The Holy Land Experience
CBN.com About one mile from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, is a unique family attraction called “The Holy Land Experience.”
On this 15-acre Bible themed park, guests walk among re-creations of the garden tomb, Herod’s temple and the old city of Jerusalem.
"The temple plaza is about a 2/3 scale of Herod’s temple, similar to the way it would be in the time of Christ,” says Michael Everett, On-Site Director. “We do a lot of dramatic presentations there in the temple plaza. The centerpiece of our production is the reenactment of the passion drama. We have a tomb and cross area that is a very, very dramatic, very authentic recreation of how it may have been when Christ was actually crucified and rose again.”
The Holy Land Experience also contains state-of-the-art historical exhibits.
Everett continues, “The Scriptorium is an incredible exhibit that gives you the history of the Bible. It actually begins with the history of the written word.”
Highlights in the Scriptorium include: an early edition of Pilgrim’s Progress, sermon notes from Charles Spurgeon, an animatronic John Wycliffe character and rare first edition Bible manuscripts.
“It’s one of the world’s largest private collections of Bibles and biblical antiquities,” Everett says, “and it’s a fascinating exhibit. It takes you from the history of the written word to the history of the English Bible. It tells us how we have the Word of God today and where it came from.”
There’s also a wilderness tabernacle attraction. “That’s a recreation of what it would have been like when the children of Israel were in the wilderness and they offered sacrifices in the wilderness tabernacle,” Everett explains. “There’s some special effects that go on and the shekinah glory of God. It’s really quite a unique experience.”
The Crystal Living Waters fountain show is a new addition to the park.
“With the inspirational music that is played and the waters that go along with it, you can see people being touched and ministered to every day through,” he says. “It’s really a blessing to see.”
The children’s play area is dedicated to stories from the Bible.
“We have totally remodeled the kids’ venture area and ‘Smile of a Child’ theater,” Everett says. “We have a lot of wonderful attractions for children. We have a Jonah and the whale, where they can actually walk into the belly of the whale; Noah’s ark, where we have a little theatrical presentation for the kids; lots of fun stuff for them to do. It’s a great spot for kids.”
Visitors have the chance to experience biblical history through dramas that go on all day. Les Cheveldayoff plays Jesus Christ.
“When I see some husband that’s been dragged here because he has to be here or some kids from the youth group that they have to go because of a missions trip, at the end of the day, they either have tears in their eyes or I got a chance to pray for them to receive Christ. That’s when it steps into the supernatural,” Cheveldayoff notes.
All in all, TBN’s Holy Land Experience in Orlando is a unique family attraction that entertains, teaches, and inspires.
Everett concludes, “Obviously people love to come to Orlando for the theme parks, but we offer an opportunity for people to be inspired, to be touched by the gospel in a unique way, to be blessed, and to see their families blessed.”
