Defying Gravity at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Wicked-Themed fun

Looking for more Wicked-themed fun, we decided to visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to experience its quirky exhibits and magical vibes. When you’re already in the mindset to Defy Gravity, it feels right to explore somewhere so extraordinary!

First Impressions

We arrived in good time, excited to dive into the world of the weird and wonderful. Even before we stepped inside, the entrance displays caught our attention:

• A Mini Cooper encrusted with millions of Swarovski crystals.
• An 18-foot-tall Optimus Prime statue made entirely of recycled car parts.
• The Hungarian Horntail dragon from Harry Potter.

Then we met Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, who stood at an incredible 8 feet 11 inches tall. Standing next to him was a surreal experience, and I couldn’t help but wonder where he found clothes to fit his frame!

The VIP Experience

Upon entering, we were handed our VIP passes—cue the oohs and ahhs! KK, my daughter, was beaming with excitement, ready to explore all the wonders Ripley’s had to offer.

Our first challenge was the Vortex Tunnel, and let me tell you—it’s no joke. Imagine walking through a fast-spinning cylinder with an industrial ramp. It’s a wild test of balance that plays tricks on your senses.

At first, KK was hesitant and a bit scared, but once she gave it a go, her determination kicked in. She kept going back and forth through the tunnel until she conquered her fear. It was a proud mom moment for sure!

Wicked Fun in the Exhibits

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is known for its fascinating exhibits, and this visit didn’t disappoint. From stunning art made out of bottle caps to bizarre facts from around the globe, every room was packed with surprises.

But the highlight for us was the Wicked exhibition. It was a dream come true for a theatre lover like me. Here’s what we loved most:

• Glinda’s and Elphaba’s costumes: Seeing these iconic dresses up close was a treat. The detail in the fabric and accessories was incredible—pure magic!
• Shoes and other props: The craftsmanship behind every item was a reminder of how much effort goes into bringing a show like Wicked to life.

To make the event even better, there was a selection of delicious appetizers and drinks available. It was a thoughtful touch that added a layer of elegance to the evening.

A Few Bumps Along the Way

Not everything went smoothly, though. The event featured a face-painting station, which sounded like fun at first. However, there was only one artist, and the queue quickly became chaotic. Some kids pushed ahead, and after waiting over half an hour, KK grew upset, leading to a meltdown.

I want to give credit to Ripley’s staff here—they were calm, kind, and very understanding. Once KK had calmed down, they took us to get some sweets and drinks, which turned the mood around.

Ending on a High Note

After the face-painting hiccup, we returned to the Vortex Tunnel for one last go and then tackled the Laser Maze. KK completely crushed it, scoring the highest points of the day! It was the perfect way to end our visit.

Final Thoughts

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a must-visit for anyone who loves the unusual, the magical, and the downright bizarre. From the awe-inspiring Wicked exhibit to the mind-bending Vortex Tunnel, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Have you visited Ripley’s before? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your favorite exhibits!

Plan your visit: Ripley’s hosts unique featured events throughout the year and is open most days. To get your tickets, click HERE.

Take a look at what we thought of Wicked The Musical