Terror on Church Street
opened in 1991 in downtown Orlando (Florida, USA) and was
the first American installation of the popular Pasaje del
Terror concept.
The Woolworth building was transformed into what
people described as "the most elaborate" of the Pasaje
attractions up to that date (November 8th, 1991). Visitor
participation, constantly changing scripts and actors who
were encouraged to improvise made each journey unique.
The promotional
leaflet states:
"A ghoulish monk
peers from a cobwebbed doorway, ushering visitors
into a nightmare journey of fear. Down dark, winding
passageways, you enter a terrifying world where
hi-tech special effects, live actors and multiple
sound tracks accompany your passage through
individual theatrical sets and scenes, creating the
ultimate experience in horror. Beyond panic, beyond
the limits of fear, there is Terror on Church
Street.
For the first time on American soil, this European
terror attraction that has thrilled millions is
striking fear in the heart of Orlando. Dare to
experience the most horrifying adventure of your
life, adding a chilling new dimension to your
evening downtown. Enter the ghostly labyrinth that
is Terror on Church Street!"
Visitors entered Terror on Church Street in groups
of eight. However, exiting groups were often smaller
- thanks to the "chicken" exits for the faint of
heart.
An Advertising press release for Terror on Church
Street at the time stated the following:
"Everyone is afraid of something. You've probably
had at least one terrifying nightmare that just
wouldn't leave you alone.
Maybe it involves a rabid dog with evil red eyes
panting in a dark alley; or possibly you've
envisioned a madman with a horrific smile staring at
you through your bedroom window...
Whatever the nature of your greatest fears, you'll
come face to face with them at Terror On Church
street in downtown Orlando.
A word of warning - this is no kiddie haunted house.
It's not like seeing a Hollywood horror movie
either.
This is a completely unique experience in fear
because you don't just SEE it - you feel it.
It's all around you.
While the actors never come into physical contact
with the visitors, the theatrical use of light,
temperature, sound and the element of surprise
combine to create an environment of apprehension and
dread."
Convenient parking was available nearby and in peak
season it stayed open until 1am!
From the Calendar section of The Sentinel (November
8 - 14, 1991) Debra K. Minor of the Sentinel staff
wrote the following:
"Bad dogs? They got 'em. Evil dolls? Those too. Lots
of dead, undead and some who would rather be dead?
Uh-huh."
The horrors were not defined. Much was based on
suggestion, anticipation of what might happen and
conceptual kinds of fears.
Terror on Church Street actually missed its deadline
for opening due to construction difficulties. It was
hoped Terror on Church Street would open in time for
Halloween. It actually opened on November 8th 1991.
