Diary of a Wimpy Kid Welcome to Racoon City Part 1

Overview

A notebook-style diary begins with Greg recounting how life in Plainview collapses almost overnight after months of his parents acting strange. His dad grows upset when his mom refuses to explain a conversation she had with a mysterious man linked to Umbrella Pharmaceuticals. Then, one day, she calmly announces:

“Pack your bags—I got a new job.”

It’s revealed they’re moving to Raccoon City, Missouri—Umbrella’s company town.

Move to Raccoon City

Greg and his family leave behind Plainview’s problems (along with painful goodbyes, including a moment involving Rowley) and fly to their new life. The new house—and especially the Umbrella-run middle school—impresses Greg: it’s gleaming, high-tech, and artsy.

However, he’s unsettled by how Umbrella is everywhere, even in school life.

The Nightmare Unfolds

What starts as a “fresh start” quickly becomes a disaster. Murders erupt in the Arklay Mountains, where victims are later found mangled. Authorities claim it’s “bears,” but no one believes them.

Dad becomes increasingly stressed as STARS (special forces investigators) are deployed. A STARS team goes missing, and the next mission goes badly—people die, and Umbrella appears connected.

The police chief orders everyone to stay quiet. Meanwhile, Mom—working on Umbrella’s company newspaper—writes what Greg sees as propaganda and damage control.

City Collapse and Lockdown

As rumors spread and trust falls apart, the situation deteriorates rapidly:

• Riots break out downtown
• Schools close
• Lockdown begins

Mom disappears, leaving Greg wondering what she knew and why she didn’t tell them. Almost immediately, the lockdown escalates into full horror: something attacks the basement where Rodrick was hiding. Greg and his dad barricade themselves, but the house is eventually overrun.

Greg’s Survival

Greg escapes into the woods and reaches a surprisingly intact supermarket, which becomes his survival base. He scavenges supplies, eats microwave “rammies,” and tries to understand what’s happening—while developing worsening symptoms (itching/blisters), suggesting he’s been exposed to something dangerous.

Outside, zombies roam, and eventually even track him—making escape urgent.

Final Fright and the Diary’s End

As Greg tries to reach a hospital and/or police station, he’s interrupted by a brief but terrifying encounter: a huge creature is chasing someone nearby. Greg decides he has no choice but to stay inside.

The diary ends with Greg preparing to pack food and water, writing that if he doesn’t continue, it likely means he didn’t make it out.

Key Highlights / Jokes / Reactions

• Greg’s sarcastic skepticism about Umbrella’s “safe” public storylines, including the “bears” explanation and STARS cover language.
• A comedic-but-dark running tone as the glamorous Umbrella world turns into a nightmare.
• A sudden family collapse: Mom vanishes; Dad and Rodrick are killed; Manny likely doesn’t survive—horrifyingly abrupt escalation.
• Survival details delivered through Greg’s annoyed perspective (like microwave “rammies”), contrasted with brutal zombie threats.
• A moment of fear followed by reflex after seeing something massive chasing someone outside.

Appearing Personalities (Main)

• Greg Heffley
• Mom (unnamed in subtitles)
• Dad (unnamed in subtitles)
• Rodrick Heffley
• Manny Heffley
• Rowley (friend from Plainview)
• Frederick “Fregley” (old school acquaintance who returns)
• Umbrella leadership / Spencer (referenced via Oswald E. Spencer)
• Police Chief Brian Irons (mentioned)
• STARS team members (mostly referenced, not individually described in subtitles)
• Rowley’s parents (briefly, during goodbyes)