck and have a great time - get those passengers!

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