'IT CHAPTER TWO' is Ready to Haunt Your Memories
Sin City's most frightening escape attraction debuts a long-awaited sequel, bringing Stephen King's epic to its horrifying conclusion.
From the highway, this building appears to be just another warehouse in a Las Vegas industrial district. That is until you notice the red balloons, two eerie red letters, and a shadowy figure hiding behind shipping containers. Is that...a clown?
The eternally damned town of Derry, Maine comes to life at Escape IT. More than just a traditional escape room, Escape IT is a massive attraction that will literally consume you...if you give in to your fears. Pennywise the Clown knows what scares you, and the more you search through Derry's secrets, the more this shape-shifting being will learn about you, too.
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Stephen King's IT is an epic tale that spans the lives of a group of outcasts who call themselves "The Losers". As children, they encounter an evil that has preyed on Derry youngsters for hundreds of years. Thinking that they have eradicated Derry's monster in the finale of "IT Chapter One", The Losers must return as adults to finally finish the task in "IT Chapter Two".
IT has been filmed twice, once as a multi-part television event and then as a pair of theatrical hits. The story taps into a global phenomenon known as "coulrophobia"...a fear of clowns. Both children and adults experience this condition, and the reasons why aren't entirely understood. If you're one of those individuals, now you can face your demons head-on.
Escape IT opened with "Chapter One" this past March. The multi-room experience was the latest thriller from the mind of Jason Egan. The handsome Las Vegas local came to national attention years ago with "Fright Dome", an annual Halloween scare-fest at Circus Circus.
Since then Egan's been behind The Official SAW ESCAPE and BLAIR WITCH ESCAPE, with dozens of other scary projects in between. His creations receive full endorsement and participation from movie studios like Lionsgate, Warner Brothers, and New Line Cinema. But unlike The Hunger Games Exhibition at MGM Grand and Marvel AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N at Treasure Island, Jason's attractions are definitely not for kids.
“It’s been such a thrill working with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and having them trust me with their characters and story and bring this one-of-a-kind experience to Las Vegas.”
- Jason Egan
Your adventure begins at Capitol Theater, downtown Derry's moviehouse. The year is 1988, and New Line's NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Part 5 (starring Las Vegas resident Lisa Wilcox) will be opening soon. Authentic, fully-operational vintage video games line the lobby where you can purchase snacks and tickets for your cinematic adventure.
"Chapter Two" opened to the public this week, completing a dream project that's been years in the making. The 30,000-square-foot attraction takes Stephen King fans on an adrenaline-fueled nightmare come to life. Scenes, sets, and sequences from the films were painstakingly recreated, allowing visitors to fully entrench themselves in the atmosphere of Derry's landmarks...and those terrifying underground sewers where Pennywise waits.
Don't confuse Egan's attractions with Halloween pop-up events. All Egan Productions are fully-realized marvels that are open year-round. Each experience is on par with those created for Disney and Universal Studios theme parks. Stunning animatronics, live character actors, sound effects, dazzling lighting, authentic movie sets, and even fragrances take the level of realism to unbelievable heights.
Egan hosted an exciting gala this week for the official unveiling of Escape IT Chapter Two. Members of the press were joined by Carlos Avilas (manager of WBD Global Themed Entertainment), execs from MGM Resorts, and more to visit the "Jade of the Orient" restaurant. That's where The Losers gather after twenty-seven years to plan their strategy for destroying evil once and for all.
Naturally, the party is crashed by their nemesis, jumpstarting a quest that leads through Derry's Carnival Midway to the lair of Pennywise itself. Assuming the roles of Derry's heroes, visitors move from one scene to the next, unlocking clues that open doors to the next mystery.
From Mike's office and the Losers' Clubhouse to Beverly's childhood apartment and the notorious Neibolt house, you'll race against time with Pennywise always lurking, ready to drag you below the small town's streets. "We all float down here".
Each chapter in the Escape IT experience is a separately-ticketed adventure. You'll want to allot at least 60 minutes per chapter, and you can save a bundle by purchasing a combo package. General Admission guests will visit Derry as a combined group (maximum of ten people) or choose a private VIP Experience for you and your friends/family. Which door will you pick...NOT SCARY AT ALL, SCARY, or VERY SCARY?
As mentioned above, Escape IT is not for children. All participants are required to provide valid identification, sign a waiver, and agree to follow all regulations and restrictions (click here for further details). Due to the nature and structure of the experience, advance reservations are required. Walk-in guests cannot be accommodated, and no refunds will be issued to those who deem it as "too scary". This is an intense attraction, and it's meant to be.
After you've escaped IT, there is still plenty to see and do. Stop by "Derry Historical Museum", with actual props from the films. Head to"Derry Canal Days Midway" and challenge your friends to a round of Pac-Man or a few carnival skill games. Before you return to the real world, be sure to pick up some memorabilia from the lobby's retail shop.
Escape IT is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 273 South Martin Luther King Blvd, near World Market Center and downtown Las Vegas. Hours vary by day. Ticket prices vary with general admission starting at $54.99 and VIP private game tickets at $74.99. For more information, please visit EscapeIT.com or call 702.637.1335.
Photos by VEGAS 411, video courtesy of One Seven Agency
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