While Millennium Force may have the height and absolute incredible force that only Cedar Point can offer, Revenge of the Mummy offers a "dark ride" experience with some of the best back-story and overall ride themes in the industry.
Upon entering the queue house, or line as many know it, we are led to believe that we have just entered the set of The Mummy and our ride will be a simple mine cart tour of Egyptian scenery. Nothing terrifying just a nice little go-around. However, during our wait in the queue we are treated to a "mock-u-mentary" that features Brendan Frasier, a nervous intern, and many other actors/ behind the scenes personnel. The films shows interviews with production staffers who, with the exception of Brendan Frasier and the intern, are wearing the symbol of the Med-Jai, the warrior guardians of the Mummy's tomb. When asked to explain why they wear this symbol everyone replies " To ward off the curse"; that is everyone except for Brendan Frasier because he is fearless and dismissive of the curse and our intern friend who seems tohave misplace his medallion. As the line moves it becomes apparent through the structure that we have entered into the tomb and are preparing to take our ride.
Once on board the cart riders are moved into a room where we see many mummies with one in particular that is still moving and talking...it's our little intern. He tries to warn us that, "the curse is real and we need to get out now!", but before we can do anything Imhotep jumps from his sarcophagus and launches us into a new room. The cart rolls into a dark room and Imhotep gives an ultimatum: join him and savor riches untold or fight and suffer a fate worse than death. The cart speeds up to slip under a falling wall but not before Imhotep's guards launch from fire to try and trap us.
Now the cart has hit an apparent dead end and just when things seem to not be so bad the room begins to fill with flesh scarfing scarabs. (Here is when the ride sets itself apart from most "traditional" coasters) The mine cart rolls backwards and is placed on a switch track that rotates a half circle as Imhotep taunts us. The ride then goes a fast launch system, similar to the one used on The Hulk, that shoots us into Imhotep's mouth as he demands that our souls are his.
The ride then goes into mostly darkness with only evil spirits lighting up as we twist, bend, but not invert. After some intense track and air time the cart rolls into a well lit room where we are greeted by a female voice that says " Thank you for riding Revenge of the Mummy" before we can exit though, we are greeted by Imhotep bursting through the control room, lighting the ceiling on fire, and relaunching us into darkness. The ride continues until the end when we pass the symbol of the Med-Jai and are safely greeted by Brendan Frasier on screen.
Overall, Revenge of the Mummy is a innovative ride that will forever change the way rides are designed. This ride was voted the best in America and rightfully so.
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