You'll soon be able to visit the world of Jumanji at theme parks across the world, but will you make it out alive?
If you were a young child with an overactive imagination in the mid-nineties, you probably still remember the sense of fear you felt after seeing the original "Jumanji" film when it was released in 1995. Fans of the movie franchise will soon be able to experience the thrill of the immersive fictional game at theme parks across the globe.
In case you need a refresher, "Jumanji, " which starred Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce, told the story of a board game of the same name. This wasn't an ordinary board game, though. A roll of the dice could land you inside an alternate jungle universe or -- and we're not sure which is worse -- bring the serpents, lions and other dangers of the game into ours.
Though it makes sense a movie about children playing a board game would be marketed to children, Roger Ebert stated in his review of the film that it was "about as appropriate for smaller children as, say, 'Jaws.'"
Nevertheless, the film was a box office hit and led to a pair of similarly successful sequels – "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" in 2017 and "Jumanji" The Next Level" in 2019, helmed by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillian.
Now, thanks to a partnership between Sony Pictures Entertainment and themed entertainment brand Merlin Entertainments, you can enter the world of Jumanji in a series of attractions and experiences coming to theme parks and water parks across the globe...if you're brave enough to play the game.
The world's first Jumanji ride will open April 2 in Italy
Gardaland Resort in Ronchi, Italy, home to a theme park, Legoland Water Park, Sea Life Aquarium and multiple on-site hotels, will soon be home to the world's first Jumanji-themed ride. On “Jumanji -- the Adventure,” riders will board four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles and navigate a dangerous jungle while attempting to break the game's curse. During this dark ride journey, guests will encounter a gargantuan animatronic stone giant who appears to be dead set on ensuring you don't make it out alive.
Related: Planning a trip to Italy? Here’s how to get there on points and miles
When the ride opens on April 2, 2022, Gardaland will simultaneously launch a series of fully-themed Jumanji hotel bedrooms for guests who want to eat, sleep and breathe Jumanji.
Additional Jumanji-themed attractions are on the way
“Jumanji – the Adventure” is just the first of many Jumanji-themed attractions in the works for this partnership. A March 17, 2022 press release stated that there is "a second activation already in development at a different theme park for a 2023 launch.
Merlin, which has existing partnerships with brands like Lego, Peppa Pig, Marvel and more, is planning a full roster of attractions, lands, rides, retail outlets and hotel rooms themed to the hit film franchise in their theme parks and water parks in Europe and North America, starting with “Jumanji -- the Adventure" and followed by a "World of Jumanji" land at the UK's Chessington World of Adventures Resort.
We are still awaiting details on the land's rides and attractions, but concept art shows an entryway overgrown with vines and a twisting ride track encircling a 55-foot-tall Jaguar Shrine. The land is currently scheduled to open in spring of 2023.
Where else might we see Jumanji attractions?
According to Merlin Entertainments' chief development officer, Mark Fisher, the Merlin team is "already hard at work developing brilliant creative concepts, which will bring to life the blockbuster-famous "Jumanji" film across our theme parks and waterparks."
Merlin operates more than 135 themed attractions and experiences around the world, including Legoland theme parks and water parks, Madame Tussauds wax museums, Heide Park in Germany and Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures theme parks in the UK.
Any of these could be possible locations for future Jumanji-themed attractions, though we won't mind if they take their time opening them up. We might need that time to build up the courage to visit.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.