Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: How Haunted House Attractions Work
Oct 26, 2019
Discover how haunted house attractions have evolved since ancient Egypt, blending psychology and engineering to terrify visitors. Explore unique designs, community engagement, and the fascinating history that shapes today’s spooky experiences. Dive into the artistry of horror films that rely on suspense over shock, and learn about the extreme thrills of places like McKamey Manor. The discussion even touches on how some attractions deliver moral lessons through fear, revealing the cultural significance of this chilling entertainment.
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Ancient Origins
- Haunted house attractions are new but their roots trace back to ancient times.
- Egyptians used scare tactics to deter grave robbers, while Greeks and Romans built mazes with monsters.
Theatrical Influences
- Stage effects, like fake blood, originated in Greek and Roman theater, influencing haunted houses.
- Shakespeare used ghosts and monsters in his plays, and Victorian-era wax museums included scary figures.
Dark Rides and Illusions
- John Pepper invented a mirror-based illusion in the 1800s, used in Disney's Haunted Mansion.
- Dark rides, found in smaller amusement parks, with simple scares, directly influenced haunted houses.