I've thought it seems to be tamer (and brighter) every time I ride it. Of course, the first time I rode it I was 7 or so years old in 1977. I'm sure that's part of the reason it seems tamer. It was my favorite ride back then (I always liked the chocolate chip cookies floating overhead). It's still the best in the MK although both RnR and ToT are much more enjoyable to me.
Honestly, it's pretty tame for a roller coaster, but the dark adds some to the excitement. I don't know if it's actually brighter, or I just pay more attention now, but you can see the track most of the time. I will agree with an earlier poster, sitting in the front, you really feel like you are "out" there. I don't care for it, it doesn't feel like there's anything in front of you. I prefer seeing my DW or DD in front of me.