Half Tunnels on California Screamin'

I was meaning to ask this when DCA first opened, but I guess I forgot...

...anyways, my question is, what is with the strange half-covered tunnel things on California Screamin'? I remember seeing pics of contruction and had no idea why they only did half of the tunnel. Watching the movie of the ride just now helped me remember to post it up. It doesn't look like its something that would make the ride scarier at all, and it seems like a waste...

...any explanation? I am sure they have got to be there for a reason...

Alan Jacyszyn
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I am guessing so that when launched up these hills, you get a tunnel effect while being able to see all the park at the same time. They could be just for looks too. Half tunnels or not this was one of the best coasters I have ever ridden. Some good air on the hops, and just a great look. Plus 6 train operation with barely any stacking. :)
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Premier, head of the lapbar revolution!

I think that they are there to cut down on the noise of screaming riders, but I'm not sure.

I'm not sure on this but I think it has to do with noise. All of the tunnel walls face towards the street that runs right next to the coaster. The open sides face in towards the rest of the park. They also have scream deflectors on their S&S tower which also sits right there. I guess they figure most of the screaming happens on the hills. I do love this coaster though. I got about ten rides on it the day I was there and I never tired of it, smooth as can be with some fun air time.

At might I think that it would create a cool effect with the lights on one side and dark on the other. Plus it also probably has to do with noise as well.

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It is actually to keep the noise level from screaming riders down. If you notice the open side faces the park and the closed side faces the street which cuts the noise down. Also I think they might add a certain affect of OMG I am going to hit the side. I can't really say if it adds an affect considering I have never been on it but it looks like it could.
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hmm... now that actually makes sense :)

I knew they must have been there for a reason =P... thanks guys, always there in times of need.

It has to do with noise leaves since the park is in the city. But since this is Disney we are talking about they made the tunnels cool with tlights and stuff. Ghostrider also has a tunnel if I'm not mistaken on the first hill because of noise regulations.

Its to do with noise, but at night those tunnels make a huge difference!

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I have a dream! That SFMM fans will be able to walk hand in hand with CP's!
AND no ONE cares what a coaster is and what a coaster isn't!

At first I thought the tunnels would look really weird, but they're actually okay and blend in with everything else. Plus, they add to the thrills of the ride. Disney/Intamin did a great job with the coaster.

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Brian Grapes
SFMW Online- http://www.sfmwonline.com

They also don't want their park visitors to focus on the parking lot or the nieghboring convention center. They want them to focus their eyes on the beauty of the park.

Its about noise, and complaints of the neighbors.
Maliboomers shields are to keep screaming riders from disturbing their hotel guests.
Its not about the parking lot or the convention center. You realize the lift hill is not covered, and that is right across from the convention center.
No tunnel faces their parking lot(s).
I have been on this ride 19 times so far, and I love it still! (random note)

It's all about noise reduction!

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Montezooma's Revenge Count: 34
Ghostrides: 22

SFMM 4 Ever said:
It has to do with noise leaves since the park is in the city. But since this is Disney we are talking about they made the tunnels cool with tlights and stuff. Ghostrider also has a tunnel if I'm not mistaken on the first hill because of noise regulations.

it has a cover actually, you can still see out the sides