Hey Thrill Seekers,
IP Series
This week we’re going to be looking at Intellectual Properties (IP’s) and which ones we believe would make excellent additions to the Orlando theme park landscape. So far we’ve looked at Lord of the Rings and Assassin’s Creed. Today we’re heading to Hawkins to visit Netflix’s smash hit Stranger Things.
The IP is of course owned by Netflix but has been licenced out to theme parks notably Six Flags and Universal Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights in 2023 however what if Hawkins wasn’t just seasonal? What if it became a permanent, fully immersive land?
Let’s imagine how Stranger Things: Hawkins Comes to Life could transform Orlando’s theme park landscape.
Welcome to Hawkins, Indiana
Guests would enter through a quiet suburban street straight out of the 1980s:
- Modest houses
- Flickering streetlights
- Arcade sounds in the distance
- Bikes parked outside storefronts
But subtle clues hint at danger:
- Power outages
- Cracked walls
- Strange vines creeping through buildings
As visitors explore deeper, the world slowly transitions into The Upside Down.
Signature Attractions
1. Escape from the Upside Down (Flagship Ride)
A hybrid dark ride/coaster experience:
- Board a Hawkins Lab transport vehicle
- Encounter Demogorgons and Mind Flayers
- Travel between realities
- Sudden launches and drops
Think: Guardians of the Galaxy meets Haunted Mansion — with horror elements.
2. Hawkins Lab: Classified (Interactive Walkthrough)
A story-driven walkthrough:
- Secret government experiments
- Holographic scientists
- Telekinetic effects
- Hidden passageways
Guests feel like they’re uncovering forbidden research.
3. Starcourt Mall Mayhem (Family Ride)
A lighter, nostalgic attraction:
- Indoor ride through the mall
- ‘80s music
- Shopping chaos
- Russian agents subplot
Perfect balance of fun and story.
Dining & Retail
Scoops Ahoy Ice Cream
A full-service version of the fan-favorite shop:
- Nautical décor
- Character interactions
- Specialty sundaes
Benny’s Burgers
Classic diner-style food:
- Burgers, fries, shakes
- Neon lights
- Retro booths
Merch Ideas
- Walkie-talkies
- Hawkins High jackets
- Eleven-inspired hoodies
- Retro arcade merch
Live Entertainment
Hawkins High Pep Rally
A daily stage show featuring:
- Cheerleaders
- Music
- Story interruptions by monsters
Character Encounters
Meet:
- Eleven
- Dustin
- Steve
- Max
- Hopper
All in character — no generic meet-and-greets.
Why It Would Work
- Built-in fanbase
- Nostalgia + horror = broad appeal
- Proven popularity at HHN
- Endless merchandising potential
This land would attract teens, young adults, and families alike.
Final Thoughts
Hawkins wouldn’t just be a themed area it would be an emotional experience — blending friendship, fear, and nostalgia into a world guests could truly live in.
Would you visit Dawkins at one of the parks, if so which park?
Smiles included…
Jamie
