Here's what I recall about Earthquake when I rode it four times in 1981. A wizard, or a mystic, with a crystal ball announced, "I predict an earthquake!" Then your car went through Chinatown on a normal day of that time period; you heard chatter from within the buildings, then somebody was getting ejected from either a bar or store with the owner shouting, "And stay out!" It was kind of a jump scare because the figure/man was "flung" out of a door right towards you. Further down the down the road the earthquake started to erupt with buildings swaying, breaking and falling towards your car. As you passed by the devastation you could heat the the antique fire trucks approaching and there were a few scenes with fake fire, and fake water gushing out of street pipes. The final scene, as I recall, was a conveyor belt styled like a flood-generated rushing river, carrying debris from the quake that included boards, shoes, chairs, etc. down a city street. So I assume the ride ended in a flood. I was told that the ride contained more graphic scenes when it operated in Freedomland from 1960 to 1964, but they were not reinstalled when the ride arrived at Cedar Point in 1966. As people noted in the comments, it utilized blacklight, as did all the dark rides designed by Marco Engineering back then.
Seated in an antique car, Earthquake started with a ride through the streets of Chinatown, then into San Francisco, where the walls start to crumble and almost fall on top of you. Then you enter areas of San Fran burning. Most everything was lit with black light. One of my favorite rides ever.
It took a couple listens, but I finally heard that piano near the beginning. I had remembered something like people dancing (twirling) in a window. Wonderful!
Weren't those dancing peeps much smaller in scale than the rest of the ride? I remember being confused by lack of continuity. Earthquake was a bit jank but I absolutely loved it and it's missed every trip!
This was one of my favorite rides - left a huge impression on my memory. went in the 70's as a young child - when I went back as a teen in 86 it wasnt there anymore. was hoping there would be a video of sorts of pics or something. lol Thanks for posting.
As a maintenance personal. I had access to the "Earthquake." Once in a while when things were slow. I had a Playtex glove painted w/ florescent paint. Had fun scaring the crap out of riders as they turned corner at the falling tower. Could only do this in the day time though. When the eyes could not adjust to the darkness.
Bob Lee I LOVE IT! I worked there in ‘84, ‘85 and ‘86. I remember that, amongst us employees, we referred to the park guests as “animals”. (As in, “I’m here, ready to start my shift. It’s hot today. Is it affecting the animals?”) Last time I was there was in 2011. I asked an employee quietly, “Do employees still call the park guests ‘animals’?” He said, no, and honestly reacted like he had no idea what I was referring to. Somehow management broke employees of the habit, it seems! I always wanted to see behind-the-scenes for Earthquake and Boneville/train ride, but I never did in those 3 summers. P.S. I’m with you, your profile pic: Remember Benghazi!
Omg I REMEMBER THAT NOW!!! That was awesome! Ahh such great memories or our annual trip down to Sandusky. We always went in late May. Took a day off school to do so every year. So thankful my parents did that with/for us every year.
I rode this in 1978. I remember the shaking and loud noises and sounds of fires and screams. Then when I lived in San Francisco in 1998 they had an earthquake simulation at the California Academy of Sciences and all it was you stepped on this small platform and then in less than a minute it shook and moved and it felt like you were in an earthquake. Oddly enough there really was an earthquake in December 1998 and it woke me up out of my bed. My dresser drawer about fell on the ground. It was freaky.
I LOVED this ride as a kid! The car u rode would shake from the bass of the soundtrack...screams and sirens...building falling on you with people in the windows...then a bubbly sewer to guide u out... The it was demolished to make room for the Boringstein Bears. That lasted 3 seasons...
CoasterBob62: how did you get this?! I’m thrilled to hear those sounds again! For kids today, they just don’t get it: in past generations, not everything was documented or memorialized by photographic images and video with sound. Today, everyone with a recording device is capturing images of everything under the sun. With the computer, future generations will be able to see the same subject at different times, different angles, different lighting, aging over time. Back in my childhood, it was a real treat to be one of the lucky folks to have a movie camera. It’s fantastic-even surreal-to hear those sounds again. What a trip back in time!!! Thank you!
Hi Summer Breeze! I used to bring my cassette recorder into the park in the 70's and record audio of my favorite rides. It was so cool to get home and listen to some of my day on tape. I was 11 years old when I recorded Earthquake in 1973, and every time I listen to it, I feel like a kid again. Glad you enjoyed it!
CoasterBob62 SO AMAZING! I love that, as a kid, you made it a point to bring a tape recorder to the park like this! I’m impressed by the 11 year old you. As for my relationship with a tape recorder, I remember sitting next to the TV with my tape recorder to record some of my favorite movies when they were broadcast so I could listen to them over & over. That’s how we had to do it “back in the day”! Thanks again!
I rode this dark ride several times as a young teenager in the early 80's and absolutely loved it. This, and the pirate dark ride! I wish they hadn't closed them. Does anyone have any POV footage or pictures while on the ride?
I haven't been to Cedar Point since 1976. Went with my friend's family. (The dad, mom and my friend are all dead.) The very next year we went to King's Island and stayed in a Best Western. We lost touch in 1984. They moved to Arizona.
Podcast producer here from Wessler Media. We're producing a documentary on Cedar Point. Do we have permission to use this audio? Please let me know. Can you email me through our website? Would like to see if you have more vintage Cedar Point audio. www.wesslermedia.com/contact
Wow. When I was about 3, my family went to Cedar Point. I do not remember much about that visit except for a spooky house we went into. I remember one room was upside down with an old lady in a rocking chair. The end was a big face in the wall and you had to slide down through it's eyes or mouth. Any idea what that was called? Do you happen to remember anything like that? I would be interested in knowing if someone remembers.
I remember the walk of shame stairway if one was too chicken to ride the slide. I often refused so I knew it well. It had cartoon eyes painted all over the walls -- staring at you! lol
That sound effect didn't always work when I rode Earthquake, so it was hard to get that on tape. I finally found it on a different cassette, long after I made this video. You can listen to it at the 23:05 mark of my 2022 Winter Chill Out video.
Yep ..i agree..im 49 and i rode this ride numerous times ..but half the time and more twords the last few times i rode it the fortune teller was not working ..the car would just ride past it ..i defimatelly remember at least the last 2 times i rode it it wasnt sayin the eathquake in the future phrase
@@bolteroo The Dragon was in the first 1/3 of the ride - it represented a Chinese Parade Dragon thrown into the air as peeps ran for their lives and your car passed under it. You didn't see the people running, it was implied. That is my childhood memory anyway lol.
@@restlessbohemian26 Wow! I was way too young the last time I was on that ride to catch that context--but it makes so much sense! Thank you for sharing!
Here's what I recall about Earthquake when I rode it four times in 1981. A wizard, or a mystic, with a crystal ball announced, "I predict an earthquake!" Then your car went through Chinatown on a normal day of that time period; you heard chatter from within the buildings, then somebody was getting ejected from either a bar or store with the owner shouting, "And stay out!" It was kind of a jump scare because the figure/man was "flung" out of a door right towards you. Further down the down the road the earthquake started to erupt with buildings swaying, breaking and falling towards your car. As you passed by the devastation you could heat the the antique fire trucks approaching and there were a few scenes with fake fire, and fake water gushing out of street pipes. The final scene, as I recall, was a conveyor belt styled like a flood-generated rushing river, carrying debris from the quake that included boards, shoes, chairs, etc. down a city street. So I assume the ride ended in a flood. I was told that the ride contained more graphic scenes when it operated in Freedomland from 1960 to 1964, but they were not reinstalled when the ride arrived at Cedar Point in 1966. As people noted in the comments, it utilized blacklight, as did all the dark rides designed by Marco Engineering back then.
Well done!
Wow! Talk about memories. Thanks for uploading. This was my favorite ride at the park when I was a kid.
Seated in an antique car, Earthquake started with a ride through the streets of Chinatown, then into San Francisco, where the walls start to crumble and almost fall on top of you. Then you enter areas of San Fran burning. Most everything was lit with black light. One of my favorite rides ever.
I remember certain things about this.as I was only 8 yrs in 1973 can't remember the smell.
It took a couple listens, but I finally heard that piano near the beginning. I had remembered something like people dancing (twirling) in a window. Wonderful!
Yes I remember those people twirling around happy and dancing. If they only knew what their future held!
Weren't those dancing peeps much smaller in scale than the rest of the ride? I remember being confused by lack of continuity. Earthquake was a bit jank but I absolutely loved it and it's missed every trip!
Boy this brings back memories. I can still remember the SMELLS of the ride. What great times!
This was one of my favorite rides - left a huge impression on my memory. went in the 70's as a young child - when I went back as a teen in 86 it wasnt there anymore. was hoping there would be a video of sorts of pics or something. lol
Thanks for posting.
It was removed 2 years before your ‘86 trip
Same here Shepherd, we're probably the same age. Rode this at Cedar Point with my mom - the ride I remember the most as a young child. High five.
Loved this ride. Thanks for posting this.
As a maintenance personal. I had access to the "Earthquake."
Once in a while when things were slow. I had a Playtex glove painted w/ florescent paint. Had fun scaring the crap out of riders as they turned corner at the falling tower. Could only do this in the day time though. When the eyes could not adjust to the darkness.
Bob Lee I LOVE IT! I worked there in ‘84, ‘85 and ‘86. I remember that, amongst us employees, we referred to the park guests as “animals”. (As in, “I’m here, ready to start my shift. It’s hot today. Is it affecting the animals?”) Last time I was there was in 2011. I asked an employee quietly, “Do employees still call the park guests ‘animals’?” He said, no, and honestly reacted like he had no idea what I was referring to. Somehow management broke employees of the habit, it seems! I always wanted to see behind-the-scenes for Earthquake and Boneville/train ride, but I never did in those 3 summers.
P.S. I’m with you, your profile pic: Remember Benghazi!
I don't know why but this was one of my favorite rides at the park. That white tower almost hitting your car was thrilling!
Omg I REMEMBER THAT NOW!!! That was awesome! Ahh such great memories or our annual trip down to Sandusky. We always went in late May. Took a day off school to do so every year. So thankful my parents did that with/for us every year.
Me too! Wish I had some video.
Thanks so much for the incredible video upload. One of the first memories I had with my mom.
I rode this in 1978. I remember the shaking and loud noises and sounds of fires and screams. Then when I lived in San Francisco in 1998 they had an earthquake simulation at the California Academy of Sciences and all it was you stepped on this small platform and then in less than a minute it shook and moved and it felt like you were in an earthquake. Oddly enough there really was an earthquake in December 1998 and it woke me up out of my bed. My dresser drawer about fell on the ground. It was freaky.
I LOVED this ride as a kid! The car u rode would shake from the bass of the soundtrack...screams and sirens...building falling on you with people in the windows...then a bubbly sewer to guide u out... The it was demolished to make room for the Boringstein Bears. That lasted 3 seasons...
Earthquake was located on the main midway, next to the Pagoda. Snoopy's Boutique occupies that space now.
I remember that wizzard with the crystal Ball.
That was a fortune teller. The very first thing you saw. She said, "I predict an earthquake". Killer ride.
@Scott Free it was a male wizard. They use the animatronic during HalloWeekends outside the old Pirate Ride building.
Wow Thank you for this awesome memory!!
CoasterBob62: how did you get this?! I’m thrilled to hear those sounds again! For kids today, they just don’t get it: in past generations, not everything was documented or memorialized by photographic images and video with sound. Today, everyone with a recording device is capturing images of everything under the sun. With the computer, future generations will be able to see the same subject at different times, different angles, different lighting, aging over time. Back in my childhood, it was a real treat to be one of the lucky folks to have a movie camera. It’s fantastic-even surreal-to hear those sounds again. What a trip back in time!!! Thank you!
Hi Summer Breeze! I used to bring my cassette recorder into the park in the 70's and record audio of my favorite rides. It was so cool to get home and listen to some of my day on tape. I was 11 years old when I recorded Earthquake in 1973, and every time I listen to it, I feel like a kid again. Glad you enjoyed it!
CoasterBob62 SO AMAZING! I love that, as a kid, you made it a point to bring a tape recorder to the park like this! I’m impressed by the 11 year old you. As for my relationship with a tape recorder, I remember sitting next to the TV with my tape recorder to record some of my favorite movies when they were broadcast so I could listen to them over & over. That’s how we had to do it “back in the day”! Thanks again!
@CoasterBob62
Great memories Bob. You're the same age as me. I remember how the buildings would fall towards the car & all the loud noises.
I can't find any videos on this ride. Anyone find any? thanks!
I rode this dark ride several times as a young teenager in the early 80's and absolutely loved it. This, and the pirate dark ride! I wish they hadn't closed them. Does anyone have any POV footage or pictures while on the ride?
It would have been cool to see the Banana Splits, but I didn't start visiting KI until the 80's.
Love it - wish there was more! Kept waiting for "I sense and Earthquake in the future" at the beginning.
Stephen Larner here is the audio of that from my channel.
ruclips.net/video/B6mEni2Jsmk/видео.html
Just saw that today - thanks! Is that really it? So different from what I remember lol. Thought it was an old woman!
I haven't been to Cedar Point since 1976. Went with my friend's family. (The dad, mom and my friend are all dead.) The very next year we went to King's Island and stayed in a Best Western. We lost touch in 1984. They moved to Arizona.
I’m gonna do a Minecraft version of this ride
Podcast producer here from Wessler Media. We're producing a documentary on Cedar Point. Do we have permission to use this audio? Please let me know. Can you email me through our website? Would like to see if you have more vintage Cedar Point audio. www.wesslermedia.com/contact
i was so bummed when I came back the following season after the ride was removed and replaced by some lame bear attraction. What a disappointment!
Wow. When I was about 3, my family went to Cedar Point. I do not remember much about that visit except for a spooky house we went into. I remember one room was upside down with an old lady in a rocking chair. The end was a big face in the wall and you had to slide down through it's eyes or mouth. Any idea what that was called? Do you happen to remember anything like that? I would be interested in knowing if someone remembers.
There was a fun house at one time with an upside-down room. I believe the ending had a slide.
Melissa Baker i remember that too.
I remember the walk of shame stairway if one was too chicken to ride the slide. I often refused so I knew it well. It had cartoon eyes painted all over the walls -- staring at you! lol
I can’t hear the wizard at the beginning. All I hear is “And stay out!”
That sound effect didn't always work when I rode Earthquake, so it was hard to get that on tape. I finally found it on a different cassette, long after I made this video. You can listen to it at the 23:05 mark of my 2022 Winter Chill Out video.
Thanks! Love your channel btw.
Yep ..i agree..im 49 and i rode this ride numerous times ..but half the time and more twords the last few times i rode it the fortune teller was not working ..the car would just ride past it ..i defimatelly remember at least the last 2 times i rode it it wasnt sayin the eathquake in the future phrase
My dad seems to remember there being a dragon at the end of this ride?
I was just reading through the comments and wondering if anybody else remembers the dragon at the end! So, yes--I do!
@@bolteroo The Dragon was in the first 1/3 of the ride - it represented a Chinese Parade Dragon thrown into the air as peeps ran for their lives and your car passed under it. You didn't see the people running, it was implied. That is my childhood memory anyway lol.
@@restlessbohemian26 Wow! I was way too young the last time I was on that ride to catch that context--but it makes so much sense! Thank you for sharing!
@@bolteroo I'm sure I saw that on Scooby Doo and applied it to the ride as it was my refence at the time! lol.
kinda looks what we had called lauf in the dark at Crystal beach in Ontario Canada a short drive from the greatest city in the world Buffalo N.Y.
I’m trying to remember, did this ride have a tubular slide when you exited?
That was the Fun house that ended with slides and a stairwell - also known as the upside-down house.
Where was this ride located
Cedar Point, Sandusky Ohio.