The Holy Land Experience
The Holy Land Experience
4
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About
The Holy Land Experience brings the heroes of the Bible to life through exceptional theatrical Broadway style productions and educational exhibits within an immersive biblical atmosphere for guests of all ages.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
1,414 reviews
Excellent
762
Very good
254
Average
133
Poor
101
Terrible
164
worldrailtraveler
St. Augustine, FL3 contributions
First, if you are visiting to gain a glimpse of the Holy Land and see how and where Christ walked you will be disappointed. If you are an evangelical christian who follows the Trinity Broadcast Network and expects a "retreat" type atmosphere you will probably enjoy this. Its exterior and what is inside are not compatible and are possible just short of "FALSE ADVERTISING". The few dramas are ok, but would recommend instead going to Saint Augustine for the PASSION PLAY instead. The exhibits are MEDIOCRE and nowhere near what I would have expected. If you are looking for religeous lectures (some were interesting) this is something you would like, but a Holy Land Experience it is not. Visited a similar themed park in Buenos Aires ARGENTINA, and it was very well laid out with a lot of exhibits and explanatory signage.....this place has none. Management should visit it for what it should really be. Honestly (as a christian) I was somewhat embarrised to think that this place was more of "tourist trap" a Jesus expense, to fill the coffers of the Trinity Broadcast Network. TBN says they don't make a profit from the park, but at $35 a head (with no refunds) and a thousand plus people there daily, I find that hard to believe, considering its size, the short hours and the asking of donations. Actually my belief is that if this were a ministry, admission would be free and then ask for donations. My advice: Visit the Passion Play in St. Augustine, Go to the real HOLY LAND, or go to Argentina and visit a better version. Don't waste your money.
Written May 17, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rizks
1 contribution
This place is a joke and an embarresment to the story of jesus as well as all drama and all live performances. You pay 35 dollars to enter a world of cheezy decorations and performances. My 13 year old brother could do a better job acting. There is nothing historically educational or biblically educational. From research it would appear that this place has replicas of historically significant moments and places in Jesus' life and that one would gain some knowledge from coming here. But you would be mistaken. Do not waste your time or money.
Written December 26, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary F
Miami, FL1 contribution
Oct 2011
We had visited this place before, and had enjoyed itvery much. However, now that TBN has taken over, it has become all about them. There are cardboard statues of Jan Crouch throughout the park, and of "Jesus" riding a motorcycle and wearing torn up jeans. I think both are tacky and disrespectful.
The part that I really did not enjoy is the the Last Supper. They are redoing the Passover and giving anyone who walks in bread and wine to eat and drink with out any respect to its significance. In order to partake of the Passover, you need to be baptized, this is a Holy Convocation, and the fact that you are having people partake of this by just doing a simple prayer is wrong and it is a sin. Jesus did not die for us and suffered so we can take this very important day as part of a theme park entertainment.
Also, they have christmas trees mixed within the park. Christmas trees have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Christmas trees have been commercialized to hide the real reason that Jesus died for us. There were no christmas trees in the manger.
We did enjoy the Scriptorium, and the Tabernacle.
We will not be returning very soon, it has changed too much from it's beginnings.
The part that I really did not enjoy is the the Last Supper. They are redoing the Passover and giving anyone who walks in bread and wine to eat and drink with out any respect to its significance. In order to partake of the Passover, you need to be baptized, this is a Holy Convocation, and the fact that you are having people partake of this by just doing a simple prayer is wrong and it is a sin. Jesus did not die for us and suffered so we can take this very important day as part of a theme park entertainment.
Also, they have christmas trees mixed within the park. Christmas trees have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Christmas trees have been commercialized to hide the real reason that Jesus died for us. There were no christmas trees in the manger.
We did enjoy the Scriptorium, and the Tabernacle.
We will not be returning very soon, it has changed too much from it's beginnings.
Written October 24, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isaiah53
Michigan1 contribution
I have been to the Holy Land Experience several times. Frankly, it's a breath of fresh air from the usual focus of most Orlando theme parks. The HLE gives you something positive to take home with you--some knowledge of the origins of the Christian faith and its relation to Judaism. It's not dry, boring history; it is a realistic view at the past.
True, the prices have gone up over the years, but at least this place provides some mental stimulation. The Scriptorium is very impressive; it contains some of the world's oldest Bible manuscripts, and the displays are realistic--you can hardly believe that Wycliffe isn't a real person in costume. You come out of that building with new realization that the preservation of the Holy Scriptures cost a lot of men and women their lives.
Although many people rank the Jerusalem model as their favorite display (and it IS very interesting!), my all-time favorite "must see" is the film, "Seed of Promise." The characters who played the parts of Abraham and Isaac were masterful actors, and I have to confess that my husband and I never see that film without shedding tears. So very touching...and such realism in the depiction of Titus' razing of Jerusalem in 70 AD! Don't miss it!
My husband's favorite presentation is the Wilderness Tabernacle. The priest demonstrates his role in the tabernacle, carrying out sacrifices as part of the Levitical requirements. Back lighting allows the viewers to see what is happening inside the tabernacle, which people were never actually allowed to view, so it's fascinating stuff.
The Oasis Cafe had a good pita sandwich when I was there, but a lot of people wouldn't switch from their Goliath Burger, which is very good. The portion size is ample. I usually choose a side of fruit, too.
I wouldn't recommend taking very small children to this park, especially if you don't supervise your children well, because there isn't much hands-on activity for little ones. But, for school-age children, I think that it is a wonderful place to visit. If you are looking only for self-indulging fluff, stick with the theme parks; you won't find that here. Instead, for your $35.00 you'll come away with a greater appreciation for God's plan of the ages, and for the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. I doubt that anyone can visit this place without having renewed respect for the way God has preserved not only the Scripture, but the Jewish people, from extinction. We love it!
True, the prices have gone up over the years, but at least this place provides some mental stimulation. The Scriptorium is very impressive; it contains some of the world's oldest Bible manuscripts, and the displays are realistic--you can hardly believe that Wycliffe isn't a real person in costume. You come out of that building with new realization that the preservation of the Holy Scriptures cost a lot of men and women their lives.
Although many people rank the Jerusalem model as their favorite display (and it IS very interesting!), my all-time favorite "must see" is the film, "Seed of Promise." The characters who played the parts of Abraham and Isaac were masterful actors, and I have to confess that my husband and I never see that film without shedding tears. So very touching...and such realism in the depiction of Titus' razing of Jerusalem in 70 AD! Don't miss it!
My husband's favorite presentation is the Wilderness Tabernacle. The priest demonstrates his role in the tabernacle, carrying out sacrifices as part of the Levitical requirements. Back lighting allows the viewers to see what is happening inside the tabernacle, which people were never actually allowed to view, so it's fascinating stuff.
The Oasis Cafe had a good pita sandwich when I was there, but a lot of people wouldn't switch from their Goliath Burger, which is very good. The portion size is ample. I usually choose a side of fruit, too.
I wouldn't recommend taking very small children to this park, especially if you don't supervise your children well, because there isn't much hands-on activity for little ones. But, for school-age children, I think that it is a wonderful place to visit. If you are looking only for self-indulging fluff, stick with the theme parks; you won't find that here. Instead, for your $35.00 you'll come away with a greater appreciation for God's plan of the ages, and for the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. I doubt that anyone can visit this place without having renewed respect for the way God has preserved not only the Scripture, but the Jewish people, from extinction. We love it!
Written May 30, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli M
Dearborn Hgts3 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Our family went to this sightseeing excursion and was totally annoyed. As soon as we came in and saw the cardboard Jesus sitting on a motorcycle I was ready to run out. The cost is way over the top also $55.00/adult this was 12/2014. Big dissapointment.
Written April 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda G
10 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
I have been to Holy multiple times, and while the shows used to be better in the past, I have to admit the whole park is not really not amusing. I have been there recently as my church was invited for a free event, and it got worse. The shows were cut, they made the bible a glamourized Hollywood theme, and I will be bold to say you can judge them by the fruits. I left the service early as I saw what they preached was anti-biblical and just another prosperity preaching. My advice- RUN unless you want to leave angry like I did.
Written July 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigT M
Hollywood, California1 contribution
Jul 2012 • Family
Can not even begin to believe how people of God can pull this off. First to see nothing but lilly white cut outs of people who were supposed to be from a desert hot region was odd. Then to see mannequins of Jesus as a silky blond hair blue eyed baby and blond hair fair skin seemed disrespectful to the word and the knowledge of the region of which he came from. Have you seen ANYONE looking like those images in Jerusalem? I'm not saying he was black or anything like that, he was a Jew so please don't take my comment for a racial one just a little accuracy please. I did not understand all the fake gold and kingly type furniture, and thorns every where. Is that a true depiction of THE holy land? I really had to laugh when I saw Noah's Ark with the animal cracker toys in the glass and two cut out figures. Now for the plays...wow! Are you kidding me? "America The Beautiful" with the heavy set African American woman singing about fried chicken? Why a play about America in the holy land?? Then here was the very SAD part. There was a special needs child in the audience who was making noise during one of the "slow songs," and they asked that she be removed. Was that HOLY?? Wow. Last the Passion Play was boring and want to be fantasy Rock of Ages type piece. I thought I was going to have to cover the kids eyes when Jesus was groping Mary Magdalene, so odd. During the time that I wasn't board to sleep, I saw a "superhero" type Jesus fighting the devil with Hitler, Al Capone and I don't even know who that other person was in the back ground dancing. WHAT???? And did I see Tammie Fay Baker?? I'm not sure, by that time I had totally tuned out of the entire experience and played games on my phone while the Ministers and elders we were with continued to complain. This is why the church is losing members, losing ground in politics, losing to a secular world that could care less if people prayed or not. Sad and odd very odd. What's even sadder to me is the amount of people that review this foolishness as though it was Universal or Disneyland. At least they have their character depictions correct and their brand marketing strategy speaks with one voice. VERY DISAPPOINTED!
Written August 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roseBelAir
Fallston, MD13 contributions
Had only 3 days in Orlando and spent one entire day at the Holy Land. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We learned so many new things in the scriptorium and wilderness tabernacle. The plays were awesome and so well done. The people there are very kind and go out of their way to help you. Do not miss the two shows that are only performed once--the Passion and Worship, from there you can fit in the other attractions and see everything. There really is an annointing there. Plenty of benches to sit on, reflect and feel the spirit
Written July 18, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jet12136
Parrish, Florida1 contribution
My wife and I attended the Holy Land Experience with another Christian couple, and found this attraction to be an amazing blessing. It had an extremely positive and uplifting effects on the four of us. We arrived a few minutes before 10:00 am and we were thrilled that we did not miss any performance. The organization and orderly progression and the time management of the various presentations was just superb, and made the entire day go by very quickly, ... in fact, too quickly.
The initial speakers, explaining the Jerusalem Model, the Quaran Caves, the Temple, the Tynsdale Bible translation, etc., were indeed very well prepared, very knowledgeable, and very passionate about the specific topics being discussed. The subject matter that was presented was always very informative and appropriately centered around God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and our relationship to them.
The live performances, namely the poignant unfolding drama, the phenomenal singing, the articulation and projection of voices, as well as the heartfelt, displayed emotions of the performing cast, whether they be joyful or sad, surprised or in fear, were so perfectly displayed, and so well done. We were so very pleasantly surprised and very blessed, all at the same time. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ could be seen and felt through these wonderful performances.
The ' 'history of worship music" presentation was extremely well done and one of the most unique performances ever to be seen. One comment that I would make though, in the spirit of love, is that since in the presentation, the names of Michael W. Smith, and Casting Crowns, etc were mentioned under the progressive changes of worship music up and through Contemporary Christian worship, it would have been nice to work in a medley of songs performed by those named performers ( updating the medley as needed ) from time to time in the future performances.
The ordered way the presentations were given, built up a wonderful spiritual crescendo, culminating in an absolutely amazing portrayal of the Passion and absolutely spectacular
resurrection of Jesus.
For those of us Christians living today, we can experience Jesus through the Holy Spirit in various ways ( prayer, worship, obedience, sacrifice ), and sometimes may feel cheated of the experience that the apostles had in actually being with Jesus.
We now have this Holy Land experience, that has the ability to give a lover of and believer in Jesus, a glimpse of what seeing and being with Jesus in the flesh may have been like.
Praise and Glory to God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, His Son, and to the Holy Spirit
Bob and Chris
Parrish, Florida
The initial speakers, explaining the Jerusalem Model, the Quaran Caves, the Temple, the Tynsdale Bible translation, etc., were indeed very well prepared, very knowledgeable, and very passionate about the specific topics being discussed. The subject matter that was presented was always very informative and appropriately centered around God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and our relationship to them.
The live performances, namely the poignant unfolding drama, the phenomenal singing, the articulation and projection of voices, as well as the heartfelt, displayed emotions of the performing cast, whether they be joyful or sad, surprised or in fear, were so perfectly displayed, and so well done. We were so very pleasantly surprised and very blessed, all at the same time. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ could be seen and felt through these wonderful performances.
The ' 'history of worship music" presentation was extremely well done and one of the most unique performances ever to be seen. One comment that I would make though, in the spirit of love, is that since in the presentation, the names of Michael W. Smith, and Casting Crowns, etc were mentioned under the progressive changes of worship music up and through Contemporary Christian worship, it would have been nice to work in a medley of songs performed by those named performers ( updating the medley as needed ) from time to time in the future performances.
The ordered way the presentations were given, built up a wonderful spiritual crescendo, culminating in an absolutely amazing portrayal of the Passion and absolutely spectacular
resurrection of Jesus.
For those of us Christians living today, we can experience Jesus through the Holy Spirit in various ways ( prayer, worship, obedience, sacrifice ), and sometimes may feel cheated of the experience that the apostles had in actually being with Jesus.
We now have this Holy Land experience, that has the ability to give a lover of and believer in Jesus, a glimpse of what seeing and being with Jesus in the flesh may have been like.
Praise and Glory to God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, His Son, and to the Holy Spirit
Bob and Chris
Parrish, Florida
Written April 20, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl C
5 contributions
Went to the Holy Land Experience with my husband and my parents. It is very easy to find, right off the highway. We were in awe from the moment we walked through the entrance. The model of Jerusalem is amazing to see. The shows were very inspirational and touching. You can tell that the actors enjoy what they are performing. The Scriptorium was a place of great learning. There are spots around the small lake for reflecting that is a nice touch. We all loved our day here. The only negative was the price of the food but you are at a theme park. Besides it was very good. This is definitely a place I will visit again.
Written January 26, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When will it reopen
Christari
Celebration, FL6 contributions
This is something I've been watching carefully because we love Holy Land. TBN recently sold half of the Holy Land property to Advent Health. The area the company retained (to my understanding) includes the Scriptorium, but not all of the structures of the original Holy Land. There has been talk of a reopening of the Scriptorium with a few other attractions, but they have not released an opening date at this time. They closed at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, opened for 2 days to meet tax requirements without any of the live shows, then have closed since. The people I've spoken to assured me that the intention is to reopen "part" of the park with the Scriptorium, but at this time there is no date or details as to what else will be included when they do
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Adventurer229699
Okeechobee, FL
Is there free parking?
Adventurer229699
Okeechobee, FL
What is the fee for admission?
Do you have discounts for seniors
Susan P
Vero Beach, FL90 contributions
No. Everyone pays $50 to get in.
Is parking free still?
CityMan123
Chesapeake, VA41 contributions
I was there in May of 2019 and it was free...
Do they sell beer
Suze B
Ocala, FL1 contribution
No, I don't believe this is a venue for any kind of alchohol.
Are there any air condition building? What about people who have disabilities what accommodations are available?
Theresa123
Indiana33 contributions
The buildings are air conditioned. I have a scooter and I got around extremely easily. With a scooter or wheelchair, there is special seating and the staff is very accommodating. Much easier to get around here than at Disney!
Can you bring your video camera
Connie H
Nashville, TN36 contributions
Yes, but no video, except outside performances.
can you bring a video camera
Suze B
Ocala, FL1 contribution
Yes, I noticed that many people used them. In fact, I was very annoyed by someone who was holding their camera up and it was impeding my view.so yes,you may bring a video camera, but try to be thoughtful to others.
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