I wasn't exactly sure where to put this, and to be honest it isn't even a fully-formed thought. I'm still pondering this a bit, but I tend to think out loud, when I am analyzing something. So, please bear with me.
Anyway, my brief exchange with Joe about the "ominous" music in Congo got me thinking about how the parks use music to create atmosphere. It occurred to me that the music playing is possibly more important to me than the decorations. I know a lot of attention is paid to the landscaping and architecture, and other decorative arts on this forum, but I think the sound effects are really critical to good theming as well. And I am not referring to the choice of German music in Germany, and the like. I am thinking of how the music makes you feel, and how that adds to your experience.
As I said to Joe, I really liked the ominous music. I think it was especially effective on Tomb Raider. I think FoF used to use white noise really effectively, as well. Many years ago, they would play "music" in the launch area almost like a rave. Some of the ride operators were really good at stopping and starting it to enhance the feel of being on another world.
I think KD also does a great job of using music to create an eerie atmosphere during the Haunt. Especially in some of the scare zones, the music really added to the creepiness and put me that much more on edge.
I think the most effective use of music I have experienced, however, was at Cedar Point. The music they play in the station for Millennium Force really freaks me out. At first I couldn't figure out why I was so anxious, by the time I boarded the coaster. I think it was on our third ride that I realized that the music was raising my stress level. I know I am more sensitive to music that most people, but I have to believe their choice in sound effects was not accidental.
I have never had a similar experience at either BG park. I think that is probably appropriate, however, given the demographics. The music is well-themed, but it generally upbeat. It certainly never creates an eerie or anxious atmosphere for me. It struck me as an interesting contrast. As I said, not a bad thing, but certainly a different approach.
Anyway, those are my rambling thoughts on music and theming.
Anyway, my brief exchange with Joe about the "ominous" music in Congo got me thinking about how the parks use music to create atmosphere. It occurred to me that the music playing is possibly more important to me than the decorations. I know a lot of attention is paid to the landscaping and architecture, and other decorative arts on this forum, but I think the sound effects are really critical to good theming as well. And I am not referring to the choice of German music in Germany, and the like. I am thinking of how the music makes you feel, and how that adds to your experience.
As I said to Joe, I really liked the ominous music. I think it was especially effective on Tomb Raider. I think FoF used to use white noise really effectively, as well. Many years ago, they would play "music" in the launch area almost like a rave. Some of the ride operators were really good at stopping and starting it to enhance the feel of being on another world.
I think KD also does a great job of using music to create an eerie atmosphere during the Haunt. Especially in some of the scare zones, the music really added to the creepiness and put me that much more on edge.
I think the most effective use of music I have experienced, however, was at Cedar Point. The music they play in the station for Millennium Force really freaks me out. At first I couldn't figure out why I was so anxious, by the time I boarded the coaster. I think it was on our third ride that I realized that the music was raising my stress level. I know I am more sensitive to music that most people, but I have to believe their choice in sound effects was not accidental.
I have never had a similar experience at either BG park. I think that is probably appropriate, however, given the demographics. The music is well-themed, but it generally upbeat. It certainly never creates an eerie or anxious atmosphere for me. It struck me as an interesting contrast. As I said, not a bad thing, but certainly a different approach.
Anyway, those are my rambling thoughts on music and theming.