Two Major Attractions Closed in Gatlinburg, TN Gatlinburg Update January 2021

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[@TheDailyWoo]

That’s a bummer . Never thought I’d see the day when World of Illusions didn’t exist. A true Gatlinburg staple

[@Ripplin]

I'm glad we got to see it vicariously from people like you and Jacob, at least. It unashamedly was what it was. :p

[@applevalleyhillbillygarden1093]

Agree. Loved that place as a kid in the late 60s.

[@NPC_5120]

Know whats a bummer no nascar cafe 😭😭

[@TheCarpetbagger]

Yeah, it just doesn’t seem right

[@scottbartlett2087]

@Darth Ichthys I’d rather see them close the Old Mill restaurant before either of those two attractions. I’m not a fan of the Old Mill at all. Foods bland and service was horrible every time we tried it. Gave it numerous chances as everyone always raves about it. Finally gave up and stopped trying it.

[@deannafromindiana2805]

Sorry to see attractions close that have been around for years. Thank you for taking us along for the journey.

[@PGHMEDIA]

The world of illusion is not closed. It is their new illusion and it is very convincing.

[@TRJ2525]

Well, that's one way to start off 2021 I guess. What a bummer. Thanks for updating us, Jacob.

[@jerryhack5192]

When I was a kid they used to have the little jeanie in the front window you could talk to.

[@serenitygrant8127]

Zar??

[@nimblehealer199]

@@serenitygrant8127 Zoltar

[@chrisgaddy10]

I remember her. And there were several other holograms in the cracks that use to run down the side of the building

[@KentuckyGirl]

Sad 😔 to hear about Christus Gardens closing. You're older video of that guy desperately trying to keep the place going all by itself really tugged at my heart. Sorry it didn't work out for him.😢

[@kennethcoggins5888]

Wow ! I'm 53 and grew up going to Gatlinburg. I remember going to Christus Gardens when I was a kid. Also remember going to World of illusions. Very sad to see them go

[@amandas8570]

My husband and I were just there the week of January 17th. I'm thankful we got to experience World of Illusions' cheesiness at least once. (First and only visit was 3 years ago)

[@michaeljablonsmi4686]

Thanks for reminding us of the good old days. It does remind me of the nice old simpler days of our past.

[@tpsmith]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The now closed ‘Christ in the Smokies Museum & Gardens’ parking lot will now serve as public parking for Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

[@skipjenn]

I remember there used to be a big glass Genie ball in that front window. A girl would sit in it and talk to people out front.

[@steventiller5403]

Wasn't it where the T Rex head was?

[@TheCarpetbagger]

I believe so

[@skipjenn]

Correct Don't recall when they took it out. I think they had a wizard guy in there on occasion as well.

[@easttnlife]

My sister was the genie in the bottle in 1983

[@BentonLastinger]

I remember when Gatlinburg practically ended at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen! @5:56

[@amyyoshikawa7698]

Hi Jacob awesome vlog at Gatlinburg, Tennessee. So sad and sorry to hear about the closures of the great attractions there. Stay safe and well. Wish you the best year 👍🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😺

[@bettyschneider5268]

And that neat Rocking Horse! 🎠🎡🐴🐎🦄 that go back & forth & back & forth & back & forth! I didn't want it to stop! Lol 😂

[@geneaikenii1092]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. SO GLAD YOU VISITED OUR TOWN ONCE AGAIN. THANKS.

[@XHEADTOWALLX]

This is a day Id hoped Id never see. World of Illusions has long been my favorite piece of Gatlinburg nostalgia and I make it a point to visit each and every time I travel there. People knock it for being a tacky tourist trap but it had an errie and bizarre charm that I couldn't shake. I had a sneaking dreadful suspicion that it wouldnt make it out of 2020 unscathed and I hate being right about it. My trip in February will not be the same.

[@SentientTrafficConeMan]

I went in the middle of last summer, and I can attest to the eerie vibe and the creeping suspicion that Covid would be the end of it. I'm glad I got to go once, at least.

[@cmckittrick91]

I've had many fun times at World of Illusions. Hopefully something fun takes its place.

[@madebykemo]

I love how you give some background and educate us all a bit. Appreciate it! Stay safe.

[@charitysghost1207]

So sad I'll never get to see these lovely places in person. Thank you for letting us see your adventures. 🙂

[@tomsweet1669]

We were just in Gatlinburg this past weekend and I too was disappointed to see World of Illusions close. I been going through that museum since I was a kid.

[@0therun1t21]

I hope the wax museum building gets a new cool attraction, what a cool building, I'd hate to see it abandoned!

[@Corgis175]

Sorry to hear about the Christ Gardens and Museum.

[@zanetaylor5639]

It is always a sad day when America looses a roadside attraction.

[@henny1fan561]

When I was little back in the 70's we stayed at The Royal Motel often...we loved the pool on the roof...it went down hill in upkeep over the years...very sad

[@Josh-dy7pf]

That's too bad some of Gatlinburg's iconic attractions had to close. Then again, a lot of Gatlinburg is stuck in the 1980s. I actually love that because it reminds me so much of my childhood.

[@charitycooley9252]

New subscriber love the video! So sorry to lose both businesses. We live in Dunlap Tennessee so about 3 hours away and we try to go 2-3 times a year. I never got to either one, unfortunately. This is our favorite getaway ❤

[@brandyrose9997]

Jacob always cheers me up

[@BKPHIPPS4]

The genie ball was so cool! I remember as a kid thinking it was real! It will be missed!!

[@GoN2Xtremez]

I was just thinking about “World of Illusions” yesterday. I go to Gatlinburg every year, twice last year, and visit Illusions once every few years. It was indeed a staple of the parkway.

[@bubbahouse5147]

Also saw the Texas Roadhouse in Gatlinburg has closed. Not massive loss but I frequented it when I was in town due to the cool employees.

[@chade.7948]

That was legit the worst TR I’ve ever eaten at. Not a shock.

[@Gizmocat001]

Went over to go to Guinness book of world records attraction and it was gone! 😪 loved that place! And they re-did Riley’s believe it or not museum and it’s nothing as good as the original sadly! Thanks for the updates!

[@Ravenwritindesk]

Sorry to double comment but I wanted to say I am incredibly thankful for channels like yours that are preserving the memory of these places. I'm sure you hear it a lot, but it's greatly appreciated.

[@aiferapple1246]

"Until next time, this one's... in the bag!" ('And now I'm off to punch that guy tooting his horn like a jack-ass')

[@TheCarpetbagger]

You have no idea

[@aiferapple1246]

@@TheCarpetbagger LOL :D

[@queenjenene6461]

@@TheCarpetbagger you are true professional. You held it together.

[@l.a.picasa]

For real!!

[@blamm5348]

@@queenjenene6461 That was take 2

[@mountainguru529]

THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATES VERY SAD ......BUT TIME BRINGS CHANGE TAKE CARE .

[@SnackHeadCowboy]

“Religious Jesus based wax museum” what a sentence haha

[@NPC_5120]

Nooooo world of illusion. Rest in peace. It will be missed greatly. I hope they dont take the t-rex away

[@northovr]

I am glad to do it last month

[@dustinbroach7284]

I took a picture with the gorilla when he was at world of illusion lol Gatlinburg is a fun place the last time I went I swear it took an hour to drive 30ft it was so packed , I'm glad little tourist towns like this are doing good still, sad to see some of those establishments close though

[@Infindox]

This is very sad. As someone who watches your videos as something I'd love to do, it sucks that these places are no longer available for me in the future to visit.

[@wizardonabudget8660]

Hey carpetbagger! I live in Gatlinburg have for years! I perform magic on the strip for tourists. Next time you're in town please let me know. Been watching your vids for a while and would love to meet ya in real life atleast once. Great video. Keep up the good work 👍

[@amyd3047]

Gatlinburg was/is me, my sis, mom n dads ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE plc to go atleast twice EVERY year growing up! We started out camping at Yogie Bear campground, to chalets up on the side of the mountain. I remember the genie with the crystal ball in the front of world of illusions. Sad its gone because along with hillbilly golf, and Ober, those are the 3 things that stand out to me in my mind when a child! The haunted house was one of my absolute favorites too!! LOVE GATLINBURG TENNESSEE!

[@edrozenrozen9600]

Such a shame. Thanks for the update

[@smokeymountainhillbilly5131]

I live here in Sevierville my whole life would visit both attraction often it's a sad day from there closing a great lose

[@critikul1]

Dang! I really enjoyed your vlogs about world of attraction. So Thank You Very Much, with out You I would have never been able to see it!!!

[@jackieturner5145]

I hate that Christ in the Smokies is closing. Went there as a kid in the 70s, took my kids in the 90s and grandkids in 2010s. It was iconic.

[@jg_in_hd]

This makes me sad. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@bicentenialkid]

Thanks for another great video and have a great day.

[@SophisticatedBelle1]

As a child I always waved at the genie in the bottle at the world of illusions.

[@ogmegzy]

Hey Jacob, thanks again for another video :)

[@smokeymountainhillbilly5131]

World of illusion was open in the 1970's when the first star wars movie come out

[@belagracie]

It opened in the summer of ‘76.

[@flsnowman82]

Glad I went there last time for the first time and last

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

Hi Jacob 🖐🏼. I can see just how sad 😢 this makes you. But a lot of great places Are closing because of the coronavirus. It's really hard to keep places open if you can't get any cliental . It's really sad. Have A blessed day ‼️🖐🏼👍🏿🙋🏿‍♀️✝️🛐☮️💜.

[@rickhenry1833]

#The_Carpetbagger Jacob, Great Video... "Sweet Fanny Adams Theater" (a Vaudeville Family Theatre) in Gatlinburg is being shut down this January 2021 and reportedly is not to open again. One of my friends, an actor "Tim Coleman" that performed there for many years recently made that announcement. SFAT opened their doors in 1977. Thought you'd do an update later for your files. All My Best

[@michaelridenour2113]

She had the biggest nuggets in town!

[@rickhenry1833]

@@michaelridenour2113 Mamma Knows ! lol

[@GoLions67]

What the hell!!! Used to go to these as a kid every spring!!

[@applevalleyhillbillygarden1093]

That is a major bummer, Jacob. Loved that place as a kid in the late 60s early 70s. More of my childhood is vanishing.....

[@TheCarpetbagger]

I hate it, the price of progress

[@rblowers001]

I remember as a kid seeing a World of Illusions billboard in Sevierville that had R2D2 and princess Leia on it. It was there for years. I always knew we were close to Gatlinburg when I saw that billboard. I cried when they replaced it with something else.

[@amyd3047]

I remember that!!!😢

[@billyholder465]

Sorry to see these attractions gone been coming to gatlinburg over 30 years an enjoying these. Change never seems to stop an enjoyed your video keep up the great work.

[@lori4782]

It upsets me about Christ in the Smokies. We were there in Sept. And was going to visit it,but had to pack and head home due to a hurricane coming toward our home!

[@whatsupwithrichard]

Looks like a neat place to visit. On my bucket list. Sorry I'll miss those attractions. 😥

[@josephhiggins8392]

Same!!

[@southernyall9574]

I went to the Holy Land park in Orlando in 2019 and it was GREAT!!

[@odinvonzero]

Saddest news since the closing of Hauntings. 😞

[@mcwatersd]

Very sad to see attractions closing like that and we are experiencing that more often this year than ever before. Thank you for preserving the memories of these places. The hierographics say you suck at golf. Just joking Jacob it's hard enough to play 2 handed let alone 1 handed. Keep Safe ❤Keep Well ❤

[@TheCarpetbagger]

Maybe it’d be better if I put my camera down

[@mcwatersd]

@@TheCarpetbagger LOL

[@bloodnfirewithin]

love stuff like this, we don't have much of it any more around here. Most people especially newer generations don't have that curiosity or enjoyment of things like road side attractions.

[@deborahquinn483]

Jacob, thanks for the updates. I wonder if the Sky Lift is going to do something with the property. It looked like they were adding a mountain coaster the last time I was there. That location would be a great ending spot for a coaster. They have to do something to keep up with Anakeesta. I am just wondering off the top of my head. Thanks again for the updates.

[@kurtporter4796]

It’s good you do this cause I love history even thou I’m a Canadian.it’s great that you know so much great work

[@englishatheart]

Though*

[@kurtporter4796]

@@englishatheart thanks for the spell check

[@georgehartley1535]

World of illusion had a genie bottle in the window when I was a kid...at 10..it was confusing

[@TheCarpetbagger]

They moved the genie effect inside and let people to it themselves, from what I can tell, it was the only time they changed anything

[@robylove9190]

Thanks Jacob!

[@feliciascraftyadventures4734]

I wonder what will happen to the huge Jesus stone/scupture at Christus Gardens. That uses to freak me out that it followed you around with its eyes. Hate to see so much of the stuff I grew up with going away.

[@jrmason304]

Jacob Holy land experience in Orlando says temporarily closed that is a shame they are closed.

[@jaynefeeney3439]

Holy Land went bankrupt and ss looking for a buyer. They announced they were closing before covid hit.

[@brianlombard9304]

I tried going to Holy Land the week of New Years. Closed indefinitely. I called the number and the recorded message had no reopening date.

[@jimrussell7409]

We were just there a month ago. We had a blast!!!

[@silverghostcat1924]

Went to Christus Gardens when I was living in TN as a teenager. My younger cousin passed out near the end of the exhibit and was carried out by a guy from TX which is where I lived most of my childhood.

[@Dragon359]

Not surprising that these and others may very well close for good. Forcing people to stay indoors can do that to attractions that require one to personally be there.

[@deborahtaylor4586]

Have you checked out the Blue Heron Mine 18 in Stearns, KY.?If you go in the warmer weather there is a train ride to it. My parents went to the Christ Gardens back many years ago on their honeymoon. Hate to see that it is closed.

[@eviltom17]

A new Illusion place just opened up in Orlando, 'the Musuem of Illusions', might want to check that out.

[@beverlymesser4169]

Yes Holy Land Experience is still opened. It is closed on the weekends

[@bonitajudon2173]

Holy Land in Orlando, Florida is closed as well.

[@wonderpandimonium]

Stay safe, Jacob!

[@CampingTherapy]

Thanks for the update. I've never been to either of those places.

[@macrent2]

Between the fire and the pandemic, Gatlinburg, TN has had a rough go of things. It is family friendly and older adults and families with kids are not traveling and vacationing like they would pre-COVID-19.

[@Zomgis]

So many memories at World of Illusions... this hurts. I used to half joke about investing in them. Wish I’d had the money to do so now...

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

World of Illusions building will sadly probably end up being a dumb "moonshine" distillery. Even as dumb and quirky as it was, it was a staple of Gatlinburg and will be missed.

[@deniseboldea1624]

Many of us here in the north feels the same way about micro-breweries. It's been done to death.

[@Oldcarnut63]

@@deniseboldea1624 but it tastes oh so good...

[@deniseboldea1624]

@@Oldcarnut63 Beer or Moonshine? I can't drink beer because I have a violent allergic reaction to it. I'm game to try moonshine, but I have to make sure there's no hopps in it.🤢

[@Beer_N_Bubbles]

I’m the guy that met you yesterday and got a pic with you and my son in law

[@charlesjanssens6770]

I adore your interpretation " you know what you got when it's gon " I told to know what you have but never what you whil reseve . So this is cind of the same LOL

[@loriedavis7865]

The Holy Land Experience is in Orlando it has grown and still going and getting better I saw christis Garden and Ben to the holy land 2 times once after the wax people had been moved there

[@OldMovieRob]

Thats a bummer about world of illusions, but it really did need an upgrade. RIP Corey Feldman wolfman.

[@agentadvocate]

Because of your videos, I wanted to see World of Illusions so much! I'm so sad! 😫

[@jermeycrider793]

I grew up in East Tennessee, family vacations almost every year. Two major staples of Gatlinburg closed, it's a shame

[@Tadpole_Plyrr2]

Lol just a few months ago my uncle surprised picked me up there lol you know where people run and pick you up yeah we were looking at the purple monster I screamed and everyone probably thought I was getting kidnapped heh..

[@CactusAtlas]

Well that's a shame. Hopefully something that creates more memories will replace but well, y'know... Tourism isn't often that way. 😑

[@bleedcolor2878]

I went to Gatlinburg back in September of 2020 and I wanted to go to the World Of Illusions but my parents didn’t want to and now it’s gone :(

[@chuckchristian8816]

We were suppose to leave Sunday night to go to Tennessee but now were not hopefully next year

[@debbiedunn8600]

The Holy Land Experience is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM Holy Land Experience is closed Sunday, Monday, New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. This is per the website. I thought there had temporarily closed but I just checked and this is the information as I said on their website.

[@elizabethriddle3452]

Holyland is closed out of business jn Florida. I live here in Fl

[@christopherlucas4620]

The way everything was so hastily removed, its almost like they stopped paying rent.

[@Mokujo]

World of Illusion sucked. But sad to see it go and so happy I got to experience it at least. Love that old crap.

[@Geneswagger]

Hey Jacob I live in Orlando and right now the Holy Land is temporarily closed.; for how long that I dont know.

[@BennyLlama39]

Yeah, "temporarily". Like everything else that keeps the economy going. 😒

[@RobertGwreck]

Just visited for Christmas and the mountains where packed. Hard to believe anyone is closing

[@discohiro]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I was supposed to visit World of Illusions last August until I had to cancel plans because of the pandemic.

[@PTAdventures86]

It is so sad to see this!!