Terra Encantada
Terra Encantada was an amusement park in Rio de Janeiro which was designed to be one of the most modern amusement parks in Latin America. It was opened in 1998 after two delays in opening. The 200-square-kilometre park was located at Avenida Ayrton Senna, 2800, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro abd was themed to the people and festivals of Brazilian culture, as well as its origins: indigenous, African and European. The main street contained bars, restaurants, and most of the shops in the park, all with facades in various styles of Brazilian architecture. The main roller coaster in the park, Monte Makaya, held the record for most inversions in the world with 8 for four years, before it was surpassed by Colossus at Thorpe Park.
| Location | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 22.986606°S 43.363233°W |
| Opened | January 15, 1998 |
| Closed | June 19, 2010 |
| Theme | Brazil |
| Area | 200 sq. kilometers |
History
Since its opening in January 1998, Terra Encantada could not overcome the expectations of the public who came to buy tickets even before the inauguration. It was expected to be a Disney Carioca Bar and become a land of fun and fantasy, attracting dozens of investors.
In the project, there were to be more than 60 dining options, including a Planet Hollywood location. Investments reached U.S. $220 million. More than 12 thousand people would be employed directly and indirectly and 20 thousand people were expected to visit the park every day. Revenue was expected to be about $30 million monthly. The reality was very different. Problems began even before the park's opening, which was delayed twice. The first was scheduled for October 12, 1997 and the second for December 15. Upon its eventual opening in January 1998, not all of the attractions were open. The first visitors, disappointed, demanded refunds. Less than a month into its operation, the park received a visit from actress Isis de Oliveira. Oliveria was injured on one of the main attractions of the park, the lift cabum and entered in court. Thereafter, a series of problems shook the credibility of Terra Encantada, such as fights between fighters of jiu-jitsu and a strike by employees.
One case that gained particular attention in the press occurred in March 2002 during a rock band's A Charlie Brown Jr. brawl, at around 1:30 am, which left 61 people injured. Shops were destroyed and looted, and stones, chairs, trash cans and potted plants were thrown everywhere by young people who attended the show. (Source, Jornal O Globo) The structures of Main Street were later repaired, but the Castle of Water and Lookouts remained in disrepair.
In 2010, Terra Encantada was chosen to be the filming location for the soap opera "Ugly Betty" by Rede Record, and all of Main Street was changed to resemble the old Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Gamboa.
However, on June 19 of that same year, 61 year-old kitchen helper Heydiara Lemos Ribeiro, was thrown from Mount Aurora, and fell around 10 meters. Ribeiro died from head trauma. During the subsequent investigations, it was discovered that the park's rides all had serious structural and mechanical issues, which led to a total shutdown of the park and the indictment of manslaughter and the director and the engineer being held responsible. The park would only be able to reopen when the demands made by the Civil Defense were fulfilled. This seemingly never happened, as the park has since been demolished.
Characters
The characters were created especially for the park, based on the theme, which is the Brazilian culture and its origins: indigenous, African and European. Enjoying the beauty and strength of nature, have highlighted some endangered species - like the golden lion tamarin, the hyacinth macaw and the boto color pink - who managed to save himself and went to live in Terra Encantada.
Thematic areas
Terra Encantada is divided into different thematic areas that depict the origins of the Brazilian people.
Main Street
The main street of Terra Encantada has its thematization facing the Rio Antigo, perfecting the details. Relive the days of the old bohemian streets of Rio de Janeiro. Here, you find one of the food shops, restrooms and other services.
Attractions
- Portal das Trevas, ghost maze where not touch the monsters, or they will touch you.
- Cine 3D, feel in a movie with amazing 3D effects.
Trivia
- Cine IMAX, IMAX Cinema was the first film of its kind in Brazil. The KODAK company sent the wrong tape, but when he learned of the crisis of the park they did not send the correct tape. The space is completed, but does not work today.
Terra Européia (Europe Land)
Inspired by European culture, this area of the park is for those who have strong heart.
Attractions
- Cabhum, this tower of 67 meters, which equates to a building of 22 floors, offers participants the experience of a free fall at 100 km per hour. Similar to The Twilight Zone - Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Florida / USA. Manufactured by Intamin.
- Monte Aurora, a small coaster with rapid descents and several snails. Manufacturer: Zamperla
- Chega Mais, modern version of "silkworm", brings together music and speed on trails, in addition to rotate forward and backward.
- Tornado, a flying carousel popularly known as "Mexican hat" in this toy, plus the feeling of flying, has a view of the entire park.
Trivia
- Ressaca, the Ressaca is now the Waimea Playcenter - SP. He arrived at Terra Encantada, but was not mounted by lack of money.
Terra das Crianças (Children's Land)
Terra das Crianças (Children's Land) honors the world's future that are the children. Find the nostalgia here, where classic toys make up the scenario.
Attractions
- Vitória-Régia, traditional attraction, where giant water lilies rotate in various directions on a large platform. To complete each group can control the movement of his lilypad through a central wheel. Similar to the "Mad Tea Party, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida / USA.
- Piuí, Mini roller coaster for children. The rail Piuí form an 8. Manufacturer: Zamperla
- Carrosel, a classic carousel, with hundreds of flashing lights and hand-painted panels. Attraction traditional parks where nostalgy is present.
- Terra do João do Mato, large children's playground which has ecology as a theme. The scenario is composed of trees, flowers and giant animals.
- Kart, an exciting kart racing around a circuit full of curves and straight lines. $7.50
- Trem Fantasma, a scary ghost train where all the dead come to life. $3.00
- Teco-Teco, authentic reproductions of planes biplane, flying up and down, with control of the kids.
- Zum-Zum, the kids will experience the thrill of flying in these mini-jets-shaped insect.
- Bambalão, where the sensation is flying through the skies in colorful balloons.
- Palácio dos Espelhos, have fun at the Palace of Mirrors, where nothing is what it seems!
Terra dos Índios (Land of the Indians)
Honoring the Indians of Brazil, this thematic area has the Corredeiras, a mighty river that will leave you completely soaked!
Attraction
- Corredeiras, a large channel with 600 meters in length where a passenger boat with 9 wins the rapids of a wild river. Similar to the Congo River from Busch Gardens, Florida / USA. Manufactured by Intamin.
Terra Africana (African Land)
Experience the atmosphere of Africa on you. The objective of the creation of this thematic area is to show how African culture influenced the formation of the Brazilian people.
Attractions
- Monte Makaya, is the second largest roller coaster in the number of inversions of the world - eight times upside down! Moreover, it has a drop of 37 meters in height. Manufactured by Intamin.
- Caravela, a huge caravel is swung from one side to the other with the fury of a storm. This attraction is present in the best parks in the world.
- Fórmula TE, Dodgems with modern carts "beats - beats" of design.
Trivia
- Tombô, the Tombô is currently disabled because its engine got burnt and the park had no money to buy a new one. The ride, which promises plenty of thrills, take passengers to a height of 21 meters. During the tour, everyone could enjoy a scenic view.
Castelo das Águas (The Water Castle)
With plans to open in 1999, the Castle of Waters would have a surprise inside, a roller coaster in the dark. Possess a beautiful tematatização and work together with the Water Show. Unfortunately these projects were discontinued.
Attraction
- Abissal, roller coaster in the dark it would take the visitor on a tour by moving Castle. Today, it is mounted on the Europe Land under the name of Monte Aurora.
Food
Terra Encantada has three feeding options.
Stores
- Filé Miau, cafeteria located in the Euroupe Land
- Looping Kids, cafeteria located in the exit of Monte Makaya
- Nippon Box, cafeteria located on Earth African