The Rise and Fall of America’s Greatest Christian Theme Park
How The Holy Land Experience lost its divine touch
On a warm Summer’s Day in the late 1990s, Marvin Rosenthal had a brilliant idea. You might say it was divinely inspired.
Rosenthal, a devout Christian, and Baptist Minister, had a lightbulb moment driving down Interstate 4 toward Walt Disney World. He thought, “Why not create a theme park that takes people on a biblical journey instead? You know, like a time machine, but with robes and sandals!”
And thus, The Holy Land Experience was born — a Christian theme park.
Rosenthal’s grand vision was to immerse visitors in the ancient biblical world. He wanted them to not just read about it but experience it firsthand. Because what better way to deepen your faith than to walk in the footsteps of Moses or ride a camel through the streets of Jerusalem?
So, in the early 2000s, The Holy Land Experience burst onto the Orlando theme park scene, promising visitors an immersive journey back in time to the Holy Lands of old. Charging a $30 admission fee and selling food, beverages, and merchandise just the same as any other theme park, it also had replicated biblical landmarks to interactive exhibits showcasing ancient artifacts and immersive live performances where visitors…
