Florida, famous for its vibrant theme parks and thrilling attractions, also holds a quieter, more mysterious side, its abandoned amusement parks. Once alive with laughter, lights, and the buzz of excited visitors, these forgotten places now stand silent and still, weathered by time and nature.
Their empty rides and faded facades create an eerie atmosphere, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of fun and adventure. These parks are haunting relics that tell stories of dreams, challenges, and memories, frozen in time and waiting to be rediscovered by those curious enough to explore their forgotten corners.
1. River Country
Disney’s first-ever water park, River Country, opened with splashy enthusiasm in 1976. Its rugged, wilderness theme captivated visitors for decades.
While it lay abandoned for years, with nature reclaiming its territory, that is no longer the case. The park was permanently closed in 2001, and Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a new hotel, is currently under construction on the site.
2. Discovery Island
Discovery Island once thrived as a lush nature park, welcoming guests to explore its vibrant ecosystems. Situated on an isolated island in Bay Lake, it offered a tranquil escape. It closed in 1999, with animals being moved to the newly opened Animal Kingdom. The island remains untouched and is visible from nearby resorts, though it is completely off-limits to the public. The ghosts of its exotic inhabitants linger in whispers carried by the wind, capturing imaginations from afar.
3. Splendid China
Once a vibrant showcase of Chinese culture, Splendid China featured detailed replicas of historical landmarks. Despite its ambition, the park closed its doors in 2003. Today, the former site has been entirely redeveloped and is now home to the Margaritaville Resort Orlando. While statues of its forgotten artistry no longer stand, the serene decay of Splendid China whispers of grand dreams, echoing only in the memories of visitors who once wandered its pathways.
4. Boardwalk And Baseball
Born from the remains of Circus World, Boardwalk and Baseball combined America’s pastime with amusement thrills. It opened with much fanfare in the 1980s but closed in 1990. The site of the park and stadium were demolished to make way for Posner Park, a large retail and dining complex. While the amusement thrills are long gone, a nearby street named Home Run Boulevard offers a hint of the site’s past.
5. Circus World
Once alive with the laughter of children and the roar of lions, Circus World offered a magical blend of circus and theme park. Its dreams faded after it was redeveloped into Boardwalk and Baseball. The park closed in 1990 and, like its successor, was replaced by Posner Park, a retail center. However, the spirit of the ringmaster can still be found in local historical society exhibits dedicated to the park.
6. Six Gun Territory
Once a bustling Wild West adventure, Six Gun Territory transported visitors to a bygone era of cowboys and saloons. Though closed since 1984, the spirit of the Wild West endures. While the original park is now mostly a retail plaza, an annual “Six Gun Territory Wild West Weekend & Reunion” is held at the nearby Kirby Family Farm, keeping its legacy alive.
7. Mystery Fun House
Mystery Fun House was a maze of enchantment and illusions, where animatronics delighted visitors of all ages. Though it closed in 2001, its quirky charm remains in the hearts of those who remember its magical corridors. After serving for years as a hotel check-in center, the building was finally demolished in 2022 to make way for condominiums.
8. Marco Polo Park
Marco Polo Park once celebrated global cultures through its themed zones, drawing visitors into a world of exploration. Yet, its cultural odyssey ended in 1976. The ruins are long gone, and the land is now occupied by the Plantation Bay Golf and Country Club community. Marco Polo’s spirit of adventure, however, whispers through the air, a haunting tribute to curiosity and culture’s enduring allure.
9. Miracle Strip Amusement Park
Miracle Strip Amusement Park was once a vibrant beachfront escape. The original park closed in 2004, and its former site became a part of Pier Park, a modern entertainment complex. A revival of the park later operated nearby but permanently closed in 2016. While the iconic Starliner coaster and other rides are gone, rusting rides and empty spaces still remain in nostalgic reminders of sun-drenched days filled with joy
10. Holy Land Experience
The Holy Land Experience brought biblical stories to life with dramatic reenactments and intricate settings. Despite its once-bustling crowds, it closed its gates. The park, which shut down in 2020, was purchased by AdventHealth, and all its ornate structures were demolished by mid-2023 to make way for a new hospital and medical facility. The once-visible biblical silhouette is now a construction site.
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