One of 4 locations in Florida, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not in Panama City, FL features several unique attractions within a sprawling space that’s cleverly designed to look like a capsizing boat. It’s a great spur-of-the-moment option for a rainy day, or a fun spot to see no matter what the weather!
Ripley’s was established in 1918 and now operates attractions all across the globe. Each site is unique, and the Panama City location is no exception. Before you plan your trip, it’s good to know that this site actually offers four different attractions, which are each ticketed separately. On a recent visit, we took advantage of all there was to see and purchased a combo pass.
Before you go, call ahead to ensure what attractions are available and the pricing options for individual or combo tickets. The current attractions are as follows:
Ripley’s Odditorium
The main gallery can be experienced in 1-2 hours, depending on how much your group wants to marvel at each and every “oddity” on display. Our favorites included a replica Mercedes carved entirely out of wood, plus an entire wall of celebrity portraits created out of the most random items, including unwanted “junk mail.” Exhibits rotate regularly, so call ahead to see what the featured display is at your time of visit. On our trip, we were impressed with the Titanic exhibit, which featured interactive elements, including a chance to test just how cold that icy water was on the night of that fateful shipwreck, brrr!
Mirror Maze
A dizzying, surreal experience, the Mirror Maze was challenging and fascinating and felt like stepping into a totally different world. While not recommended for small children who could get disoriented or people who struggle with small spaces, most visitors will enjoy this perspective-shifting experience, which also makes for an awesome photo opportunity.
Ripley’s 7D Moving Theater
The 7D Theater experience does not last very long, but it is a memorable time! Essentially a “point and shoot” game with additional elements of sound and movement, it’s a motion simulator experience that’s probably most thrilling for children in the 8-12 age range, though certainly enjoyable by all!
Ripley’s Impossible Laser Race
An exciting challenge for kids of all ages, this attraction provides a fast-paced course to navigate without getting zapped by lasers. A great activity for kids with some pent-up rainy day energy to let loose and have a great time!
The attractions at Ripley’s Believe It or Not are great for playful adults, or the whole family, especially if you select all four attractions. A visit to this one-of-a-kind attraction can be an awesome way to break up your vacation to Panama City, or a perfect backup plan for a rainy day. Go in with an open mind, and allow yourself to go to the weird side for a few hours of oddball entertainment!
Can’t Get Enough of Ripley’s?
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Insider Tip:
If you plan to take younger children, be sure to check out the indoor play area. It’s a great way for the littlest visitors to burn off steam, while older children can appreciate the oddities and more interactive exhibits.