Okay, dark rides are my favorite things in the world. So this was really difficult for me to do...
But -
10. Peter Pan's Flight
While not as flashy or cool as many other dark rides I've been on, this is a true classic. Since I went on it on my first Disney World trip, I have always made a point to get on. The Big Ben/London flight scene continues to be one of my favorites...
9. Curse of Darkastle
This is one I had to sit and think about. I first rode it when I was 10. I haven't since because I haven't had the chance to return to Busch Gardens Williamsburg since. But this was probably my most memorable ride at Busch Gardens because it really told a story. IT was different from Haunted Mansion - darker - and I liked that. I had not gotten the chance to ride Spiderman when I rode this, so it was the coolest "screen" ride I'd been on.
8. Back to the Future
This was a must have for my top ten, because I only got to ride it once before it was changed into the Simpsons. This classic was one of the reasons I began watching all the older adventure movies like "The Goonies" and of course the Back to the Future trilogy itself. I rode it on my first trip to Universal Orlando resort and it was one of the things that everyone (excluding my father) rode on together, and it was a great simulator.
7. E.T. Adventure
This was one of my favorites at Universal. The very first time I walked through the que I was blasted with that famous E.T. smell and I loved it. The line attendants were very confused that day and they ushered us through an unthemed room because we had express passes. I've been through the normal que since and it's only caused me to love the ride even more. I also remember getting the seat that had "E.T.'s basket", which also adds to my memory of the ride.
6. Men in Black: Alien Attack
This ride is one of the only shooters I have ever been able to get a hang on. Every other shooter has a gun system that is very difficult for me to aim. This one was different - as was the ride itself. As soon as we were thrust out of "basic training", you saw the NYC scenery, and it held no punches. As a kid, it was very cool to me to be on a street where I could see tall buildings. The environment was really fully fleshed here.
5. Dinosaur
As much as others may say about this ride, for what it's worth, it's a cool little dark ride. I love that it has all the star lights and meteors falling. While the story could have been helped along a bit, I still love the premise. I also like the ride vehicles - they are a cool little piece of machinery.
4. Jurassic Park River Adventure
One of my absolute favorites, a must every time I visit Islands of Adventure. A great ride based on a great film. I remember everything working perfectly the first time I rode it - the duck bill pushing us off course and what not. I felt nervous actually going on it (that T-Rex WAS impressive for a long time). While it has gotten a little dilapitated, it's still a fun way to cool off and it always has a neat story...
3. Soarin
Now this ride was my first real flight ride and it was a great one. I remember just hearing that music as we were lifted up and I nearly lost it when I saw the clouds. It was one of those rides that just took my breath away because most of my senses were engaged - sight, sound, smell, and to a lesser extent, touch. I really love the score and I plan on incorporating it into a project I'm taking on by myself simply because it's so powerful.
2. Revenge of the Mummy
Coming in at spot number 2, this was my first themed indoor coaster and it was a terrifying one at that. I didn't see anything the first time I rode - I kept my eyes closed at all times. But the next time I went to USF, I made sure to keep my eyes peeled for scenery and I fell in love with a thrilling experience that told a great story. The gag at the end always makes me gasp just because the glass sound effect catches me by surprise. Great to ride anytime I get the chance.
1. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
And finally, at #1, Spiderman takes it all for it's brilliant integration of 3D screens, physical sets, and real effects such as water an heat. This was one I'd been looking forward to since my first trip to a theme park. Ever since I'd heard about a "200 foot virtual free-fall" I was all over this ride. I'd watched videos on line (because I just couldn't wait) but nothing came close to the actual experience of riding it. I truly look forward to riding the new and improved version of this classic ride.
And I wish I could have included Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in this list, but alas, I still have not had the means to go to this wonderful attraction (or the area it resides in). However, it is increasingly likely that I will go for my 16th birthday, so I can not wait to ride this amazing new ride based on my favorite book series. And the new ride system is awesome too