This blog series continues exploring haunted attractions and how even spook houses should have story elements. The last entry examined perspective, now we move onto setting.

In 2022, I was fortunate enough to visit several haunted attractions in Universal Studios – Orlando’s theme park. I will briefly describe and review the house and then dive into how it uses storytelling techniques (plot, setting, characters) to enhance the mood.

Today’s blog reviews two houses: “Descendents of Destruction” and “Hellblock Horror.” In Descendents, the human race has migrated underground because the upper atmosphere is too deadly (or something like that). In Hellblock, a prison break of monstrous humans is in process, and you’ve stumbled into it.

Descendents of Destruction was an enjoyable house. The deeper one proceeds, the weirder the creatures popping out at you. While fun, this was a typical maze with great costumed players. A few subway effects added to the enjoyment.

I admit, I wasn’t enthused by Hellblock Horror’s theme, but it drew me in and won me over. Gory and loud, the “regular” people warning you throughout the house left me with some chilling memories. Much better than expected.

But how do these two houses connect to a story? The plot is threadbare and no “character” stands out. They get the point-of-view right—you are basically an intruder and somewhere you really shouldn’t be. Where they both succeed is their excellent settings.

Most mazes are set in houses where zombies dwell, or compounds where a virus has escaped, or junkyards where maniacs roam. Most local scary attractions don’t have the budget to recreate a subway tunnel or a prison with such detail. This is where these two mazes shine. A setting shouldn’t be an afterthought or window dressing. If done right, it is as much a part of the story as the plot. Think of the factory in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It could’ve been ordinary with a few extraordinary touches, but Roald Dahl makes the setting intricately connected to its owner and the plot. Similarly, these two houses used abandoned railway trains and red lights, giant fungi and cell doors to their advantage. In like manner, a story should use its setting to its advantage. How much more romantic to have your couple fall into a bed shaped like a heart? How much more chilling when your character realizes the paintings in the room used human skin instead of canvas?

So carefully consider your setting when writing or revising your story. Use it to bring out emotions in characters, to reflect themes, or to convey atmosphere.