Orlando has its fair share of tourist traps but as far as what I’ve seen Ripley’s Believe It or Not is probably the worst of them all. Aiming low, it aims to shock you with a bit of Guinness world of records style combined with what can only be described as a freak show. Ripley, the story goes, has travelled the world to bring us the exotic cultures of the world and shock us with things we couldn’t possibly imagine. Mysterious, bizarre and shocking is the motto, and it seems that means justify the goal which is left somewhat unfulfilled. It’s not only the usual Ripley branches all over the US, this chain goes beyond "museums" into books, magazines and popular media TV shows. Since this empire started in Orlando, I thought why not, might as well go and see just how bad it can get. To be fair, there are some entertaining moments here and there, but overall, it feels a bit like an overblown under-invested kiddy family attraction.
The one common theme for these museums is their visually challenged structures (above).
What’s to see inside?
Ripley himself will get you started…
And lead you into a world of visual illusions and the human freak show…
Yes, it’s a series of dulls, some animated, some accompanied with the TV series videos.
One of the more entertaining illusions, I must say, was this swirling tunnel that makes you feel you’re turning around even though you’re standing in place. Find me here below…
I suggest only going to these things if there’s absolutely nothing else to do, and the kids are getting on your nerves. If you do decide to go, prep your wallet, it’s going to be an expensive venture.
But, as my grandma used to say, everything in life need to try atleast once. She was talking about eating Broccoli, but I guess it might also apply to tourist-trap travels.