This blog series wraps up exploring haunted attractions and how scary attractions must have story elements. We’ve examined perspective, alternate endings, setting, and “the hook” (or, the promise). This last in the series looks at characters.

Dead Man’s Pier: Winter’s Wake is an attraction not based on an existing intellectual property but imagined by the team at Universal Studios – Florida. This was the last—and best—house I visited the one night I was at Universal Studios. The group in front of us entered and I heard one say “Oh, wow.” Walking in, one enters the middle of a town square set somewhere in an imaginary New England coastal town. The sound of water and the noticeable drop in temperature only added to the immersive setting.

But this house is about more than setting. It tells the story of a dead sea captain summoning ghosts / zombies from the sea. Also, a violinist is connected to the onslaught of the undead in its cold and icy surroundings.

This house was both thrilling and awe-inspiring. The sets were picture perfect, the effects were a great deal of fun, and some of the images—especially of the violinist—will stick in my mind for a long time. I loved every minute of this house, and it will forever be the best haunted attraction I ever walked through! (Note the word “walked through.” “Rode through” belongs at the theme park down the road).

Note: The image below is from inside the attraction as you enter. The picture is actually cutoff—far more of the town is present. Notice the detail of the setting and the statue of the violinist, promising what lies ahead. Amazing.

But how does this relate to story telling? As in the best of attractions, including a certain mansion down the way, it gives you only glimpses of a story without spelling it out. Your mind fills in the details. It also has characters that are distinguishable and central to the plot. The sea captain makes an early appearance. His presence warns you of what is to come. And what about the siren-like violinist perched atop the scenery! Nowhere did it say that her melody is what raised the dead, but it’s strongly implied. The use of multiple actors throughout the set really lends to the story and atmosphere. The instant I exited, I wanted to write a story about “Dead Man’s Pier.” And doesn’t that happen with most good stories? To retell them with your additions or embellishments?

Good stories require a strong character. The plot alone cannot generate enough interest to get the reader to the end. Most haunted attractions are based on plot, but when one goes above and beyond and creates its own memorable characters, then you have something truly special. As in writing, when you combine interesting characters with a well-designed plot, it’s a one-two combination that has the reader spinning with joy.