Laff in the Dark

(1936 - mid 50's)

Originally, Dark Rides were created by two major manufacturers: The Pretzel Company and Traver/Chambers Engineering Company. Throughout the Photos you will see references to both manufacturers. Playland had at least one of each....

Playland's 'Laff in the Dark' was an early and ODD Traver/Chambers Laff in the Dark ride. We have to state "Traver/Chambers," because Pretzel also made rides they called Laff in the Dark. Pretzel eventually won out over Chambers, but there was a definite rivalry that ended up in court more than once.

Playland's Laff in the Dark had an exterior tunnel/barn tracking, an unusual feature that took up quite a bit or real estate. Dark ride companies would soon learn you can pack a lot of scares into a smaller space.....but before that, Playland had Laff in the Dark.

Descriptions of the interior are few.... Most people say you could see light through the outer walls. The gags (stunts as they call them) were few, but effective for their time. Pop up or light up or moving props were the norm. No great lighting effects and black light wasn't in use yet. Loud buzzers and bells would blare out of the darkness. One person remembered the ride ending as you bashed through Kitchen China Cabinet and sound of dishes breaking could be heard.

While we discuss the Playland dark rides, you'll learn a little about the difference between the two companies and they're unique contributions.

Want some Dark Ride History with a little Playland thrown in. Click on link below.

A Dark Past: A History of the Dark Ride

1940's

1936

Opening

Traver/Chambers LITD

We can ID the Traver/Chambers PITD by their ride cars and their track. Zombie Castle - Laff in teh Dark Ride

Laff in the Dark

Playland, 1940's. Corner of La Playa @ Cabrillo - SFPL

Laff in the Dark

Rare Color photo - SFMTA

Classic LITD Car

It's an interesting design. Made from wood, they were cheaper to build than the Pretzel cars.

Flip back seats

LITD in action

Later Cars

Close up of LITD

Playland Zombie Castle! The LAST Chambers 'Laff in the Dark' Ride

LITD Car Patent

The patent was important in order for Traver to start production of his own ride. It had to be different than Pretzel. Pretzels design was perfection, so Traver had to do something different - laffinthedark.com

LITD Patent

One of Traver's changes was a TILT-Back seat! The LITD cars had the abilitiy to move or tilt the back of the passenger seats.- laffinthedark.com

LITD Car

The other change, which was more of an addition was a 3rd connection. seen here on the left of teh drive connection. This extra connection was used to to activate effects or so he said... ;-) - laffinthedark.com

Electrical connection

Jazz Hops

LITD Track Patent

Another patent from Traver was his jump track. This would make the cars jump oever bumps in the dark

LITD - Crystal Beach, Canada

This shows Traver's jump track as the car bounces through the dark only for the passengers to get a double-whammy with the shock of the skeleton pop-up which lite up on arrival of the car. - laffinthedark.com