An Unearthed Glimpse into a Lost Attraction
 
This atmospheric vintage Kodak photograph captures a long-vanished treasure of Dorney Park: the menacing, cave-like façade of Journey to the Center of the Earth, crowned by its enormous snarling monster, watching over visitors like a subterranean sentinel. Behind it looms the skeletal beauty of the Thunderhawk rollercoaster, while the peaceful creek in the foreground winds quietly by—a rare, layered view of Dorney Park’s classic charm.
 
But this eerie attraction has even deeper roots. Before Journey to the Center of the Earth, this structure housed Dorney Park’s Old Mill ride, one of the earliest forms of amusement park dark ride. The Old Mill was a gentle, water-powered boat journey through dimly lit tunnels—often romantic or spooky in theme—dating back to the early 20th century and part of a nationwide amusement park tradition.
 
In the early 1970s, the Old Mill was dramatically transformed by famed dark ride designer Bill Tracy into Journey to the Center of the Earth. Tracy, known for his surreal, often grotesque style, brought the ride to life with monstrous figures, glowing effects, and a two-level layout packed with subterranean thrills. Boats now traveled through eerie caves, erupting lava scenes, and encounters with bizarre underground creatures—blending Jules Verne’s vision with Tracy’s signature haunted flair.
 
This reimagined ride thrilled guests for over two decades until it was sadly demolished in 1992, making way for newer attractions. Today, only photos like this preserve the memory of Dorney Park’s darker, stranger corners.
 
Details:
• Original Kodak color snapshot, ca. 1970s–1980s
• Shows ride façade with signature monster, Thunderhawk coaster in background, and adjacent creek
• Natural warm toning from age adds a dreamlike quality
• Dimensions: approx. 3.5" x 5"
• Excellent condition; from a private Pennsylvania photo collection. There is some residue on the corners (likely from where it was secured in a photo album)
 
A rare piece of amusement park history—perfect for collectors of defunct rides, roadside Americana, or fans of dark rides.