Ten Abandoned Theme Parks Worth Exploring

Theme parks are meant to bring joy and happiness, but when they are left to survive on their own, they become twisted versions of their former selves. This article explores ten abandoned theme parks that are well worth visiting for the urban explorer, or people who love seeing creepy, abandoned theme parks…

Takakonuma Greenland in Fukushima, Japan

At number 10 is Takakonuma Greenland in Fukushima, Japan, which opened in 1973 and closed after just two years of operation. The park reopened in 1986 but was abandoned by its owners after 13 years of operation. The rusted rides that were left behind are now frozen in time, while the world around them progresses and threatens to reclaim the land.

Atlantis Marine Park in Two Rocks, Australia

At number 9 is Atlantis Marine Park in Two Rocks, Australia. After the park closed, the star attractions were given to marine park vet Dr. Nick Gales, who used the dolphins as the focus of a case study that revolved around returning captive dolphins to the ocean. When the study failed, the dolphins were donated to the local aquarium.

Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard, England

At number 8 is Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard, England. The medieval theme park has been completely lost to time, with dismantled rides, empty buildings, and terrifying, scattered mannequins. The park saw a steady drop in attendance and quality after the turn of the millennium, and it has proven an effective playground for arsonists.

Yongma Land in Seoul, South Korea

At number 7 is Yongma Land in Seoul, South Korea, which was opened in the 1980s and enjoyed years of success before being forced to close its doors in 2011 as it slowly became irrelevant. The former Yongma Land now encourages guests to visit its rusted rides and overgrown grounds, but the relics from its prime are thrown about in a depressing scene.

Cidade Albanoel in Itagua, Brazil

At number 6 is Cidade Albanoel in Itagua, Brazil. Before it could even get off the ground, the Santa Claus-themed park was met with issues that kept pushing its opening back. Its owner, Antonio Albano Reis, was killed in a car accident right outside the park’s entrance. Enough of the park remains behind to relay what its intended theme was, but its sole purpose now is to rust and deteriorate until nature takes the land back completely.

Discovery Island in Orlando, FL

At number 5 is Discovery Island in Orlando, FL. For 25 years, Discovery Island put guests face-to-face with an incredible array of wildlife, but after its closure in 1999, it’s fallen into disarray and has become a haunting location right on the property of Disney World.

Velling Koller Fairy Tale Gardens in Bryrup, Denmark

At number 4 is Velling Koller Fairy Tale Gardens in Bryrup, Denmark. Despite a strong few years after opening in 1962, Fairy Tale Gardens started to crumble in on itself and, in the 80’s, its creator sold it off and retired. The remaining castles are all that remains of the popular fantasy land, and though it’s a great setting to explore, poor craftsmanship has made for many injuries to curious parties.

Williams Grove Amusement Park in Mechanicsburg, PA

At number 3 is Williams Grove Amusement Park in Mechanicsburg, PA, which was an amusement park from 1928 to 2005. The park was shut down due to financial problems, but the roller coasters, ferris wheel, and other rides were left standing. The park was put up for auction in 2006, and it has been left to deteriorate ever since.

Gulliver’s Kingdom in Kamikochi, Japan

At number 2 is Gulliver’s Kingdom in Kamikochi, Japan. It was designed as a theme park for kids, and it was opened in 1997. The park was shut down after just 10 years due to lack of visitors. The giant Gulliver statue that was the centerpiece of the park still remains, but the rest of the park is overgrown and abandoned.

Pripyat Amusement Park in Pripyat

The Pripyat Amusement Park in Pripyat, Ukraine was set to open on May 1, 1986, but the Chornobyl disaster happened just a few days before the scheduled opening. The park was located just a few kilometres from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and was intended to serve the families of workers at the plant.

After the disaster, the amusement park was never opened to the public. The abandoned site is now known for the famous Ferris wheel that stands rusted and decaying, with no cars attached to it. The park is a haunting reminder of the catastrophic event that occurred and is now part of the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Today, the site is open to visitors who can tour the abandoned buildings and rides as part of guided tours of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.