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The Holy Land Experience

Courtesy of The Holy Land Experience

With no thrill rides, arcade games, or comical characters, the Holy Land Experience isn't exactly what you would call an amusement park, but that's not its goal. This 15-acre, $16 million Orlando attraction attempts to re-create Jerusalem as it was between the years 1450 B.C. and A.D. 66, and convey its religious importance.

Unflinchingly evangelical in its mission, the controversial Holy Land Experience opened in 2001 to protests by some Jews and charismatic Christians. Yet it proselytizes mildly in the context of presenting "biblical truth" in ambitious detail. For example, the walk-through Scriptorium: Center for Biblical Antiquities demonstrates a paper trail of biblical documents in various locales—in a Babylonian hall, the Library at Alexandria, Gutenberg's print shop, John Bunyan's jail cell, the Mayflower, and a prairie church. Visitors can get a close look at authentic biblical artifacts, including ancient cuneiform and rare scrolls.

Other re-created settings include Christ's empty tomb, King Herod's six-story temple, the sacred Ark of the Covenant, and the Qumram Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Dramatic re-enactments using special effects focus on Christ's death and resurrection, and on Israel's priesthood and sacrificial practices. A 20-minute film explores Christian theology regarding God's plan of redemption.

Tradition blends with technology in a laser show with a soundtrack of prayer chants. The Oasis Palms Café serves such Middle Eastern fare as hummus with pita bread, falafel, and shawarma. And in what appears to be a first-century street market, shops and kiosks sell such merchandise as hand-carved statues, Bible covers, musical instruments, prayer shawls, and inspirational videos and books.

Location
The Holy Land Experience is located at 4655 Vineland Road in Orlando, alongside Interstate 4 at the corner of Conroy and Vineland roads.

Hours of operation
The park is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours vary by day and season, but the park usually opens between 9 a.m. and noon, and closes between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Admission

Adults	$29.75
Children (ages 6-12)	$19.75
Groups of 20 or more
Adults	$25.75
Children (ages 6-12)	$17.75

Parking costs $3 per vehicle. An annual membership to the Holy Land Experience, at $69.75, entitles the member to unlimited free visits, various discounts, and free parking.

Contact information and reservations

• Call (407) 367-2065 or toll-free (866) USA-HOLYLAND.
• Phone reservations for groups can be made on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• E-mail at info@zionshope.org.

Disabled access
Rental wheelchairs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Interpreters are available for the deaf and hearing impaired with advance notice of at least 30 days.

Additional information

• For group rates, tickets must be ordered six weeks in advance and paid for three weeks before arrival.
• Only group tickets may be ordered by phone. Individual tickets are sold only at the park's ticket center.
• Visit the Holy Land Experience Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.