Holy Land Experience
The Holy Land Experience is a series of gift shops linked by Biblical tableaux theme park run by the Trinity Broadcasting Network designed to show you (yes you, you miserable sinner) the historical Middle East from a US fundie perspective.
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[edit] General information
While Da Vinci's Notebook calls something else in Orlando the "promised land",[1] this is the Real Thing. It was featured in Bill Maher's movie Religulous.[2]
The "majestic gates of The Holy Land Experience" opened on February 5, 2001.[3] Initially opening on Sundays the HLE dropped the practice in 2005[4] "to give the staff... time to spend that day in worship". (There's nothing like getting a break from work!) Currently the HLE is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
In 2011, entry to the Holy Land Experience would set an adult back $35[5] for a full day's pass, with concessionary rates for youths (6-12 years) and children (3-5 years) of $20 and $9 respectively. In 2012, prices for an adult were hiked 14% to $40, while youths increased by 25% from $20 to $25 - although a youth was redefined as 6-18 years - and children escaped with a mere 11% rise to $10.
The HLE was founded by a Jewish-born Baptist minister, Marvin ('Marv') Rosenthal. Marv is also chief executive of Zion's Hope, a ministry devoted "toward reaching the Jewish people for the Messiah".[6] On its opening day of the HLE was picketed by the Jewish Defence League, concerned that the aim of the park was to convert Jews to Christianity.[7] After experiencing financial difficulties and racking up debts of $8m it was bought by the Trinity Broadcasting Network in June 2007 for $37m. In order to reduce property taxes by $300,000 it agreed with Orange County that it would provide free admission for one day each year but the date of free entry is a closely guarded secret out of concern over a possible "uncontrollable situation."[8] However, it managed to cope with the maximum daily limit of 2000 in 2010[9]
Herman Cain visited the HLE in November 2011 as part of his campaign for nomination as Republican candidate for the 2012 presidential election.[10]
[edit] Attractions
Any visit to HLE should not miss "HOLY COMMUNION with Jesus" (10:30, 10:45, 11:15, 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 4:00) and be sure to take in:
| ISRAELI HOLY SITES – Authentically Reproduced | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden of Eden | Bethlehem Bus Loop | Shepherd’s Field | “Eyes of the Lord” & “Pieta” |
| The Jesus Boat | Tiny Town of Bethlehem | Birth Place of Jesus | Bethlehem Bell Tower |
[edit] Recipes!
The Trinity Broadcasting Network transmits a biblical-themed cookery program called Manna from Heaven hosted by chef Christian Andre Pitre [sic]. A sample Christmas recipe featured on the HLE site comprises authentic Holy Land dishes such as:
- Bacon Breasted Goose (we kid you not)
- Spiced Acorn Squash
- Chocolate Cheesecake Pumpkin Pie
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Official web site
- Orlando Sentinel: The Holy Land Experience; Blending 20 centuries into a living Bible museum
- The Guardian: The Holy Land Experience: Florida's Christian theme park, (23 December 2011)
[edit] Footnotes
- ↑ Da Vinci's Notebook - Magic Kingdom In The Sky lyrics
- ↑ Orlando Sentinel: Movie review: 'Religulous'
- ↑ HLE: History
- ↑ Holy Land attraction will close on Sundays
- ↑ Online discount rate of $31 (July 2, 2011)
- ↑ Silver Shekel Shop - Make a donation
- ↑ CBS News: Controversy at Religious Theme Park
- ↑ Orlando Sentinel: Holy Land free day still a mystery
- ↑ Orlando Sentinel: Thousands flock to another free day at Holy Land
- ↑ Herman Cain and the Holy Land Experience