A controversial Biblical theme park will open on Monday, February 5, in close proximity to Disney World. The Holy Land Experience, a 15-acre, $16 million attraction about the Old and New Testament, has been funded and built by Zion's Hope, a "Jews for Jesus"-type ministry. Local Jewish groups find the park's concept offensive, and plan to protest on opening day.

Founder Reverend Marvin Rosenthal discounts criticism from those who haven't actually visited the attraction. The Holy Land Experience presents Israel's history, with a simulated ancient marketplace, miniature Jerusalem, multimedia presentation, costumed characters, even the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

[02/04/2001]