One week ago my family headed out to check out the Ripley’s attractions in Niagara Falls. These include Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, Ripley’s Moving Theater, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Our second stop was Ripley’s Moving Theater.
Note: To view a few images from our trip, visit the 20160620 Trip to Ripley’s Moving Theater – Image Gallery posting.
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BK7hVl7LnT4/V21NVDhsAKI/AAAAAAAAAYc/J16JWequgnENwIl5UQitDCVQjwNFkZbwgCHM/s144-o/20160620_183026%25280%2529.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/109947520709267474738/6299777603634047985#6299776477880385698″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160620_183026(0).jpg” image_size=”3024×4032″ peg_single_image_size=”w80″ peg_img_align=”right” peg_img_style=”float: right; margin-left: 5px;margin-bottom: 5px;margin-right:5px;margin-top:5px;” ] Ripley’s Moving Theater is at the top of Clifton Hill at the corner of Victoria Ave. It used to be the location of the old Houdini Magical Hall of Fame. The attraction consists of rows of motion simulator seats that are meant to make it feel like you are in a roller coaster. There are lots of different technologies used for these sorts of simulators, but the major player in the business is SimEx-Iwerks. These used to be two separate companies, but merged several years ago.
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0U_Q59_WroM/V21NVAbXCwI/AAAAAAAAAYc/aO2QL5XOvegnkRd5z9beM7MNkCK2goUaACHM/s144-o/20160620_190526.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/109947520709267474738/6299777603634047985#6299776477048539906″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160620_190526.jpg” image_size=”3024×4032″ peg_single_image_size=”w80″ peg_img_align=”left” peg_img_style=”float: left; margin-left: 5px;margin-bottom: 5px;margin-right:5px;margin-top:5px;” ] I have to admit that I am not really a fan of roller coasters, but don’t mind motion simulators. However, my experience with them is limited. I’ve mostly been on high-end/expensive simulators at Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Obviously it is unfair to compare Ripley’s Moving Theater to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man!
The ride itself uses some old technology. There appeared to be four rows of ten connected seats. Each row moves independently from the row ahead or behind it. The ride was kind of jerky, but that didn’t bother my kids. They quite enjoyed the ride, and thought the movements of the rows matched up well with the movies. However, they did think that the movies could be improved. The first movie was called Monkey Madness and the second movie was called Ultimate Roller Coaster. The Monkey Madness video was supposed to also have some effects. I believe there were supposed to be air and/or mist, but we didn’t experience any in our seats. I’m not sure about the other rows.
Ripley’s Moving Theater has a target audience, but if you like that sort of simulator then I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I doubt that many people will buy an individual admission for it. Most people will get the attraction as part of the 3 Attraction Flex Ticket. The difference in price between the 2 Attraction and 3 Attraction Flex Ticket is only $3, so that is by far the best deal. At the time of this write-up, individual admission to Ripley’s Moving Theater on their website for adults is $13.99, seniors $10.99 and children $7.99. Be sure to check out the Ripley’s web site for the latest information.
Note: To view images from our visit, visit the 20160620 Trip to Ripley’s Moving Theater – Image Gallery posting