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The Story of Drew Carey’s Ill-Fated Disney World Attraction

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Credit: Howie Muzika, Flickr

Some fans think this is the worst attraction to ever open at the Disney theme parks. Do you agree?

Disney Hollywood Studios

Credit: Inside The Magic

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Sounds Dangerous, located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, provided a unique auditory journey, immersing guests in a storyline that heavily relied on sound rather than visual components. The attraction featured comedian Drew Carey as a bumbling detective who engages the audience in a comedic mystery.

Guests entered a dimly lit theater where they were instructed to don headphones, setting the stage for an experience that primarily unfolded in total darkness. During most of the twelve-minute show, the audience’s imaginations were engaged as they listened to the vivid sound effects while Drew Carey narratively worked through his case.

At the height of his television popularity, Drew Carey’s involvement lent credibility and appeal. His charisma and comedic timing were integral to holding the audience’s attention in a setting where little else occurred visually. The humor associated with Carey’s character became a significant hook for fans and casual visitors alike, though the attraction’s premise was pretty flimsy if we are being honest.

Twitter/X user Parkeology shared their thoughts about the attraction, leading others to do the same. Some called the attraction the worst to ever open at the Walt Disney World Resort, and while this is certainly a bold claim, Sounds Dangerous sits near the top when it comes to unpopular Disney experiences.

People walk near a theme park attraction with a large sign featuring a person in a black jacket. The building has retro-style architecture with neon accents and a circular structure on top.

Credit: Disney Wiki

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Upon exiting the main experience, guests could explore Sound Works, an interactive area where they could engage with various sound stations, creating their own soundtracks and effects.

The reception to Sounds Dangerous was mixed. Many guests criticized the experience for being overly simplistic, particularly due to its reliance on darkness. While some appreciated the creativity of sound alone, others found the absence of visual stimuli disorienting. Critics pointed out that for a theme park, which traditionally emphasizes immersive and visual experiences, Sounds Dangerous fell short.

One of the standout features of Sounds Dangerous was its use of binaural audio technology. This technique created an immersive sound experience that made it feel as though sounds were occurring right next to the audience members.
For instance, the sound of angry bees buzzing around the head was depicted so vividly that it often elicited reactions of discomfort from younger visitors. This heightened audio experience was designed to evoke strong imagery in the absence of visual cues.

The space that once housed Sounds Dangerous is still in use at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It now shows “Vacation Fun,” an original animated Disney short starring Mickey and Minnie, as seen in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

About Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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