Terrible Dark Ages Disease
Terrible Dark Ages Disease is a condition which affects large corporate theme park organisations, predominantly within the circle of Europe. Whilst similar in nature, it must not be confused with Car Park Syndrome, in which the effects are sustained over a much longer-term and are mainly based within the States.
Symptoms
Early signs of the disease may include frequent ride breakdowns and irregular ride maintenance. Often, patients will show signs of strong denial, and may voice this denial publicly on a particular social networking site. If left untreated, more serious symptoms will start to occur, including:
- Interactive ride re-themes
- Use of intellectual properties and sponsorships
- Lack of new park developments
- Significant lack of non-ride/roller coaster maintenance
- Coasters (and zombies) purchased in bulk
- Removal of magical theme music
This may last for many years at a time and it is rare for it to take place during lesser time, unless the year was meh overall.
Treatment
The most common solution to this disease is through a corporate takeover, which is normally taken on with stride and joy by the community. Unfortunately in some cases, some of the symptoms stated above may carry on existing at theme parks until:
- A re-themed ride is reverted back
- IPs and sponsorships are removed
- New areas/attractions are created
- Most Common: Maintenance is brought back into decent shape
- The company is more frugal with budget
- Magical theme music is returned to its near-natural state
It is very rare for all the symptoms to be reverted/turned opposite for the better. With treating the disease through the use of corporate takeover, enthusiasts must be patient to see what happens next before deciding to leave the community in a fit of RAGE! because the corporation have failed to decrease symptoms/have unimpressed them like an angry beaver and pre-appointed colonies within the community.
It is suggested to leave the corporations to their doing, the exceptions being they ask for help on decision making in public, and swanning off until Closed Season is over.
