Rating: * * * *
Type: Amphitheater show
Time: 30 minutes
Kelly says: The TV hit comes to life

I have to confess I’m no big fan of reality television shows, but this version of the NBC hit makes for great live entertainment. Fans of the show will recognize the various elements and perhaps be a bit surprised at how much of the thrills and chills of the original have been transferred to this theme park simulation. Those unfamiliar with the show will, I suspect, be tempted to tune in when they get home, which I’m sure is part of the idea.

Six contestants, who have been preselected prior to each show, compete in three events. Contestants are ruthlessly eliminated and forced to take the “Walk of Shame” until the two finalists square off in a multipart test of nerves, climbing ability, and guts. The stunts are not for sissies, involving as they do considerable heights, “carnivorous” eels, and other assorted nastiness. Most impressive is the final challenge, which features two tilted convertibles raised to the rafters; contestants must climb onto the water-slicked hoods to retrieve flags attached to the grilles.

Note: If you’d like to be a contestant, you must present yourself in front of the attraction an hour and a quarter prior to the show. From what I’ve seen, your chances will be enhanced if you are an adult, reasonably good looking, and in better than average physical shape.

For those of us who don’t meet any of these qualifications, there’s still hope. Volunteers are drawn from the audience to fill a variety of roles. Some (kids, mostly) fire water cannons (remember those water-slicked car hoods?) and other fiendish devices designed to make the main contestants’ jobs even harder. Others are given challenges (like confronting creepy-crawlies and drinking yucky concoctions) that might make them wish they’d thought twice about volunteering.

Tip: Some people, mostly older adults with a squeamish streak, may find some of the challenges a bit off putting.

The volunteers, by the way, are just that — volunteers. No one is dragooned into participating. If you are tempted to volunteer (at either level), I strongly suggest you watch the show a few times, so you’ll know what you’re letting yourself in for.

With two peppy co-hosts, lots of audience involvement (start practicing yelling “There’s one more thing!”), close-ups of the action on a large video screen, and a relentlessly fast pace, Fear Factor Live proves to be one of the most entertaining audience participation shows in any theme park.

Back to Chapter Contents

	Web theotherorlando.com