Scare Attractions and Covid 19 Survey Results
We recently asked our readers for their current opinions on attending scare attractions in the time of Covid - 19. What is clear from the results, is there a lot of uncertainty at the moment, and although people are eager to get back to scare attractions, there is a very high expectation that the experience will not be the same as a standard Halloween event
Please note: This survey is a cross population from people who love and enjoy scare attractions (hence they follow ScareTOUR etc) This means that the survey may be unfairly skewed as it doesn't take into account the general public who make up a large percentage of people who visit scare attractions each year. Operators know that enthusiasts will always do their best to visit and support events, but the key to any success this year will be ensuring the general public are convinced that it is safe to return, and their visit is worth the expense and risk.
As we understand it at the moment - scare attractions are labelled under "live entertainment", and as such are not allowed to currently operate in any format. Further guidance will be issued in due time.
Do you think that scare attractions as we know them (close contact, large groups, and enclosed spaces) will be able to open successfully this Halloween?
What is noticeable here is the very low percentage for "Yes". As experienced scare attraction visitors, it is clear we are all aware of the risk that a normal attraction could create from both the visitor aspect and for the actors. This is also a sign that the community accept that there will need to be changes in the way attractions operate if they are allowed to open.
Do you think that social distancing rules may impact your experience of a scare attraction this Halloween? Such as actors keeping 2m away or actors wearing masks etc ?
The results pretty much speak for themselves here and back up Q1.
Do you think sections where you need to touch things should be removed for safety reasons (ie Claustrophobia tunnels, crawl tunnels, body bags and other moveable props)?
This will be an interesting aspect for scare attractions. As we stay socially distant and are advised not to touch things etc, what impact could this have on mazes? One respondent suggested that Claustrophobia tunnels be disinfected between groups - which would be impossible from an operational aspect!
If you live apart from your friends, would you expect to drive separately, and remain socially distant from your party at all times?
The rules on social distancing and "support bubbles" etc are constantly changing. But at the time this survey was written, a visit from the ScareTOUR team alone would have meant 5 cars, and then we would have to remain socially distant within each maze. It's interesting that nearly 40% of people replied no, which does go to show that there is a general disregard for social distancing guidance between friends (as evidenced on the news recently with large gatherings in parks and beaches). Unless social distancing is enforced - this is going to be very hard to police and could increase infection in the future.
Whose responsibility is it ensure you are safe at all times when visiting a scare attraction?
It is comforting to see that most sensible people realise this is a shared responsibility. Operators and visitors all play a part in containing the potential spread of the virus.
Would you be prepared to wear a mask at all times when visiting a scare attraction or event?
Masks are becoming more and more standard in day to day life. They are mandatory on public transport and at theme parks, and it is clear that someone screaming could project more airborne particles. Even if events do open this year, their is a social and moral responsibility to protect the actors (who work in cramped and hot conditions as it is.)
Would you be prepared to pay more for the experience, to help the scare attraction cover the costs of social distancing signage, hand sanitisation points, actor masks etc?
This should be comforting for scare attractions, as the costs of PPE, sanitising stations etc are all a large unexpected financial burden. If attractions have to control visitor numbers to avoid over crowding then any expense will have an impact on the bottom line. The problem this question doesn't address is "would people be happy paying more but getting a lesser experience - ie no shows or entertainment." With the UK plunging into recession and a lot of people furloughed or unemployed, will there be an appetite for the general public to pay extra?
Have you pre-booked any scare attraction tickets, hotels, or flights for the 2020 Halloween season?
It would be interesting to compare this to a non Covid year, to see when people actually start booking and planning their visits. There are always the early bird releases and deals throughout the year but at the moment nearly 80% of people have got nothing booked for this Halloween.
Do you think there will be a second wave of Coronoavirus and we may be forced back into lockdown?
It's the age old question - will there be another spike or not? A few countries that have released lockdown have seen an increase in cases and deaths, but it really is too early to say. But the fact that only 20% of respondents chose a definite "no", indicates there is clearly a fear that it could happen.
Looking at the results in full - it is obvious that there is still a lot of uncertainty, and this must be a terrible time for scare attraction operators, who need to start planning and building NOW - if they are to open any kind of event in Halloween (if they are even allowed)
Unfortunately no-body has a crystal ball and can see the future, but we expect this year to be VERY different in terms of content, and design. Like just about every other industry, the long term impacts of Covid-19 will be devastating for scare attractions and we just hope that everyone can hunker down and get through this unprecedented disaster.
Unfortunately no-body has a crystal ball and can see the future, but we expect this year to be VERY different in terms of content, and design. Like just about every other industry, the long term impacts of Covid-19 will be devastating for scare attractions and we just hope that everyone can hunker down and get through this unprecedented disaster.
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