Theme Park Apprentice TOC2 - Week 4 - From the Ashes

Tired of suffering vacation meltdowns? Sick of the fallout? Then come to Chernobyl Park, built upon the ashes of Pripyat’s never-named, never-opened amusement park. “Chernobyl Park, where we radiate fun!”

Come for the thrills, stay for the background radiation!

Coming soon to Ukraine’s Zone of Alienation...

Okay, so what I posted up there is obviously a joke. Pripyat doesn't have nearly the acreage nor the population density to support a major theme park.

It's also radioactive.

My real proposal is found below!

MONSTROUS REALMS
Nara, Japan

There are those who will say that old amusement parks are abandoned for reasons as prosaic as flagging attendance. But sometimes the truth is far, far more exciting...

MONSTERS!

This was the fate for Japan’s Nara Dreamland. One day in 2006, a mighty Gryphon descended from the mountains, attracted by the park’s central fairy tale castle. The site was shuttered. Monsters took over. From our human perspective, this vacant Disneyland knockoff grew to seed and became a popular destination for urban adventurers. Ah, but this was all an illusion of the Gryphon’s magic.

In truth, the Gryphon was secretly transforming Nara Dreamland into Monstrous Realms, a nature preserve for legendary creatures! From all corners of the globe came beasts such as Minotaurs, Mermaids, Mummies and more. Monstrous Realms enticed them with its monster-friendly habitats, faithful recreations of the enchanted worlds these creatures once knew...

Ottoman Realm represents a medieval bestiary in old Istanbul. Grecian Realm houses Centaurs, Cyclopses and Gorgons. Gothic Realm is an accursed Carpathian forest of Vampires and Werewolves. Celtic Realm gathers together Dragons, Fairies and Unicorns. Atlantean Realm gives refuge to Sea Monsters. Shogun Realm amasses Japan’s many motley “yokai.” Persian Realm contains the beasts of ancient Mesopotamia. All these kingdoms surround the Legendary Lagoon, where the Gryphon reigns from the iconic Beastly Basilica atop an islet peak.

His land now complete, the wise Gryphon has removed his enchantments and opened Monstrous Realms as a park for humans to visit. This shall be a huge boon to mankind, naturally, but theme park investors need more concrete justification. Well, Nara Dreamland was actually phenomenally popular when it opened in 1961, with millions visiting annually. This lasted until the opening of Tokyo Disneyland in 1983. It was then just moderately popular until DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan opened in 2001. That was the final nail. Nara Dreamland ultimately failed due bankruptcy, both financial and creative. Its site still holds great promise!

The city of Nara is itself a destination for both tourists and locals, with a wealth of ancient Edo temples. Nara sits in the center of the Keihanshan metropolitan region, Japan’s second most densely populated area, with over 20 million people within an hour’s drive. Nara is mere miles from both Kyoto and Osaka, perfect for hotel shuttles or metro transport. With Disney and Universal, Japan hosts the world’s 3rd, 4th and 5th most popular theme parks. They are a big deal in Japanese culture – as are monsters, in fact – so Monstrous Realms done right needn’t be seen as competition, but a compliment. Small in scale (50 acres) but not in quality, our park will be a lovely regional alternative to the big dogs nearby. Thematically, Monstrous Realms is not too far removed from the old Nara Dreamland – fantasy worlds around a central palace – but with far greater specificity and uniqueness. And with fantastical creatures featured from numerous ancient mythologies, Monstrous Realms will engage every imagination!

HOURS & TICKETING

The gates to Monstrous Realms are open year-round, rain or shine, with hours generally ranging from 9:00 to 22:00. Tickets are priced economically, similarly to the regional Nagashima Spa Land and Fuji-Q Highland Park. Day passes, which grant total access to all attractions, are 5,000 yen for adults ($45), and 2,600 yen for children ($23). Compare this to Universal’s 7,000 yen ($63), or Disney’s 7,400 yen ($67). After 17:00, guests may purchase discounted Late Entry Passes for 3,000 yen ($27), a common practice in Japan.

Annual Passes are 17,500 yen for adults ($158) and 10,000 yen for children ($90). This is roughly 3.5 times a day pass. For comparison, Annual Passes at Tokyo Disneyland cost 7 times their day pass! We hope to draw locals with such monstrous discounts and superior deals, all the better to build a fan base.

THE MONSTROUS APP – LINE SKIPPING & RESERVATIONS

Waiting in line. Making dining reservations. All common theme park complaints. Recognizing these issues, and recognizing the near total market saturation of smartphones in Japan, Monstrous Realms responds with The Monstrous App (the “Yokai Keitai”). Not only is this app free, but so is the park’s wifi! And with convenient recharging stations in each Realm, guests need never worry about their battery dying.

While Monstrous Realms features standard standby queues throughout, select rides provide in addition app-based virtual queueing (noted below as “VQ”). From anyplace park-wide, select a ride from listed return times. When the app chimes, guests have a one-hour window to ride...which they may postpone in half hour increments should the need arise. New reservations are available once the old one is redeemed. (Guests without smartphones can rent similar devices for the day from our park services center.)

For dining, not only can guests make table reservations with the app, they can even “mobile order” their meals hours in advance. Order and pre-pay while waiting in line, then let the eatery know “I’m On My Way” when you’re nearly ready to eat, for a fresh meal available to collect instantly! In fact, all in-park payments may be synched to the app, from food to souvenirs.

Finally, The Monstrous App features a park-wide scavenger hunt game, The Great Snipe Hunt. This game uses augmented reality to depict monsters which are invisible to the naked eye – starting with Snipes, then harder critters like Gremlins or Imps. The game encourages guests to explore nooks and crannies and out-of-the-way shrines. Guests can capture, collect and trade these beasts, and even battle person-to-person. Basically, it’s all the additional features Pokémon Go should offer!

***

The Gryphon is very excited to show off his tremendous new creation! He wants to assure all guests that while Monstrous Realms swarms with beasties, it is not frightening. Certain critters like the Kraken or the Gargoyles, sure, they’re pretty ferocious, but most of our creatures are friendly, benign, even kawaii (Japanese for “ridiculously adorable”). It’s important to provide differing sensations which engage the imagination differently. The Gryphon promises a vibrant balance of thrill rides, dark rides, flat rides and shows. Combined together, these wonders will open guests’ eyes to a legendary world of beasts just beyond their own.

OTTOMAN REALM

After purchasing their tickets at Bedouin tent booths (or online), guests enter through imperial gates where stucco friezes depict all manner of creature. Through narrow halls inspired by Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace, they arrive in a bustling square. Views emerge of medieval Constantinople. Merchants from all corners of the globe exchange ideas and goods. A bestiary’s worth of fantastical creatures mingles alongside men, all realized through fanciful puppetry-based costuming (much like Broadway’s Lion King). Battlements surround the square. A Basilisk Obelisk dominates Turkish gardens. An old world Byzantine marketplace stretches forward.

The main boulevard meanders past structures spanning centuries. Rounding a subtle corner, guests finally glimpse Legendary Lagoon, and the whole of Monstrous Realms! Straight ahead...dominating an islet...in the park’s heart...surrounded by minarets...is Beastly Basilica, the park’s icon! This fourth-century Byzantine cathedral suggests Hagia Sophia in Mont Saint Michel’s setting; it is glorious. A wooden bridge leads to the mighty dome, past moored Ottoman sailboats. Reaching the palace, guests view priceless mosaics of legendary monsters, all in gold gilt like the pages of a bestiary manuscript.

The Gryphon himself, king of all creatures, is perched peacefully atop the Basilica dome surveying his kingdom. Subtle animatronic movements – a breathing chest, a twitching wing – give life to this regal half-eagle, half-lion.

With its lagoon and cathedral, Monstrous Realms is laid out in a fusion of “lagoon park” and “hub-and-spoke.” Bridges connect from Basilica Island to additional Realms, while pathways along the water’s edge circumnavigate the park. This is a simple, intuitive layout which still allows for a beautiful central lake and an amazing nighttime spectacular inspired by the Phoenix.

PARK SERVICES

Imperial Pavilion
Near the park entrance – where time moves closer to the modern day – is the neo-baroque Imperial Pavilion, modeled on Istanbul’s Malta Kiosk. This is our dedicated Guest Relations center. It hosts every conceivable guest need – banking, stroller or wheelchair rentals, first aid, a baby care & lost children center. Problems with the app? Want to upgrade your pass? Come here!

Pilgrimage Home Delivery
Beside Imperial Pavilion is a Bedouin-style tent guarded by a sleeping animatronic Manticore. The monster-wranglers within offer a crucial park service: Souvenir holding. This way, guests may shop and spend throughout their visit, then collect their goods at day’s end. True to our name, we ship souvenirs too.

A few other service niceties dot Ottoman Realm. Storage lockers are found within the sprawling Beastly Bazaar shopping district. Near the lagoon is a park info board housed in a Rosetta Stone monument.

ATTRACTION

Gryphon’s Carousel of Beasts
Beastly Basilica is the physical and symbolic heart of Monstrous Realms. Its richly-hewn parapets command views of every realm. From his seat of power, the Gryphon has opened his palace to all visitors. Inside under the central dome is a two-floor carousel; the wise Gryphon does not wish to overshadow his fellow beasts’ attractions elsewhere. Rather, his beautiful carousel acts as a summation of Monstrous Realms. Naturally, guests do not ride horses, but all manner of legendary creatures – Cockatrice, Basilisk, Unicorns, Hippogriffs, Manticores, et cetera – all intricately carved! Views look through archways and across the lagoon. The ribbed cupola overhead features a mural corresponding to all Realms. With such a striking setting, Gryphon’s Carousel of Beasts is more than a simple carnival ride!

DINING

Fortunio’s
Fortunio’s is Monstrous Realms’ flagship five-star table service restaurant set in an Ottoman lodge overlooking Legendary Lagoon. It is named for medieval illustrator Fortunio Liceti, whose natural illustrations (all of imagined creatures) decorate the interior. The menu features Mediterranean and Turkish cuisines, all carefully designed to delight the Japanese palate. Live entertainment comes in the form of whirling dervishes, here in monster-themed costumes.

Fortunio’s Lounge
Under a stately green dome beside rose gardens is Fortunio’s bar. Guests simply looking for a quick drink can retire here without needing reservations next door. Fortunio’s appetizer selections are available, as are a wide variety of fine beers and spirits. Tasteful décor includes intricate lattices and stucco wall calligraphy.

Café Basilisk
Café Basilisk is a counter service eatery connected to the larger Beastly Bazaar complex. Diners enjoy simple cold cuts and salads in a converted spice trader’s storehouse. Outdoor patio seating faces the Basilica, alongside a medieval stone tower. Atop it is a frightful Basilisk, king of serpents, balefully eyeing the distant Gryphon.

Yildiz Bakery
For coffee and pastries, freshly brewed and freshly baked, look no further than Yildiz Bakery, housed in a sultanate clock tower. Specialties include authentic Turkish coffee and a wide selection of succulent baklava, drizzling in pistachios and honey nectar.

Bosporus Brews
On a tiny islet at the base of Beastly Basilica sits a humble fort inspired by Maiden’s Tower. This small stand provides refreshing beers and soda pops, which guests may enjoy from shaded bayside seating, or as they explore.

Pliny’s
Near the Beastly Basilica Bridge is a food cart covered in curlicue artwork illustrating Pliny the Elder’s Natural History. This cart serves shish kabob skewers of meat and vegetables, all steeped in Middle Eastern spices.

Concept art for our nighttime spectacular, Phoenix Reborn.

RETAIL

Beastly Bazaar
The left half of Ottoman Realm is dominated by Beastly Bazaar, a sprawling complex of shops like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. This is the park’s flagship emporium store, which appears to be a covered market built and rebuilt over the centuries. Vendors from all regions compete, hawking textiles, jewelry and spices. Merchandise here and throughout Monstrous Realms heavily favors featured mythic beasts, on shirts and totes and plushes, many rendered in a kawaii style sure to appeal to Japanese visitors. A covered arcade walkway winds towards the lagoon, which helps guests stay out of the elements when visiting on rainy days.

The Confectionarium
One unique aspect of Japanese tourism is the souvenir snack tin, purchased in bulk for friends back home. No Japanese theme park should be without a centralized confection station! Behold the Confectionarium, housed in a converted seraglio residence inspired by Topkapi Palace. Housed amidst shimmering lapis chandeliers and illustrations from every Realm are delightful snacks to match.

Wyvern Wares
An open air fountain courtyard near the Beastly Bazaar arcade sells woven Wyvern wares. Décor – chiefly oriental rugs strung about – depict creatures from heraldry, particularly the dragon-like Wyvern. The courtyard itself is like an oasis in the park, a quiet out-of-the-way respite at day’s end.

Miscellanea
A merchant marine warehouse near the lagoon connects to the bazaar complex. Inside, traders store miscellaneous monstrous merchandise. This chamber doubles as a vet clinic for wounded beasts. Crates shake and shriek. A dangling birdcage holds an injured Firebird. Bizarre roars emanate from cisterns below.

The Wandering Hippogriff
The Wandering Hippogriff is a Spanish trading ship docked in the lagoon. Its bowsprit, naturally, depicts a Hippogriff. Around the vessel’s base, traders have unloaded souvenir goods under tents, an assortment of items from all Realms.

Manticore Market
A tiled Turkish bathhouse within the bazaar complex is now a converted shop space, selling touring essentials such as sun screen, hats, even camera supplies – outdated yes, but photography remains a common mania in Japan.

Cockatrice Cart
Opposite from Pliny’s is a simple merchandise cart pulled by an animatronic Cockatrice. Among various impulse items, guests can order illuminated medieval artworks created by live artists to guests’ requests.

***

Ottoman Realm clearly emphasizes dining and retail over attractions, like many an entry land. But these services are attractions unto themselves! A real historical setting is carefully reimagined for the world of monsters, putting guests in a mood for fantasy. With a rich Old World texture, an exotic Byzantine melding of East-meets-West, Ottoman Realm nicely sets the stage for all of Monstrous Realms!

GRECIAN REALM

Exploring the realms counterclockwise, Anatolia transitions to Arcadia...Ancient Greece, a land of marble temples atop rugged peaks, home to a veritable pantheon of mythical monsters. Guests first wander underneath a Romanesque aqueduct pouring into the lagoon. They pass the ruined pedestals of the old Colossus of Rhodes, now collapsed – its enormous bronze head peeking out from weeds. An agora temple complex recall classical antiquity. High atop Meteora cliffs, the thuggish Cyclopses forge their weapons. Within an olive grove is an oasis for Fawns, Nymphs and Satyrs. Along the shimmering coast stands an island gazebo. And past crumbling, abandoned Doric columns, lifelike statuary suggests the Gorgon’s presence.

ATTRACTIONS

Cyclops Ironworks (height requirement: 38”) (VQ)
The sounds of anvils echo through the monolithic sandstone pillars of the Caucasus Mountains. Cyclopean architecture can only mean one thing: the Cyclopses! These gigantic, one-eyed blacksmiths fashion metalwork of iron and bronze inside their primitive factories. The friendly Cyclops Brontes invites guests to ride his latest fire-forged creation, a steel family “mine train” coaster by Vekoma. Chariot-themed trains race past red-hot furnaces and into Stygian caves.

Riders are suddenly attacked by the cruel Cyclopses Steropes and Arges. They upend Brontes’ tracks and stoke a furnace. Trains launch backwards, deep into Tartarus! Riders zoom in reverse, coming to rest in a dank pit containing the snarling Cerberus. Flames gather, and a surprise “vertical space shot” track element flings trains upwards and into a climactic forward launch back to safety! These unique track elements reimagine a traditional family mine train for a new generation.

Odysseus & the Monsters of the Mediterranean
Hidden on a rocky Corfu beach is a stately Greek amphitheater. This is the venue for “Odysseus & the Monsters of the Mediterranean,” a humorous stunt show which retells The Odyssey from the perspective of the monsters. The Sirens – who rise up from an enormous pool stage, like a mythological variation on a Sea World show – serve as a literal Greek chorus, narrating about how the oafish Odysseus and his dimwit crew sailed the Grecian seas pointlessly picking fights with Scylla, Charybdis, Circe, and others. The offended creatures at last band together against Odysseus in a final slapstick battle.

Centaur Chariot Race (height requirement: 32”)
Through an olive grove, and amidst the ruins of Delphi, Centaurs duel each other in breakneck races! Centaurs on an outdoor track – simple static ride figures – drag guests behind them in chariots. These chariots drift around corners, a classic whip spinner on a meandering circuit (somewhat like the Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree cars on Autopia). Centaurs and riders race head-to-head through a Grecian landscape. Beginning in an Olympic stadium, past Plitvice Lakes, guests are afforded views of so, so many monsters: Harpies, Hydras, Fawns, Satyrs, and the adorable Chimera.

Pegasus’s Flight
For a calmer tour of the same pastoral landscape, guests fly on the back of Pegasus. The white-winged stallion is realized with Intamin’s suspended dark ride cars, which load inside a wooden Trojan Pegasus Horse, then sail outdoors. Pegasus’s Flights frequently crosses the Centaur racetrack and glides over gurgling mountain springs past the many monsters. The ride concludes indoors in a majestic star-field depicting the creation of the Pegasus constellation.

Minotaur’s Labyrinth
Haunted Cretan ruins house the Labyrinth, a tangle of stucco walls which house the Minotaur. Adventurous guests are welcome to explore this puzzling maze walkthrough. Everywhere are bull motifs. Constant dead ends and spiraling pathways disorient guests. The Minotaur itself – a costumed cast member – prowls the corridors, ready to shock the unwary. From the towers of Knossos, guests may plot an escape route.

DINING

Villa Chimera
In the foothills of the Cyclopean mountains is a palatial Greek villa with an infinity pool overlooking Legendary Lagoon. The villa’s main mansion, home to a replica of the Etruscan Chimera statue, provides counter service Greek cuisine. From covered porticos lining the pool, guests enjoy olive medleys, feta salads, moussaka, kebabs, and other delights.

Pan’s Bacchanal
A Delphic gazebo stand within the Arcadian Centaur forests serves healthy snacks with a Greek twist, like flatbread pizzas and overstuffed cornucopias. Glasses of wines are also available. An enchanted statue of the satyr Pan magically plays its flute, serenading diners.

Siren Snacks
Beside Odysseus’s arena is a shipwrecked Phoenician ship, where the Sirens’ mesmerizing song constantly echoes. Within the ship is a snack stand selling gyros, stuffed grape leaves, fried calamari, and alcohol ranging from beer to ouzo.

RETAIL

Polyphemus’s Smithy
Following a ride on Cyclops Ironworks, guests enter the blacksmith shop of the Cyclops Polyphemus. Here the giants sell their metalworking creations, ranging from bracelets to costume armor. Purchase a lightning bolt made by Hephaestus. Learn what’s owed on a Grecian urn. Or witness live blacksmithing demonstrations, and have your name engraved on a Centaur’s horseshoe.

Typhon & Echidna’s
Typhon & Echidna’s – named for the snakelike parents of Arcadia’s countless beasts – is a department store within a Parthenon temple. Inside is an ivory statue of the monstrous pair, seemingly alive with rear-projected facial expressions. Souvenirs include plushes, toys and figurines of the assorted Greek critters.

Gorgon Quarry
In the darkest corner of Grecian Realm, Medusa and the Gorgons make their lair. Frozen statues of vanquished warriors dot dilapidated country homes. Artisans within fashion trinkets from quarry rocks, sold alongside themed clothing. Guests may safely glimpse Medusa’s form inside a central mirror – a simple yet effective hologram trick.

***

Grecian Realm covers the wide, expansive world of mythological Greek beasts with many delightful family-friendly attractions. Here guests start to grasp the thematic scope of Monstrous Realms. They learn of their relationship to monsters which are sometimes friendly, and sometimes fearsome. This is a good warmup, for the next Realm houses the most frightening monsters known to man!

GOTHIC REALM

Passing through twisted iron gates, guests reach a spooky, fog-shrouded Transylvanian countryside. Somewhere, a wolf howls. This is a superstitious realm, terrorized by supernatural fiends. Villagers huddle in a Bavarian hamlet, their windows lined with crosses and garlic braids. In the town’s center is a gallows, a noose swaying in the ghastly wind. Nearby is a stockade photo op. A crossroads shrine marks the final outpost of civilization, where the path vanishes into a dark wood. Safety lies elsewhere, across a covered bridge over running water – a path Vampires dare not follow. Toss a coin in an old Gothic well, and hear a creature’s mournful wails. Cross a misty cemetery and near a Carpathian fortress which is the source of this realm’s vile horror.

ATTRACTIONS

The Wolf (height requirement: 48”) (VQ)
Straight from a nightmare of European folklore, venture into a forbidden forest and suffer the Werewolf’s curse! Pass a gypsy encampment, where haggard fortunetellers plead with guests to turn back. Instead they press on, through crumbling Russian Orthodox ruins where shredded tapestries depict lycanthropy. Fresh claw marks scar a tree. At last guests board a Vekoma motorcoaster train resembling Werewolves.

Riding prone like motorcyclists, guests enter a catacomb. A window to the night’s sky reveals the full moon. Shadow projections show riders’ morph into wolves. Riders, overcome by bestial rage, launch forward at 60 mph outside into the grotesque forest! Charging close to the ground, snarling loudly, riders prowl the wilderness. Through a cavern lair littered with bones. Salvation finally comes as the trains pass through a field of wolfsbane, and regain their humanity. With an astounding total of three hydraulic launches, The Wolf crosses itself dozens of times in a thrilling lupine coaster rampage!

Crypt of the Vampires (VQ)
Compelled by hypnotic suggestion, guests trespass on cemetery grounds and descend into a moldering mausoleum. Its ossuaries are unnaturally massive (a hidden show building), haunted by Vampires who linger just beyond sight. Guests board eerie self-propelled carriages, motion-based trackless vehicles by Oceaneering International, with a choice of “wild” or “mild.” The former carries a 42” height restriction, a ride style similar to Indiana Jones, and explores far more frightening tableaus. But in either case, carriages silently slide through a vampiric world. First through catacombs, past empty coffins opening from within, then into the Vampires’ private manse. A dinner table teems with living food. Spectral forms emerge from moving paintings. Dozens of Vampires dance with guests in a masquerade ball – until a giant mirror reveals guests dancing alone. Lastly into the raucous dungeon, full of fog, bats, possessed torture instruments, and countless references to Poe.

Tower Prometheus (height requirement: 48”)
Across a drawbridge lies Tower Prometheus, an ancient watchtower where mad Dr. Predigious works with cadavers to create his unnatural Man-Machine. Little do interested guests realize that they are the final parts the good doctor needs to complete his task. But they soon learn this once strapped to medical gurneys within the fortress’s makeshift laboratory. A cast member performs as Dr. Predigious, as gurneys lift ever higher into rat-infested rafters. Here, the yet-dead Man-Machine resides. A storm brews outside. Lightning strikes, and gurneys freefall! They hurtle up and down recklessly amidst sparking electrical equipment, as lightning flashes reveal the Man-Machine coming to life. Tower Prometheus is a highly-themed drop tower into a heart of madness.

The Fish-Man of Crater Cove
Within swamps that have grown up around Crater Cove, past a shredded campsite and a fossilized fish claw, is the research ship Hayworth. Here, men of science search for the Cove’s fabled Fish-Man, a mysterious antediluvian humanoid. Guests board one of several hydraulic diving bells which hang from the ship, and plunge into the inky black waters. Diving bells slowly rotate, exploring the depths. Out from the darkness, the Fish-Man lunges – and diving bells shoot to the surface! This is a modern take on the old Diving Bells flat ride once featured at Pacific Ocean Park, a thrilling and unique experience in a small footprint.

Grand Guignol Puppet Theater
A small Beaux-Arts opera house in the village of Carpathia plays host to cheerily morbid puppet shows. These simple performances – modeled on Romania’s storied puppetry tradition – retell tales of folkloric horror, with just a dash of Grand Guignol humor. Here guests learn of Gothic Realm’s many fearful beasts, its Phantoms, Hunchbacks, Ape-Men and Succubi.

DINING

Lilith’s Guests
Lilith, mother of demons, lives in a gabled house on a hill. Though frightful, she is a gracious host, providing a buffeteria of assorted European comfort foods. Guests feast in a main dining room, where window screen effects depict an unholy tempest in the wilds outside. Note the oddly swaying chandelier overhead.

Windmill Creamery
Windmills, the last refuge of a fugitive monster. Their spinning wooden gears also allow the villagers to create a variety of sweet cold treats. Guests purchase ice cream, frozen custard, and other desserts. A far freezer doorway bulges from within, struggling to contain a gelatinous Blob Monster.

Caravan Harvest
Dotting the forest trails, a caravan of Romani wagons provides harvest snacks to weary travelers. For safety’s sake, foods like breadsticks and barbecue are loaded with garlic. While eating around the campfire, guests may also enjoy character interactions such as gypsy palm readings.

RETAIL

Slayer Supplies
A corner village shop provides monster protections and amulets. Garlic wreaths, foam “wooden” stakes, silver bullets, monkey’s paws, more. Here is everything needed to withstand an onslaught of the undead. Superstitious villager characters provide live, interactive theater, endlessly warning of the creatures lurking beyond the light.

The Alchemist’s Lab
A converted greenhouse, stuffed with Venus fly traps, now serves as an alchemical workshop. Shelves teem with bubbling beakers, mysterious potions, and brains in jars. An invisible scientist seemingly roams the aisles, drinking down glowing potions and carrying products overhead from shelf to shelf.

Outlet of the Occult
A university bookstore contains all manner of grimoires, Necronomicons and bestiaries. Accursed objects from ageless crypts lie bound behind safety glass, occasionally shivering where shoppers get too close. Guests are free to purchase lesser spell books, along with postcards and stationary.

***

Gothic Realm is the darkest corner of Monstrous Realms, with a spooky atmosphere and thrilling rides. It is not overwhelmingly terrifying, however, but a bracing exploration of the morbid and bizarre. Though our superstitious subject matter may remind you of the Universal Monsters, it all comes from a far more ancient and primal shared folklore. Only by facing our deepest fears can men rise above them.

CELTIC REALM

From oppressive forests to green moors, with rolling hills stretching past the horizon. Dotting the hills are Celtic crosses and Pictish stones. This is a world of pagan nature spirits in conflict with the encroaching church. This battle plays out with Dragons against Dwarves, Unicorns against Gargoyles. An abandoned Celtic shrine sits buried in a volcano’s hardened lava streams, soon to be replaced by a new Romanesque cathedral under construction. Between them is a secluded loch, where sometimes a Lake Monster surfaces. Crossing a bridge over the loch’s stream, guests hear Trolls speaking below. The coastline resembles Giant’s Causeway of Northern Island, full of basalt columns. Here is a flooded giant’s footprint. Atop the hills, a wicker man effigy dominates the realm, and lights ablaze at nighttime in sacrificial glory.

ATTRACTIONS

Dragon’s Keep (height requirement: 44”) (VQ)
Smoke eternally escapes from a volcanic peak (modeled on Portugal’s Mount Pico), evidence of the Dragon inside. Tales of infinite gold draw in guests. They reach the mountain’s lava tube interiors through the lava-covered ruins of an old Druid church. Deeper they descend, over magma flows, into an abandoned Dwarfen kingdom. Well, not entirely abandoned, for guests soon stumble upon the Dwarves’ last stronghold, where they plot to reclaim their land from the fire-breathing Dragon which now sits in power.

Guests aid the Dwarves aboard flying winged Goblins. Goblin ride vehicles individually seat guests in a horseback position, and fully capture the sensation of riding an untamed fiend. Riders together enjoy an IMAX motion flight simulator plunging them deep into the Dragon’s keep, then up through the volcano’s shaft for a hair-raising aerial duel against the reptilian monstrosity. The theater provides gusts of wind, the stench of sulfur, hot effects and even live flames. Altogether, guests will appreciate a Dragon’s fury like never before, and successfully bring victory to the besieged Dwarves!

Curse of the Gargoyles (height requirement: 54”) (VQ)
While the Romanesque cathedral now being built marks Celtic Realm’s transition to a less superstitious age, it too is victim to a deadly monster’s whims. The dreadful, bat-like Gargouille has halted construction, and brought the cathedral’s own Gargoyles to unnatural life. Guests looking to break this curse must board these flying stone horrors – this is a B&M inverted coaster - and sail to Gargouille’s inner sanctum. Wooden scaffolding (complete with medieval pulleys) and a massive cathedral show building all help to camouflage coaster supports.

For riders on this compact but insane course, the thrills never let up! Gargoyle trains navigate flying buttresses. They perform vertical loops alongside stained glass windows. A zero-g roll surrounds the spire. Carved Gargoyles lining the cathedral’s surfaces spout flames. Their glowing eyes eerily illuminate the unconsecrated interior. The climactic encounter against a huge animatronic Gargouille is accompanied by a super slow inline twist. A techno remix of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue – though heavily anachronistic – provides just the right accompaniment for this aggressive thrill ride!

Unicorn Grove
Hidden behind a waterfall is a cavernous passageway to the Unicorn’s grove. A creature of the purest innocence, to quest for the Unicorn is to quest for one’s own enlightenment. This journey takes place in an interactive dark ride setting, aboard ETF Multi Movers. Riders upon enchanted palanquins glide through a sun-dappled forest which is realized (with a mix of screens and sets) in the visual style of a medieval tapestry. Guests directly “illustrate” these magical landscapes with controller-free hand gestures (over an air curtain), magically repainting their world. This is not a shooter competition, but pure creative interactivity. We conclude in the Unicorn’s glowworm cavern, where the creature speaks directly with guests.

Dance of the Fairies
Enter the domain of the Fairies, found in a basalt sea cave. Hexagonal stone acoustics compliment an otherworldly stage performance. Acrobatic performers dressed as magical sprites perform an interpretive show in the vein of Cirque du Soleil, infused with Gaelic influences. The Fairies retell the cycle of Celtic mythology, beginning with creation, and passing through the ages of monsters and heroes. A projection screen transforms and expands the stage, which constantly shifts with new magical colors and shapes.

DINING

Fingal’s Tavern
Civilization is only just starting to take shape around the cathedral. To better serve construction workers and visiting guests, Fingal’s old farmhouse has been converted into a cozy tavern inn. British pub grub features, from bangers & mash to neaps & tatties, plus haggis for more adventurous eaters. Rich with carved oak, this domestic space is also home to Brownies hiding in the cupboards and baking their namesake chocolate dessert.

Heorot Hall
Straight from the legend of Beowulf comes Heorot’s famed mead-hall, a counter service restaurant for warriors to feast on fine smoked meats and hearty drinks. Foods here are largely British in style, robust and delicious. Engraved pillars tell of Beowulf’s struggle against the ogre Grendel. Beowulf’s shield and armor are on display at the center.

The Knackered Kelpie
A fenced Celtic hut at the loch’s edge serves as the land’s snack stand. Carvings around the grounds depict the shapeshifting water-horse Kelpie. Foods include meat pies, baked potatoes, or bean-smothered fry chips (sometimes called “Irish nachos”). Seating faces the loch, under straw canopies beside Pictich stones.

RETAIL

Hunky Punk
Following Curse of the Gargoyles, guests pass through the cathedral nave’s Hunky Punk shop – named for the grotesques found on English churches. Puerile hunky punks are basically sillier gargoyles, perfect for toys and souvenirs. The shop also sells medieval clothing, and innumerable souvenirs themed to the realm’s creatures.

The Pot o’ Gold
A cauldron of coins sits atop a façade in cathedral square. Water misters and color projections create a rainbow. Inside is a store themed, naturally, around Leprechauns, complete with tapestries, shoes and good luck charms. A cobbler’s corner features a live artisan who speaks of the fey folk’s greed for footwear and their love of mischief.

Highland Troll Swap Meet
The highland Trolls have reclaimed an ancient Druidic circle and covered it in tapestries to create a swap meet. And while the rising sun turned these Trolls to stone before they could finish, the realm’s humans have completed the market nonetheless. They sell Troll-themed goods, beautiful Celtic jewelry, and artwork inspired by the Book of Kells.

***

Celtic Realm features many of the world’s most familiar monsters, pulled straight from European legend. With both scaly giants and peaceful spirits, Celtic Realm has something for every visitor. For Japanese locals, who hold a fascination for the exoticism of Western culture, this land of monolithic stones, green valleys and unusual beasts will be greatly intriguing.

ATLANTEAN REALM

Wide corral tunnels lead to a coastal New World seaport in the Age of Exploration. Brave navigators travel from this hilly Caribbean town, dominated by Spanish architecture, across the Seven Seas. On the ocean they face all manner of sea monster – Leviathan, Kraken, Mermaids. Not all live to tell their tale. A morass of shipwrecks clutters the bay. A giant squid hangs captured from a fisherman’s line. Giant tentacles clutch bridge supports at water’s edge. A desert island in the distance is actually a massive sea turtle, its face alone the size of a building. And on a far untamed coast, strange plants are the Vegetable Lambs of Tartary, bizarre hybrids of cotton pods and sheep. At night, the realm’s oceanic waters glow with bioluminescence, creating a tranquil, unearthly glow.

ATTRACTIONS

Bermuda Triangle Leviathan (height requirement: 48”) (VQ)
Join a doomed voyage in search of the fabled sea serpent Leviathan! Near an enormous conical mountain – modeled on St. Lucia’s Gros Piton – would-be sailors enter the ship-house of Captain Proteus. Mad like Ahab, Proteus seeks to destroy the Leviathan at all costs, and charts a course for the beast’s Bermuda Triangle hideout. This Mack Rides water coaster starts as a flume dark ride, ferrying guests aboard rowboats on a haunted nighttime sea. Giant fins circle the boats. A distant projected typhoon depicts Leviathan’s shadowy form – a whale crossed with a crocodile. Boats try to evade past whirlpools, until a coaster dip sends them inside the Leviathan’s huge open mouth! In the belly, they ascend a lift surrounded by a watery vortex.

Leviathan spits out his prey. The coaster dives down the St. Lucian mountain and wends through the shipwreck graveyard. Coaster tracks blend in with shattered schooners. Over airtime hills, then plunging into the cove. Splash is minimal; Japanese tourists like to dress nicely, and hate getting soaked. Boats drift under the Carta Marina dining ship, and into a toothy cave to unload.

Enchanted Mermaid Grotto (VQ)
This paradisiac land’s interior is littered with overgrown Mayan ruins, with carved friezes depicting an underwater kingdom. Indeed, descent into the pyramids’ recesses reveals a far larger civilization, the tip of what is truly ancient Atlantis! A gentle boat dark ride proceeds further into the depths, magically passing underwater (dry-for-wet effect) to the bustling heart of Atlantis. A society of Mermaids and water-horse Hippocampi welcome guests with their lovely siren song – original music to be created by Studio Ghibli’s Joe Hisaishi. Altogether, Enchanted Mermaid Grotto is a peaceful, exhilarating musical dark ride with memorable tunes and characters.

Turtle Island Adventures
Nautical myth tells of the Aspidochelone, a sea turtle so vast, its shell is mistaken for an island. Guests to Atlantean Realm may explore such a creature, accessible from the mainland via the turtle’s titanic fins. The shell teems with jungle vegetation and freshwater streams. Guests climb car-sized barnacles, or walk directly through the sun-dried skeletal remains of an ancient whale. A Haitian witchdoctor’s hut is open so that guests may explore, examine the dried pufferfish, play with the gris-gris, and even remotely control a chained animatronic voodoo Zombie. Numerous winding pathways let guests get lost in their own imagination.

Kraken Shakin’ (height requirement: 40”)
On the back side of Turtle Island is a towering British man-o’-war ship, ready to make sail. Guests proceed inside to a galley where Lord Tennyson’s poem “The Kraken” displays. Headed topside, guests board a traditional swinging ship ride contained inside a show building, mimicking the open ocean at night. The ship swings and salty waves splash in a pool below. Huge animatronic Kraken tentacles attack! Riders endure the onslaught, only to be saved by the dawn’s morning light.

The Beast of Blackwood Bay
A secluded coastline is home to a unique animatronic meet ‘n’ greet. Here, a cast member claiming herself to be “The Beast Whisperer” summons the Beast of Blackwood Bay. This friendly animatronic Sea Serpent emerges from the waves – controlled live by an unseen cast member – and poses alongside guests for playful photos. The Beast will sing, spit water, and dance to the Whisperer’s fife.

DINING

Carta Marina
A Spanish Armada ship docked in the bay acts as the realm’s primary counter service eatery. Guests may order a wide assortment of a-la-carte Spanish tapas, including olives and manchego and sautéed scallops, which they then enjoy either below decks or topside. Cast members portraying salty old seamen roam the craft, always ready to regale diners with a tall tale of ocean madness.

Creature Comforts
Deep in a water-hewn cave is a comfort food restaurant fashioned from the discarded pieces of ruined ships. Here, light seafood specialties are served counter service style. Double-paned glass walls containing water overlook portions of Enchanted Mermaid Grotto, creating a nice dry-for-wet effect.

Legendary Bites
A majestic lighthouse stands guard over the bay, three massive fang marks in its body suggesting past encounters with unspeakable monsters. At the structure’s base is a snack stand which serves Caribbean street food like fried plantains and jerk chicken. For drinks, we specialize in coconuts with straws.

RETAIL

Here Be Monsters
Captain Proteus lives in an ivy-covered estate inspired by Italy’s Villa del Balbianello. Here he amasses and sells the strange and exotic goods he finds upon the ocean. Cabinets overflow with oddities like the Fiji Mermaid (a hoax) or a mislabeled narwhal skull. Ships-in-bottles, many depicting merchant marines battling aquatic beasts, are a popular souvenir.

Parts Unknown
This Spanish fort overlooking the shipwreck bay serves as an additional outlet for plundered goods. Deep in the stronghold’s munitions storehouse are conquistador helmets, toy cutlasses, spyglasses, and other nautical bric-a-brac.

Tienda Tortuga
A castaway’s shack on the back of Turtle Island Adventures holds all manner of washed-up detritus, from bottled messages to treasure chests. Salvaged merchandise from the East India Trading Co. populates bamboo shelves. “Terra incognita” cartography maps decorate the walls, and are available for purchase.

***

Atlantean Realm imagines guests on a high seas adventure without equal. Lengthy water rides send them to Poseidon’s depths and face-to-face with the park’s largest, wildest creatures. Large exploratory pathways allow guests to make their own adventure. The oceans remain a mysterious world which we still barely know, and a common source of Japanese myth. Many of the mythical monsters depicted here have proved to be real. Explore the depths of imagination!

SHOGUN REALM

Crossing the oceans, we reach Asia, and a realm sure to resonate with locals – Shogun Realm, a feudal Japanese kingdom of yokai creatures which seem bizarre in the West, but commonplace in their home country. Entry is under a shattered samurai gate, reminiscent of the Rashomon doors. On the frame is a carved Oni face. Within is a small Edo town around a Shinto temple, all protected by a moat of sharpened poles. On the waters is a red Itsukushima Shrine gate. Occasionally, massive animatronic koi fish surface. A bath house restroom is home to Akaname, a filth-licking green demon. Pathways lead deeper into an enchanted bamboo forest. The creatures of Shogun Realm are among Monstrous Realms’ cutest, largely realized in a kawaii style. Attractions are similarly benign, making this an ideal realm for our youngest guests.

ATTRACTIONS

Mystic Kirin Mountain (height requirement: 36”) (VQ)
The Kirin is a lion-dragon, an omen of good luck which dwells high in snowy Mount Hotaka. Whosoever rides this whimsical beast competes for its blessing. Mystic Kirin Mountain is a Vekoma junior coaster, its train resembling a stylized Kirin similar to a Chinese New Year dragon. This ride is double the length most junior coasters, combining Vekoma’s two standard models. The Kirin gallops through a mountainous torii path, like Kyoto’s Fushimi-ku. Like a roller coaster meets “slideboarding,” torii gates feature unique colors; riders must press corresponding buttons in their coaster car. The car with the highest total score is bathed in heavenly light at ride’s end.

Kitsune’s Critter Theitter
The fox-spirit Kitsune hosts a charming, comical children’s theater show on a Noh stage. Kitsune’s show utilizes call-and-response, allowing for goofy improvisational fun from its cast of critters, the Adorable Horribles. Children take to the stage and play along. Elements of a Hyakki Yagyo – a traditional Japanese monster parade – are incorporated. After performances, children meet our monstrous cast in a one-on-one “meet ‘n’ shriek.”

Sailing Lanterns (height requirement: 40”)
According to folklore, extremely old inanimate objects can come to life. These are known as “Tsukumogami.” One famous example is the Chochni-Obake, a one-eyed lantern ghost. These goofy spirits love to carry people playfully. Guests enjoy this sensation on a mild Intamin parachute ride centered around two 50-foot pagodas. Enjoy panoramic views in a silly, non-threatening setting.

Leaping Yokai
Another fun-loving possessed object is the Kasa-Obake, a one-eyed umbrella which hops on a single leg. Here the Kasa-Obake manifests as a Zamperla Jump Around flat spinner in the town square. Jumping umbrella carts circle a central “King Umbrella.” Riders may open their carts’ smaller parasols, which causes carts to rotate crazily.

Tengu Kites
The Tengu is a man-bird which rules the skies. Guests may fly like him on the Tengu Kites aerial carousel. Held in kite-shaped cars, they sail over a spraying water fountain and underneath a Shinto dome. The dome’s interior displays planetarium star projections which rotate with the ride, for a wild cosmic experience.

Twirling Tanukis
Join the mischievous Tanuki raccoon dogs in a wild dance circle! Board one of many fuzzy “balls” alongside a goofy Tanuki statue. Ceremonial chants start, accompanying a classic teacups ride. Instead of turning a wheel to spin, guests must pound faster and faster on a central drum, in beat with the rhythm like Guitar Hero. At night, blue Hitodama fire spirits illuminate the circle.

Kappa Creek
Kappa the demon frog lives in a river playground. Here children play in a grid of squirting fountains alongside a costumed Kappa cast member. They splash through a zero depth pond. Play music on flute-like water spouts. Admire Kappa’s bonsai collection. Or simply rub river-formed meditation stones.

The Bone House
Alongside a Zen rock garden is the private house of the Gashadokuro, a skeleton spirit 15 times the size of a normal human. Now immobilized by a Shinto spell, the Gashadokuro’s ribs and bones are refashioned into a children’s playground. Here are numerous net ladders, rope bridges, slides, and even a “Zen garden” ball pit, all in all a fun way for children to play, and for adults to rest their weary bones.

DINING

Namazu Sushi
A gigantic beached Namazu catfish, a yokai the size of a house, forms the structural basis for a counter service sushi restaurant under fishing huts. All the sushi dishes are playfully named after famous Japanese fish monsters. Namazu itself is famed as a causer of earthquakes, which can sometimes be heard rumbling under the ground whenever the massive fish twitches its fin.

Futakuchi Noodle Shack
Inside of a water mill on the edge of a flooded rice field, the two-mouthed Futakuchi makes her lair. Futakuchi is a very hungry beast, obsessed with noodles, which she shares with guests beside a spinning water wheel. Chefs behind a window make all manner of fresh delicious noodles – ramen, udon, soba – in full view of passersby.

Hitotsume Treats
The forest’s Shinto shrines are overrun with Hitotsumes, shapeshifters which appear as one-eyed bald child monks. These are trickster spirits, fond of desserts. Amongst this Shinto shack’s signature snacks are the “Hitotsume Mochi,” sticky rice balls which resemble their playful namesake.

RETAIL

Tsukumogami Market
The village’s general store has a problem with its merchandise. It is all possessed, like the living lanterns and umbrellas. So while this might seem a traditional feudal marketplace full of banal tools, all of these items laugh, sing and move – in actuality, battery-driven toys and plushes. There are dozens and dozens of these adorable objects, driving Japan’s love of collectibles.

Oni Gate
A guardhouse at the shattered entry gate was first built to ward off the red demon Oni. With time, the Oni mended its cruel ways, and now it stands guard, protecting the prefecture from greater threats. Within the Oni’s office are many colorful ceremonial masks, robes and incense sticks, all festival items available for purchase.

The Kawaii Yokai
AKA “The Super Cute Monster!” This is a simple rickshaw cart which specializes in caricature. Every guest identifies most with a specific monster. Our artists will now draw you as that monster in an anime style – a hilarious keepsake!

***

Shogun Realm caters to very young visitors with a collection of non-threatening flat rides and character encounters. In its native Japan this is the most familiar realm, even while its depiction of a fantastical Japanese Neverland makes it just as magical as anyplace else. Japan’s panoply of legendary critters is massive, possibly the widest of any culture! Monsters continue to dominate Japanese popular culture to this day, from kaiju to Pokémon, and Shogun Realm will be a welcome addition to this storied tradition.

PERSIAN REALM

Stone gateways lead to the final realm, set in the hot Arabian Desert. Here is the cradle of civilization, ancient Mesopotamia, home to the world’s oldest monsters. A mighty ziggurat dominates an Assyrian city, with verdant gardens and a serene central fountain. Assorted statuary depicts the mythical Lamasu, the great bird Simurgh, or the demon Pazuzu. A blue Gate of Ishtar leads out over the Tigris River. Past Hammurabi’s Code, past half-hidden Egyptian temples, is a windswept desert canyon similar to the Wadi Rum. Man has yet to settle these wild wastelands. An animatronic Karkadann – a monstrous rhino – wanders freely, accompanied by its human handler. As the walkways transition back to the Ottoman Realm, guests pass through a fantastical version of Turkey’s Mt. Nemrut, where megalithic heads depict Gryphons, Dragons and other beasts.

ATTRACTIONS

Roc! (height requirement: 52”) (VQ)
The largest monster to ever fly was the enormous eagle Roc, whose talons could crush an elephant. This titanic bird of prey terrorizes the entire realm as an exciting B&M wing coaster. Its sand-toned coaster tracks are impossible to hide entirely, though this double out-and-back course (in the realm’s outer edge) is carefully incorporated into mountain ranges, towers and pillars.

Guests queue in a Catal Huyuk mud settlement at the foot of Mount Qaf, the legendary nesting ground of the Roc. Seated in midair on either wing of a Roc train, guests proceed up the slopes of Mount Qaf, past enormous hatching Roc eggs inside a nest made of tree trunks. Diving down the snowy peaks, the Roc corkscrews around the Tower of Babel, then does an airtime camelback over the ziggurat. Nearing a sheer cliff wall (an eye opens in the wall – this is the sleeping Behemoth!), riders turn back via Immelmann loop. An inline twist through ziggurat keyholes, then a giant flat spin around the Tower, to a brake run inside Mount Qaf. Ahead, a full-scale Roc animatronic screeches! Riders do a diving loop in the darkness. Outside amidst a tangle of Akkadian pillars, they do a super slow Zero G Roll. A final helix spins riders around a whale-sized Antlion in quicksand, and to a final brake run in Mount Qaf’s caves, bursting with treasures.

The Kingdom of the Djinn (VQ)
Inside the great Ziggurat of Qaf is a portal to the imaginal dimension, a kingdom populated by the Djinn, corporeal spirits made of smokeless fire. In the West we know them as Genies, who do far more than grant wishes. Upon slow omnimover golden lamps, guests discover this for themselves. With astounding sets, screen effects and cloud tanks, they enter the phantasmagorical world of the Djinn, formed by the emotions of humanity. Here the Djinn boast a society much like ours, with weddings and dances and trials. Details are taken from the tale of Aladdin, yes, but also from other Arabian sources, for a unique psychedelic dark ride journey.

The Mummy’s Tomb (due to frightening content, not recommended for guests under 12)
A Karnak temple complex houses this frightening haunted maze deep within. Guests pulse through a desert tomb. Scarab beetle projections infest hieroglyphic walls. Chanting flows from an unseen source in an unknown language. Sarcophaguses shake, and rotted arms emerge. Live “scare actors” torment guests – leaping from blind corners, foggy pits, ceiling holes. They appear as bandaged Mummies, or as creepy Egyptian deities with heads of jackals or falcons. Animatronic effects (crocodile pits, crawling Mummy torsos) compliment this permanent haunt which is sure to thrill.

Using the Monstrous App’s virtual queue, guests even sign up for a low-capacity “escape room” experience within the pharaoh’s burial chamber. Deduce Coptic riddles in a race against time and a descending ceiling!

Riddle of the Sphinx
Half hidden in the sand is a limestone Great Sphinx monument. Inside it is the great hall of the mythic Sphinx, a winged lion-lady who delights in tormenting travelers with riddles. Guests may test their wits against this animatronic Sphinx, which is voiced and animated live by an unseen cast member. Far from a simple meet ‘n’ greet, this is a mind-bending upgrade to the Turtle Talk model. In Japanese only, except by request.

DINING

The Hanging Gardens
The visual crown jewel of Persian Realm is The Hanging Gardens, a tiered structure displaying hundreds of exotic plant species, a masterpiece of irrigation and landscaping. Should they ride a raising chamber (elevator) to the upper level, guests will discover a table dining restaurant atop an artful green roof under tent shading. Bas reliefs depict an assortment of Persian myths. Every diner enjoys views out to the whole of Monstrous Realms. High-end Middle Eastern cuisine features on the menu, as does Continental food, ensuring nearly every taste is satisfied.

Buraq Lounge
This is the Hanging Gardens’ sister bar on the ground floor, where flowing aqueducts power the beer taps. Fine silk curtains drape about, giving this space a soft, feminine glow. Elaborate wall mosaics depict the winged Buraq, a Persian steed which ferries the righteous to heaven. Among a variety of hors d’oeuvres, the lounge specializes is hummus with pita bread, served with different seasonal flavors.

Humbaba’s Cedar Grill
The Epic of Gilgamesh – possibly the world’s oldest story – tells of the giant Humbaba who lived in a cedar forest. Within his primitive stone hut, perched on the edge of Legendary Lagoon’s cedar point, Humbaba grills Lebanese food, dominated by figs, hummus, baba ghanoush, cinnamon, and eggplant.

Scorpion Man Skewers
In a Bedouin tent erected around the base of an old socotranum tree, the mythic race of Scorpion Men cooks up a tempting array of kababs and skewers. Desert cliff bas-reliefs depict Tiamat and her scorpion offspring. This snack stand also serves frosty date shakes, a surprisingly delicious desert dessert!

RETAIL

Three Wishes
This flagship shop sits opposite The Hanging Gardens in a Babylonian palace. The interior glows with ornate hieroglyphic walls. An antechamber is designed to suggest the interior of a Djinn’s lamp, complete with furnaces and tulle drapes. Along with Persian souvenirs and fancy textiles are interactive decorative elements such as a floating magic carpet (which hovers atop a magnetic plate), animatronic snake charming baskets, and cast members performing as ascetic fakirs.

Death-Worm Fine Silks
Natural caves in the desert wastelands hide treasure caches straight out of Arabian Nights. Peddlers in an “Ali Baba” chamber offer only the finest silk from the gigantic Mongolian Death-Worm. Interactive treasure chests open when guests utter the magic words, to be found by studying the realm’s carved details, and the words are not “Open sesame.”

Behemoth Boutique
The base of the Tower of Babel holds Behemoth Boutique, accessed from the canyon via a massive graven Mouth of Moloch. Inside under a towering light shaft is a trove of fine baskets, lamps, and other bazaar souvenirs.

***

Persian Realm rounds out our park with an array of intriguing Arabian-themed adventures. This realm’s elements all come from greatest antiquity, the very foundation of Man’s myths and legends. These stories inspire a robust wing coaster and a mesmerizing dark ride, along with exceptional dining and retail. Persian Realm is a joy simply to explore. Its every nook contains references to ancient Mesopotamia or ancient Egypt, lands with a surprisingly wide variety of legendary creatures!

NIGHTTIME SPECTACULAR – PHOENIX REBORN

The cycle of night and day is a cycle of death and rebirth. This is the story of Monstrous Realms itself. It is the story of the Phoenix, perhaps the most beautiful of all legendary animals. After nightfall, all of Legendary Lagoon and the Beastly Basilica in its center light up for Phoenix Reborn, a spectacular which dramatizes the Phoenix’s life, death and resurrection. With our park’s careful circular layout, this show is visible from the shores of every realm, and from the bridges which divide the lagoon.

Set amidst all these bridges are water fountains, able to dance with music and create mist screen projections. Scored to Igor Stravinsky’s ethereal “Firebird Suite” (abridged), the brilliantly multicolored Phoenix appears in these fountains, and projection mapped on the surface of Beastly Basilica. The music turns deadly, and flames shoot up! The Phoenix burns into nothingness...only for the music to swell once again, accompanied by an array of colorful lasers. Every realm joins in. Sparks belch from the Grecian factory. Gothic lightning covers Tower Prometheus. The Celtic wicker man bursts into flames. The Atlantean lighthouse reflects beams. Shogun Hitodama spirits glow. Smokeless Persian fire bathes the Tower of Babel. The Phoenix emerges fully formed, with a carefully choreographed crescendo of fountains, lights and music!

***

Like the Phoenix, Monstrous Realms rises from the ashes of Nara Dreamland. What was once a fantasy kingdom becomes one once again. Forged by trials and abandonment, what now arises is far more original, and far more evocative. Guests to Monstrous Realms discover the worlds of legendary creatures and mythic monsters. Countless cultures from throughout the globe congregate to create our rich, textured realms. From cute yokai to fearsome dragons, mighty serpents and wise birds, Monstrous Realms boasts a truly eclectic bestiary.

It is entirely possible to gain a foothold in a competitive market. Universal proved this in Orlando. Monstrous Realms looks to prove it again in Japan, trusting that imagination and excellence will guide our park to success!

”Nature is ugly, and I prefer the monsters of my fancy to what is positively trivial.”
-- Baudelaire

Semi-Unofficial entry.... I apologise I won't be able to spare the time polish this further or do graphics… Or complete the finale.

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What was

There’s a world I’d like to live in,
A world I’d like to see,
Where there’s too much fun for everyone
and still lots left for me
Where there’s magic on every corner,
and a smile on every face
and if I could just step out of this perfect dream
into this perfect place
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the world was Wonderland?

Australia’s Wonderland, later rebranded “Wonderland Sydney” was once the largest Theme Park in the Southern Hemisphere. A sister park to Kings Dominion and Canada’s Wonderland, Wonderland promised the people of Sydney, and through them, Australia a “Disney style theme park” they could be proud of.

With Taft Broadcasting one of the backings, Wonderland allowed you to meet your favourite Hanna Barberra Characters (thats Cartoon Network for you Young Uns), a river raft ride, two wooden coasters (one a junior version of the other), and lands themed on an idealised version of Australian history. During summer months a small in-park slide and pool area operated, and a wildlife experience was also included within the mix. Later the park would be joined with another coaster, a drop tower, as well as other flat rides.

As you’d expect parks in a chain to do, the parks shared a lot of common with their sister parks. Those of us who miss our wonderland can relive “the bush beast” in near identical rides at the former sister parks. But its a long way to go, and we know in our hearts that although the track layout might be near enough the same and all the dips and peaks where we remember, it won’t be the same.

For our Wonderland is no more. When Taft sold its North American parks to Paramount that left Wonderland on its own as Taft only had a minority share. Malaysian based Sunway group bought the park and ran it into the ground, refusing to make any serious investment into the park…

Instead of wanting a Wonderland, Sunway wanted the land under the park, and Wonderland saw its added to the long list of failed Sydney Parks: El Caballo Blanco, Fox Studios Australia, Magic Kingdom Sydney, Manly Fun Pier, Manly Waterworks, Mount Druitt Waterworks, Old Sydney Town, O’Neill’s Adventureland, Paradise Gardens, Sega World Sydney, White City. We should also mention that Luna Park Sydney spent much of the 20th Century either closed, or under direct threat of closure.

Although a former employee plans to bring back the spirit of the park (including some of its landmark attractions), the plan has been in development for so long you can be forgiven for thinking its never going to happen. Even if it does, it will never be the same as it was. It will never be the park where one brave 5 year old rode his first wooden coaster… and discovered a truth that he would perhaps not fully realise until his first metal coaster many many years later - that Wooden Coasters always have been, and always will be, the best type of coaster there is.

Perhaps most infuriating is the fact that there was nothing actually wrong with the park. But with 3 world class parks less than an hours flight away and airfares becoming cheaper with the rise of low cost carriers, adding only a single chairlift ride in seven years was never going to cut it - especially when those other parks were continuing to add new attractions and experiences. Seemingly confused executives commented on the final day of operations “If we had crowds like this every day we never would have closed” - Sydney and Australia loved Wonderland, but the park gave them no reason to keep coming back, until it was too late.

As Wonderland's final days, the success of Wet n Wild Sydney and the continued operation of Luna Park has shown, a park in Sydney is as viable as it ever was. All you need to do is give the people a reason to come.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please charge your glasses and join me in a toast for the park that was what it promised, a true Wonderland.

But before there was Wonderland, Before there was even Sydney, there was a very different land we shouldn’t forget either…. An entirely different World you might say.

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The world of the rainbow serpent
A Dreamtime park

For the Aborigines of Australia the “Dreamtime” is many things, it is the mythological past that explains how the world came to be, it is the present as the beings of their stories inhabit their sacred places today, and it is the future, as the stories describe their laws and direct their conduct.

The Rainbow serpent reappears in the myths told by many tribes. The forms of the Rainbow serpent are many, male, female, friend, foe, trickster, depends on the myth and the teller - some myths are believed to be the Rainbow serpent in some other form. Common amongst many of those myths is the position of the entity which gave the world its form, a creator god.

the world of the rainbow serpent is a different kind of park. You won’t find the biggest, tallest, or fastest here - although we can promise you’ll have a great time on our mix of thrill and other rides if thats why you’ve came. the world of the rainbow serpent however pays tribute to the Dreamtime itself. It tells the past - the myths of the time before; it explores the present by promoting sustainable development; and it addresses the future, exploring the changes our world is facing and how we can protect it.

the world of the rainbow serpent may be operated on a semi-commercial basis, but it is a social enterprise at its heart. Its ownership will be a trust dedicated to providing educational and business opportunities in aborigine-dominant areas. However, unlike other parks, culture is at the heart of the park, not moneymaking, so don’t expect it to be as heavily commercialised as other parks - although souvenirs are available, space dedicated for this is smaller than you would find in other parks, and rather than the cheap mass produced that all parks sell near identical copies of, you’ll find items that are unique and your experience. The park prioritises amongst its suppliers businesses owned by aboriginals, and those whom provide employment in aboriginal areas, helping ensure that the park’s good work goes further than the park gate.

Development will be guided by a specialist committee of Aboriginal elders and ecological experts, who will wield a veto and provide a guiding hand in creating the eventual design and long term direction of the park. They will act as a second board, in most matters both the cultural board, and the financial board must agree on decisions. Where there is a disagreement between the boards then the financial board can veto any “business” related decision, whereas the “Cultural” board can veto any decision that involves an element of Aboriginal culture.

The park is designed to be visually unobtrusive, with little to any fixed buildings (as most Aboriginal tribes are nomadic).  To this end, the “Utilidoor” concept is used, creating a new “ground”.  However, unlike Walt’s version this one has two layers, the upper layer is for staff corridors and back-of-house operations.  The lower layer contains car parks, loading docks and public transport access. The outside world cannot see in, and the outside world cannot be seen… Once you enter the tunnel to the carpark you are truly in the land of the dreamtime.

the world of the rainbow serpent breaks many tenets that other parks live by. This park celebrates a people who lived in the wilds. Paths are curvy and corners and facilities are often obscured by native flora. Although this might be “unthinkable”, a certain other theme park operator was ridiculed for only having a single entrance, few carnival games and no barkers. Sometimes breaking the rules is the right thing to do.

To reduce the need for a physical queue (as buildings will be limited), Virtual Queing will be extensively used, and you can access this for free on a compatible smart phone (or rent one of our devices for a nominal charge). For the small queues that remain, Queing areas tell the story of the myths that inspired the ride (avoiding imagery that might break the taboos of the tribe that tell the myth, such as pictures of ancestors where relevant)

Location:

the world of the rainbow serpent takes the former land of Wonderland Sydney, at the intersection of the M4 and the M7, and near the A44 in Sydney's Eastern Creek Suburb.

"Lands”. Other than our opening area, our lands are themed for Sky, Land, and the Water. Each of these places explores different dreamtime myths (or sometimes different versions of the same myth) and different stories about the Rainbow Serpent, as told by different tribes.

The Visitor’s centre

Guests enter the park not at the edge, but in the middle, through one of the few permanent buildings – a large glass Cylinder.  Why? Aboriginals were mostly nomadic so they didn’t tend to build permanent structures. By putting essential services in this structure that can be seen all the way though its obtrusiveness is limited.

Large sweeping ramps connect the transport level with the park level allowing them to rise into this world (as the Aboriginal ancestors rose from the ground in some dreamtime myths).  Inside the “Visitors Centre” as it will be known guests can find all the usual guest services amenities (lockers, Stroller/Wheelchair hire, etc).  Placed around the Ramp are exhibits explaining who the rainbow serpent is, possible origins in nature, and examples of art depicting the myths.

The Rainbow Serpent’s wives, the Green Parrot Girls are just outside the visitor’s centre posing for photographs and answering questions about the park

Circling the Visitor’s centre are the three “Lands” - Ground, Air, and Water, creating a loose ring.

Numbakulla (App)
 
Numbakulla were beings that came to earth to guide and teach humans… Our App is named in their honour as it will guide and teach you about the park.  You can use Numbakulla to check ride times, access our complementry virtual queue system, purchase a one-time Queue-Jump, stream various park soundtracks, as well as get directions and special offers.

Bahloo’s Heavenly Spectacular (No relation to the bear)
 
The Rainbow Serpent is not the only entity found in the skies.  Bahloo the Moon Man chases after Yhi (The Sun) even though she continues to spurn his romantic advances.  Unlike other theme parks in the Gold Coast corridor, the world of the rainbow serpent stays open after sundown.  In many open areas special loungers are put out just before the Heavenly Spectacular show along with speakers (if you’d like to watch in an unofficial viewing area you can: the park app allows you to stream the commentary).  Lasers and other effects will point out to you various features in the night sky, and explain the myths behind them

The Land

To enter the Land you’ll walk through dirt paths through our bush of Ironbarks, Ghost Gums, and other native buses, helping to give you a connection to the land which inspired the myths. This opens to a desert like area allowing for attractions that celebrate the fertile areas as well as the dessicated areas of “The great brown land”.
 
The Flying Fox
Some stories tell of a rivalry between the Rainbow Serpent and a flying fox vying for the affections of a woman.  Foxes can’t fly I hear you say…. Well a Flying Fox isn’t a fox, it’s a Fruit Bat –go figure.  On this launching-Single-rail-Suspended coaster you’ll be accelerated to speeds similar to what a bat can achieve and glide through our forest as a Flying Fox might do.  The tight turns combined with swinging cars and close trees, but only a few drops and hills.

FruitBat
Fruitbat offers Ice-cream like treats made with 100% fruit.  You can choose from straight fruits (like Orange, Apple, and Mango) or a blend (like our Wild Berries blend).
 
The Legend of the Didgeridoo
The Digeridoo is not just a musical instrument, it is central to many Aboriginal myths and cultural ceremonies.  Although many falsehoods are told about their use and creation, the truth is perhaps more bizzare.  Rather than be hollowed out by tools, Termites hollow out the centre of a live trunk – their sensitivity to light keeps them away from the edges which leaves a hollow middle.
 
This wooden mine-train-style coaster (albeit without the mine-train-engine at the front) explores the traditional method of Digeridoo construction – Ride through our oversized Eucalyptus tree through passages and tunnels bored by Termites at seemingly out of control speeds.  After you’ve left the tree you’ll ride through an oversize replica of a didgeridoo…. Which hides a double zero-g roll.
 
Intichiuma
Named for rite for increasing fertility and food supplies, you’ll find almost any dish you can conceive of at this all you can eat world buffet.  With simple food for simple tastes, and other delights for those a bit more adventurous.

Dust Devil is a spinner in the same vein as the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

The Sky

Paths in “The Sky” walk through similar trees as those that open the "land" area, but guests instead are raised to treetop height on glass footpaths, giving the impression of being in the sky.
 
Every Little Drop
The rainbow serpent is linked with Rain in many myths, brining the rain when its dry, and stopping the rain when water is excessive.  In this Flying Theatre experience (Disguised as a cave) guests will fly through the water cycle, soaring on a thermal as it evaporates, flying through the clouds guests will see examples of water being abused… this will anger the rainbow serpent whom will express his anger through thunder…. Guests will fall with the rain and roll down the river to the sea.  This experience shows how we are all connected through the water, and why conservation and management of water resources is necessary.
 
Kottche’s Challenge
Kottche is a demon who’s voice is like thunder, and his breath the whirlwind and is known for spreading illness.  This family wild-mouse coaster will blow you through a range of scenes of Battles between humans and monsters from Aboriginal folklore during its moderate drops and fast turns.
 
Yerunthully
When a person dies, a Yerenthully is lowed from the heavens to allow the spirit to ascend.  When the Spirit reaches the top the rope falls as a meteor, and so will you.  Australia’s first Roto-Drop will ascend you to the heavens to give you an unparalleled view of the park, after one complete rotation (that seems to take forever no matter how fast it moves) you’ll then plunge back to earth.
 
Crow’s Coals
For the Wurundjeri people, the Crow has a similar role to Prometheus – he who brought the Humans fire… Crow’s feathers are black even today as a result of a bushfire that occurred as a result of a fight over the fire that he stole.  Today Crow’s coals are at the centre of our version of a steakhouse, where you can watch our chefs prepare your Beef, Lamb, Kangaroo or Emu steak, served with your choice of salads from our salad bar.

Water

You enter the Water by passing underneath a rainbow. Our subtle tribute to what passed as the water area takes up what was Hanna Barberra Land, which had a similar entryway. Mixing pool and water attractions into an Australian Theme Park isn’t a new idea even for Australia - Wonderland had its “beach” and Sea World and DreamWorld both have previously had pool and slide areas within the main park. With 40 Degree + Celcius hot summers (Thats 104 if you insist on using the Farienhieght scale), what else would you expect?

The Laughing Pools

>>From: http://www.expedition360.com/australia_lessons_literacy/2001/09/dreamtime_stories_the_rainbow.html

>>>In the Dreamtime all earth lay sleeping. Nothing moved. Nothing grew. One day the Rainbow Serpent awoke from her slumber and came out from under the ground.
>>>She travelled far and wide and eventually grew tired and curled up and slept. She left marks of her sleeping body and her winding tracks. Then she returned to the place where she had first appeared, and called to the frogs, “Come out!”
>>>The frogs came out slow because their bellies were heavy with water, which they had stored in their sleep. The Rainbow serpent tickled their stomachs and when the frogs laughed, water ran all over the earth to fill the tracks of the Rainbow serpents’ wanderings. This is how lakes and rivers were formed.

Making up the Northern area, this is series of interconnecting pools that you can experience either on Inner tube, or just by swimming. A finely tuned current allows you to float between the pools. Each pool has its own unique elements. The Springs are a seasonal attraction.

Guests will enter the largest of the pools themed as a river mouth. Guests gently immerse themselves into the water from the sandy beach, with waves breaking against the shore. Taking the “Down” river will see them float into our “Kakadu” themed pool, where guests can experience sitting under a waterfall, designed to appear like the waterfalls found in Kakadu National Park… whereas guests to the real park only see the most spectacular falls during the “Wet” season, here its always wet season. Floating past this pool will take you to our Bilabong filled with giant artificial lillypads, logs, rope lines and other features that create a challenging obstacle course - get out of the water and race your friends without falling in. The river then floats into our underground pool, with stunning artificial Quartz-like gems lighting up the cave in rainbow colours - as Quartz reflects the light it is considered by some to be a symbol of the rainbow serpent. a small beach can be found inside the cave (where there is of course a lifeguard present).

The Lair of the Bunyup

This flume ride takes you into the lair of one of the best known mythological beasts in Aboriginal lore, the Bunyip (suggested by some that this myth shares the same root as the Rainbow Spirit myths). on boarding vehicles themed as traditional watercraft you’ll be taken into a series of caves where the story of the bunpyip will be explained in a light show (with gemstones lighting up on the walls to illustrate the tale), half way through the ride the changes, the cave suddenly goes dark and a large howl is heard… the Bunyip has noticed you and the ride turns into a thrill ride as you try to escape from the bunyips clutches… the river flows faster with tighter turns as you flee, with your escape culminating in a splashdown.

The Search for Tiddalik

It is said in the Dreamtime, Tiddalik the Frog once woke with an Unquenchable thirst. He drank and he drank and he drank until all of the water was gone. An eel tied himself into comical shapes, hoping that his efforts would make Tiddalik laugh, releasing the water. The plan was obviously a success. Tiddalik’s tale is said to be inspired by the “Water-holding Frog” which buries itself underground in the dry seasons, waiting for the water to return.

In our adaption of the myth, guests will ride a water coaster which like the eel twists itself into shapes designed to put a thrilled smile on your face. Just like the frog, the ride will take you above and below ground multiple times, ultimately culminating in a splashdown (provided by Tiddalik) that is sure to soak unexpecting Laughing Pools swimmers.

In the queue area guests will be shown through animatronics the importance of water as s resource in Australia - its scarcity and how it must be conserved and carefully managed so we can all share (and not be like Tiddalik)

The Catch

The Catch provides fresh grilled fish, Yabbies (like a crayfish, or freshwater shrimp) and chips (fries) right on the beach. You can also grab and go one of our cold picnic hampers.

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Onward Development

Recent failed parks in Sydney have all had one thing in common - they have taken the customer for granted. Wonderland failed to invest and then wondered why the punters stopped coming. Sega world Sydney failed to capitalise on initial excitement by continuing to give people a reason to come, blindly trusting instead that the Sydney Olympics would deliver the growth needed to sustain the facility. Fox Studios took advantage with high prices and little reason to visit.

the world of the rainbow serpent will not fall into the same trap. The land will from park opening slowly evolve, with new attractions opening every few months, and the landscape subtlly changing. The blend of bush and desert will change The Land from one section, to two distinct areas: Bush, and Desert. By the end of Year 3, these should be distinct enough that Bush and Desert are billed as seperate lands.

In Year 2, in conjunction with National Indigenous Television (A public service broadcaster), the world of the rainbow serpent will be the filming location for “The Calling”. This TV series is in a similar vein to The Voice/Pop Idol/X Factor, however the focus is on the youth of rural and remote areas, giving them a chance at a stage that is otherwise inaccessible to them. This will give both the fledgling network a landmark show to expose it to a wider audience (their normal share is 0.1%) and give Sydneysiders and New South Welshmen a reason to return to the park after its first year. This will be hosted within the Corroboree Theatre, located within the Land/Desert.

In Year 4, Groundbreaking will begin on the next land - The Sea. Celebrating the myths and cultures of coastal aboriginal tribes as well as Torres Straight Islanders. Like the existing “water” area (Which will be renamed “The Billabong” - a local term for lakes and ponds) this will be a mix of pool attractions and non-pool water attractions. This should take 2-3 years.

Upon opening The Sea, it will be time to start a process of review and renewal, starting with The Air refreshing and adding to the attractions present and moving on to The Billabong/Water, and then onto the other areas.

Conclusion

The world of the rainbow serpent has all of the tools a park will need to survive in the Sydney market. It isn't just a "me too" Amusement park with flat rides that won't attract new guests. It offers a new unique experience that will expose Australians to the myths of the land where they live that they don't already know, and promises International guests that Australia that they were promised in the movies. Its respect for the culture it represents isn't just skin deep, its in the core of the park itself, and ensures that it will be never stripped away. It avoids the pitfalls of those who have gone before by ensuring that renewal and evolution are within its core; and avoids any claim of “Cultural Appropriation” by ensuring that the culture that gave the world these myths and legends remain custodians of their tales.

Hidden away in Western Massachusetts sits the remnants of an abandoned theme park. Originally opened in the late 19th century, Mountain Park in Holyoke, Massachusetts has a storied history.

The park is located on Mount Tom. Two Presidents have visited the site, and McKinley even said that the view from the summit of Mount Tom is the most beautiful view in the world. During the park’s heyday, it offered more than two dozen attractions, consisting mostly of midway, flat rides, and rollercoasters.

Created as a trolley park, Mountain Park became one of the two major amusement parks in Western Massachusetts, rivaled only by Riverside. Riverside eventually became Six Flags New England, and, unfortunately, Mountain Park closed in the late 1980s.

At just over 60 acres, plus the area under the skyline and the structure at the Summit, Mountain Park was never a large park. Because of this, the new park squeezes in the most possible fun into the smallest possible area.

The nostalgia for Mountain Park is still ever present. Everybody who remembers it wishes they could go back again. They remember the fun of being there with their friends and just enjoying the rides and the views.

Western MA is a growing and developing market. With an MGM Casino being built in Springfield, as well as the natural draw of the Berkshires, Mountain Park is located in an area that is sure to see more tourism soon.

As anyone who’s ever visited a Six Flags park knows, they are not geared towards families. Kids who can’t ride the big roller coasters end up bored, and there’s very little for them to do. Mountain Park is the solution to this. It is intentionally designed to be less focused on thrills, and more focused on family attractions, dark rides, and storytelling. This means that everyone can experience at least most of this park, not just those over 54 inches tall.

Guests at Mountain Park can purchase two types of tickets. They are Day passes and Season Passes. The price for a day pass is $44.99. The price for a season pass is $60. THis means that guests can visit Mountain park for an entire season for less than a day at Six Flags New England, thus drawing guests to Mountain Park.

The new Mountain Park is a completely new experience. It takes visitors on a journey to some of the greatest mountains of the world. With areas themed to the culture of various places that are surrounded by mountains, Mountain Park develops storytelling and theming like no other New England park.

Mountain Park takes guests to Mount Tom, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Rosa, Mount Everest, and Mount Denali. Guests can explore the cultures of each of these areas, including local legends, and how they interact with the mountain.

The shape of the park is long and narrow, and it is divided into lands with lines that run the width of the park, making five lands that all fit in a line. This small area is packed with fun everywhere you look, making it an exciting day for those who live nearby or far away.

So, without further ado, let’s begin our tour of the new Mountain Park. Due to the unique shape of the park, the tour will begin in the middle (Mount Tom), and continue by moving from the far left to the far right (starting with Mount Kilimanjaro and ending with Mount Denali

Mount Tom

Guests enter the park at the middle through Mount Tom. This area is themed to the natural beauty of the mountain the park is located on. It also works as a tribute section to the original Mountain Park, with various rides and attractions based on those that stood in the original park.

The area is designed to emulate the world around it, and pay tribute to the land and people that have been its home and its visitors.

Guests enter this area and are immediately immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of Mountain Park. They see a carousel up ahead, and The Skyway runs overhead, taking guests up to the summit.

Attractions

Flyer

Flyer is a major wooden rollercoaster in Mountain Park. Although not identical, this ride is similar to the wooden roller coaster that was built in the original park. This coaster features short hills and dives, as well as a seventy-five foot drop and top speeds of 50 miles per hour.

The Carousel

The Carousel is a tribute attraction to the original Mountain Park. Identical to the original, the 48 hand-carved horses and band organ are a fine welcome to guests entering the park.

The Skyway

The Skyway may also be seen as transportation, but is certainly an attraction in its own right. Taking guests in closed gondolas up (and down) the side of the mountain, guests can enjoy the breathtaking views that are truly unique to the Pioneer Valley. Guests travel first over the park, looking at all the adventures they can experience during their day, before heading up the mountain, looking out over the Berkshires as an Alpine Slide (part of Mount Rosa) moves swiftly beneath them.

The Aeroplanes

Another tribute attraction, guests here can board their own plane and take to the skies on this attraction. This attraction is similar to a swing ride, except instead of traditional swing seats, they are airplane shaped. Guests can use a lever in front of them to control a fin on the back of their aeroplane to steer to the left or to the right.

Mountain Park Amphitheater

Replacing the old concert venue is the new Mountain Park Amphitheater. This is where the hottest new acts, as well as classic rock artists come to perform. Concerts have always been a part of Mountain Park’s appeal, and that continues with the new Mountain Park.

The Midway

In the style of classic Midways, this place is a wonderland of games of skill and chance. The Midway combines old-fashioned games with games that are more current. With tent-like structures and live barkers at some of the games, this is designed to bring back the glory days of the Midway, as Mountain Park enters a new glory age.

Dining

Santiago’s

This restaurant pays homage to the high Puerto Rican population in the cities of Western Massachusetts, including Holyoke, where the park is located. This restaurant serves up tostones, rellenos, rice & beans, mofongo, and coconut pudding to top it all off.

Mt. Tom Ice Cream

Mt. Tom Ice Cream, which is known as some of the best ice cream in the area, is proud to open their second location in the new Mountain Park. Serving homemade hard ice cream in dozens of flavors, this is a sweet treat you won’t want to miss.

Paddy’s Irish Pub

In the 19th century, thousands of Irish immigrants poured into the Holyoke area. When this happened, Paddy decided to open up a pub so everyone could try his mother’s recipes direct from Ireland. Looking around, guests can find black and white pictures of him in Ireland, crossing the Atlantic, arriving in America, and opening his pub. This is a restaurant with great food and a rich backstory for guests to discover one photo at a time.

McKinley’s

Located at The Summit, McKinley’s is upscale dining at affordable prices. The restaurant features huge windows that look out over the Pioneer Valley, and an elegant atmosphere. It is named after President McKinley, who honored the area by calling it “the most beautiful view in the world.”

Retail

The Emporium

Located near the entrance of the park, The Emporium is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or gift for any member of the family. From t-shirts to coffee mugs, The Emporium has it all.

Oldies but Goodies

Looking for some original Mountain Park merchandise? Guests can find it here at Oldies but Goodies. The atmosphere is very classic, similar to what original Mountain Park Guests would have experienced. Be it a baseball cap advertising the original park, or a t-shirt from an original attraction, Oldies but Goodies is sure to have exactly what you’re looking for.

Overall, the Mount Tom area of the park pays tribute to the park it has replaced by honoring its rides and attractions, as well as by honoring the area is calls home. With lots of fun attractions, delicious food, and shopping opportunities, Mount Tom is a great place to start your day in the park.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Here, guests find themselves in Africa, specifically Tanzania. This area is a Tanzanian village, with shops, restaurants, and exciting rides! Guests experience the way people in the area around Mount Kilimanjaro really live.

This place has clearly existed for a long time, and represents the mixture of an old village with a modern culture. Guests can find traditional dancers, people playing drums and African music, but also some people playing music with modern jazz influences. The people of the village are out and about, always eager to strike up a conversation with guests, immersing them in the culture of Tanzania.

Attractions

Bandia Safari

This ride takes guests on a safari through the African Savanna. Due to the winter weather of Holyoke Massachusetts, the animals are audio animontrics. Guests are sure to enjoy this outdoor ride through the beautiful savanna of the African Plains.

Pangani River Rapids

Guests on Pangani River Rapids embark on a scenic journey through the jungles of Tanzania. However, it doesn’t take long for the ride to become turbulent and chaotic, finally sending guests over the edge of a 40 foot waterfall, as guests speed through rapids and watery features designed to get every guest soaked (not just the ones who were drenched by the waterfall).

Makonyingo

This is a fun dark ride about the attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Guests come across the mythical Makonyingo, dwarf people with large heads. They offer to help guests up the mountain, but at a price. When guests refuse, they are brought to the cave of the creatures, before making a final escape. This is a dark ride that is sure to be thrilling to all.

Dining

Ladha Cafe

Coming from the Swahili word for “delicious,” this sit down restaurant serves traditional meals from Tanzania, home of Mount Kilimanjaro. The menu includes Coconut Bean Soup, Ugali (a doughy bread) with African vegetables, Chapati (fried flat bread) and Wali wa nazi (Rice in Coconut milk).

Haraka Eats

This quick service restaurant shares a kitchen with Ladha Cafe, and offers a limited menu at a reduced price for park goers who are constantly on the move.

Magharibi Imports

Another quick service restaurant, this one offers up more traditional theme park fare, including burgers, chicken strips, and french fries. This is a great place for those who are a bit less adventurous in their food choices.

Retail

Rapids Outpost

Located at the exit of Kilimanjaro Rapids, guests can find Rapids Outpost. Filled with towels, bathing suits, spare changes of clothes, as well as on-ride photos, this shop has exactly what soaking-wet guests want after their journey.

Safari Crafters

Near Bandia Safari, guests can find Safari Crafters. Here, guests can purchase wooden carvings of animals, as well as watch the master craftsmen at work, right in the park. A great place for collectable items, Safari Crafters is sure to give guests a more upscale souvenir.

So, as you can see, Mount Kilimanjaro is a land that will transport guests halfway around the world from New England to the roof of Africa. With people always ready to interact with guests, as well as exciting attractions, this is an area that stands out among theme park lands.

Mount Rosa

The village here is white, but with brightly colored flowers and decorations around it, in the style of the Swiss Alps. Mount Rosa is the tallest mountain in Switzerland, so it makes sense that this land would be named after it. Cast members wear traditional Swiss clothing, creating the feeling of really being in Switzerland.

As with the rest of the park, many cast members are playing characters who would love to interact with visitors to their village.

Attractions

Soarin’ Swings

On this traditional wave swing ride, guests can soar above the park at 40 feet above the ground. Featuring Tandem swings that allow guests to sit with another person, guests are sure to enjoy this high-flying ride.

Alpen Racers

This set of two alpine coasters race down the side of Mount Tom, themed as the Swiss Alps. It runs directly under the Skyway, utilizing a part of the park’s footprint in a whole new way. These tracks allow guests to fly down the slopes and challenge their friends and family to a light-hearted challenge. Unlike traditional alpine slides, the cars are attached to the track, so they cannot fly off. The ride runs from the reservoir down to the main park

Alpalooza

This band plays Swiss folk music at an outdoor stage. The stage and seating area is covered to provide shade and protect from rain, but is easily accessible from the pathways, encouraging guests to join during performances. Featuring an accordion, alpenhorn, and clarinet, as well as singer, Alpalooza is not to be missed.

Sled Dog

On this dark ride, guests board a toboggan as they head up the snowy slopes of Mount Rosa. They are trainees of Sled Dog Search and Rescue. On their first mission, they are sent out to find a lost skier. They do, and bring him home, but not without a few bumps in the road! This is a great ride for the whole family to experience together that is unique to Mountain Park

Dining

Alpine Dining

This buffet style restaurant is full of Swiss classics, such as Älplermagronen (macaroni and cheese with apples and onions), Rösti (Swiss Hashbrowns), Zopf (Swiss bread), Landjäger (semi-dried sausage), and Chur Meat Pie. The atmosphere inside is just as Swiss outside at nighttime, and the wait staff are friendly and excited to strike up conversations with you.

Retail

Switzerland Outfitters

Switzerland Outfitters is a one-of-a-kind retail location. Here guests can find traditional swiss clothing, as well as more modern clothing decorated to appear traditional (think t-shirt with lederhosen drawn on). Guests are sure to find Switzerland Outfitters a wonderful shop to enjoy.

Swiss Sweets

And now we’ve come to the park’s confectionery. At Swiss Sweets, guests can sample, purchase, and watch the creation of their favorite Swiss candies. This includes Toffee, Truffles,

and Swiss Chocolates. Swiss Sweets brings guests the flavor of Switzerland’s sweetest traditions.

Overall, Mount Rosa is a colorful wonderland that brings guests right into the unique culture of Switzerland, as it combines influences from Italy, Germany, France, and it’s own completely unique culture. No place in the world is like Switzerland, and now guests have the chance to visit it without ever crossing the Atlantic.

Mount Everest

Welcome to Nepal, the crossroads of Asia. Here, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian influences all come together to create a special blend of cultures that is unique to Nepal. This village at the base of the mountain is an immersive area sure to be enjoyed by all.

At times, musicians or other street performers may appear without notice to provide some extra entertainment to the guests. This creates the atmosphere of a fun-loving village that all will want to visit.

Attractions

Himalayan Hillclimb

Guests on Himalayan Hillclimb will experience a fun, family coaster at about the same thrill level as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. This coaster takes guests around the area in what is sure to be an exciting ride for all.

Freefall

This drop tower is tall enough to be seen throughout the park. It’s a fun way to get a good thrill in for guests who meet the height requirement. It’s catchphrase is “As Tall As Mount Everest.” It’s not.

Snowball Spinners

Guests board their own snowball on this teacup style adventure. With the ability to control the spinning, guests are in for a ride anywhere from mild to wild.

Dining

Kathmandu Cuisine

This is a restaurant for those who want to experience local Nepalese dining, as well as dining from India and China. Guests can experience what they know as Chinese Food, or try something new, like Dal-bhat-takari, which is rice with nine different sauces, including some that are spicy, sweet, and sour. They can also try Momo, tibetan style dumplings, or chicken curry.

Sherpa Station

This counter-service restaurant, adjacent to Kathmandu Cuisine, serves some of the Chinese foods from it’s neighbor, as well as Momo dumplings. This is the perfect spot for guests who want to try new foods at a lower price.

Everest Eatery

A quick service spot in Mount Everest, this is a place for guests to grab a bite that they might be more familiar with. This restaurant offers healthier alternatives, as well as standard park food. It offers salads and vegan options, as well as hot dogs and nachos.

Retail

Climber’s Supply Camp

Climber’s Supply Camp is themed to a shop where climbers can get ready to climb up to the summit. Naturally, the shop does not sell things like ice picks. Instead the store sells guests clothing for when the weather does get a little colder. This includes jackets, coats, windbreakers, and more!

Yeti Tea

In this tea shop, guests can purchase and sample teas direct from Nepal. The interior is decorated with flags and oriental patterns, in hues of red and orange, transporting guests to a tea shop in Nepal as if they were really there.

Guests in Mount Everest have the opportunity to visit the world’s tallest mountain, and the truly unique culture that surrounds it. They can ride a rollercoaster or the other attractions, try new foods, and buy something to remember their trip by. This land is one that will not be forgotten.

Denali

This is a frozen tundra that brings guests into the heart of Alaska. The area is icy, and cold, with large glaciers created artificially. The area is dotted with shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a great theme park area that is completely immersive in the area it is based on.

Attractions

Grizzly

Grizzly is a simulator type attraction about a team of wildlife researchers who want to find and tag grizzly bear cubs in the Alaskan Wilderness. This all goes well until they come across a group of poachers who want to kidnap the cubs and sell them as pets. A ride on Grizzly is both exciting, and teaches a lesson about problems faced by wildlife in Alaska.

Inuit Playground

Here, older guests can sit for a quick break while they let their kids play in this themed playground. It is themed as an Inuit village, with igloos and tents to explore. While they play, guests will also be learning about the native way of life in Alaska.

Blizzard Scrambler

On this flat ride, guests spin around and around as if caught in a blizzard! Painted in all white with wind lines, this is a traditional scrambler ride that will be sure to make guests just a little dizzy...in a good way!

Dining

Kunwaktok

This restaurant is heavy on the fish. Because much of Inuit cuisine is not appealing to guests more used to traditional American food, this restaurant focuses on the fish caught in the area, such as Arctic Cod and Salmon, prepared in a way more traditional to the mainland US.

Alaskan Dining

Here, guests can grab a bite from the continental US, including fried fish, chicken sandwiches, and chef’s salads. This is a great place with high-quality and familiar foods.

Mr. Mo’s Ice

This is an ice cream stand that serves shave ice as well! A great way to cool down on a hot day!

Retail

Denali Goods

Here, guests can buy Denali-themed souvenirs, based around the attractions and snowy climate here (This includes: carvings, jewelry, and faux-fur coats). More than a few make jokes comparing New England winters to the Alaskan tundra can be found around Denali Goods.

Mount Denali brings guests to one of the most remote areas in the entire world: the heart of Alaska. Guests can interact with local people in between exciting attractions and dining experiences.

Conclusion

Overall, Mountain Park is a world-class theme park with a regional park’s footprint and budget. The park could very conceivably be built on the 60 acre footprint of the old park, and would certainly make back the money spent on it very quickly.

The park provides incredible theme park attractions, new and unique dining experiences, and views over the Pioneer valley that cannot be replicated by any theme park. Mountain Park is a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Find Your Peak

MAGNA BIBLIOTECA

From the earliest ages, people around the world are taught to engage the world by utilizing the valuable lessons taught in the humanities. The history of mankind has been writ across the ages, rising from the past like some great Colossus to cast its formidable shadow over all the ages of mankind. The timeless tales of the humanity are forever etched into the memory of mankind and its purveyors remembered forever. Now you have the chance to encounter these towering figures. You can experience their songs and sonnets, their ideas and inventions. The next great evolution of themed design has arrived, marrying education and entertainment. Welcome to Magna Biblioteca--the Great Library.

Park Theme

Magna Biblioteca aims to present the great works and ideas of the world in a themed design setting. These works span the world of the humanities—including Philosophy, Science, Politics, and the most prominently featured at Magna Biblioteca, Literature. The park provide for the standard theme park fair, complete with dark rides, coasters, thrill rides, flat rides, and thrilling shows. It also uniquely incorporates educational and informative walk-through attractions, exhibits, and museums. Throughout it all Magna Biblioteca aims to present the great thinkers, thoughts, and creations of the world in a way which is engaging, entertaining, and memorable.

Location:

Magna Biblioteca is located on the exact footprint as the former Astroworld theme park in Houston, Texas. In its heyday Astroworld was the most attended theme park in Texas and one of the most attended in the nation. It also boasted one of the largest parks in terms of geographic footprint. This generous footprint encompasses over 85 acres of land, which will put to great use for the development and expansion of Magna Biblioteca.

Operating Dates and Times: Magna Biblioteca operates year round. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park is open daily from 8AM-11PM. From Labor Day through November 3rd the park is open daily, from 10AM-8PM. From November 4th through February 13th the park is open five days a week, Thursday through Monday, from 10AM-7PM. From February 14th through Memorial Day the park is again open daily from 10AM-8PM.

Pricing: Magna Bibliotecta offers a wide range of pricing options suitable for ever type of visitor. A Single-Day ticket costs $79.99, though guests who advance order tickets online can save $15, bringing the cost of a single-day ticket to $64.99. Children under age 3 or younger are free. Multi-day tickets are offered at a reduction of $6 per day, to a maximum of 5 days, bringing the total cost of a full five day ticket to $49.99 per day.

Annual passes are offered in three tiers. The Regional Reader pass, offered to Texas residents only, costs $179.99. The Regional Reader pass allows admission to the park on select days and contains a Blockout calendar which includes all Saturdays and all major holidays as well as an extended blockout schedule from the third Friday in December through January 2nd, the third Friday of March through the end of March, and July 1 through the first Sunday in August.

The Bookworm pass costs $219.99 and offers admission to Magna Biblioteca on select days, with blockout calendar which includes: All Major holidays with the exception of Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving as well as an extended block out from the first Friday in July through July 31. The Bookworm passholders are also offered advance ticket sales for special holiday and seasonal events as well as advanced reservation on all of The Globe Theater productions as well as the reservation opportunities to The Aeropagus (both detailed below).

Finally, The Grad Student pass costs $349.99 and contains no blockout dates as well as free parking. Like The Bookworm pass, The Grad Student pass also offers advance ticket sales for special holiday and seasonal events and advanced reservation on all of The Globe Theater productions and The Aeropagus events. Lastly, The Grad Student passholders offers up to 20% discounts at select dining and retail locations throughout the park.

Parking:
Parking is located in a large, multi-level parking garage which can accommodate up to 10,000 vehicles. Expanded parking is located across the bridge in the Astrodome parking lot.

Parking is $7.00 for personal vehicles and $12.00 for R.V.s and other oversized vehicles. Guests who purchase a multi-day ticket will only have to pay the parking fee once, until the days on their ticket have been used.

Multi-Media Integration:
In a world of rapidly evolving technology Magna Biblioteca stays relevant with its inclusion and integration of modern day smartphone and mobile technology. The Magna Biblioteca app provides an exhaustive amount of information to guests. From the app guests will have the opportunity to view wait times, show times, special events, and have access to an interactive park map. The Speed Reader feature allows guests to reserve a spot in line at a select attraction, functioning very similar to FastPass+. Guests may choose to be virtually queued for one attraction at a time. When their time has come, the app will send an alert to their smartphone, tablet, or other smart device. Guests will then have 60-minutes to arrive at their chosen attraction. After receiving an alert guests can immediately choose to virtually queue for another attraction.

Magna Biblioteca has partnered with Amazon to provide a free, downloadable e-book to all visitors. Found on the back of any park map, guests can enter the redeemable code into their Amazon account and have the e-book available instantly to any Kindle ready device (including the free Kindle reading app available online or any smartphone device). These free e-books focus on open-domain classes and are specially edited and produced to include valuable resources such as introductions, footnotes, endnotes, and appendices. The free e-books cycle by month, meaning that every month guests will have the opportunity to receive a free e-book!

Lastly, utilizing AR (Augmented Reality) technology, guests will have the opportunity to discover the many secrets which Magna Biblioteca has to offer from within the app. Using the app, they can converse with great thinkers of the past, fight mythological and fantastic heroes and villains from the world of literature, pick up unique items and trade them with other players, and have the opportunity to insert themselves into the AR world. The best part about this feature is that, by completing certain missions, objectives, and goals within the app, guests will be rewareded with in-park bonuses such as special Speed Reader queue access, discounts on merchandise and food, and even receive free merchandise and flair for particularly difficult tasks.

Park Layout:

Magna Biblioteca utilizes the standard hub-and-spoke design made famous in parks such as Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. It consists of seven distinct lands (hereby referred to as “Worlds”) which will be detailed below. Each World explores a separate epoch or age of the history of man and includes one world held exclusively for the world of speculative fiction (Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy). The Lake of Enlightenment sits at the southern center of the park, offering a tranquil handspike for the back worlds of the park as they all are adjoined by its aesthetic cohesive nature.

Park Map with rough layout of the lands

THE GREAT LIBRARY

Guests are greeted with a regal Tutor-Gothic University-style building as they enter The Great Library

The parks namesake also functions as the parks opening land. A large, Tutor-Gothic style façade houses this land, recalling regal and storied Universities such as Oxford, Harvard, and Cambridge. Passing under a massive rounded pointed arch, guests are transported into an enclosed world of knowledge. Books of all sorts line the walls, resembling the great libraries at Trinity College in Dublin and the lost library of Alexandria. An array of tables and computer banks are available to all. Guests are free to peruse the Library at their leisure. Books are enclosed behind glass panels, and if a guests should want to look at a particular book, they can ask any of the readily available professional librarians who staff the library. The Great Library is unique amongst “opening lands” seen at other parks. People can freely enter the Library without requiring park admission. The official park entrance is located at the back of the library.

An interior view of The Great Library

Attractions

The Areopagus: This massive lecture hall can seat up to 1000 people. Each week, Magna Biblioteca brings in special speakers and lectures, offering guests to unique and engaging discussions and lectures in the worlds of history, economics, politics, literature, humanities, pop culture, and science. This is a separate ticketed event, and each event is sold separately (though most events and lectures will be offered for free). Advance reservation is required and tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Areopagus will quickly grow to become the nations foremost venue for intellectual conversation, debate, and exploration. The annual TEDtalks will have found a permanent facility to operate year round.

Dining:

Magna Tricliniaria: This elegant high-class restaurant offers 5-star service with views into Magna Biblioteca proper. Featuring classic fine dining options such as select cuts of steak, veal, and fish, as well as gourmet pastas and salads.

All Nighter: When you need to stay up to finish just one more chapter, you need coffee. This quick-service coffee option offers artisan coffee and small café bites such as croissants, sandwiches, and cold pastas.

The Librarians Nook: Standard American quick-service dining option featuring staples such as hamburgers, fries, salads, and chicken strips.

Retail:

First Edition: The name says it all. Here guests will have the opportunity to view and even purchase rare and hard-to-find copies of some of the world’s most important classics. Along with their collection of first and limited edition books, the shop functions as one of the largest bookstores in the world.

NOVELties: Located adjacent to First Edition, this gift shop offers a variety of standard gift shop items such as keychains, mugs, toys, dolls, games, and much more. All items pertain to the Magna Biblioteca either directly or through their intellectual content.

Voltaire’s Vestments: this gift shop offers apparel and clothing branded to Magna Biblioteca and its associated characters and books.

THE ANCIENT WORLD

The history of Literature is as ancient as the world itself. Thousands of years ago, the great civilizations of the Ancient World crafted timeless sagas and songs of heroes of myth and legend. The ancient Mesopotamians sung of the demi-god Gilgamesh and his trials, In Greece, civilization was born. Homer set the foundation for Western Literature with his epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey. From within the great city of Athens, philosophy as we know it was born. In the great Symposiums Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle pontificated on the great questions of life. It is also from this civilization that the idyllic parables of Aesop spring out, sending echoes of the moral parable down through the ages. Virgil tells of the founding of the Roman Empire--the greatest civilization the world has ever seen. Great Roman Orators such as Cicero and Seneca lay the foundation for what will one day transform into the modern Representative Republic. Welcome to The Ancient World--the bedrock of literacy, philosophy, and western civilization itself.

As guest head left from The Great Library they are treated to the splendor of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Beautiful and elegant Classical Architecture buildings and facades will give guests the chance to walk through the legendary Polis of Rome and Athens of history. The world itself is laid out to resemble a large Forum Romanum. Classical temples, arenas, and libraries merge to create a sense of grandiose beauty and symmetry. Large columns and statues of great thinkers and figures of myth stand proud as a testament to their legacy.

The Forum Romanum serves as an aesthetic inspiration for The Ancient World.

Attractions:

Arms and the Man:
”I Sing of Arms and the Man, he who, exiled by fate, first came from the coast of Troy to Italy, and to Lavinian shores—hurled about endlessely by land and sea, by will of the gods”-Virgil
Virgil sang of the quest of the displaced Trojan, Aeneas, father of Rome. Now guests will have the opportunity to see this flawed heroes quest to found a new Troy in this retelling of Virgil’s Aeneid. This elaborate, 60-minute stage show retells the major points of the Aeneid in a condensed format. Held in an imposing covered Roman-style amphitheater which can hold up to 700 guests, the show incorporates cutting-edge special effects, intense action, and unique set elements.

The Odyssey:
”Tell me, muse, of the man of many ways, who was driven far journeys, after he had sacked Troy’s sacred citadel.” –Homer
Possibly the most well-known and widely read epic in the history of the world, Homer’s Odyssey sings of the Achean hero Odysseus as he makes his way home from the Trojan War. Guests board large boats in this large-scale dark ride which allows riders to experience the journey of Odysseus as he makes his long journey back to his beloved Penelope and his home island of Ithaca.

Circus Maximus: Board your chariot and race against other charioteers in this thrilling flat-ride which offers a new twist on the traditional Scambler. Featuring a large, elongated “race track”, guests are flung wildly around in their chariots as the arms of the ride moves along the center of the track. All of this action takes place in an elaborate and detailed open-air building made to resemble the famed Roman Circus Maximus.

The Symposium:
”I know that I know nothing” –Socrates
The history of Philosophy begins with the Greeks and expanded upon with their Roman descendants. Now, guests have the chance to experience how the Grecian Symposium operated in this edifying and elaborate procedural walkthrough attraction. Guests enter the great symposium from a beautiful façade guarded by the goddess of wisdom, Sophia. They are then treated to three separate hybrid presentations which combine live actors, high definition screens, and stunning special effects where they will hear Socrates and Plato explain some of their most important ideas such as the Platonic Forms and the Cave Allegory, astute guests will be able to notice a young Aristotle paying very close attention. In the second room they’ll encounter Aristotle, where he, too, will give brief explanations of his most important contributions to the intellectual world such as the Cosmological Argument for the “Philosopher’s God”, the Golden Mean, and the nature of morality. Keen guests will be able to spot his most esteemed student, Alexander the Great. Finally, entering the largest of the three rooms, guests will be listen to Cicero and Seneca as they discuss the nature of Law, Government, and Rhetoric. Afterwards, a museum dedicated to Ancient Philosophy allows guests to explore these philosophers (and more) and their ideas in more detail.

Aesop’s Field : Smaller guests will delight in this small sub-section of The Ancient World created especially for them! This “mini-land” features a grouping of flat rides and interactive playgrounds for young children to enjoy. The attractions include.

The Traveler’s Tree: A small, 40-foot drop tower based on the fable, Two Traveler’s and a Bear. Guests are lifted to the top of a tall tree as an animatronic bear prowls around the base. Another animatronic sits atop the tree, warning the riders to beware of the bear. The riders then free fall to the ground where the animatronic bear tells them that, “It’s not wise to keep company with a fellow who would abandon a friend in a time of danger”

The Lion and the Mouse: A children’s coaster which follows the fable of the mouse who wakens a Lion from his slumber. The coaster glides at a slow pace through as it bobs up and down and through small turns and helixes. Throughout the ride, riders are treated to various small scenes. Including the mouse waking the lion and letting the mouse live, the lion trapped by hunters, and the mouse freeing the lion. At the end, the riders learn that mercy is its own reward, and no one is too small to make a difference.

Ants and Grasshoppers: A unique dual spinner attraction where riders can choose to dig and store food underground on an ant or jump and sing on a grasshopper. The ant vehicles spin in a unique underground circular diorama, where they can see ants storing food for the winter. Meanwhile, the grasshopper vehicles can ascend and descent above ground as in a normal spinner. As the ride slows, the grasshoppers become hungry and ask the ants for some food. The ants refuse, saying they should have worked harder and planned better rather than singing and hopping all the time.

Aesop Theatre: This interactive theatre recounts humorous retellings of various fables. Utilizing technology similar to that seen in Disney’s Turtle Talk with Crush, the virtual puppet show interacts with small guests to provide unique storytelling and interaction capabilities.

Dining:

Homer’s:
The Blind Bard was rumored to be fond of culinary arts. This lavish, high-end dining option sits at the southern end of The Ancient World, offering views of The Ancient World as well as the neighboring The Speculative World and the majestic Lake of Enlightenment. Featuring heavy Mediterranean and Sicilian dining, the menu is composed of high-end staples such as Lamb Chops, Rack of Lamp, Beef and Chicken Kebab Platters, Humus and Pita, as well as unique an ancient dishes as were found common in the ancient Mediterranean world including an exhaustive seafood menu. Prices are high.

Ajax Eatery:
The warriors who fought in the fabled Trojan War were strong and hearty men and needed a strong and hearty meal to keep them going. This quick-service dining offers Gyro Pitas, Gyro Salads, Steak Kebabs, and even some more modern day favorites such as pulled pork sandwiches and 2/3 lb. all-beef hamburgers.

Food of the Gods: This quick service counter top diner offers cold treats of all sorts including Ice Cream, Frozen Lemonade, and freshly blende fruit and vegetable smoothies.

Retail:

The Togary: Want to dress like a Roman Senator? The Togary offers unique attire for both men and women based on the classic Toga.

Armamentarium: The Ancient world was rife with conflict and battle. Guests will have the opportunity to view and even purchase replicas of some of the ancient world’s most common weapons and armor including the Gladius, Roman Armor, Trojan Helm, and Spartan Dory. These replicas are faithful full-scale recreations. Guests who purchase these items will be shipped the replica to their address. Free shipping is included with every purchase. Toy weapons and armor, made primarily of plastic and foam, can be purchased here as well for younger guests.

The Medieval World:

Veering to the right from The Great Library, guests encounter an idyllic hamlet. Rolling hills peppered with small groupings of trees and lush flora give the land a pastoral, relaxing feel. Small thatch roofed homes huddle together in the town square, while on the outskirts moderate farms and fields are ready to be tilled. In the center rises an imposing and awe-inspiring gothic University, a noble monastery abutted against its proud sides. Still, even here an air of danger persists, as wood barricades and ramparts keep out would-be raiders as the blacksmith keeps hammering out arms for the villagers. A high watchtower stands vigilant and solitary watch for encroaching danger. This is the Medieval World.

Concept art for the Medieval World

Attractions:

The University:
”Wonder is the desire of knowledge” –St. Thomas Aquinas
Riders will have a chance to ride through this surprisingly exciting and educational historical tour of the development and establishment of the University system which, to this day, is still used as the premier institutions of higher education. This Omnimover dark ride utilizes practical sets and animatronics to display the history of the development of the University. Beginning with the fall of the Holy Roman Empire, guest will be shown how knowledge was preserved after the fall, as monks and monastic orders labored endlessly to reproduce, copy, and preserve ancient texts of historical and intellectual importance. They’ll face Viking raiders, Conquering Saracens with their Iconoclast ways, and discover the hardships and trials these monks went through—often dedicating and sacrificing their lives (sometimes literally) for the sake of knowledge. The riders will also witness the building of Cathedrals and Universities, with short introductions to Gothic architecture. They’ll even be treated to a brief lesson by St. Thomas Aquinas—the Middle Ages most prominent philosopher. Towards the end, they’ll experience a thrilling, real-life montage of the development of the University system and how it came to be formed throughout the centuries and its importance to society today.

St. Bavos Cathedral serves as inspiration for The University facade

The Monastery:
”I would go from one city to the next, inspired by monks in the Middle Ages, who would carry knowledge from one monastery to the next monastery”-Hans-Ulrich Obrist
The Medieval monastery was the center of intellectual life in the Middle Ages. It was in the great monasteries that science, philosophy, literature, and artisan crafts of all sorts were developed and preserved. Guest can enter this beautiful monastery to learn about the various fields of knowledge with the monastic orders created and preserved throughout the Middle Ages. They’ll be able to join a calligraphy class, where they’ll be able to reproduce a page of the Book of Kells, visit the adjacent farm to understand the crucial advancements made by monks in agriculture, and get hands on experience with the tools and methods monks developed to advance sciences such as Astronomy, Physics, and Medicine.

Sitting adjacent to The University, this Monastery serves as inspiration for in-park facade

Beowulf’s Quest:
”Lo! The glory of the kings of the people of the Spear-Danes in days of old we have heard tell, how those princes did deeds of valour”-Anonymous
Riders will have a chance to join Beowulf in his quest to defeat the monstrous Grendel and his vengeful mother before coming face to face with a mighty dragon. This thrilling SCOOP attraction combines practical sets and animatronics with high-tech 3-D digital scenes similar to those seen in Universal’s Transformers and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man attractions.

Beowulf slays Grendel in the attraction

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:
Guests must choose to ride with Sir Gawain or the Green Knight in this intense dueling coaster attraction. Boarding their “Noble Steeds”, guest are shot out of a LIM launch at a staggering 50 MPH as they charge towards each other in a joust. The coasters dive, bob, weave, and dance around each other as they joust for victory. Utilizing the same coaster system as seen on Shanhai Disneylands Tron: Light Cycle attraction, this dueling coaster experience is sure to leave even the most experienced thrill-seekers satisfied.

The Round Table:
This tea-cup flat ride is housed within a small barracks, where King Arthur and his knights come alive as the Round Table vehicles spin through the barracks.

The Saga of King Arthur:
Experience the romance, adventure, and tragedy of the mythos of King Arthur in this slow moving, suspended dark-ride experience which chronicles the life of King Arthur.

The Cantebury Tales:
A small Medieval tent theatre plays host to recreations of Chaucer’s Cantebury Tales. These small plays are approximately 20-30 minutes in length and multiple Tales are preformed throughout the day. Performances occur every 90 Minutes until one hour prior to park closing.

Dining:

The Monk’s Picnic: This modest buffet style restaurant offers all you can eat servings of what many monks made and ate, including beef and potato stew, roast chicken, steamed vegetables, salads, and a variety of different breads and spreads (which many monastic orders created).

The Round Table: Named after the fabled Round Table, guests can enjoy this moderately priced sit-down restaurant featuring the cuisine of the British Isles including Bangers and Mash, Shepherds Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Guiness beef and leek stew.

Boethius’s Bakery: Enjoy the simple but sweet pastries of the Middle Ages at this counter-top dining option where you’ll find sweet treats such as sweet bread with cream and fruit, clootie dumplings, croissants, and cream cheese filled pretzels.

Retail:

The Scribe’s Corner: Located adjacent to The Monastery, guests can have a chance to purchase unique items such as professional calligraphy kits, hand-woven tapestries, and leather bonded notebooks.

Tristram’s Tunics: Here guests can buy authentically hand-crafted tunics and other period appropriate attire.

The World of Discovery:

Following the path through The Medieval World or through the west side of The Speculative World, beautiful Plazas flanked with breathtakingly beautiful Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Walking throughout the land, guests will notice that this world was a natural advancement of mankind—it still maintains a smaller, suburban feeling but the encroaching advancement of centralized city planning is evident. Tall monuments and statues are scattered—symmetrically of course—across the open plaza which makes up the heart of the land which recalls the famous Campidoglio of Renaissance Italy. In the center rises a massive cathedral in vein of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Among this garden of architectural beauty comes the great minds, artists, and writers of the Enlightenment. This is their world.

The Campidoglio serves as visual inspriation for The World of Discovery

Attractions:
The Globe Theater: The most widely read writer in the history of the world produced and performed his plays at his Globe Theatre. Guests can now enjoy this faithful recreation of the Globe Theatre—complete with modern technologies such as air conditioning, complex lighting systems, and enhanced audio systems. Here guests will be treated to shortened performances of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, as actors use techniques, costumes, and dialect available to Shakespeare at the time. A daily, separate ticketed performance of one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays is performed here. The plays are cycled on a 3-month calendar, where a new play is performed every three months. The theatre itself can seat a respectable 1500 people. Guests can order tickets in advance or even pay to see a performance separate from park admission, as the Globe Theatre contains its own entrance from outside the park. Separate tickets range from $50-100 depending on seat and availability. A select section of 300 seats on the Mezzanine level is reserved for park goers at no extra cost. Guests can use their park app or be put on the waiting list with a cast member at the theatre itself. Park going guests are alerted to their seat availability via text message, phone call, or the park app.

Shakespeares Globe Theatre

Venetian Carousel: This beautifully ornate double-decker Carousel is an enhanced recreation of some of the first Carousels ever produced.

DaVinci’s Flying Machines: A modified Troika flat ride with vehicles themed after DaVinci’s famous flying machine concepts. The unique twist is that the Troika arms actual lift riders high into the air, offering a unique and thrilling experience.

The Path of Enlightenment: The history of the Enlightenment is riddled with towering intellect. From ingenious polymaths, penetrating philosophers, innovative scientists, and master artists the Enlightenment period produced a staggering amount of verifiable geniuses. This next-generation Carousel of Progress style attraction features never before seen hologram technology, 3-d screen integration, mild chair movement, and advanced animatronics to tell the story of the progress made during the Enlightenment and Renaissance periods. Guests will rotate around a large stage where they will be presented with the thinkers which produced groundbreaking works of art, philosophy, and science. Containing five distinct show rooms, guests will be treated to shows and thinkers based on Art (with DaVinci, Bernini, and Michelangelo), Science(with Newton, Diderot, Copernicus, and Kepler), Philosophy(with Descartes, Spinoza, Kant, and Leibniz), Politics (with Rousseau, Locke, and Montesquieu), and Literature(with Goethe, Milton, and Shakespeare).

The Alchemists Lab: The quest for Gnostic knowledge was common amongst enlightenment thinkers. This manifest itself most commonly in the mystical arcane practice of Alchemy. This mystical and mysterious art produced odd, sometimes dangerous results. Guest can get a glimpse of the price of knowledge in this thrilling water flume attraction featuring two minor drops and a climactic third drop into the Venetian-style canals which adorn The World of Discovery

Genius: Located in the large cathedral weenie of the land, guest can walk through this living museum, complete with full scale replicas of some of the Renaissance world’s most enduring pieces of art including Pieta, The Creation of Man, the statue of David, and The Last Judgement, just to name a few. Interactive elements instruct guests on the development and impact of these masterpieces.

Discovery Gondolas: Located on the shores of the Lake of Enlightenment, these LPS guided gondolas give guests a relaxing cruise through the lake.

Dining:

Galileo’s: Dine in opulence under the stars of Galileo’s observatory in this lavish high-end restaurant. Here guests will be treated to the finest in Italian cuisine including pastas of all varieties, Chicken Parmesan, Eggplant Parmesan, Lasagna, and various cuts of steak, veal, and fish. Prices are moderate.

Goethe’s Gelato Shop: This quick-service shop offers hand-made Gelatos and ice cream of a wide variety.

Retail:

The Stars Fell: Guests looking to further their knowledge can enter this themed retail Renaissance observatory, where they'll be able to purchase fine crafted scientific tools from the Renaissance era including Astrolabe's, Telescopes, and beakers. Safe science kits are also available for younger children.

The Galleria: Reproductions of some of the worlds most cherished art pieces are kept here. Guests can purchase full size replicas (complete with free shipping) or can purchase posters, paperweights, mugs, and apparel with the great works of art displayed on them.

The Modern World:

Guests continuing on their journey through the intellectual history of mankind will eventually come to The Modern World. Nestled on the southern end of the park, guest can access The Modern World through The Speculative World in the North or through The World of Discover to the west. The Modern World is themed to the various great American and European cities in their evolving states as they underwent heavy Industrialization. The land recalls most prominently Victorian London, with hints of 19th century New York and Boston. Great tutor style buildings, were once proud universities and chapels welcomed members, have not been transformed into factories of mass production. Victorian and Queen Anne style flats and homes sit proud amongst the bustling city square. On the outskirts of the town, nestled on the shores of The Lake of Enlightenment sit proud Dutch Gothic and New England Colonial style dock houses. This is the modern age. It is here where great revolutions were born and where the roots of current transportation, economics, trade, and philosophy began.

The Modern World resembles large metropolian cities in the height of the Industrial Age

Attractions:

The Fiery Hunt:
”Of all these things the Albino Whale was the symbol. Wonder ye then, at the fiery hunt?”—Herman Melville
If there was ever a novel which deserves the title of “Great American Novel” it is undoubtedly Moby-Dick. The tragedy of Ishmael and Ahab as recounted in Melville’s masterpiece comes to life in a ground breaking new high-capacty water ride. Guests board high-power LPS boats as the ride takes them alongside the Pequod in their quest to slay the White Whale. Boats can accelerate up to 20 MPH and will come face-to-face with Moby-Dick himself as one of the largest and most complex animatronics in the world.

Hast Thou Seen The White Whale?

Liberty or Death: This LPS based dark-ride attraction takes guests through the events of the various political upheavals of the modern age, including the American and French Revolutions.

Electric Avenue and Edison Tower: Walk through this highly themed back alley which features interactive elements displaying the rapid advancements of electricity and technology and their impact on the modern world. Guests will have the opportunity to get hands on experience with the early experiments of electricity. This walk-through ends in a thrilling multi-drop tower dark-ride/hybrid attraction similar to Disney’s infamous Tower of Terror, where vehicles not only drop down, but can move back-and-forth and side-to-side at rapid rates.

Concept Art for Electric Avenue

Tesla’s Revenge: Nikolai Tesla was without a doubt one of the world’s greatest geniuses. A combination of politics, financial problems, and personal vendetta’s buried much of his legacy. His last invention was meant to enact revenge against those who wronged him in his life. Guests board this intense flying coaster, where electricity dances between massive Tesla Coils.

L'Opera: A celebration of the worlds great musicians has not gone unnoticed. This interactive dark-ride brings music to life as guests must 'conduct' the symphony as they travel through an old opera house and meet some of the worlds most prominent composers such as Beethoven, Bach, Pachelbel, Mozart, and Chopin. Using advanced technology, guests vehicles are equipped with 'conducting wands', as they move through the ride, they will bring to life various instruments, until the ride reaches a mighty crescendo.

L'Opera House: Modeled after the stunning Palais Garnier, this 800 seat Opera house holds nightly symphonies in an acoustically sound environment. Throughout the day, various performances are performed, based on a first-come, first-serve basis. On weekends nights, the Opera House plays host to full Operas as a separate ticketed event. Passholders and Park guests receive advanced ticket reservations, of course

The grandiose Palais Garnier plays host to classic Operas

Dining:

Queequeg’s:-Located adjacent to The Fiery Hunt, this unique cafeteria-style restaurant offers a taste of the South Seas. Dine on pulled pork, macadamia encrusted Mahi Mahi, fresh Island salads. Prices are modest.

Fagin’s Fish and Chips: A counter-top service option offering authentic fish and chips.

Franklin’s Fine Feasts: A cafeteria-style restaurant offering hearty colonial dishes such as Pot Roast, Rotisserie Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Soups of all varieties.

Pickwick's Public House: Come in for a pint at this comfy pub, offering a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits as well as common pub fare such as cheese platters, braised lamb shoulder, Lobster Bisque, Clam Chowder, and Bread Pudding.

Retail:

Karamazov and Co: A hybrid museum and store, this unique shop offers profiles and history on great 19th century Existentialists such as Soren Kierkegaard, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and Fredrich Nietszche. In the shop, guests can purchase a wide selection of Existential literature, as well as attire and merchandise with witty existential puns and quotes.

Wonderful Wares of Westinghouse: Beautiful, antique Victorian recreations of common household appliances are found here, as they would be in the 19th century, at the height of the discovery and experimentation of electricity. Here, function and history meet as seemingly archaic aesthetic items become practical real world items such as gaslamps , phonographs (with multi-media hook-ups to accommodate MP3, CD, and Vinyl play), lanterns, and telegraphs.

The Speculative World

Throughout the history of humanity, mankind has dwelled upon the fantastic. Visions and ideas of people and places that once were or one day may become reality. Utilizing their mythopoeic qualities, writers and thinkers have crafted fantastic and often terrifying visions of the past, present, future, and the world that never was. This is the speculative world—the realm of thought which produces visions of idyllic past, fantastic and supernatural worlds, and terrifying representations of mankind’s deepest fears.

Heading straight south through The Great Library, guest enter The Speculative World. This is the largest of the worlds within Magna Bilblioteca. Unique among worlds, The Speculative World contains within it two distinct aesthetic and thematic realms. The first of which is The Forgotten Land. Here, a charming Bavarian village stands alongside the ruined battlements of a mighty castle, as this realm of fantasy and fairy hides its enchanting secrets within. Moving into The Dark Wood, located in the eastern end of The Speculative World guest enter a dreary, foreboding, and gloomy forest. Dead trees block sunlight as ramshackle homes and buildings hide between the ruinous remains of temples and carins now long forgotten to history. In the backround, casting its imposing shadow across the town, rises Mt. Purgatory, a towering concentric mountain. The Lake of Enlightenment sits at the center of the realm, offering a tranquil handspike for the back part of the park.

Attractions--Due to the two sub-divisions of this area, I will split the attractions, dining, and retail options into their respective sub-division

The Dark Wood:
”Midway, through the journey of our lives, I woke to find myself in a dark wood, for the straight and true path had been lost”—Dante Aligheri
The Divine Comedy: Arguably the greatest moral allegory ever written, Dante’s La Divina Commedia(The Divine Comedy) is a penetrating exploration of philosophy, ethics, theology, and eschatology all bound up in what may very well be the greatest poem ever penned. Now, guests will have the opportunity to take their own journey to the Beatific Vision. This groundbreaking attraction will be the first large scale “procedural” attraction in the world. Broken up into three distinct rides, The Divine Comedy is intended to be ‘ridden’ in a fixed procedural and linear manner with the total experience lasting approximately 60 minutes if a guest were to experience the attraction in its full, intended manner. Guests can also queue for each ride in the attraction separately if they so choose, to diminished impact as they will miss out on the elaborate walk-throughs and in-between-ride show elements which bridge the three rides into one cohesive attraction.

Beginning their journey by descending into the earth after being set upon by three terrible beasts, guest are treated to an elaborate walk-through attraction which sees them follow Dante’s footsteps as he descends into hell. Guests will pass through elaborate sets of the realm of the Uncommitted (those who could take no strong stance in life) and Limbo, where they’ll be treated to an animatronic show of the virtuous pagans as they discuss the nature and map of hell.

After this walk-through (which simultaneously functions as a queue for the first ride in this procedural attraction), guests will board large-capacity boats and be treated to a long, elaborate dark-ride through Dante’s terrifying image of hell, culminating in a thrilling splash down through the mouth of Lucifer himself. (for the sake of brevity, I won’t detail every scene here. Suffice it to say that this would be on par and possibly even longer and more elaborate than Pirates of the Carribean)

After disembarking from their trip through hell, the guests follow Dante and Virgil, guided by Beatrice (done with more elaborate walk-throughs and animatronic shows, into the second portion of the attraction. They board a suspended Omnimover vehicle in their ascent up Mount Purgatory, encountering souls who are purging themselves of the same sins which damned the hopeless souls in haven. Once at the top, they disembark and are treated to a beautiful view of Paradise, where Virgil departs the guests and leaves Dante and the guest with Beatrice as their guide. One more elaborate interactive walk-through attraction and they then are taken aloft on Angels wings (quite literally) in a sublime flight through Paradise in this Vekoma Pandora Box motion simulator ride.

Concept art for Mount Purgatory

After the final ride portion of the attraction, guests can walk down the front of Mount Purgatory, offering spectacular views of all of Magna Biblioteca down to the floor level or, if they wish to save their time and feet, they can board high capacity elevators which will take them back to the ground level.

The Ruins of R’lyeh:
”In his house at R’lyeh dead Cthulu waits dreaming”-H.P. Lovecraft
Enter the dreary dock-side Inn of Innsmouth in an attempt to discover the terrible secrects of the Cult of Cthulu. But beware, for your trespassing may just wake the ancient horror! This indoor themed roller-coaster (in vein of Universal’s Revenge of the Mummy) uses the revolutionary Cantilevered coaster system as guests dare to discover the chilling secrets of the ancient city of R’lyeh. Their disturbances even awaken the dread Cthulu! Will they make it out alive?

Cthulu awaites to distribute doom to riders

The House of Usher:
”What was it—I paused to think—what was it that so unnerved me in the contemplation of the House of Usher?”-Edgar Allen Poe
The writings of Edgar Allen Poe forever cemented the idea of Horror literature in the literary world. Now guests will come face-to-face with the terrors of his creations in this multi-story elaborate Haunt-House style attraction, complete with high-tech special effects and top-quality set design and make up. Guests will enter the doomed House of Usher and find their way through scenes from some of Poe’s most grisly including The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amantillado, The Raven, Annabelle, The Mask of the Red Death, and The Black Cat.

The Pit and the Pendulum:
Ride the dreaded Pendulum as it slowly cuts away at doomed men in this classic Kamikaze flat ride themed after Edgar Allen Poe’s short story of the same name.

The Forgotten Land:

Attractions:

Fairy Tales with Hans:
Younger guests and children of all ages will be delighted with this high-tech, 21st century puppet show which offers a large theatre and 3-d screens as virtual puppeteers manipulate on-screen characters to retell some of Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous fairy tales including The Ugly Duckling, The Snow Queen, Thumbelina and The Little Mermaid.

Rumpelstiltskin Escape Room: The cunning Rumpelstiltskin is again up to no good. Guests enter a seemingly innocuous castle turret before being trapped by a king who has mistook you for a spy. The only way out is with the aid of the Kobold, Rumpelstiltskin—but he’s not about to offer help without something in return. Using innovative technology, live actors, and an entertaining plot-line, guests must solve the mysteries of the enchanted castle in order to escape.

Escape the Big Bad Wolf: The Big Bad Wolf has a voracious appetite and he’s looking for his next meal! This hybrid steel-wooden coaster offers some of the most intense thrills in the park as the coaster features an initial launch—unique amongst wooden coasters—as the Big Bad Wolf sets upon his chase to eat the riders. The coaster twists, flips, dives, and weaves through the thick forest of The Forgotten Land. Along the way, it will enter show buildings featuring thrilling effects as the wolf gets ever closer to his prey.

Grimm Village: This fun, festive, and sometimes scary walk-through attraction allows guests to wander the labyrinthine Village of the Grimm’s where they’ll encounter Hanzel and Gredel (and the evil witch trying to cook them, of course), Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and the Frog Prince. The Magna Biblioteca AR game is most active in this village, as characters and creatures from across the world of Grimm abound aplenty.

Grimm’s Carriages: Sit back and enjoy this relaxing ride through the charming Grimm Village in this outdoor, slow-moving, Pretzel-style ride where the vehicles are themed after quaint carriages.

The Princess and the Goblin:
George MacDonlad’s classic tale is brought to life in this interactive shooter ride as guests must brave the realm of the Goblins in a faithful interpretation of the Novel of the same name.

The Light Princess:
Chase the Light Princess in this Flying Scooters attraction based on the George MacDonald novel of the same name.

Dining:

Fantastic Feast: Enter a charming indoor fantasy village where it's always a calm summer night. This all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant features a wide-range of German, Polish, and Czech foods including Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Kolaches, Pretzels, Salads of all sorts, and Perrogi's.

Innsmouth Inn: The gloomy, gaslamp lit Inn of Innsmouth offers fantastic seafood options at this moderate sit-down restaurant including Seafood Pastas, Cthulu Calamari, Shrimp cocktails, and hot lobster rolls.

Village Tavern: Guests can enjoy Turkey Legs, All-Beef Burgers, and a variety of alcoholic beverages at this counter-top eatery.

SEASONAL AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Magna Biblioteca transforms itself for major Holiday events. From the last weekend in September through the first weekend in November, Manga Biblioteca transforms at night into a world of darkness and fear. Mythical monsters and beasts roam The Ancient World. Vile witches and sorcerers, vampires and werewolves, and spirits of the long departed prowl the peaceful hamlet of The Medival world. In The World of Discovery mad scientists and ambitious alchemists explore dangerous mysteries and arcane rituals with disastrous results. In The Speculative World malevolent fairies and banshees prey upon naïve guests while alien lifeforms stalk the land. The season of death and dying haunts the park in this unique twist on the ever popular haunt craze which infects parks across the world.

October is also Black History Month and Magna Biblioteca celebrates the great contributions of the people of all Afro races with a display of some of the world’s foremost Afro thinkers such as Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, W.E.B. DuBois, Alexandre Dumas, Maya Angelou, and many others.

During the Christmas and New Year’s season, Magna Biblioteca becomes a place of festive merriment rarely matched. Guests will have the opportunity to learn and discover how our modern celebrations evolved from our ancient ancestors through the ages. The Modern World is transformed into an elaborate Dickensian winter wonderland, as the park pays homage to one of the 19th centuries most important literary and political thinkers and his exhaustive impact on the Christmas season.

The Fourth of July is a the greatest holiday dedicated to our great nation, and Magna Biblioteca is proud to present an extended celebration of America’s great contributions to the world of literature, politics, and philosophy. From the first week in July and extending well into the third weekend of July, the park is transformed into an elaborate exposition into American thinkers as guests will have the opportunity to encounter our founding fathers as well as some of our nations most celebrated and important literary figures such as William Faulkner, Herman Melville, Ernest Hemingway, Walt Whitman, Flannery O’Connor and Robert Frost to name but a few of the illustrious figures who have shaped our literary tradition. All of this culminates in a fantastic nightly fireworks display.

FUTURE EXPANSION:

Magna Biblioteca has four distinct expansion areas available to it. Plans are already underway to enhance the park by bringing new experiences to guests. The great civilizations of the Ancient Eastern World have yet to be explored here. Rumors of a future-past in The Speculative World, where space-travel is real and time-bending technologies transport guests to places and times forgotten by man. The idyllic South, with its haunted history, is written about with astonishingly accurate detail and tragic characters by writers such as William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, and Cormac McCarthy. Will guests have to encounter the famed Yoknawpatapha County in The Modern World in the near future? And tales of the foolhardy knight, Don Quixote, are told throughout The Medieval World

CONCLUSION:

Combining wonder, excitement, education, and edification, Magna Biblioteca is poised to take themed design to the next apex. Are you read to turn the page to the Great Library?

In the theme park industry, there is no company who has been more influential than Disney. However, while Universal, SeaWorld, Merlin, and other big destination park chains receive a lot of attention, the next most influential theme park operator is likely Six Flags. Known primarily as the operator of many major North American regional parks, Six Flags is the largest theme park chain in the world by park count, fifth in terms of annual attendance, and is known for inventing many things that have now become common at theme parks worldwide (the most significant of these is likely the pay one price format).

Unfortunately, the chain has not had the best history. Due to poor management following the chain's acquisition by Premier Parks in 1998, the company began attaining ever-increasing debt. By the mid-2000s, this debt became so large that the chain was forced to sell off or close many of their parks in an attempt to remain stable. While many of these parks still operate under different owners, a few were closed for good. Among the biggest of those was Six Flags AstroWorld, a park located in Houston, TX near the Astrodome. In addition to performance issues, this park had been plagued by outside issues and a lack of investment. The park closed forever on October 30th, 2005, and while there have been proposals to develop the site, nothing has ever come of it. Now, however, that is about to change.

Timeline Terra

Location

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, beaten only by Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. However, Houston's largest major amusement park is Six Flags Fiesta Texas, located 185 miles away in San Antonio. By comparison, the other three all have major parks within a 50 mile radius: Chicago has Six Flags Great America, Los Angeles has a host of major theme parks, and New York has Six Flags Great Adventure (in addition to the historic Coney Island). This makes Houston the ideal place for the next major theme park in the United States.

Six Flags AstroWorld occupied over 75 acres of land directly south of Loop 610 near NRG Park. The new park will be slightly smaller, occupying only about 60 acres. As parking was one of the main issues with the old park, the remaining land will be used to build a dedicated parking structure with room for 5,000 vehicles. This garage, combined with overflow parking in NRG Park when games are not in progress, will be more than sufficient for an estimated daily attendance of 20,000 guests.

Park Info

Timeline Terra is a seasonal park, operating from the start of Spring Break in March to the first weekend after New Year's in January. While the climate in Texas does permit year-round operation, the two month closure allows all annual maintenance to be performed during what would be slow season, ensuring the park is able to operate at 100% at all times. During peak season (Memorial Day to Halloween), the park is open daily from 10 A.M. to at least 9 P.M. (as late as 11 P.M. on weekends). Outside of these times, the park operates on weekends only from 10 A.M. to 6-8 P.M. Special events may result in longer hours on occasion.

Admission to Timeline Terra is comparable to most other regional parks in the United States. A one day ticket costs $60, with up to a $15 discount if purchased in advance online (children's tickets are the same as the online discount rate). For those who plan to visit more than once in a year, Season Passes start at $85 and include unlimited admission as well as one 50% friend discount coupon per month. Higher tier passes include season parking (normally $10 per visit) and additional discounts.

Layout

Timeline Terra is laid out in a literal timeline. Guests enter the park through Lone Star Plaza, a shopping and dining area themed to contemporary Texas. At the back of this plaza, they have the option to head left or right. By turning left, guests head back in time, while turning right will take them to the future. Areas representing different time periods branch off from this timeline, but guests generally must return to the timeline in order to move between areas. Although the park is not that large, the Temporal Train, a miniature railroad surrounding the park, does provide transportation between designated areas.

Park Overview

While a major park, Timeline Terra is still a regional theme park and therefore features attractions on a scale similar to what may be found at a Busch Gardens park. All attractions are themed, but the park does not contain fully immersive dark rides or attempt to give you the illusion you are in a different land rather than a theme park. That said, the park is themed to a high standard and all attractions are among the best that can be found in the region.

Lone Star Plaza

The entrance area to Timeline Terra, Lone Star Plaza is a rectangular area that welcomes guests to the park. After passing through the entrance gates, guests find themselves in an open area with a large, star shaped fountain in the center. Above this fly both the US flag and the flag of Texas. The plaza is surrounded by buildings resembling traditional Texas architecture, but given a bit of a modern flare. Guests can find all the necessary services here, including guest relations, pass processing, locker rentals, and a first aid station. Beyond, guests stroll down Texian Street to reach the timeline, with shops and restaurants lining both sides.

Dining Locations:

Grand Texas Barbeque: A traditional Texas Barbeque, this is the largest restaurant in the park. Resembling a large smokehouse, the outside of the building stands out from others on the street. Inside, guests find a dining room full of wooden furniture, red and white checkered tablecloths, and an assortment of pictures and animal taxidermy on the walls. Those who inspect the decor closely will notice that the pictures showcase the history of Texas Barbeque. Menus explain the distinctions between the different varieties, all of which are available here:

-Central Style: The classic Barbeque style, beef is rubbed with spices, then cooked using indirect heat from pecan wood. Meat is served based on weight, with a selection of fixins available (bread, pickles, onions, and jalapenos). Sauces are available as a side dip, but the focus is on the meat.
-East Style: The meat is slowly cooked over hickory wood and marinated with a sweet, tomato-based sauce. The meat is cooked until it is falling off the bone, then chopped up and served on a bun. Beef and pork options are available in this style, with pork shoulder and pork ribs as the primary options.
-West "Cowboy" Style: Meat is cooked directly over mesquite wood, then served the same as Central style. In addition to beef, goat and mutton are also available in this style.
-South "Barbacoa" Style: The most exotic of the options, this style uses largely less desirable cuts of beef. The meat is wrapped in maguey leaves and buried with hot coals for cooking, then served in the form of tacos or fajitas.

Like most Texas Barbeque restaurants, food is served cafeteria style. Guests take a tray and go to the counter offering the meat they want, then head to a separate counter to get their sides (beans, potato salad, slaw, and onion rings) and desserts (fruit cobbler and banana pudding).

Tejano Grill: A standard quick service restaurant, this is all about Tex-Mex. A hybrid of US and Mexican food, chili con carne, burritos, nachos, tacos, fajitas, and chimichangas are all available here, along with other common dishes in the same vein.

Retail Locations:

Texan Takeaways: For those visiting Texas, is the place to get any Texas-themed souvenir you could want. Ranging from park specific merchandise to generic miniatures of tourist icons, if it can't be found here it is unlikely to exist.

The Timekeeper: An anachronistic futuristic store, this shop sells all things related to the concept of time. Clocks, watches, and more sci-fi gadgets are on display here. In addition, guests can purchase interactive timepieces, which will trigger minor scenery props scattered throughout the park.

J.P. Henderson's General Store: Named for the first governor of Texas, this is the place to go for anything you may have forgotten at home. Sunscreen, pre-charged backup batteries, over the counter medicine, and more are available here should the need arise.

TimeJump Sales Center: Like many major parks, Timeline Terra offers an express queue option for those who don't want to wait. Called the TimeJump pass (abbreviated TJ), this pass is valid for immediate boarding (guests get direct access to the station) on the park's headliner attractions. Two versions of the pass are available: a punch card for $40 that grants one use at each attraction, and an wristband (Unlimited TimeJump) that may be used as many times as desired for $70 (guests must wait two cycles before reboarding the same attraction).

At the end of Texian Street, guests reach the timeline. The remaining areas will be covered in chronological order from the past end of the park to the future.

Cretaceous Jungle

Long before human civilization existed, dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The Cretaceous Jungle is set back when these gigantic beings were alive. A wooden boardwalk winds through the dense foliage, encouraging guests to see what lies inside. Animatronic dinosaurs are scattered throughout the area, strategically placed to both surprise guests and be easy to view from inside the area. The Temporal Train stops at the back of this area, and guests can enjoy several different attractions.

Attractions:

Terrordactyl (TJ): The largest attraction in Cretaceous Jungle, Terrordactyl is a B&M Flying Coaster. After waiting in a shaded switchback queue, guests ascend a stone staircase to a cave on a rocky outcropping. Here in the nest, they board a 32 passenger train for a flight above, around, and through the Cretaceous Jungle. During their flight, guests cover 3,600 ft. of track, reaching heights of 140 ft., speeds of 55 MPH, and negotiating five inversions.

Magma Flow (TJ): Built into a large volcano, Magma Flow is a log flume that isn't for the faint of heart. Guests board a log on the shore of a lake, then begin their trip down a peaceful river past benign dinosaurs. When guests drift into a cave, the water begins to boil, then guests ride a geyser (elevator lift) up the inside of the volcano. The rest of the ride consists of a fairly rapid race (by log flume standards) through the insides of the volcano, including a plunge into the fiery crater. Finally, guests burst out the side of the mountain and ride a 60 ft flow back down to the lake.

Dino Safari: A more family friendly attraction, Dino Safari is an off-road car ride through the jungle. During their journey, guests pass a number of prehistoric flora and fauna. Using the on-board identifier, (picture an iPad attached to a cable), guests can learn about these beings as they see them. Each four-person car is equipped with two identifiers (one per row), and since the cars are self-driving all can participate.

Moss Pit Mayhem: Sunk into a moss-covered depression in the center of the area, this is a new take on a traditional teacup ride. By utilizing trackless technology, the vehicles both translate and rotate at once, resulting in a fun and disorienting ride. Guests board a stone, which takes off in a random direction. Upon colliding with another stone, guests careen off in a different direction, spinning as they go. The process continues for the rest of the cycle. Should a stone reach the boundary of the area, it will stop moving, then head in the opposite direction back toward the mayhem.

Dining Locations:

The Cave Inn: Built inside a cave at the base of Magma Flow's mountain, Cave Inn specializes in meat on a stick. Guests pick a meat and sauce, then get a skewer accompanied by vegetables. For those who like their food a bit more well done, a fire pit is nearby for additional roasting.

Teepee Village:

Next on the timeline is Teepee Village, a Native American camp on the edge of the plains. Here, guests can experience pre-Columbian America, complete with a host of live actors of Native American descent. More than any other area, this section of the park is about character interactions rather than rides. It does, however, feature those as well.

Attractions:

Buffalo Stampede (TJ): The main attraction of this area, Buffalo Stampede is a Zamperla Moto Coaster. Guests board a 16 passenger train of American Bison, then are launched at 55 MPH across the plains. At 1,700 ft. and 45 ft. tall, this coaster is for families, with a course consisting largely of low turns and small hops.

River Canoes: A water-based dark ride, this is a journey through the land as it was 500 years ago. Guests board a canoe and float down a river past natural wonders of the United States. The scenes are populated by animatronic creatures, and occasionally guests are menaced by a predator, but for the most part this is a tranquil journey.

Campfire Tales: A show located inside the largest teepee, guests gather around a large fire pit to listen to legends told by the tribe's chief. Unknown to the guests, technological wizardry is also at play, as the stories described are brought to life within the pit. This show is performed numerous times throughout the day, and several different stories are told, encouraging repeat viewing by regular visitors.

Dining Locations:

Bountiful Harvest: An outdoor full-service restaurant, bountiful harvest offers filling meals consisting of foods native to the Americas. Similar to what may be served at Thanksgiving dinner, guests can enjoy turkey, berries, fruit, pumpkin, squash, and corn, along with a few more exotic options (primarily venison and seafood). All meals at this restaurant are served family-style, with portions large enough to feed the entire party. Guests dine on large wooden picnic tables seating several parties, and a festive atmosphere is maintained through decoration and music.

Bison Burgers: While the name may say otherwise, this is not your traditional hamburger stand. At this quick service food location, guests can get an archaic version of a burger: bison meat on maize bread with a small selection of extras. The meat is roasted over a fire and the bread is made in-house, resulting in an unusual but interesting offering for guests to try.

Retail Locations:

The Spirit Trader: A small stand near one of the larger teepees, this is the main retail outlet for Teepee Village. Guests can purchase a whole manner of Native American artifacts, many made using traditional techniques. Unlike the rest of the park's merchandise, nothing here is branded with the Timeline Terra logo out of respect for their craftsmen.

Jamestown

Though it bears the name of the first settlement in the Americas, Jamestown is more of a general colonial village than a recreation of a specific place. Here, guests step back in time to life in the 1700s, walking down a cobblestone street past brick and wooden buildings that would have been considered standard at the time. Like much of the park, this area is populated by character actors and interactivity is a large part of the experience. This section of the park features a stop on the Temporal Train, as well as three additional attractions.

Attractions:

The Great American Revolution (TJ): The largest dark ride in the park, The Great American Revolution is a motion-based interactive dark ride similar to the Six Flags Justice League rides. Guests enter the town hall to enlist in the Continental Army. After winding through several rooms full of maps and documents relating to previous battles, guests enter the briefing room. Here, an animatronic General Washington informs guests that they are needed immediately to assist in rescuing a large group of trapped soldiers. Using Franklin's prototype horseless carriage, guests set out to rescue the trapped soldiers. The ride begins by heading into the woods, where guests overhear a conversation by British redcoats giving away their target. Shortly afterward, guests are spotted, and the rest of the ride consists of a wild chase through the forest. Guests are armed with mini-muskets, one handed versions of the rifle that shoot stun darts and can be reloaded much more quickly (though guests still must manually reload by pulling back the striker before each shot). Once guests find the trapped soldiers, they must escort them to safety for the mission to be considered a success.

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride: A Vekoma mine train, this ride is a race through the hills to alert all that the British are coming. With 2,000 ft. of track, a maximum height of 60 ft., and a top speed of 45 MPH, this is a very family friendly coaster. Thanks to the use of multiple lift hills, the ride is a respectable two and a half minutes long.

Corral Carousel: A standard merry-go-round located in the center of town. Guests of any age can climb aboard a horse and go for a spin on this theme park staple.

Dining Locations:

Town Square Tavern: A quick service restaurant, guests can find American comfort food here. This is a no frills restaurant in a simple recreation of a tavern.

The Tea Room: Fancy a cup of tea? This is the place to go for refreshments (both hot and cold), as well as light snacks.

Retail Locations:

British Imports: The main store in the area, British Imports sells a variety of 18th century goods. Guests can purchase clothing, replica weapons, toys, and all manner of reproduction souvenirs.

Gold Rush Junction

Perhaps no part of history is as represented in popular culture as the American Wild West. This gold mining boomtown is next on the timeline as guests reach the cross streets of the latest lucky strike. Rows of ramshackle wooden buildings line the main road, leading to a large stamp mill before a mountain at the end. As the largest area of the park, guests can experience six attractions here.

Attractions:

Mine Cart Chaos (TJ): The most innovative attraction at the park, Mine Cart Chaos is a SFX coaster. After queuing up outside the Stamp Mill, guests wind their way through the mining yard and then into the mine itself. After taking the lift down, guests find themselves in the heart of the mine, where they board mine carts to journey further. As usual, however, something goes terribly wrong. After a cave-in causes the floor to collapse, guests are launched into an uninhabited cavern containing rich veins of silver and gold ore. However, they have accidentally awakened an underground monster, which pursues them through the tunnels. In total, this ride features two LSM launch sections, three special track sections (drop track, reversing gyro table, and sideways slide track), and a max speed of 55 MPH during the two minute ride.

Raging River Rapids (TJ): A river rapids ride, guests board a 12 person raft at the top of the hill for a trip downstream. The river quickly turns turbulent, featuring class three and four rapids as riders descend back toward town. Before reaching it, however, guests must survive a canyon with powerful waterfalls on both sides. Eventually, they reach the lift back up the hill to the start.

Mine Shaft Screamer (TJ): A modified Intamin Giant Drop, guests board an elevator for a trip to the highest level of the mine. However, just as they reach it the cable breaks, and guests plunge twenty stories into complete darkness. This attraction functions differently from most drop towers, as riders board approximately half-way up. Following the drop, a ghostly show scene plays while the catch car descends, then guests are hoisted back to the load position.

Ghost Mill: A dark ride through the abandoned stamp mill, this is a traditional spook house dark ride. Guests board two-seater cars and travel through the mill, which comes to life before their very eyes.

Mining Machine: While heavily themed, this is a stock Zamperla Giant Discovery. Guests ride a gigantic pendulum that seems to dig into the earth with every swing.

World's Largest Wagon Wheel: A ten story Ferris Wheel, this attraction is solely for the views. It is a relaxing ride that all can enjoy.

Dining Locations:

Gold Rush Saloon: A recreation of a saloon straight out of the old west, guests can purchase simple fare here as well as libations if they so desire.

Retail Locations:

Treasures of the Earth: A gem and jewelry store, this location sells things either found in the mine or made from what is found there.

Miner's Surplus: An old west general store, shoppers can find all manner of apparel and accessories needed to survive the hazardous conditions inside the mine.

Roaring 20s Boardwalk

The 1920s were a popular time in America, and in this time the nation was overrun by small amusement parks. While some took the form of trolley parks, others took the form of beachfront piers and boardwalks. This section of the park pays tribute to the lost parks of the past.

Attractions:

The New Texas Cyclone (TJ): Among all the roller coasters that have ever been built, the Coney Island Cyclone may be the most famous. It was so famous, in fact, that when its future was uncertain, Six Flags AstroWorld attempted to purchase it and relocate it to the park. Since that fell through, the park wound up building a clone of the ride. The New Texas Cyclone, however, is not yet another clone. Instead, it is a resurrection of another famous Cyclone: The Crystal Beach Cyclone. A legendary Harry G Traver creation, the Crystal Beach Cyclone is sometimes considered the most extreme roller coaster ever built. Void of straight track, the ride was 40 seconds of pure terror. In fact, a nurse was stationed on the unloading station, as riders often fainted during the ride. Now, resurrected by GCI, it is time to determine how much truth history holds. Built 100% identical to the original unless modifications are needed for safety, the New Texas Cyclone is sure to provide a thrill to all who dare to climb aboard.

Zeppelin: A form of the classic swing ride, this attraction utilizes 12 passenger vehicles instead of individual chairs. Riders are swung around at moderate speed on this family friendly flat ride.

Tilt-A-Whirl: Another old-school classic, the Tilt-A-Whirl is one of the only theme park rides that cannot be modeled mathematically. All are welcome to climb aboard for a spin on this fairground favorite.

Cirque Generations: In the 1920s, boardwalks had circus acts and freak shows. This performance, however, while taking place in a traditional big top, is a modern Cirque du Soleil performance focused on impressive acrobatics and other feats of skill. The main show at the park, three or four performances are scheduled on most days.

Dining Locations:

Boardwalk Grill: A classic food stand, this is the place to get all your theme park favorites. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, pizza...you name it, they've got it.

Funnel Factory: Focused primarily on desserts, this is the only place in the park that sells funnel cakes and other theme park delights.

Retail Locations:

Tidal Trinkets: An ocean-themes store, here guests can find seashells, ocean-themed jewelry, and beach attire.

Americana: For those who want something to remind them of the heyday of America, this is the place to go. Guests can find both Roaring 20s themed merchandise and general American souvenirs here.

Neo America:

Set in the future, Neo America is a Sci-Fi take on what a major US city might look like in 100 years. Bright skyscrapers, autonomous vehicles, eco-friendly technology, and tons of product placement are hallmarks of this area. Here, guests may board the Temporal Train, experience several other attractions, and chat with the citizens of the future about how to attain this future.

Attractions:

Sky Glider (TJ): A B&M Inverted coaster, Sky Glider is considered by many to be the most thrilling ride at the park. Following a long winding queue and a preshow by New Heights, Ltd. about their jetpack technology, guests board a 32 passenger train for a test flight around the city. The coaster itself is just over 4,000 ft. long, stands 170 ft. tall, reaches a whopping 70 MPH, and inverts riders 7 times during a flight lasting over two and a half minutes. Voted the best new thrill ride in Texas since the New Texas Giant, Sky Glider is for ultimate thrill seekers.

Ecoaware: Part of Neo America's goal is to encourage smart decisions about the future, so Ecoaware is an omnimover dark ride presenting a number of potential outcomes based on small changes humanity could make today. This is the only purely educational attraction at the park, but it presents its message through entertaining scenes featuring original characters.

Spinmaster 3000: A Mondial Top Scan, this attraction exists simply to twirl riders around as much as possible. While a stock flat ride, an extensive lighting package gives this a very futuristic appearance.

Technocycle: In the future, physical fitness and environmental friendliness is praised, so Technocycle invites guests to go for a ride on the bicycle of the future. By pedaling, guests will travel at different rates around the track, with monitors displaying how their performance compares to other riders.

Dining Locations:

Cafe Future: A full service restaurant, Cafe Future features experimental fusion cuisine from around the world. The decor is ultra modern, with stainless steel furnishings and the latest appliances on display. Guests order from a touchscreen tablet, which allows them to not only see what they are getting but examine the ingredients, inspiration, and preparation for their dish. Once the food is ready, it is delivered to diners via cart using an overhead network of tracks.

The Nourishment Hut: A small quick service dining location, the Nourishment Hut serves healthy food options. Everything here is organic, much of the menu is vegetarian friendly, and portions are small yet filling.

Retail Locations:

All-In-One: Literally a store that sells everything, guests can purchase both Neo America souvenirs as well as anything else found within the park here. In addition, items may be ordered by computer for delivery directly to the park exit or to a guest's home.

Conclusion

Houston is the largest city without a major theme park, and Timeline Terra fills that void with a unique high quality regional park. While it may not be the biggest, it is one of the more unique, focusing on both high quality thrill rides and believable environments populated by character actors. With something for every member of the family, this is the perfect place to escape life for a day and travel on a journey through time.

I’m a bit stunned about how much I wrote on these critiques. Part of it is that I’m not working this weekend, and being Father’s Day I announced that I was not going to work around the house today, just take it easy, and this is what I did for fun. Also the fact that several of the proposals came in earlier than the last minute gave me a chance to work ahead. Thank you for that.

Douglas Hindley Monstrous Realms

I’m going to deduct one point for taking the easier road- Chernobyl Park could have been much more challenging, such as how to make over-the-shoulder restraints work over radiation suits.

I think your choice of location is a smart one, and your choice of a theme an especially smart one. You’ve chosen a niche that has really not been filled in the Japanese market, and the selection of themed lands and rides brings both the familiar and the exotic into this park. Japanese visitors would be attracted to it, and overseas visitors- if the overseas market was properly informed about it and the ease of accessibility from the major theme park hubs was exploited, this park could certainly stand on its own. What it lacked in size it certainly makes up for in number and variety of attractions. I suspect that the park would certainly be more “congested” than the larger parks due to the sheer number of attractions, but this might not be an issue with proper placement and the Japanese familiarity with crowded areas and crowds of people.

Going through this park in detail (which Jeff seems much better at doing than I) would create a critique as long as the proposal. That being said, I don’t want to dismiss the remarkable detail and vivid descriptions you provided of each Realm. You did a masterful job of explaining each attraction, dining establishment and retail outlet, and how their theme fits into the Realm where it was located. The puns you included in various descriptions were cute- I do wonder how much is owed on a Grecian urn- and I appreciated the shout-out to Cedar Point (ok, I’ll give you the (Cedar) point back I deducted earlier.

Your selection of Monstrous Realms was superb, including many if not most of the most famous “monsters” in the world, and many that are little known outside their native region. Were there others that could have been included? Yes, but your park is already approaching critical mass (or was that Chernobyl Park…well, anyway) with monsters. Your use of the Shogun Realm as the most dedicated land for families with younger children was wise, utilizing the probable familiarity that children will have with the monsters of their own culture.

The integration of monster-based themes with appropriate rides was well-conceived, and you presented an excellent mix of thrill, mild thrill, dark and flat spinner rides, along with walk-throughs that are often either ignored or forgotten about in many/most theme parks.

The layout of the park is especially well-crafted, with excellent traffic flow. “Phoenix Reborn” would be a spectacular finale to a day at Monstrous Realms, and integrating each Realm into the finale was a great thought. Your layout would allow maximum visibility for this show by the maximum number of people.

When I judged your “Disney Sky” proposal for TOC7(?) I found plenty of problems that I pointed out. Perhaps if you had gone into the depth of detail in this proposal as you did in that one, I might have found more to comment negatively on. Here, though, you were conservative in your description, providing just enough to paint the image without getting it all muddy. This really was outstanding. You met the criteria for this challenge in every way.

Chad H the world of the rainbow serpent

Chad, my friend, I am going to ignore your silly comments about not staying in the competition. Even in its obviously unfinished, unorganized and unpolished form, this is the best proposal I have ever seen you present, and I can tell you why. This is not the park your head told you to create- this is the park your heart wanted you to bring to life. It is absolutely unique in the feeling of national pride I felt coming from your heart, your pride in Australia, in being Australian and in the rich cultural heritage of your nation.

Is it perfect? Of course not, but I strongly suspect that, with time, work and being free from the silly rules we created for the competition and this challenge, you could have (and hopefully will continue to) create the “perfect” park that’s in your heart.

Your entrance to the park is unique, unusual, technically extremely complex, but would make experiencing the park a unique, unusual and memorable event. Entering the park from underneath, and into the center of the park, is unheard of but a perfect way to bring guests from the modern world into the “dreamworld” of your park. Some things don’t work- that’s what reworking your ideas is for. The glass visitors’ center is both glaringly incongruous and unnecessary. I understand your idea of people being able to see through it to make it unobtrusive, but it would be full of guest services and therefore could not be seen through. You say that the Aboriginals didn’t need permanent structures, but creating a structure that pays respect to their art and culture, partially hidden by native flora if needed, would be perfectly understandable and appropriate. Create the kind of structure that they would have built if they needed to, and utilize this newly-created “traditional Aboriginal Architecture” throughout the park as a unifying theme and visual.

Your park (which needs a different name- perhaps “Dreamtime Park”) is a difficult blend of a themed amusement park and a cultural park that needs to be sensitive to the Aboriginal culture that its soul is based on. While judging my final presentation of Americana 1900 in TPA6.1, you said that you were not sure if Americana 1900 was a theme park or a historical recreation, and I responded by asking why it couldn’t be both. Rainbow Serpent is the same kind of park- one that must present a variety of themed thrill rides and entertainments while being true to the deeply established cultural foundations of the Aboriginal culture it both presents and celebrates. It can be done- I hope you now understand how I saw Americana 1900.

Your choice of three “lands”- ground, sky and water- was basically forced upon you by the culture you chose to present, and you offered an excellent mixture of attractions that would be both entertaining for visitors and culturally sensitive. Yes, the sight of a roller coaster, no matter how well themed, would be incongruous in the “land” section, but your park’s visitors must be willing to suspend their disbelief a bit. Use the “water” area as a water park is really a great choice, and so what if it’s the obvious choice? You need a water area for Aussie summers, and this fills that need while staying true to your theme.

I especially liked The Onward Development section. Here I saw that you planned this park out carefully, that you didn’t imagine it would magically appear overnight but over several years, and that it’s developers didn’t fall into the same trap that buried its predecessor on that site. Review, renew and refresh, and add- excellent things for theme park managers to remember what must be done to survive.

Your proposal was disorganized, capitalization was all over the place, and images (while certainly not a requirement) would have helped us non-Aussies to perhaps have a better image of what your head and heart were seeing. That being said, I could see your park as a unique, excellent experience for Australians to enjoy, and for them to take their visitors from overseas to experience also.

Chad, I am still working on Americana 1900. I hope you do the same with this park. Set it aside, let your mind work on it, and someday come back to it. Show us what it can be.

DPCC inc. Mountain Park

As I read your proposal, what struck me first was the simplicity of it. You didn’t try to make it all flashy and dramatic. You didn’t try to put makeup on a pig (and no, I’m not comparing your proposal to a pig in any way). You presented it simply, unadorned, and let it stand on its own merits- just like I would expect anyone from New England to do.

One thing I did not expect you to do was to go so far away from New England in your search for mountainous areas to use as your park themes. It would have been easy to go to the Appalachians, the Rockies, the Blue Ridge, etc.- the traditional American mountains. You chose the more exotic route, choosing mountainous themes from disparate cultures- even Denali fits into this category due to the influence of indigenous cultures in Alaska. This was a wise decision, since it gave you much more freedom and you didn’t have to avoid the “I saw that at Dollywood” situation. Taking the harder route, the “road less traveled” is the difference between a competitor and a champion.
I was unsure about the physical limitations that your site presented, and if it would be awkward to move from Mt. Tom through Switzerland to Africa, or from Mt. Tom through Nepal to Alaska, but I believe that the variety and quality of attractions in each land would make such strange transitions unimportant to most visitors.

Mt. Tom is an excellent tribute land to the original park, and having it themed as an old-fashioned amusement park, even including a recreation of the original carousel, was the perfect way to attract locals with fond memories of the original park to patronize this one. Ignoring the historic existence of the original Mountain Park would have been a foolish move- instead, you embraced it, and possibly presented the better, cleaner and better maintained park that most of the locals treasure in their sanitized memories. Without your having explained the cultural heritage of the surrounding area, I would have wondered about the inclusion of Santiago’s and Paddy’s but since this park would strongly attract from the immediate area their inclusion was a good choice, and visitors from other regions and countries would also enjoy the exotic dining options. McKinley’s is a great use of the magnificent view from the top of Mt. Tom. I would suggest two restaurants there- one featuring affordable prices (call it family dining) and one more up-scale where you’re not only paying for the better quality dining, but also for the view. I would also suggest an observation deck for those who just want to look around for a while without having to eat.

Mount Kilimanjaro – this land would have to be handled extremely carefully to avoid racial problems. The Makonyingo might be completely authentic mythical people of Tanzania, but they could extremely easily be taken by most of us (who are not well-educated in Tanzanian culture) as being a racist caricature. I know it was not intended in any way, but if Disney is afraid to show “Song of the South” anymore, imagine the reaction of society to (and I’m only saying this because some ignorant, racist people would say this) a “dark ride about darkies.” It would be a public relations nightmare. Cut this ride- I can’t see any way to make it work, or that it’s important enough to risk having it burned down by activists.

One other thing that stuck out to me- the use of animatronics in the Bandi Safari. You’d need them because you probably wouldn’t have room for live African animals, not because of the winter weather. You aren’t actually considering having Mountain Park, located near Holyoke, Ma., open year-round, are you?

Mount Rosa is a good, solid choice as a themed land, and the rides, attractions, dining and retail are all appropriate for the land and the park. The Alpine Racers are a great addition to the park, and if you had any attraction to have an up-charge for this would be it. I’m unsure how to get to the top of the Alpine coaster, though. If it starts at the top of Mt. Tom in the McKinley structure, that would make sense but needs to be clarified.

Mount Everest- good, solid theming and selection of attractions and services.

Denali- I liked that you used the new, old, original name for this mountain. Good sensitivity to the local culture. No complaints except about Alaskan Dining- why call it that when you state that basically none of the foods are Alaskan? If Kunwaktok features mostly fish, then let this be the main Alaskan-inspired restaurant and don’t revert to lower 48 states-style preparation. Invent “Alaskan fusion” cooking, and make this restaurant be the ONLY place to get it. Foodies will give it a try. Leave Alaskan Dining as the place for non- fish Alaskan foods like moose, caribou, and other wild game (rabbit, venison, etc.). There are plenty of places to get American (spelled b-o-r-i-n-g) food. By the way, what does Kunwaktok mean anyway?

I think you did an outstanding job of creating a proposal for a new park on a relatively small foot print, but you used the location and Mt. Tom to its full advantage. Your proposal was well-written, well-presented, and the simple, clear style you used was appropriate for the New England setting of your park. This is a proposal to be proud of.

Blake Meredith Magna Biblioteca

Blake, my friend, my “Indy” co-rider, a man I deeply respect for being the only competitor in TPA6.1 who was able to create a park capable of defeating my beloved Americana 1900- your creation of Magna Biblioteca is the reason I hate judging TPA competitions. Jeff Elliott will attest to the angst I go through having to judge friends in this competition, and I very nearly declined to do so from the start. I finally decided to put myself in the shoes of a competitor who was a friend of a judge, and I decided that I would want the judge to set our friendship on the shelf and judge my work fairly, honestly, but with some sensitivity. If the judge was my friend, and I was theirs, I would expect- nay, demand- honesty and impartiality. In TPA6.1 we did that with each other’s parks while we waited for the judges to work their way through our monumental proposals, so with that, I hope you can accept my critique with that impartiality and honesty.

Let’s get the bad parts out of the way. Magna Biblioteca is a completely unrealistic, untenable theme for a major theme park, especially in Houston, Texas. This is probably terribly condescending to the residents of Texas and the Houston area, but a huge majority would probably say, “I ain’t gonna waste that much money to spend the day at a g** d*** library!” Your park is too smart, too “brainy” for a huge part of the population. I know, I know, part of the core mission of the park is to teach, to expose the population to the magnificent literary culture of our Western Civilization, and it would certainly expose them to the very culture that they need to be exposed to, but most people don’t want to be forced to learn or even know that they are learning anything. Getting them through the gates of a literary theme park, especially one that focus so much on the Great Books of the World, would be a monumental challenge.

I’ve been digging through the archives unsuccessfully, but I’m sure that in the TPA past there was a literary park proposed that used more accessible themes (Sci-fi, horror, fantasy, mystery, etc.) and that seemed to work. Blake, I’ve often touted the theme that you need to create the park that you see in your heart, not just your head, and in MB I think your head, with its incredibly deep pool of philosophic and esoteric knowledge, overwhelmed your heart. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I can imagine you sitting with all the great philosophic minds of the Ages (many of whom you mention in your proposal) and not only keeping up with their conversations but making points that would cause them to say, “Hmmm- I never thought of that.”

But enough about me. Unsurprisingly, you included all the electronic bells-and-whistles that a 21st Century theme park should offer as outlined in your “Multi-Media Integration section, and this would help make your park’s theme more accessible to the masses. The Great Library would be probably the most beautiful entrance structure at any theme park, and certainly the most unusual. The Great Library proper (with thousands of books), the Areopagus, the Magna Tricliniaria, the other restaurants and retail outlets here are certainly appropriate to the theme of this entrance land. Practical? That’s as debatable as the entire theme of the park, but I will try to divorce myself from further comments about that- EXCEPT that I think I spent as much time looking up what some of the words and names you used mean as I did reading the actual proposal. Blake, either you did an incredible amount of research or your knowledge of ancient cultures and languages is phenomenally deep. I consider myself fairly well-read, and I had never heard of the Areopagus before, nor did I know that a Tricliniaria was a cafeteria (or sofa- I found both definitions).

The Ancient World Lumping Greek and Roman cultures together would probably cause most historians and philosophers to stroke out from apoplexy, but this would be more accessible and familiar to your guests than trying to include the early civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, etc. You start with a pageant entitled,” Arms and the Man,” an hour-long presentation of the travels of Aeneis from Troy to Italy based on Pliny’s epic Latin poem. “Arms and the Man” is also a comedy by George Bernard Shaw, and even though it gets its name from the first line of the Aeneid by Pliny, Shaw’s play is produced more often now. If I saw a show entitled “Arms and the Man” in the Roman Forum, I would think I was in the movie “Time Bandits”, not the Ancient World. The Circus Maximus and Odyssey are appropriately themed rides that would be fun, if strangely themed for any theme park. The Symposium would be a walk-through in the truest sense of the word- people would walk-through it, and only a 100+ degree day outside would keep visitors inside to hear what is being said. That is NOT to say that what inside isn’t important or worth hearing, but most guests wouldn’t listen- or probably understand. Aesop’s Field would be the most fun area of the land- well themed to bring Aesop’s fables to life and possibly introduce them to modern children.

Dining options are appropriate and would offer unusual choices that I feel would be popular. The retail offering, though…unless you’re involved in a Greek or Roman event (food fight, adult…(fill in the blank), or kinky leather dress-up, these shops would be more comical than profitable.

The Medieval World Your park is located within a short drive of the Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest faire in the world. Comparisons would be made, and this is not a bad thing. There might be some cross-over in visitors attending both, but in the retail end you’d have to be extremely competitive in price and quality. In dining options, you look pretty good (and I do know my renaissance festivals- my license plate is “RENRAT”).

Attractions. Here you run the gamut from “OMG this is AMAZING!” to “OMG isn’t it over YET?” “The University” would possibly be in the latter category- Disney has always had problems with making the ride in Spaceship Earth anything more than moderately interesting to see but hum-drum to reride. How can you make the founding of the University system anything other than documentary-like educational? How often can the Vikings attack before they finally either go away or stay and sign up for classes? “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” would probably be the thrill hit of the park. “Beowulf”…what is a SCOOP attraction? I researched it and found nothing. “The Monastery” seemed more like a special tour, signup ahead of time, up-charge activity found in a boutique park. Not bad, but not overly popular.

The World of Discovery Your attractions don’t seem to have anything to do with the concept of “discovery”. It is much more focused on creativity and should be called such. The Globe Theater- I’ve seen a play as a “groundling” in the Globe in London, and it was an amazing experience. Park visitors would need to know that they were not attending a 20-minute “Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits” if they went to see a show as part of their day at the park, or they’d either be angry or more likely walking out. “The Path of Enlightenment” could definitely be popular, especially as an air-conditioned people eater on a hot day, but man, it would be hard to make this attraction exciting enough to keep them awake without degenerating into having Copernicus, Rousseau and Shakespeare breaking in “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Enlightenment.” The Cathedral of “Genius” would ring with the sounds of children lamenting, “Mom, this is boring! Can we go now?” The other attractions and rides in this land seem well-themed and appropriate, as do the dining and retail locations.

The Modern World is not what it says. The title infers the present, the 21st century, yet it presents the beginning of the Industrial Revolution of nearly two hundred years ago. What to call it? I don’t know. I’m not the creator, just the complainer.

The attractions mostly seem very entertaining, moderately interesting, and educational without being too “hit-them-over-the-head-with-knowledge.” I was hard-pressed to find a unifying thread between the attractions. It seems to be that this “World” is a bit of the park’s attic, then place you store things you really like and want to keep but don’t exactly know where to put them. The opera house here seemed out-of-place, more appropriate as part of the “World of Discovery”. The retail and dining options have the same problem as the attractions- not bad at all, good choices for visitors to try out, but little to unify them in this land.

The Speculative World I should not have been stunned that you would attempt to create a dark ride- actually a series of dark rides- through Dante’s Divine Comedy. I don’t know of any other TPA competitor who really has the ability to create something on this scale creditably (although I believe I do remember one attempt in the past, with unmemorable results), and in many ways, you succeeded. I would not let riders treat this as three separate attractions, though. Once they start it, they must finish the experience. Letting them pick-and-choose what they want to experience would dilute the entire experience you have created. Would it be a rerideable attraction? Probably not. Once and done per park visit would probably be sufficient, sort of like watching a great, dramatic, three-hour-long “film” like “Tess.” A great film, but so dramatic that you have to recover from it.

The rest of the Speculative World (probably the strangest name for a theme park land I have ever heard) seems to consist of good, solid entertaining attractions, but to me combining two really disparate types of attractions (deeply-serious or cerebral like Dante and Poe, and more fairy-tale-like stories) felt like you were out of room and shoved them together out of desperation, like World Showcase and Future World at Epcot. You weren’t out of room, so have them as two separate Worlds. I think they will stand stronger separately than together.

Season and Special Events are always interesting to see in proposals. I felt that yours are appropriate and a good use of the Worlds you created. The expansion pads concept is also good in that it shows how you’re thinking ahead towards the future.

Congratulations. I think this is the longest critique I’ve ever written, probably longer than some of my earliest proposals! You probably think that I hate everything you created, and that’s not the case. My suspicion is that you and I think so totally differently, and your personal pool of knowledge is so deep, that we would never be able to create anything together- we see things differently. Your proposal was masterfully created, presented and organized, as always. It was professionally offered, and reading it was an honor (if a bit of a challenge and ate up much of my Father’s Day!). I am eagerly looking forward to your final proposal.

AJ Hummel Timeline Terra

I began reading your proposal under a mistaken premise- instead of it being for a park named “Timeline Terra”, I read it as “Timeline Texas” and I thought, “What a neat idea! Instead of Six Flags over Texas, it’s Six Times over Texas.” I started out in Lone Star Plaza, as dripping with Texas culture at it’s possible to get. I loved the Texas barbeque restaurant, and my mouth was watering as I read the descriptions of different styles. I thought the retail locations were spot-on, and the Time Jump up-charge was well-conceived and would have minimal effect on wait times.

The we went to Cretaceous Jungle. Why not? Texas was around then, just not called Texas by the Cretaceous critters than were running around (probably bigger than anywhere else, cause everything’s bigger in Texas). I liked the rides, especially the names, and thought that the mix of thrill and family rides was well thought-through. You did miss a retail location here, though.

Teepee Village- bringing Native American culture into a theme park can be done tastefully and sensitively, as is done at Knott’s Berry Farm, and I think that the attractions did so. Campfire Tales is probably directly inspired by the Mystery Lodge at Knott’s also, and why not be inspired by the best. The dining and retail offerings were appropriate and especially with Bison Burgers quite unique.

Moving on through the history of Texas we next reach Jamestown. Wait, what?! Jamestown was in Virginia! That’s when I realized my error in the name, and frankly I felt really disappointed. The history of Texas certainly has historic sites worthy of exploration, and this was a glaringly-missed opportunity…but I need to review what you presented, not what I was expecting or what I feel you “should” have done. The rides and attractions here are good, basic, crowd-pleasing attractions, and the Great American Revolution would be a terrific dark-ride experience. The other attractions were good choices, but the Town Square Tavern was a missed opportunity for something better than run-of-the-mill American comfort food. Period foods could have been emphasized, and a full-service meal compared to counter service would have made this restaurant more of a dining experience than a food location.

Now Gold Rush Junction, and we could be back into Texas. Mine Cart Chaos- wow, this could be an amazing experience. Mine Rides have such a reputation as being low-thrill family rides, but this could be the hit of the park (based on the video). The rest of the rides here are good choices, but I loved the idea of the World’s Largest Wagon Wheel as a Ferris Wheel. The dining and retail were appropriate, and if you had omitted the Wild West saloon it would have been glaringly obvious.

Roaring 20s Boardwalk- You didn’t give me grief about having a Boardwalk in my first version of Americana, but just about everyone else did. It doesn’t look quite so bad now, does it? This land would be an excellent place to bring in the good old-fashioned rides that are still popular because they are good rides- sort of like I did with State Fair in Americana. Recreating the Crystal Beach Cyclone as the New Texas Cyclone (see, we’re back in Texas, which makes Jamestown feel even more anachronistic) was a masterful decision.

NeoAmerica- as Disney learned, the problem with presenting the future is that it 1) always gets here, and 2) it’s always different than we expected. Houston has a reputation of being an extremely modernistic city, so using it as an inspiration could be both a headache and an easily-accessible model to base this land on. You’d always be having to improve and redesign this land, add to it and update it as time passes by in reality. It doesn’t have to be Houston, and actually you’re not presenting Houston of Tomorrow, but the most up-to-date modern city anywhere. Regardless, if NeoAmerica stays stagnant while RealAmerica continues to modernize, you’re soon going to have a quaint but outdated land on your hands. This could be the most innovative land in your park- it could also be the biggest pain in the butt in your park. It all depends on how much the park management is willing to invest in it. They could NOT just maintain it- it would have to be recreated all the time.

Timeline Terra is a good, basic, solid proposal and a good choice for this location. It has one glaring inconsistency, but mostly is one of your better proposals with some outstanding choices. However, once again, I had to knock points off for your late entry. I wonder if school teachers feel badly about having to do that.

*Douglas Hindley*

I'm gonna begin by saying I love that you worked a backstory into your park and how it relates to Nara Dreamland. Your theme all-around is excellent, with a variety of monsters covering both familiar and perhaps less familiar ones (and that goes for both American and international perspectives, which is even more excellent), and works really well with the location of the plot of land you chose to work with. The addition of the mobile app that combines payment options, queueing, and a fun interactive game (I understand your grievances for Pokemon Go by the way!) was a nice touch. As far as layout, I think the hub-and-spokes/lagoon hybrid is a good choice that allows for an easily traversable, if not a bit tightly packed, park. Each individual land was very richly explained, immediately setting the tone for the varying settings. I thought each land, and the park as a whole of course, had a nice variety of different attractions for all demographics, as well as food options and souvenirs right in line for each setting. Really great work!

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*Chad H*

First of all, it's sad to see you go right before the end!

As for your park, despite my unfamiliarity with the myth of the Rainbow Serpent, I immediately feel the individual and nationwide passion behind the myth through your proposal, which is excellent. The idea of the park serving as a celebration of past/present/future first, attractions and thrills second sounds problematic, but I think it works perfectly for what you set out to accomplish. I'm not sure how easily the layout you came up with could be implemented, especially as far as the entrance goes, but could it be done, it would be a truly unique way for the park to be set up. I thought the ride variety was solid, maybe a bit barebones as far as description goes: I know it's mostly just a victim of circumstances, as well as the nature of the park itself, but even just a bit more meat on each attraction would've been nice. The idea of having the Water area have, well, water elements (slides, pools, etc.) is a good idea, especially on a blistering hot day. Overall, I think you're really onto something with the idea of a celebratory park like this. Again, it's a shame you were not able to fully flesh out everything you have here (in terms of both description and actual writing - never forget just how important spelling and grammar are in these competitions!), because with just a bit more fine tuning, this is top tier work.

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*DPCC*

I'm a bit torn on your presentation here. I like the idea in theory, and I think it offers up lots of potential for a park that allows for both family entertainment (I really like the family demographic focus as opposed to Six Flags), but like Chad's proposal, I think your descriptions and proposal as a whole is a bit dry. I was never transported into the individual lands like I was for many of the proposals we've seen throughout the competition, and even in this challenge specifically. There's plenty of variety in your attractions, dining options, etc, and I suppose this isn't a park that needs to be too flashy considering the more homely park its replacing, but as it stands, I thought everything here was just a little too vague. Like Chad's proposal, just a bit more description would do wonders.

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*Blake Meredith*

I can appreciate the literary theme you chose for your park, but I fear that it might just be too niche for its own good. The great thinkers of history have that title for a reason, but whether we like it or not, I'm not sure any of them are go-to names when it comes to what people expect from a theme park experience. Look at Islands of Adventure: essentially that whole park can be tied back to literature in some way (some links stronger than others, of course), but all of the literature it pulls from is a bit more accessible to the general public. With that said, the theming of the park is diverse and well described, an sets the tone very well. I like the attraction variety for the various demographics, and the fact that there are plenty of them probably helps keep the less interested guests from feeling too bloated in history. As many problems I have with this concept, I think your understanding of this kind of work shines in this proposal, and the proposal itself is very well written and informative, not unlike the goal of your park, I suppose! Good work.

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*AJ Hummel*

The idea of a park along a "timeline" is interesting, but it causes problems for me as far as layout goes. Maybe it's just me being a stickler for the hub-and-spokes design, but I think such a linear layout doesn't seem nearly as easy to traverse. It's necessary for this theme, of course (I guess you could go the route of a clock, but maybe that doesn't gel as well as a timeline), and the entrance giving you options to go forward or backward is clever, but just as soon as you make it to the furthest point in the "future" and want to go the opposite way, it's time to walk - and on a long hot day, that doesn't seem ideal. Your train does account for some of this though, so I'll give you that. For the lands themselves, they cover a wide range of history, and I presume it would be very visually pleasing to see the transition from one to another. You've got plenty of different rides, all immersive enough for their individual lands but keeping the "theme park" awareness of a park like Six Flags. I wouldn't classify this as the most mind-blowing proposal, but it gets the job done without too many glaring problems. Nice work!

Note: My apologies for this being so short….it was an incredibly long weekend and I just got done working an 11 hour day. If you want this at all, y’all better be happy with what I have time to give. K? I’ll try much harder next week, being that it is the final and all…

Douglas Hindley – Monstrous Realms
I’m already digging on the made up back story. It is nice to get ahead of whatever people think about the old place. I like seeing that you are already working with the bonus in mind…building a fan base. This is interesting though, you have already outlined how the “big dogs” are going to siphon off a bunch of your business, but you appear to have a decent plan in place for placing to the regional crowd. While abundant recharging stations are a great idea, why not make it an even greater idea by hooking all of the lockers up with recharging stations in all of the free lockers? In addition that that, then put recharging stations near the relaxation points like restaurants, playgrounds, and parks, that way, any type of downtime has a recharging station available. Augmented reality makes an amusement park out of every place in your park that that doesn’t house a ride….brilliant….expensive…but brilliant. Vekoma?? You willing put a Vekoma roller coaster in your park?? And another? Are you getting a discount on those? You know me, I’m always on the lookout for something to complain about because it makes writing these things so much easier, and the only thing I really have to complain about is that you have 3 Vekoma roller coasters, you have a Mack and 2 B&M’s if memory serves me, but why so much love for such rough coasters? I’m sure you have your reasons…

Chad H – Wonderland Sydney
I really wish you had time to complete and polish this idea. There is a lot of good things going on here. So far as a cultural landmark I think you have done very well. But you are absolutely right that continued investment in the park is what is going to make or break the park. I worry that waiting 2-3 years before getting water attractions in is probably a little on the slow side. You will need to at some point get taller and faster rides into the park somehow, but based on your committee system, it is going to be tough enough to build a churro stand, much less a large tens-of-millions investment into some serious hardware. I worry that this park as it currently is will be out of business within 5-8 years.

DPCC Inc. – Mountain Park
One big thing that I have a problem with right off the bat is the cheapening of your brand. To have a day pass fairly expensive for what you have here, and the season pass so cheap, it almost feels like extortion to force people into the season pass. Is the park worth the single day price, or is it worth the season pass price? Keep in mind your season pass holders are going to spend less per capita than single day guests. And the last thing you want to do is going down the rabbit hole of having the park be a cheap babysitter for the local teenagers who in sufficient quantities can hardly help themselves from annoying the other guests. I’m assuming that the terrain of the park makes it easy to simulate the diverse mountain regions you have in the park. While they are not related to each other much at all, the unifying concept of the terrain itself makes this a brilliant park. You tucked quite a bit into a smaller footprint while leaving plenty of space for expansion. I like that you have made everything work well with the terrain and instead of fighting it, adopted it as the mascot and worked with it.

Blake Meredith – Magna Biblioteca
I guess I have a complaint about hearing about how much something is going to cost me before I even know what I’m paying for. In this case, while you have teased some ideas of rides I could expect to see, hitting me in the face with an $80 ticket has got me thinking already that if this park isn’t at least three steps in the direction of Disney, I’m going to have buyer’s remorse over the whole thing. You got a whole pricing structure that is making me wince…but if you have Disney quality, then no harm no foul. If you don’t have Disney quality, I plan to roast you alive over these prices. Fair Warning. OK, I already don’t get it….really expensive tickets and dirt cheap parking? At that point, make parking free…most other parks charge $15 and up. It gripes me to think that I didn’t need to know any of this stuff and now I’m already pissed about it. Speed Reader…awesome name for your front of the line pass. You have quite a lot going on here, many of your rides are brilliant. What is eating me up is the overall theme. You are begging the smart 15% percent of the population to drag the lower 85% of the population to a brilliant theme park. I hate to say it, with the inflated prices, it is going to be a hard sell. With as much money as went into building this park, you will need to be hitting near SeaWorld numbers in the first year, otherwise, you will not be able to even make loan payments. It really makes me worried about the future when I think that a very smart park like this won’t find a foothold with the unwashed masses.

AJ Hummel – Timeline Terra
I don’t know if it is me, the time of day, the fact that I have had a long weekend and a long day, but I get to this proposal and while all of the elements are there, it seems less themed than the other concepts. I guess what I’m missing is the connecting tissue for all of these things. I mean, I see the title of the section and the rides are well designed for the area they are in, but it just feels like they are all sitting around glaring at each other and not working together to support a theme. Like I said, maybe it is me… Maybe it’s that I’m spoiled, other competitors used the same area a made massively themed environments with overly themed rides. This seems to be more of a reality check of what would likely be built once the investors realized how expensive some of these other parks would be.

Week 4 Totals

1. Douglas Hindley
2. DPCC Inc.
3. AJ Hummel
4. Chad H
5. Blake Meredith

Overall Standings
1. Douglas Hindley
2. DPCC Inc.
3. AJ Hummel
4. Blake Meredith
5. Chad H