Spinning tunnel

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Spinning tunnels—which are also known as vortex^[1] tunnels or rotating tunnels—are devices used at haunted attractions and amusement parks. When people walk through the center of a spinning tunnel they can experience vertigo and a loss of equilibrium as their brains receive conflicting signals from their bodies and senses. Also a pseudo force (imaginary) is felt by them when walking through the tunnel since the brain tries to make sense of the things happening around the patron, hence a pseudo centrifugal force is felt by them.

The traditional version of the spinning tunnel consists of a tube made up of a series of rings which is typically up to 10 feet (3.0 m) high and up to 20 feet (6.1 m) long. The tunnel liner bears images or designs that create the illusion of movement while the tunnel is in motion.

Another type of tunnel uses a stationary tube with LEDs or rope lighting embedded in the walls which light up in patterns designed to mimic motion.

Laser tunnels that can be contained in a domed enclosure are favored by the home haunting industry. Made from parts acquired at local hardware or discount department store, the tunnels are built using LEDs, incandescent or fluorescent lights, blacklights or lasers—or any combination thereof—paired up with a laser vortex. The laser vortex lighting system projects a rotating pattern onto the mist or fog provided by a fog machine, creating the illusion of a moving vortex.

Traversing the tunnel is a beam bridge, usually about 36 inches (91 cm) wide and about 15 inches (38 cm) high, which provides the pathway for visitors to pass through the attraction. Handrails securely fastened along the length of the bridge are necessary for the safety of the participants. Lighting for the tunnel can be mounted under the eaves of the bridge or beneath the handrails, and may consist of rotating colored lights, high-powered LED lights, laser lights or blacklight fixtures. In the case of the laser vortex tunnel, the lighting may be mounted on the floor. The bridges or walkways can be designed to tilt, wobble or vibrate as visitors proceed along the path, providing unstable footing and causing a further loss of balance.

For those tunnels not enclosed in buildings, there are various types of enclosures designed to protect the tunnel from the weather and vandals, and to keep visitors safe from contact with moving parts.