Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge

Type: Competitive Dark Ride

Manufacturer: Sally Corporation

Status: Open

Opened: 2006

Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge (or RXCC as it is abbreviated) was installed in 2006 at Hersheypark, where it became the first competitive, interactive dark ride. It was built by Sally Corporation, a popular dark ride manufacturer. This ride is not to be confused with the free Hershey's Chocolate World tour ride.

Techniques

Riders are split into two groups of four (teams "Chocolate" and "Peanut Butter"), seated, and given a ride through a shooting gallery. Targets are placed in large scenes, often with spinning obstructions placed in front. Targets light up with yellow lights that disappear when hit, but these lights will turn orange for a short period, yielding double points if hit. One popular tactic is to aim for targets already hit by other players. The shooting scenes are broken down into three sections. In the final section, all targets are orange.

Often, stacking will occur, leaving the riders on the course to continue to shoot while the cars remain stationary, which prevents cars from bumping into each other.

Ride Facts

* Ride manufactured by the Sally Corporation. [http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/mini/index.php] Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge Website]
* Ride system provided by EOS Rides. [http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/mini/index.php] Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge Website]
* Total number of targets: 158. [http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/mini/index.php] Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge Website]
* Total animated elements: 80. [http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/mini/index.php] Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge Website]
* Animatronic figures: 8. [http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/mini/index.php] Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge Website]

Trivia

*Unlike a typical dark ride, RXCC's cars travel on a track similar to a roller coaster. This cannot be defined as a coaster (not even as a powered coaster), because there is no gravity involved with the movement.
*The ride replaced a building which housed the park's first aid and ride department offices, as well as a practice skating rink.
*When the ride first opened, individual Reese's cups (with caramel) were given out at the end of the ride. If a rider was allergic to peanuts, a standard Hershey's chocolate bar was substituted. Later in the year, all players received Hershey's chocolate bars.
*The ride opened with a height limit that allowed the "Miniatures" height category to ride. This was changed on the second day the ride was open to the public.
*RXCC features a Single Rider line.
*During Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, the "half-time" hosts receive [http://www.tideblue.com/blog/pictures/rxcc_chirstmas.jpgSanta hats, stockings, and a mug of cocoa] .
*RXCC is usually compared to Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters in Disneyland, California.

References