The Best Theme Park You've Never Heard Of

What's a theme park, anyway...
Wake The Tiger is an immersive “amazement park” in Bristol. In this bonus episode of Mike From The Party I review the park and dive into why I think it’s great, whether I think it’s a theme park, and if that question even matters….
Come join the afterparty:
Instagram ► / mikefromtheparty
Twitter ► / mikefromtheprty
Patreon ► / mikefromtheparty
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Clip sources:
World of Thrills ► / @worldofthrills
Ben There, Done That! ► / @bentheredonethat69
Also thank you to Molly Parker and Harry Robertson for their great feedback as always.
Experiences featured near the end:
Punchdrunk's The Burnt City www.punchdrunk...
War Of The Worlds The Immersive Experience thewarofthewor...
Boomtown Fair Festival www.boomtownfa...
Puzzalogical Escape Rooms puzzalogical.c...
Secret Cinema Grease www.secretcine...
Phantom Peak www.phantompea...
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Music used: Arcadia, Rendezvous, and Sentimental by Karl Casey of White Bat Audio
Find his music here ► / @whitebataudio
License ► whitebataudio....
All tracks have been adapted to sound like they’re at a party.
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#wakethetiger #themepark #videoessay #bristol #deepdive

[@wakethetiger]

Wow, you've hit the nail on the head Mike From The Party...trying to summarise Wake The Tiger when we're so unique in the UK is a real challenge, but we love your review! We'd love to invite you back to explore the expanded experience early next year. You really will transcend to another level 👁

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Thanks for watching Wake The Tiger!! I would love to come visit the expanded experience next year, just let me know :)

[@aceofprops4175]

You're going to LOVE Meow Wolf. I hope more "traditional" theme parks incorporate this type of immersion in the future.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Can't wait to go one day! Hopefully fairly soon 🤞

[@elsen79]

I agree- The Meow Wolf experience I had in Vegas was truly one of a kind!

[@secretlyashark8271]

I learned about it last time I was in Vegas and I wanted to go since

[@quinnzykir]

THE DENVER oNE IS THE BEST

[@DirtySpectre]

This place seems amazing! As an American whose theme parks are only getting more and more branded and the only places you can go is *place from movie you minorly care about* I’m craving an experience that uses the art form of themed environments to do something unique and really mind bending like this!

[@yoogrldude]

You should look up Meow Wolf! They have four locations (Santa fe, Vegas, Denver, and Grapevine) but they also have a website that occasionally features other immersive art locations! Or look up “immersive art” to see if there’s anything near you!

[@averyeml]

Luckily Meow Wolf is slowly expanding! There’s one that opened up a couple months ago a couple hours from me and that’ll be happening for me fairly soon.

[@DirtySpectre]

@averyeml heck yeah! I live in Chicago and all their locations are out west so I hope they make it over here soon!

[@yoogrldude]

You should check out the Meow Wolf stuff *for sure.* I’ve been to two of their locations now and both were soooo fun. No spoilers about plots or anything, but my one piece of advice for visiting is: if you see phone numbers, write them down/take a pic and look for a phone to use to call!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Ooooh will remember this when I do get over one day!

[@romthevacuousspider3565]

[SPOILERS FOR WAKE THE TIGER] I just went to Wake the Tiger for the first time yesterday and I really liked it! I think it really succeeded as a themed experience and I felt like I knew what to expect from watching this video as I think it describes it well and a lot better than the actual marketing. I didn't expect live actors which really impressed me for the most part, there were only three live actors in the main section when I went (a Saturday in June). Two which were roaming and were partially in character and seemed to be doing other jobs as well as acting and one stationary actor in the secret library area who was entirely in character. I talked to each of the actors about certain things through out mostly asking about themselves and the world and found that to be the most rewarding part of the experience. If there were more characters I would of liked to met more characters specifically from each of the guilds. I also don't think Wake the Tiger would need lots of actors as there as a lot to do but I think it would help the world feel a little more alive. I think I must have missed the quiz to join a guild at the end, I'm not sure if this might have been removed with the expansion now open. I felt the expansion was a bit of a downgrade from the main experience, It had some really interesting set pieces, specifically the plane room, but I felt it fell short in a few places (I'm also not sure if its entirely finished as there were some rooms closed off). There was a main hall with a large projection mapped face on it which felt like the centre of the expansion and rooms surrounding it with more abstract things inside. I don't think the expansion captured the same magic as the main experience mostly with the really modern aesthetic which in the main experience in flows between more natural environments and abstract and modern areas more seamlessly. I didn't like the use of AI art in Wake the Tiger I felt like it really took me out of the world and could have been replaced with some other effects especially as it was mostly just used on small screens around the experience. Overall Wake the Tiger is really good and I will definitely go back, If you like theme parks and themed experiences you should go.

[@TheBreadthatcausedLesMis]

I personally feel one piece to distinguish between a Themed experience/Attraction and a Theme park is rides. I feel to qualify as a theme park you need to have at a few rides (not counting a 4D theatre). For example some could have classed Dickens world as a Theme park but it was essentially just the Great Expectations Water ride and a haunted house.

[@hollykruse113]

Man, what a rollercoaster. I just got so excited than so sad looking up Dickens World.

[@TheBreadthatcausedLesMis]

@@hollykruse113 If you want a fun little look at Dickens world Expedition Theme park did a video on it. The music video for Cops and Robbers by The Hoosiers was also filmed there.

[@jimmycjc2]

If you’re in Japan I’d suggest TeamLab and if you’re in The States I’d recommend Otherworlds and Omega Mart.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Will add them to my bucket list ✍️

[@GhoulishGabs]

Idk why but Wake The Tiger is giving me vibes of Evermore Park, like an actual good version of Evermore Park. Will definitely add to my list of "Things To Do When I Inevitably Visit England Again"!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

I get what you mean in terms of the focus on the environments/world-building! But yes, a lot more successful at what it wants to do aha

[@Phoenix-zy1cx]

I just discovered your videos a few days ago and this has quickly become my new favorite channel. Your thoughtful analysis, the fun format, the unexpected connections made about your subjects, all keep me coming back.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

I'm so glad you like them so much! More to come :)

[@jessicapolley4720]

You know, this really reminded me of Wizard Quest, which is in Wisconsin Dells. It's honestly more art piece meets escape room than anything, and its framing of "The four elemental wizards have been trapped away and you need to free them" gives what I imagine to be a similar vibe to this one. It's tons of fun with multiple levels (the kids version just has you finding the wizards, or for extra challenge you can complete puzzles to earn points needed to free each wizard), and I desperately want to go back

[@illogically.elyssa]

All I remember is the hidden tunnel in the ball pit and almost getting stuck in it

[@Pinkcatninja]

Do you prefer the old layout or the new space? I really like the new space for Wizard Quest personally.

[@Pinkcatninja]

​@@illogically.elyssaluckily that portion no longer exists with the recent move 😅

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Just looked this up and it looks so cool!

[@freekeefox]

Oh man, I love that Meow Wolf is inspiring artists all over the world. I want to see more "Amazement Parks" everywhere!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Same!

[@maddiedezern1726]

I was about to comment that this place seems like a UK Meow Wolf when all of a sudden you brought up Meow Wolf 😂 I've been to Omega Mart and Convergence Station, and I think if you like Wake The Tiger, you'll absolutely love Meow Wolf.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Definitely want to get over soon!

[@stephanieferguson723]

There is an experience park near me in Utah called Evermore Park that is unfinished and I want to support it because it's a new a different kind of thing that I want to see improve and become more polished over time. Every time you go can be a different experience because you can do tasks to join different groups called guilds and those change seasonally and from year to year. It's also a fun place to ramble around with themed buildings where you can sit and chat at the tavern or play chess in a hobbit style hole, while gathering information about the fae, ghosts, adventurer club, knights, or dragon trainers for example.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

I loved the Jenny Nicholson video on Evermore

[@_aster_oid]

If you’re ever near Netherlands- Doloris in Tilburg is a similar experience to this. I thought it was really beautiful and moving!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Thanks for the recommendation! Might see if I can swing by next time I visit the Efteling 👀

[@WorldofThrills]

Looks really unique! You’ve definitely peaked my interest on this… theme park?? I’m not sure… i have no idea if a theme park needs a “ride” because of the Fairy Tale forest, but definitely an attraction to see? But then again who really cares as long as it’s immersive! 😂 Wonderful job as always Mike!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

The "who cares" is my general feeling as well aha Thanks for watching and letting me use your footage 🙏

[@ashleyboots3386]

This looks really cool! Thanks for the video! 💙

[@sickleds]

Oh you're spoiling us this month, really excited to watch this!!!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Like waiting for a bus

[@jamierumson5884]

I went to this because of you and absolutely adored it!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

I'm so glad you loved it! I should be getting commission...

[@TeeJayHannon]

This sounds a lot like Meow Wolf! I went to the one in Santa Fe and I don't think a day goes by without me thinking about how incredible it was, it's truly one of my favorite experiences I've done and I really want to check out the other ones. I can see why you love Wake the Tiger! I want more places to have that sort of immersive freeform storytelling/art display and I'm glad to hear that there are more out there!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

I really want to get over to one of the Meow Wolf locations at some point because everything I've heard sounds right up my street (especially now you're raving about it too!). Seems such a natural evolution of a lot of what I love about theme parks

[@kingedwin]

This entire park costs about 1/9th as much as the new coaster at my local theme park.

[@dc_mischief]

Your comments about structured vs. unstructured parts of the experience are interesting, because when I visited the Meow Wolf in Grapevine TX, I had similar thoughts. To be as spoiler-free as possible... not all the Meow Wolfs work like this, but the Grapevine one explicitly presents you with a mystery to solve at the beginning. You can ignore it or pursue it as you please, and I enjoyed it... but I did feel like the unstructured bits were where the experience really shone. I saw a lot of people getting frustrated as they ran around determined to solve the mystery, and getting irritated when the clues petered out farther in (as they are meant to.) I think if you're the kind of person who goes into these kinds of exhibits with a "video gamer" attitude, determined to find all the mysteries and "win" by figuring out every story detail, you'll have a lot less fun than if you go in as a casual explorer, open to engaging with whatever you find, but not upset if you miss something.

[@yoogrldude]

My fave thing about grapevine was searching for brain beans and talking to staff about where they suggested I check out. As much as I would’ve loved to have found everything, I mostly just enjoyed going through a second time looking for smaller details that I missed at first glance

[@dc_mischief]

@yoogrldude The beans were neat! I wish I'd gone on a less busy day, because the staff seemed really enthusiastic and eager to help, but it was hard to get a word with them because they were so busy helping out groups of kids.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

This is really interesting as my brother had a similar frustration at Wake The Tiger!

[@ChiefBlueScreen]

I want to be at whatever party is playing these sounds

[@liriohardy7240]

another banger video my guy, i love to learn about weird things from you 🐯

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Ahahahaha thank you!

[@NJAdamArt]

Despite this being only 10 min round the corner for me I still haven’t gone. This video is getting me to finally book my ticket.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Oh wow if you're that close 100% worth going! This video is almost the length of the walk aha

[@Cosmiicllama]

Another cheeky video! I feel spoilt! Phenomenal vid!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

❤️

[@tedioustotoro4885]

I have been wanting to go here since I found out about it a few months ago, mainly due to my slightly excessive obsession with Meow Wolf, but I don’t live that close to Bristol so haven’t been able to go yet.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Definitely worth going when you get the chance!

[@elsen79]

Pov: you are scrolling through the comment sections and found my comment My girlfriend and I have been watching your videos over the past few months and love them man- keep up the interesting content! (Not to shill but hmu if you want some music made for a video)

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Thank you, glad you're enjoying them! I'll keep you in mind if anything comes up :)

[@jntproductions1]

I'm living in Ohio at the moment, and this has definitely inspired me to visit Otherworld in Columbus.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Looks amazing, hope you enjoy it!

[@celestemcduff]

I've done Delusion in southern California for the past three years and it can't get enough, definitely check it out if you're ever in the States around Halloween/November! Its an immersive theatrical experience that i think ks the closest you will get to being in a horror movie yourself without any of the risks lol. I have never heard of Wake the Tiger but now I really want to go..

[@MikeFromTheParty]

I've heard good things about this! Definitely looks really intriguing

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

Wait a second, that dude who made the Wonky Willy’s Chocolate Experience in Glasgow is also ripping this off on top of all the other stuff he ripped off Like the DNA of Wake The Tiger is there, but it was missing a couple of chromosomes … it’s like the Liquid Snake version of this

[@ttintagel]

I truly believe that things like this and the Galactic Starcruiser are the future of themed entertainment.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Rip in peace starcruiser 😔

[@dandygardner9404]

Wake the tiger: I cost 2.5 millions gbp 🥰 Symbolica: hold my beer

[@MikeFromTheParty]

And Symbolica is worth every cent!

[@njdotson]

I only really know of these things in the U.S. so I didn't really think about what other ones there might be

[@jaykay1899]

Look up "meow wolf" !

[@bnso3692]

Was this privated? Why did I never see this? Today's a good day 💕

[@MikeFromTheParty]

It's been public all this time! Glad you found it and hope you enjoyed it :)

[@disneymagiczack]

This sounds amazing! I wanna go!

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Definitely worth a visit!

[@disneymagiczack]

@@MikeFromTheParty I'll have to get a trip sorted

[@BellhopDrew]

How have i never heard of this place before

[@MikeFromTheParty]

There's so little about it online, which is partly why I wanted to make this video! It deserves more recognition

[@athenaryals3273]

WAIT HOW DID THIS VIDEO SLIP THROUGH MY NOTIFS

[@scottyefird]

It looks like Meow Wolf in New Mexico

[@Firegen1]

This is a really sweet video. Forests as a rideable experience seems to be a big MFTP theme. This sounds cool, I might check it out. Have you been to Dopamine Land?

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Planning to go to Dopamine Land with some colleagues early next year to help beat the January blues!

[@mochimatchabean]

👀more theme park knowledge-

[@Mike_Plays]

Ugh. You're making me really want to go back to Sleep No More before it closes

[@quinnzykir]

I WANT TO GOOOOOOOO

[@Lee-o8f]

Poland is getting a water park by tom land Illuminasia at Blackpool was good Punch-drunk and secret cinema good Good for Bristol for this attraction Home vr will get better

[@brycevo]

It's a cool attraction, but not a park. A park has multiple rides, but that's still cool

[@clevm002]

The frame rate in this video is so weird.

[@Wig4]

???????????????????????????????

[@clevm002]

@@Wig4 I think I may have clicked the video too soon but the beginning had a weird blurred motion

[@MikeFromTheParty]

Does it look ok now? Worried I exported it wrong!

[@clevm002]

​@@MikeFromThePartyjust rewarded the part where it was doing it the most ... The footage at the beginning from inside the attraction. I think it's all good now. Sorry to panic you.

[@MikeFromTheParty]

No worries :)