![]() Inside, guests explored a recreation of the iconic yellow brick road, met Scarecrow and the gang, and got up close with actual props and costumes from the film, including Judy Garland’s iconic Dorothy dress. The park opened in 1970 with great fanfare - Debbie Reynolds and her daughter Carrie Fisher were on hand to celebrate the official ribbon cutting. Wizard of Oz-themed Land Of Oz was created as a way to bring year-round tourism to Beech Mountain, a North Carolina ski resort. The park has since been repurposed into a private event space named Knott’s Lagoon. The folk artist and his family operated the Southern California park until its demise in 1982 when Knott’s opened a brand-new kid-focused land. It was best known for its over 200 “wood-imal” creatures, carved pieces resembling animals made by Illinois landscape artist Forrest L. The park targeted younger visitors and housed a number of playscapes and relaxation areas. Another one of Walter Knott’s grand ideas, Jungle Island operated just across the street from Knott’s from 1964 to 1982. Knott’s Berry Farm’s long-forgotten second gate was a unique theme park that featured a lush tropical setting and peculiar exhibits. Guests can sometimes get a glimpse into the studio’s Stage 18, which once housed production for Legends of the Hidden Temple, during the holiday season for the annual Grinch-mas celebration. ![]() The property went on to house a residency of the Blue Man Group, but that since closed and the building now sits quietly just steps from the theme park. Over 2,000 episodes were filmed at the studio, which was closed for good in 2005. Guests of Universal Studios could catch a live taping of favourite shows like Family Double Dare, participate in daily studio tours, and even get slimed. ![]() Known for its brightly-hued exterior and orange splatter logo, the fully functioning television studio was part production house and part theme park attraction. Nostalgic 90s kids remember when Nickelodeon Studios was located at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. ![]() Nickelodeon Studios Image Credit: Carly Caramanna Part of the complex is even used as a conference and wedding venue. While much of the park was cleared for residential construction, its famed promenade and 21-story abandoned hotel tower still stand. Plagued with money issues and growing controversy, it closed for good in 1989. The Christianity-themed water park and theme park was a bona fide destination complete with on-site accommodations at its height, it was one of the most-visited parks in the world following Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Heritage USA - the brainchild of television evangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker - opened just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina in 1978. Heritage USA Image Credit: Carly Caramanna Guests passing through the Smoky Mountains can spot the park’s entrance, funicular, and abandoned steel looping roller coaster, Cliff Hanger, high in the sky. ![]() Throughout the years, several new owners attempted to reopen the historic park, but it still sits empty atop Buck Mountain today. Poor conditions, mounting operational costs, and a steep decline in tourists finally led to Ghost Town in the Sky’s closure in 2002. During its heyday, parkgoers enjoyed live performances from country music stars, classic amusement rides, and a recreated Old West town. And guests couldn’t just drive up and park at the gates - they had to take either a 3,370-foot-long chair lift or an inclined funicular railway to reach the theme park. Wild West-themed amusement park Ghost Town in the Sky opened in 1961 atop Buck Mountain in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Ghost Town in the Sky Image Credit: Carly Caramanna ![]()
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