Six Flags theme parks might be on its way to snatch the prize for ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ from the notorious Disney empire.  In early September, the company unveiled plans to open a dynamic new “4-D” thrill ride next spring in Gurnee, IL.

Six Flags has been known for its death-defying roller coasters, while Disney has worked its magic with atmospheric, character-based rides like Pirates of the Caribbean. An addition of such ride will officially place the park as rivals along with Disney and Universal Studios for the most creative, innovative dark ride.

“It’s such an amazing thing that Six Flags is upgrading and it’s especially cool that it in our home state,” Sumerah Khatoon said.

Dark rides are indoor rides that depend less on speed and more on story and special effects. Launched a century ago, these rides were more commonly known as tunnels of love and “ghost rides.” However, this new generation of dark rides takes riders into the middle of the action.

On the newly announced ride, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, spectators will join Batman, Superman, and other superheroes on a mission to fight villains like the Joker and Lex Luther. Visitors will battle through using high- definition 3D animation, animated characters, fog, mist, and wind effects. The cars will move in loops, giving the feeling of tumbling over backward and forward. Justice League will add another interactive element to their ride: laser guns. Riders will be allowed to shoot at the villains and compete for the most points. This element will give Six Flags the long overdue gaming appeal it so desperately needed.

Although rollercoasters are especially popular amongst young adults, dark rides are meant to appeal to families of all ages. The minimum height for occupants on this ride is 3 feet 6 inches tall.

These type of dark rides, built by Florida-based Sally Corp., are expensive to construct. But they take up less space than roller coasters, can be updated annually and have creative marketing tie-ins. They are already open in Six Flags across Missouri, Texas, and Mexico. Theme Park Review gave Justice League a glowing review, calling it “a world-class dark ride that sets a new standard for what an interactive attraction can be.”

“I love Six Flags- so I think bringing change to such an iconic park is a step in the right direction”, said Tahir Razzaq.

Only time will tell how successful Six Flags is in there endeavors to revamp their coasters- but something tell me they knocked it out of the park with this one.