Thousands of visitors come to Orlando, Florida each day to visit the world famous Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studio theme parks. Now, with the newly built “Wizardly World of Harry Potter” and “Lego Land,” there is sure to be more visitors for years to come. But aside from these very popular attractions, Orlando was also the home to attractions that were less popular, but are favorites among the locals. These attractions are shut down and long gone, but could never be forgotten. Its memories are embedded forever in those who were lucky enough to see these places during their glory days. These attractions are forever missed!
Orlando’s Closed Attraction #1 – Splendid China
Besides having its fair share of controversies, Splendid China was once a meticulous replica of China. This was 75 acres of land that housed life size status of Buddha and other spiritual beings, miniature villages, historic monuments like the imperial palace, realistic replica of the Great Wall of China, beautiful landscaping and gardens and ancient Chinese infrastructures. Guests were invited to watch acrobatic shows, exhibitions and learn about China. Besides daily shows and guided activities, the guests were invited to roam freely in the park to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful park. In 2003, after suffering big losses due to the declining economy, Splendid China closed its doors in December. After a few years of closing, young people and trespassers turned this beautiful place into a graffiti junkyard and home for sinister arsonists. Some visitors saw Splendid China during its beautiful and glory days. Those visitors were lucky.
Orlando’s Closed Attraction #2 – Terror on church Street
Terror on Church Street was an absolute local favorite. It is a haunted attraction that sits in the heart of downtown Orlando. It was a 23 room building with long corridors that led into scary and frightening themed rooms. The guests had the shock of their lives when monsters, boogeymen and body parts jumped out at them from dead corners of the room. It was a spooky and creepy fun that everyone appreciated. Surrounding the Terror on Church Street building were street parties, live music, clubs, dance, and even fun for the whole family. Once this haunted attraction closed its doors in 1999, the party ended. What’s left now is just an empty street, only filling with cars during rush hour and the daily commutes. This attraction will forever be missed.
Orlando’s Closed Attraction #3 – Skull Kingdom
Another haunted local favorite was Skull Kingdom. This creepy castle sits along the busy strip on International drive. With a huge skull displaying in front of its entrance, this haunted attraction was not hard to miss. The flames lit from each corner of the castle as it attracted both locals and tourists. Skull Kingdom had nightly magic shows while its guests waited in the long lines to get their turn at this terrifying treat. Much like Terror on Church Street, this was also a walk-through haunted house filled with screams, chills and all things frightening. Unfortunately, sometimes good things do come to a close. Skull Kingdom closed down forever in 2006. For the lucky ones who visited this attraction, it was fun while it lasted.