by Joe Tracy, editor of Theme Park Magazine
Throughout his life, Walt Disney had a lot to say about laughter and how important it is for people to have it in their life. Walt believed everyone needs a “laughing place.” That’s what makes April Fools’ Day special – the opportunity to produce content that makes people smile, laugh, or roll their eyes while grinning.
April 1 brought a plethora of interesting ideas to the theme park and themed entertainment industry thanks to several pranks and jokes. While the jokes weren’t as prominent as in years past, there was still a lot of fun to be had.
In case you missed any, here are theme park and themed experience 2022 April Fools’ Day prank highlights:
Universal Studios: The Most Epic Theme Park Snack Ever
Thorpe Park: Water Drained From Tidal Wave for Better Guest Experience
Yorkshire Times: Fantasy Island UK Unveils Edible Ride
The Yorkshire Times did an article on Fantasy Island UK launching a new edible Catepillar ride covered in chocolate that people can enjoy while riding.
See the Fantasy Island edible ride article here.
IMAscore: The IMAcoaster
Theme park music creator IMAScore announced the new IMACoaster on Twitter:
MiceChat: “D Eternity” and Beyond – Living Your Best Disney Afterlife
This clever April Fools’ Day prank outlined the perfect afterlife for Disney fans: The ability to have your ashes placed in special pewter-designed Disney urns, along with ways to “connect” with past loved ones.
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: Art Installation
On Instagram, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra did fool some people by saying that its “planning application has been approved. Work will begin on the CBSO’s new immersive art installation exactly a year from today, thanks to the generous support of the Foules Family Foundation.”
Part of the new immersive art venture was to be a waterslide.
Meow Wolf: The Meow Wolf Cruise
Meow Wolf put out a video on April 1 that had many wondering whether or not it was an April Fools’ Day joke. Some think there’s some truth hidden in the video. You be the judge:
Theme Park Magazine: Paper Bag World and Disneyland At Home
Theme Park Magazine is in its first year of infancy and did two April Fools’ Day theme park pranks this year.
The first was the opening of a new theme park in Brownsville, Texas called “Paper Bag World.”
See the Paper Bag World story and view the promo video here.
The second prank was the announcement of a new product being tested by Walt Disney Imagineers called “Disney At Home.” It’s a way to ride Disneyland rides from the comfort of your home.
See the Disneyland At Home story and images here.
Other 2022 Theme Park April Fools’ Day Pranks
- SeaWorld simply tweeted, “BREAKING: In a show of solidarity with SeaWorld San Antonio and SeaWorld San Diego, our Orlando park will henceforth be known as ‘SeaWorld San Orlando’.”
- Worlds of Fun simply posted “Closed” on Twitter, despite being open. Hopefully, it didn’t cost them any business!
Was there a theme park or themed experience prank we missed? If so, this list is editable. Email the info on the prank to news@themeparkmagazine.com . It doesn’t matter where in the world it took place.
What was your favorite prank of 2022?
