Abandoned immersive fantasy theme park designed by ex-Disney creators to reopen as new attraction
A THEME park with ex-Disney creators behind it was forced to close last year – although new plans have been revealed to reopen.
Evermore opened in Utah in 2018, as an “immersive and theatrical experience”.
Along with founder Ken Bretschneider, ex-Disney Imagineer Josh Shipley also joined to create the world.
Mr Bretschneider said at the time: “We brought on Disney Imagineers, people from Universal Studios, artists from the Hollywood effects industry and tons of people from the local market.
While having no traditional rides, the park was based on fantasy roleplay with guests called World Walkers and encouraged to dress up.
Missions were given by “guilds” and park actors, called Evermorians, with activities such as axe throwing, archery and train rides.
And themed experiences took play every season, such as a haunted Cursed World of Lore and a winter Charles Dickens-themed Aurora.
TIME even named it one of the coolest places in the world in 2019, saying it felt like an “old European village”.
They added: “It gives visitors a chance to meet all kinds of characters, including elves, mages, and faeries.
“Every season there’s a new theme based on a different Evermore myth. That means there’s always something new to discover.
“Go on scavenger hunts, complete quests, and take on challenges such as archery or ax throwing.”
And one previous guest wrote on Medium: “Evermore Park is one of the most beautifully designed fantasy spaces I’ve ever seen.
“Seriously, some of the buildings in Evermore give Disneyland a run for its money.”
However, the theme park ran into problems after trying to sue Taylor Swift for her 2020 titled album Evermore, only for her to countersue.
Along with Covid problems, guests also complained towards the end of its run that the park felt unfinished, with long queues.
One person wrote on Reddit: “It never seemed organized, always seemed confusing on what to do or where to go, and functioned better as sort of an interactive haunted house with side quests.
“It was an INCREDIBLE idea and the cast always did a great job with their characters, but it truly was managed poorly.”
The theme park confirmed they would close back in April 2024.
And a few months later, it was confirmed that new buyers would transform it into a new attraction.
Called The Realm Town, new owners Travis and Michelle Fox are yet to reveal what it will be turned into as construction is underway.
Little else is known about the new theme park, although hidden details have been revealed via their Hatch the Egg virtual tournaments online.
An official opening date is yet to be confirmed.
Another theme park with no rides is Puy du Fou in France, which has plans to open in the UK.
And another role-playing attraction was Disney’s Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser an immersive two-day roleplay experience.
However, it closed in 2023 after just one year.