The Tales of Okefonokee at Six Flags Over Georgia
Many consider The Monster Mansion at Six Flags Over Georgia to be one of the best dark rides (though it is actually a mill chute ride) in any regional amusement park. The park opened it in 1967 as Tales of the Okefenokee: The Old Plantation Legends. The ride lasted the first year, but August Wynne, the Six Flags founder, was dissatisfied and handed it over to Sid & Marty Krofft for redesign. The second version loosely based on Walt Disney’s 1946 film Song of the South, as well as the work of many contemporary animators. Mechanical issues and a small fire led the park to close the attraction in 1980.
The Monster Plantation at Six Flags Over Georgia
In 1980, Six Flags Over Georgia tasked with Disney alums Dave Gengenbach and Al Bertino, who worked with Goddard Productions, to re-tool the attraction for the 1981 season. They developed the concept for a monster picnic attraction.
The Monster Mansion at Six Flags Over Georgia
In 2008, Six Flags announced the attraction would be renovated. They called in the Goddard Group to completely overhaul the attraction, including refurbishing each of the characters. The new attraction opened in 2009 and has been a staple ever since.
The Monster Mansion Ride Through Video (from 2016)
I rode The Monster Mansion in 2016 and recorded the trip with my Sony camera. I admit that the ride has plenty of charm and is a great ride during the humid Georgia summers.
This 2016 ride-through showcases the complete overhaul that Goddard did in 2008. Rumors suggest that the attraction is undergoing refurbishment for this season, but I haven’t read any official announcements. I love the fantastic animatronics, especially for a regional amusement park. The catchy song and impressive effects add so much to the ride.
I had no idea that Sid and Marty Krofft worked on this ride.
I went on this quite a bit growing up (pre 2008) and mostly remember it having more broken animatronics than working ones, 🙁
I enjoyed your video, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was in much better condition than I remembered! It obviously is going to pale in comparison to something like Pirates of the Caribbean or Haunted Mansion, but it’s a fun ride for a regional amusement park!