The world’s strangest theme parks
Step into the world of construction at Diggerland, United Kingdom
If you have a child fascinated by construction vehicles, or if operating construction machinery has always been a dream of yours, Diggerland in the UK is the place to be. Here, under the guidance of trained staff, both children and adults are given the opportunity to drive full-sized construction vehicles, without the need for a driving licence. Regardless of age, there is something for everyone – rides for those 90 centimetres and taller, and play areas, sand pits and coin operated rides for the younger children. There are four sites located in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.
In the United States, there is a similar theme park – Dig This in Las Vegas, where anyone aged 14 years and above can operate bulldozers and excavators, dig trenches, and push large boulders around.
Not for the faint hearted at Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin, Australia
Forget “swimming with the dolphins”. Here, , visitors game for a heart pumping experience will swim with crocodiles in the Cage of death – the only place in the world that brings one up close to some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in captivity. Those looking for less of a “fear factor” experience can check out the display of more than 70 different species of Australian reptiles and if daring enough, take a photo holding a baby salt water croc.
Have a faith based experience at The Holy Land Experience, Orlando, Florida
At Holy Land in Orlando, Florida, visitors can step back 2,000 years to view a re-creation of the holy city in both style and architecture, with various exhibits, including an exact replica of the Garden Tomb where the body of Jesus Christ was buried, and the Great Temple, held in reverence by the Jewish people. Tourists can share in the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples, and even witness a enactment of the crucifixion.
Enter the Republic of the Children, La Plata, Argentina
At La República de los Niños, visitors can enter a “child-sized” theme park, which has various institutions including parliament, government house, restaurants, churches, airport, hotels, and theatres. The park was created to teach Argentinean youth about democracy. The park management also claims that this park inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland, although there is no real documented proof.
Tour the European nations at Europa Park, Rust, Germany
At Europa Park, the largest theme park in south-western Germany, tourists can “tour” the 16 regions that make up the different European nations. But, before you write this off as a boring, here’s a highlight – the park is also home to11 roller coasters, with a 12th on the way, to be completed in 2014. It has a vintage car ride, a Mack steel track spinning coaster, a Silver Star – the ninth tallest roller coaster in the world, and a magic 4D cinema.
Celebrate with love in the air at Love Land, Jeju island, South Korea
Opened in November 2004, visitors to Jeju Love Land can take a stroll through the park with more than 140 sensual and erotic sculptures, designed by graduates from one of the top art schools in Korea. The island is replete with lush forests, mountains and beaches and is also blessed with good weather, making it a popular honeymoon destination. Not surprisingly, Love Land is very popular with many newlyweds.
Visit the land of the petite people at Dwarf Empire, Kunming, China
Visitors to Dwarf Empire in southern China can expect to be greeted by people less than four feet tall – all its 100 employees live on site in miniature houses. Interestingly, the town even has an empress and emperor who run the town.
Join Hello Kitty fans at Sanrio Puroland, Japan
Fans of the popular character Hello Kitty would certainly want to make time to visit Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo, Japan. Visitors can drop by Kitty’s House, decorated with fancy furniture and jewellery and purse displays, and take a boat ride through the homes of Sanrio characters like Kerroppi’s pond and Bad Badtz Maru’s cave.
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