If Disneyland is the happiest place on earth think of Dismaland as the creepiest. World-renowned street artist Banksy secretly created the “bemusement” park along with 50 other artists from different parts of the world.
“Dismaland” is 2.5 acres of theme-park attractions with a very dark twist. Instead of pristine jeweled perfection this amusement park looks more like something out of your most haunted nightmares. The location couldn’t be more perfect: the abandoned Tropicana swimming resort in Weston-super-Mare.
The UK-based attraction opened its doors just a few days ago and is already causing quite a scream. This isn’t the type of theme park you want to take little kids, not unless you want them asking about the post apocalyptic version of Cinderella’s castle, or depressed looking park employees holding balloons that read “I am an imbecile.”
In fact, little kids (as well as “lawyers from the Walt Disney corporation”) are pretty much banned from the premises. This gothic theme park is for mature audiances only, well maturity doesn’t really matter but you should at least be old enough to handle a few bad words.
Dismaland, “Contains uneven floor surfaces, extensive use of strobe lighting, imagery unsuitable for small children and swearing.” Overall, the place is full of inappropriate content, although no matter how twisted, vulgar or freaky it is all in the name of art.
Banksy said, “It’s a showcase for the best artists I could imagine.” Art enthusiasts rejoice, this is the most unique art exhibit you may ever have the chance to visit. If you want to enjoy all Dismaland has to offer you better do it fast because the eerie park will only be open for 5 weeks. Admission is FAR cheaper than Disneyland, costing £3 ($4.73) per ticket—score!
The official brochure for Dismaland reads:
“Are you looking for an alternative to the soulless sugar-coated banality of the average family day out? Or just somewhere cheaper. Then this is the place for you—a chaotic new world where you can escape from mindless escapism. Instead of a burger stall, we have a museum. In place of a gift shop we have a library, well, we have a gift shop as well…This event contains adult themes, distressing imagery, extended use of strobe lighting, smoke effects and swearing. The following items are strictly prohibited: knives, spraycans, illegal drugs, and lawyers from the Walt Disney corporation.”
Banksy shared, “I loved the Tropicana as a kid, so getting to throw these doors open again is a real honour.”
Photo Credit: Christopher Jobson
“I guess you’d say it’s a theme park whose big theme is ‘theme parks should have bigger themes.’”
“I banned any imagery of Mickey Mouse from the site.”
Instead of having your portrait drawn visitors have the option to have the back of their head drawn.
Photo Credit: Christopher Jobson
Photo Credit: Yui Mok—PA Photos
Photo Credit: Yui Mok—PA Photos
“The following are strictly prohibited in the Park: spray paint, marker pens, knives and legal representatives of the Walt Disney Corporation.”
