We are mid-way through the scare season and there’s a whole mix of things which either cling with you that should stay around or simply belong in the bin. Not necessarily directly mazes but more of what’s featured or how they are delivered. So, let’s have a chat:
Hooded Mazes – Bin
A simple big no from me. I’ve done a couple over the years and they simply don’t do enough to keep me wanting more. There’s an element of you being so focused on the rope to where you are heading that no matter what the actors do around you it doesn’t do anything. I can appreciate how this could be a bit much for some people and how they enjoy it. But for me, I rather see and be scared of the scares in that sense than worry about where I’m walking and whether I’m going to fall instead of the actors and how they’ll terrify me.
Experimental Experience- Keep
More or less looking at the Purgatory this is a prime example of experimenting. The whole lantern for your light in a small group is brilliant. Of course, the batching needs to be worked on to make it fully practical but the concept is there and that’s enough. I’m keen to see how it evolves for next year. But more of this type of freshness, please. Let’s explore new avenues on scares I know over at Avon Fear there’s a water based scare attraction. We’re yet to visit here but that’s another maze which pops to mind with the whole trying out with new techniques & settings.
Black Spots – Bin
I’m talking pure black rooms that you’re somehow supposed to navigate around. I get it’s supposed to intimidate you but simply makes it impossible sometimes. There’s more frustration than fear in situations like this. Dark spaces with small lights are absolutely welcomed. Pure darkness with no idea of how to escape isn’t the one but then also nothing happening either. It’s not fun.
Drop Down Windows – Keep
Vile. My weak point is exactly these type of scares. They genuinely get me every single time particularly when the window is perfectly hidden. Although I’ve experienced this scare tactic numerous times across so many various mazes and even attractions like The Dungeons. It simply NEVER fails to get me. I don’t forget they exist at all I know fine and well they are a thing but the tension alone of where they are dotted around and then actually experiencing them nearly finishes me off every single time.
Large Batching – Bin
It doesn’t work at all. It’s not only taking the experience away from the guests but it also adds to the actor’s job and makes it even tougher for them to portray their full potential. Smaller groups of around 6 would be lovely half the sizing and the mazes I have no doubt would be on a more intense form. Of course, that’s not ignoring the fact sometimes this is physically impossible to allow queues to be maintained at a rational length. It’s one of those things you wish could be the case but appreciation may be impossible to accomplish too.
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Bin or Keep… I’d love to hear your thoughts and your ideas on both options what you’d keep to what you’d bin!
Thanks for reading and let’s have a chat!