Theme parks are injecting a dash of Hollywood with themed attractions based on hit television series and movies
The saying life imitates art is certainly true when it comes to pop culture. With fans yearning for an opportunity to indulge in their movie and television fantasies, theme parks across the globe are only too happy to comply. To date, there have been numerous attractions inspired by hit movies, television shows and video games. Some of these Hollywood-inspired attractions officially opened their doors to the public this year and they are certainly worth checking out.
For The Ghostbusters Fan
Madame Tussauds New York and Sony Pictures have joined forces to create a new Ghostbusters Experience at the world famous wax museum. Created in advance of the highly anticipated movie, the new experience is fully immersive, allowing guests to interact with Madame Tussauds' newest figures and enter an authentic physical environment that brings the Ghostbusters story to life. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through multiple scenes from the new film and become actual Ghostbusters themselves via an incredible Hyper-Reality experience. Guests can also ride off in victory on a replica of the Ecto-2 motorcycle complete with a green screen photo opportunity.
The Walking Dead Experience
Universal Studios Hollywood has unlocked the doors to The Walking Dead permanent daytime attraction. Based on the top-rated television series, this newly enhanced venture takes the highly sought-after television experience into a real-life setting, which raises the bar for themed walk-through attractions. Fans of the show can now come face-to-face with live and animatronic Walkers for an uncompromised realistic experience that puts them in the very environment the hit television show is renowned for. The attraction though is not recommended for guests under the age of 13 due to the intense nature of the experience.
Get Spellbound With Harry Potter
There are legions of Harry Potter fans around the world, which is why Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka have decided to capitalise on the fandom with the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Bringing to life the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films, the mini-theme park boasts multiple attractions, including rides, shopping and dining, all of which are themed after the Potter phenomenon. The highlight of the attraction though is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, which combines a powerful storyline with ground-breaking new technology to immerse guests in experiences like soaring over Hogwarts, escaping a dragon attack, and being thrown into a Quidditch match.
Relive The Lion King
Shanghai Disney Resort has officially opened its doors to fans in China. In conjunction with the opening of the latest theme park, Disney has also launched the first ever Mandarin production of The Lion King to enthral visitors. One of the most popular and acclaimed musicals of all time, the Broadway hit The Lion King is presented at the beautiful Walt Disney Grand Theatre, with all the memorable music, drama and grandeur that has entertained more than 85 million people around the world. This is the first time the full Broadway production will be presented at any Disney resort, in a way that is authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese and completely unique.