I went back and read the TPU article and decided to expand on my thoughts/theory.
The article says it isn’t a reference to the defunct attraction, but I can’t help seeing similarities the idea has to past houses that resided in the Earthquake queue (specifically Earthquake so the houses from 1994 to 2007 so DoT through TCM).
Of course, the initial play on words that started my mind working towards a possible misinterpretation was due to HHN 14. Earthquake only had one set of zombies that was a fan favorite and has been brought back during an anniversary: Deadtropolis. But there’s that thought on how it hits to close to home, right now. So...
In 2001, Dark Torment was housed inside the Earthquake extended queue. Unlike any other house that resided there, you had to ride Earthquake to enter the house. The concept/story? You don’t survive the earthquake and end up in the underworld surrounded by tormented souls. It was a fantastic experience, and I’m happy I was able to experience it. The similarities are there to the article concept. It removes any potential societal issues brought about by current affairs.
Next up: Doomsday 1999 not to be confused with Doomsday 2008. ‘99 Doomsday was an original story and played heavily with the Y2K paranoia and panic. The concept was NYers have swarmed underground into the subway tunnels due to Y2K. There was a scene with zombies in a bus or subway car. Again, this concept could be interpreted as earthquake zombies if only pieces of info are being used, but it also hits those societal issues.
Finally, the one I can’t help going back to:
Both Mummy houses resided in Earthquake. Now, I’m not suggesting a house based on the movie or even the classic character, but what about something that was a little Tomb of the Ancients mixed with the Kerezan origin story? The Zombie Attack at Hierakonpolis is said to be the source of the Kerezan legion.
Who knows. I still need to spec. It keeps my brain active and entertained.