Necromancy is a reservation based experience featuring a 20 minute pre-show in a lively (and spooky) parlor where libations are served. The parlor is an active showroom, rigged with visual and sound effects to set the mood. Prior to the start of the main show, “Medium’s Assistants” approach each group (max of 10) and have one of the guests in each group draw three tarot cards from ten of the Major Arcana—these random draw of cards allow the experience to be changed to reduce the likelihood of a return guest repeating the same ghost story.

Taken to their assigned seance room, guests are guided through the show ride by a Medium. Once the experience guests’ chairs are safely guided and tucked into the seance table (chairs adjust for height/size via pneumatics and a series of sensors, as well as an air-bag “lap bar” system). I created the idea for a new 4D simulator ride vehicle which utilizes custom built chairs—featuring surround sound speakers in the headrest, air and scent cannons—and a table on a pneumatic simulator system allowing the entire group to lift/drop, tilt, pivot, and spin. When the ghosts enter, the heavy curtains surrounding the room fly open on an automated track system revealing a 360 curved LED wall mixed with Dolby surround sound and show lighting which allows the ghosts to tell their specific Savannah ghost story. Once the experience ends, the table table returns to the ground, releasing the guests into the post show room where they are given a tarot card to take home—specific to the ghost story they just experienced and the house that goes with it, encouraging guests to visit the site and increase historic tourism in Savannah.

There is a basement speakeasy open to the public during operating hours called The Afterlife. Entering through a hidden door in a false parlor, guests can enjoy 1920s libations and lively entertainment without a reservation (though there are tables reserved for larger parties from the upstairs experience). Should they want to make a reservation for the experience upstairs, guests may do so at the bar.

This experience could be tailored to any city wanting to increase historic tourism. The assignment was to utilize the footprint of a preexisting parking garage—another example of how this could be modified to fit anywhere. This particular design has 4 active showrooms, but could be tailored to less or more for ride/guest capacity.

*a proposed Tarot Card data system (not featured here) and 3d model mock-up of the ride vehicle was created by my partner on the project, Beryl Wang. Concept, story, concept art, storyboards, vehicle design, chair design, invitation (letter and card) were created by me.