Orlando Theme Park Built for Jesus
Florida attraction tries to bring the Bible and the holy land to life.
Nov. 4, 2010— -- ORLANDO -- Most amusement parks offer guests rides, shows and loveable characters. But one Florida park also provides daily communion.
Welcome to the Holy Land Experience, a 15-acre attraction that brings Bible stories to life, albeit with a heavy hand of proselytizing.
Here in America's theme park capital, guests are treated to 10 daily recreations of the Last Supper, a chance to mingle with Roman soldiers, and every day at noon and again at 5 p.m., Jesus is shackled in chains and whipped, before being dragged, bloodily, through the streets of old Jerusalem.
If you couldn't be there 2,000 years ago -- here's your chance.
There is a replica of the Church of the Nativity just around the corner from King Solomon's third temple, which doubles as one of the many performance stages. For those who want a more active role in the festivities, there's Christian Karaoke -- "sing for the King" a sign outside of the Theater of Life encourages.
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Guests flock here every day -- except Sunday -- to "soak up the inspirational atmosphere," explained Jane Wilcox, who works in guest relations with her husband Martin. The cost: $35 for one day and $50 for a two-day pass. Most visitors stay for the entire day, coming together in the afternoon to pray.
On a recent Saturday morning, dozens of buses and vans were dropping off tour and church groups before the park's gates even opened. Inside the park, praise music, such as "The Year of the Jubilee," plays in the background and shrubs spell out "HE IS RISEN."
You can never be too young for the Holy Land Experience. There's a children's area with a rock climbing wall, a theater dedicated to Noah and his ark and a spot where kids can walk into a stinky whale's mouth and see a trapped Jonah.
There's even a spot where you can pose for a photo of you walking on water with Jesus.