No, the lap bars don't have to be down - just locked (controlled by the computer) - Disaster Transport is the same way. When test riding, more often than not only the rider's lapbar is down.
I loved the symbolic "lights out" on Fascination, brought a tear to my eyes.
There's a good thread on this over at GTTP: "The Big Show", check it out over there too! Lots of good observations by some of the most fervent CPers. :)
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Po!nt of View: A different look at Roller Coasters.
http://www.crosswinds.net/~justmayntz/thrills/index.html