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Wonder if the 7-9 age range also found the original Haunted House scary. I certainly wasn't a fan of those attractions at that age (still not big on scare attractions either). However times have changed. Cheesey lite dark rides aren't the in thing, and the rise of mascot horror and modern tastes require different approaches. I do wonder how much of many opinions is down to nostalgia almost, and perhaps giving the original Haunted House far more of a aur around it given a lot of younger enthusiasts didn't ride it. And due to those old enough to have ridden it in its hey-day of the 90s saying it was great has pretty much led to a very skewed view on things. See also those who wanted the original Bubbleworks back, it was never going to happen, and nor should it have given how times have moved on and it would've been a poor imitation anyway. This isn't helped by the way in which John Wardley is seemingly viewed these days as almost messiah-esque. He's literally a PR mouth for the parks now, nothing more. Given his comments on how they've done something great to the capacity of Mandrill Mayhem it's clear you cannot believe things that come out from him in such events or press bits. Which is a shame given that he's inspired many enthusiasts to follow such a career but I guess it's heavily managed by Merlin as to what he can and can't say. Haven't done Curse yet, not going to Towers whilst Nemesis is shut. But it's clear that there'll always be some divide over the existence. Whether it be down to those who push the mystification of the original, or those who miss the brain dead version of Duel. As a filler ride to most peoples day it seems fine enough. Definitely seems some improvements need doing and we've yet to see what the newer version of Merlin's approach is to such things. Dark rides are often difficult to get right first time after all, even the original Haunted House had its issues, and Hex hasn't always been the atmospheric powerhouse it is today. Also can we ban the term "thoosies" on here. Honestly makes me want to vomit when I see it. Stupid Coaster Twitter.