Disappointing Remodel: Ripley's Believe It or Not Falls Short of Expectations

Every time I visit Wisconsin Dells, I make it a point to visit Ripley's Believe It or Not. However, this time around, I brought my gf and our experience was far from what I had come to expect. The recent remodel of the attraction turned it into something reminiscent of the "$5" experiences scattered around the Dells, and it seriously cheapened the overall experience.

To start, the remodel seemed to be more geared towards catering to younger audiences, but it ended up sacrificing the unique charm that once made Ripley's a standout attraction. We were encouraged to take part in a popcorn challenge, which involved navigating hard-to-reach places to find unique animals. The slide they introduced was dangerously steep, and some areas felt like they were just inviting potential lawsuits. The whole setup left us feeling out of place and uncomfortable, wondering why they traded their distinctive allure for something that felt more generic.

Moreover, we were taken aback by the kid-friendly aspects of the attraction. It's great that they want to be family-friendly, but incorporating tunnels and displaying body parts seemed rather out of place. It didn't create an atmosphere suitable for all age groups and made us question the appropriateness of certain exhibits.

When we finally completed the popcorn challenge and expected a sense of accomplishment, we were met with laughter and bafflement from the staff. This embarrassing response made us wonder why we bothered participating in the first place. The popcorn might have been good, but the overall experience left us feeling disappointed and let down. (We were looked at as too old to have participated.)

What I miss the most was the old Ripley's, especially the Egypt room filled with intriguing secrets. It had an air of magic and wonder that the current setup SORELY lacks. The recent changes seemed to have stripped away the very essence of what made Ripley's so special in the first place.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend Ripley's Believe It or Not in its current state. The recent remodel has diluted the experience to a point where it barely resembles what you'd expect from the brand. Until they go back to their roots and recapture the uniqueness and charm they once had, I suggest holding off on visiting and perhaps they will take part in "Today Only: $5" strategy if they want to attract more visitors. It's unfortunate to see an attraction I once loved lose so much of it's magic and identity. I will not be returning yearly anymore.