Discover the world’s best dark rides that you need to experience at least once in your life

Dark rides are probably the most immersive experiences that you could hope to find in a theme park. Thanks to their combination of well-considered decoration, cutting-edge technology, atmospheric music and mind-blowing special effects, these attractions whisk visitors away to worlds of horror, fantasy and adventure. If you like nothing more than feeling adrenaline course through your veins, take a look at our list of the world’s best dark rides—including some located right here at PortAventura World.

What are dark rides and what makes them so special?

Just in case you didn’t know, a dark ride is an enclosed attraction where visitors pass through themed spaces or rooms in guided vehicles. Their uniqueness lies in their use of light, darkness and audiovisual effects to craft a deeply immersive narrative. Where rollercoasters focus on speed and loops, dark rides seek to deliver a deeply sensory spectacle with every journey.

Key features of every dark ride

While each dark ride has its own USP, the majority are underpinned by several common features that set them apart from classic theme park rides and attractions. For example, all dark rides include:

• Decorated guided vehicles that follow a fixed route through the space.
  • Themed rooms or spaces that form part of the narrative.
  • Immersive lighting, sound and animations that serve to immerse the visitor in the story.

Some even include animatronics, wraparound screens and incredible special effects.

The most common types of dark rides

There are several types of dark rides, each conceived with a different audience in mind. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Classic dark rides: these are often inspired by popular culture, such as blockbuster films or viral TV series. They’re always a huge hit with TV and film aficionados.
• Interactive dark rides: these encourage visitors to play a part of the story that is unfolding before their eyes. For example, they might need to shoot at moving targets or press buttons in order to advance to the next room.
• Family-friendly dark rides: these tend to be slower, more visual experiences that younger visitors can enjoy together with their parents. No jump scares here (we promise!).
• Intense dark rides: these ramp up the intensity by incorporating acceleration, twists and extreme effects into the overarching narrative. They’re like classic dark rides, but more extreme!

The world’s most impressive dark rides

This section will introduce you to some of the best dark rides from around the globe, highly regarded for their originality, intensity and immersive designs:

USA’s best dark rides

• Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom, USA): this Disney classic is probably the world’s most famous dark ride. On this ride, built in 1969, guests are invited to board Doom Buggies and are shown around a haunted mansion by a Ghost Host. The attraction, which served as inspiration for the 2003 film ‘The Haunted Mansion’, blends humour, mystery and family fun.
• Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland California, USA): this enhanced motion vehicle dark ride is considered to be one of America’s best dark rides. On Indiana Jones Adventure, guests accompany the famous explorer on an intrepid quest that navigates an underground temple that is haunted by a supernatural force.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Universal Studios, USA): a version of this motion-based dark ride is found in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas of four different Universal Studios parks. Incorporating robotic arm technology, wraparound screens and special effects, it takes guests around the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

PortAventura World’s unmissable dark rides

PortAventura World is also home to several dark rides that are notable for their innovation, original decoration and attention to detail.

One of PortAventura World’s most popular dark rides is Street Mission, located in SésamoAventura. On this shooter-type attraction, which is the resort’s first interactive dark ride, visitors are tasked with helping Detective Grover solve the mystery of the missing cookie. This immersive Sesame Street® experience is suitable for PortAventurers of all ages.

Another of PortAventura World’s ‘big beasts’ is Uncharted, a launched enclosed roller coaster that takes the dark ride concept to a whole new level. Opened in 2023 and inspired by the film ‘Uncharted’, this ride is characterised by unexpected twists, blistering speed and immersive audiovisual effects. Put simply, it’s one of the most awesome dark rides anywhere in Europe.

To round off your visit, make sure to explore the rest of PortAventura World’s rides and attractions. You’ll find everything from world-famous roller coasters to family-friendly adventures—all in a theme park that combines fun, excitement and good vibes at every turn.

FAQs on dark rides