"TOMB: interactive, walk-through adventure experience"
A new take on the "location-based" entertainment genre that adds puzzles imbedded in the sets:
You're standing in a tent. The phone rings: An archaeology professor needs you to explore a mysterious Egyptian tomb. A stone door rumbles open. For the next 45 minutes you will solve puzzles to determine your fate. Fail and you will "die." (Not to worry—you're really inside a storefront in Boston.) Dreamed up by Matthew DuPlessie, 28, an MBA who has built attractions for Disney, the new creation called Tomb combines a theme-park ride, haunted house, videogame, and live theater. Ticket sales have brought in $600,000 since October 2004. When demand tapers off in Beantown, the portable $1 million Tomb set will be off to terrify a new city. DuPlessie has signed a deal to open his second attraction in 2007 at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.
Via Small Business - Sales From the Crypt - FORTUNE SMALL BUSINESS - Page
and cinematical blog
and review at about.com
Comments
It is encouraging to see someone realize the creative and business potential in LBE venues. Building on the popularity of Pharaohs and Tombs was a good choice for content, as it is always very popular with diverse age groups. I know this type of content is a big hit @ the Disney Theme Parks. It will be interesting to see how this smaller scale attraction stands the test of time and travel.
The Spy Museum in Washington DC (another stop on my Thesis Research Trip) was terrific. The most successful feature is the spy training section. Similar in concept to the astronaut training camp @ Epcot’s Mission Space, guests “role play” and learn how to be a spy through several small exhibits.
Note that the DC Spy Museum, not part of the Smithsonian, also pays tribute to Hollywood Spies and includes one of 007’s movie vehicles. However, that section is fairly weak and will surely be improved with DuPlessie’s efforts.
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December 23, 2005 6:56 PM