At the Ripley’s Believe it or Not! “Odditorium” you will be challenged with stories, videos, statues and a huge collection of the world’s strangest oddities. It’s your decision whether to “Believe It or Not!” For over 40 years the adventurous Robert Ripley explored amazing mysteries, unbelievable people, rituals and folklore of the world.
It all started in December 1918, while Ripley was working as a sports cartoonist for the New York Globe. He created his first collection of odd facts and feats in a cartoon in the newspaper and called it “Believe It or Not!” Then came a lifelong expedition, traveling to over 200 countries and collecting weird and unusual facts and artifacts, including a collection of real shrunken heads from Ecuador and the famous Fiji Mermaid, both on display in the Orlando odditorium. His stories of the odd and unusual also entered millions of living rooms across America via radio allowing his explorations to be enjoyed by others. A journey through Orlando’s famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium leaves many visitors in awe and fills them with wonder about what other mysteries and undiscovered oddities that are yet to be found.
The Orlando attraction is 10,000 square feet with 600 exhibits and artifiacts organized into 16 themed galleries. In addition to the shrunken heads and Fiji mermaid, you will find an authentic vampire killing kit, a shooting gallery and a wild spinning vortex tunnel. But we can’t give too much away. You should really experience the oddity for yourself.
A trip through the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is a self-guided experience, which can last as long as you wish. The building itself appears to be sinking into one of Florida’s infamous sinkholes, so it can’t be missed.
The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is located on the world-famous International Drive, just a short walk from the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex. The attraction is open from 9 a.m. to midnight 365 days a year.