After 43 years, Movieland Wax Museum about to close for good
Today I went to Movieland Wax Musem for the last time in about 25 years. It was brought to my attention that the Buena Park, CA attraction is going to close this October 31st. The reduced $5 admission (from the regular $16.95 ticket) really brought in the crowds. By noon today, over half of the normally empty parking lot was occupied. The local public television station, KOCE-TV, channel 50, shot video and did a feature spot on tonight's telecast.
I anticipated a run-down, crummy show for my $5. Actually, I was quite surprised. Most of the exhibits were in pretty good shape. I shot about 200 photographs and spent nearly two hours.
If you have the time before Halloween, one should check it out. A more frugal entertainment choice cannot be found.
Some of the better wax models were Jennifer Lopez, Laurel & Hardy and Bridget Bardo.
Some of the worst wax models were
1. James Dean (He looked like pots on Happy Days)
2. The Our Gang scene
2a. Darla (She looked like a clothes model in the children's' department)
2b. Buckwheat (His hair looked like it was conked and lack resemblance.)
2c. Spanky (Once again, poor resemblance. If it wasn't for his prop cap wouldn't never known.)
3. G.W. Bush (Why he was put last to end the tour marred the experience. He lacked resemblance. To be honest, I am surprised that no one had took a swipe at him and try to knock him over.)
I also hear that the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum is also closing across the way. With Pirates (used to be Will Bill's Show) yet to open, half of Buena Park's Beach Blvd.'s E-Row (Entertainment Row) has been closed. Only Knott's Berry Farm's Park & Soak City USA and Medieval Times remain open.
It is going to be sad not to see the flashy, Las Vegas casino-like Movieland Wax Museum sign showcasing Beach Blvd. at night. It was one of those landmarks I remember seeing, from the 91 freeway as a kid, telling me we were close to home.
What concerns me more is what they might replace Movieland with. There already exists a Starbuck's Coffee there and a Po'Folks restaurant. I hope that it will be more malls and eateries. Just as long as it isn't million dollar homes.
Guess what I am putting my money on.
posted by Danny Tech World @ 2:30 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Thanks for the news of the closing of this hollywood icon legend. I'm glad you are helping to spread the news. It indeed was fun to go through the place and am ashamed to admit that my first time visiting this place, will also be my last.
Oh, what a sad day! I also miss the Museum of Living Art (located next to it). The link below has some old footage from local area attractions.
http://www.extinct-attractions-club.com/new_other.html
Actually, one of my favorites photos from my youth was from Movieland Wax Museum, where our whole family gathered for a pic around Frankenstein. Ah, such memories!
i remember this place as a kid too but never went until i was about 30. i had a great time and the figures were more creepy to me than anything but in a fun way.
Add this to the Buena Park themed one of a kind graveyard (Japanese Deer park, Cars of Star Planes of Fame,etc). Growing up as a Cub Scout in SoCal - never a dull moment.
Post a Comment
<< Home