Though the big tourist destinations in Orlando are of course Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and to a lesser extent SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida, just a few minutes down I-4 north of Universal and Disney sits The Holy Land Experience, a biblically based park famous for its massive Church of all Nations theater and annual free admission day. However, it looks like this Christian-themed experience could be closing its doors forever very soon.
The end of theatrical productions
Though there are plenty of interesting attractions at The Holy Land Experience, this park gained fame over the years for its theatrical productions, often performed in the Church of All Nations theater, which is so massive it can be seen from I-4! However, just a week ago The Holy Land Experience announced that all of their theatrical productions would be coming to an end starting April 19, 2020.
According to an official statement, the park said that this change “will refocus the park on its original plan and function” and renew interest in museum-style attractions like The Scriptorium, which holds rare and unique biblical artifacts and a scale model of ancient Jerusalem and the City of David.
While this announcement may have pointed to some budgetary issues, it seemed like The Holy Land Experience would be staying put, at least for the time being. However, a new report casts some doubt on this possibility.
Could The Holy Land Experience be closing for good?
Orlando Weekly reports that the owners of The Holy Land Experience have hired a broker, which could mean that the park’s financials are in dire enough shape that if a buyer isn’t found soon they could close their doors until one is found, or shutter entirely if one is not procured in a timely manner.
No official statement about the future of the park (beyond the end of the theatrical productions) has been made, and a reporter for local news station MyNews 13 has said owners are currently refuting reports that the park is in imminent danger of closing. However, it looks like, whatever the case is, this park is in some serious trouble, and we’ll definitely be watching how this story develops in the coming weeks!
