Drive thru Attractions are being tested in Japan, Texas and Orlando.
Imagine.
Driving down a dark lonely road when suddenly you catch a glimpse of movement off to the side. Stopping the car slightly, you peer towards the left to see if your mind is playing tricks on you. Most certainly the conclusion you come to, as there is no longer anything to focus on aside from the deep dark of the woods. Sighing you face back forward – only to see then the horde of zombies coming towards you. This is not a fire drill – nor a movie where someone else plays the victim tonight.
Welcome to the creation of Drive thru Horror.
Kowagarasetai – a horror event production company based in Japan, created their drive through attraction after loosing 80% of their customers to Cornavirus.
Summer in Japan is considered the season of Kaiden – or Ghost Stories. Because of social distancing and safety concerns, patrons have passed on visiting traditional haunted attractions.
Kowagarastetai’s producer – Kenta Iwana spoke about the virus impacting his business. “It’s because a haunted house creates an environment with three Cs,” These C’s refer to closed spaces, crowded places and close – contact settings.
Instead of allowing these concerns hinder his business, Iwana decided to give horror fans exactly what they want in a germ free environment.
When trapped in a car, visitors can scream as loud as they’d like, while their windows are plastered with blood and swarmed with gory creatures.
“At the drive-in haunted house, guests are confined in a car so they can’t escape the horror until the end. It makes it even more scary for them.”
The term – Kowagarasetai – translates to a squad wanting to scare. Upon arrival, victims are given a recording that is played in their car to enhance their experience. The recording spins of a story of a haunted garage where nightmares become reality and where visitors are transported into a realm full of sinister spirits.
Here in the States, The Haunted Drive in Splendora Tx is opening an additional section of road for this season’s scare experience. Visitors roll through a series of scenes that include giant spiders, werewolves and killer clowns.
The Haunted Road is scheduled to make it’s debut in Orlando this season. The attraction is described as a fully immersive and completely contactless experience.
Designed as a theatrical attraction, The Haunted Road is using some very persuasive voices to present this large scale scare. Jessica Mariko is being brought in to produce. Jessica is a seasoned executive producer who has created several successful interactive experiences in Orlando. The storyline will be written by Nick Graves – who worked with Walt Disney Entertainment for 23 years.
“With the arts and entertainment industry at a standstill, and an increasing need to find new, safe outdoor entertainment, we knew it was the perfect time to develop a unique Halloween experience so everyone can enjoy a dose of horror this upcoming Halloween season, from the comfort of their car,” Mariko shared in an official statement.
It will be interesting to measure the success of these events and see what other attractions will incorporate these ideals or go full on for a completely immersive experience like no other. In a year of pandemics, it may be the simplest answer for haunts who have both the space and atmosphere.
Concept art for The Haunted Road in Orlando
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