Winter 2023

152 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 And they did. Treasure Hunt is what is known as a “dark ride,” meaning that the entire environment is controlled. Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride was the first of that genre. The Daniels brought in Sally Dark Rides, a Florida company that’s been in the business since the 1970s. “We had never built a dark ride,” Ron explains. “We’re extraordi- nary scenic fabricators, but this was a whole new level. Partnering with them was the per- fect match.” It was two and a half years from concept to welcoming the first guest. “It was more work and money than we imagined, and we imag- ined a pretty big number,” Ron laughs.The sce- nic work alone encompassed a staggering 57,000 man-hours. “The second time you do something, you’ll be good at it, but we had to do it right the first time.” The idea for the pirate theme was Ron’s brainstorm. “Most people concentrate on Monterey’s history as a whaling port, sardine fishing port and mission town,” he says. “But very few realize that there is a colorful pirate aspect as well. Bouchard was the only pirate who attacked the West Coast, and he landed at McAbee Beach right next to our building. We’re literally walking in pirate footsteps here. His mission was to disrupt Spanish interests here, so he sacked the town.” Inexplicably, Bouchard also kidnapped the town drunk. Ron’s research teed up a great story, tied into actual history. A trip on Treasure Hunt: The Ride begins by descending in a make- believe elevator down into the imaginary tun- nels dug by Bouchard and his posse more than two centuries ago. Patrons then board ore cars, riding through a dizzying array of anima- tronics and special effects in order to amass as much treasure as possible. It’s like a combina- tion theme park ride and video game. And it’s a lot of fun. The Cannery Row community has wel- comed DWL’s venture with open arms. “Treasure Hunt:The Ride is a world-class, inter- active theme park-style ride designed exclu- sively for Cannery Row,” said Cannery Row Company Chief Operating Officer Bill Grimm. “We are thrilled to welcome this extraordi- nary, fun experience for our visitors as the lat- est family-friendly attraction accompanying our boutique shops, award-winning restaurants and acclaimed hotels on Cannery Row.” For more information, call 831/747-1426 or visit www.treasurehuntride.com. For a nominal upcharge, guests can experience the ride unlimited times that day. Repeating the ride reveals many additional details and provides the chance to test their treasure gathering skills against their friends’. Photo: Treasure Hunt: The Ride!