Orlando, Florida – November 14, 2022 – In 2019, worldwide news broke about the ‘lost’ Apollo 11 moonwalk reels selling at auction for $1.82 million – officially deemed “erased and reused” by NASA in 2006. The buyer remained anonymous… until now, with the tapes proudly on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando, in the attraction’s all-new Out of This World gallery.

The case of the missing film reels is a true Believe It or Not! story. In 1976, a young intern at NASA named Gary George attended a government auction where he paid $217.77 for three truckloads of reels. In the process of selling some and donating others, George came across a few reels labeled “Space Secret” and decided to hang onto them for safekeeping. It wasn’t until NASA’s announcement years later that he realized what he had.

The two hours and 24 minutes of “unrestored, unenhanced, and unremastered” footage features: Neil Armstrong’s lunar declaration, a solar wind experiment, and a lunar gravity demonstration by Buzz Aldrin. They also record the moment Armstrong and Aldrin planted the American flag on the moon as well as a long-distance phone call with President Richard Nixon.

Many things distinguish these tapes from network television broadcast copies. Not only are they among the only surviving first-generation recordings of the Apollo 11 expedition, but their image quality is sharper and more distinct.

“Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is honored to be a part of giving this near-tragic tale of lost media a happily ever after,” said Ripley’s Exhibits Director, John Corcoran. “These tapes are a pivotal part of history. We are proud to be the stewards of such an iconic artifact and are excited to be able to tell their unbelievable story.”

Visitors to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando can now see these historic tapes, among many other unique space exhibits, in the attraction’s new Out of This World gallery.

For an out of this world experience, guests can touch a 3,197-pound meteorite or a piece of Mars, and even get hands on with a pair of gloves to work in a vacuum, as an astronaut would in space. The pièce de résistance – aside from the original Star Wars® Lightsaber® used by Luke Skywalker™: a 16-foot-tall interactive video wall that will also stream live launches.

Learn more about the Apollo 11 moon landing and these amazing, historical tapes at Ripleys.com.

For photos of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando’s Out of This World gallery and the moonwalk display: CLICK HERE

Media Contact
Sabrina Sieck
sieck@ripleys.com
(407) 450-1516

About Ripley Entertainment
Built on the foundation of a daily newspaper cartoon in 1918 — still in print today — Ripley Entertainment has grown to be a world leader in family entertainment, expanding to include more than 100 attractions in 10 countries around the world. Along with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, Guinness World Records Attractions, Aquariums, WaxWorks, traveling shows, and miniature golf, the world of Ripley’s continues to grow through exciting new experiences, content, and books for all ages. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

The post Lost and Found: Ripley’s Resurfaces Lost Apollo 11 Moonwalk Reels appeared first on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment.

Florida educators eligible for free admission for themselves and 50% off for their guests includes:

• Pre-K
• K-12
• College
• Homeschool
• Administrators
• Counselors
• Support staff

Guests need to bring a current pay stub and photo ID or proof of homeschooling when they visit one of the participating attractions.

“We appreciate all the hard work our teachers do throughout the school year. This is one small way for us to give back and show our gratitude.” – Kim Kiff, General Manager.

About Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Ripley’s Odditorium in beautiful St. Augustine Florida is proud to be the very first permanent Ripley’s attraction! Set in a beautiful historic castle, Ripley’s houses over three floors of family-friendly fun and loads of Robert Ripley’s original collection! Over 800 fun, interactive and totally bizarre exhibits.

About Red Train Tours
Step off and re-board at your leisure at over 20 convenient stops throughout beautiful St. Augustine.  Enjoy historic sites, restaurants, and shopping in the “Nation’s Oldest City” while enjoying the fully narrated tour. Ride the Red Trains to see all that St. Augustine has to offer.

About Ripley’s Ghost Train Adventures
Go where no other tour in town will take you – into the most haunted site on the southeastern seaboard!  First, it’s all aboard as you tour the city’s darker side while utilizing your tools to search for paranormal activity.  Your experienced paranormal guides will tell you about haunted St. Augustine while taking you to some of St. Augustine’s most haunted sites!

About Bayfront Mini Golf
Bayfront Mini Golf is the original carpet golf course in the state of Florida!  Enjoy 18 holes of fun with the best view of the city and the bay.

For more information about this event, please visit Ripleys.com/St.Augustine.

###

MEDIA CONTACTS

Kimberly Kiff
Regional Manager
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Saint Augustine
kkiff@ripleys.com
Office: 904-824-1606

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

ABOUT RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 10 countries each year. In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The post Educator Appreciation Days at Ripley’s St. Augustine Attractions appeared first on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment.

 The Most Popular Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Touring Exhibit Begins Limited Engagement on Ocean City Boardwalk.

Ocean City, MD (September 11, 2019) – Legendary Fertility Statues that have been credited with helping thousands of happy couples conceive can be found at Ocean City’s weirdest spot – Ripley’s Believe It or Not! on the Boardwalk. These powerful statues are on display now and free for guests to see and touch.

While admission is required for entrance to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and other attractions, the Fertility Statues have been positioned in the lobby allowing free access for those who wish to touch the legendary works of art.

Ripley’s acquired the statues, which measure 5-feet-tall and weigh more than 70 lbs each, in 1993. The statues are made from ebony wood and were hand-carved by craftsman of the Baulé tribe of the West African nation of Cote D’Ivoire in the 1930s.

THE LEGEND

According to tribal legend, to ensure a couple’s fertility, the statues should be placed on both sides of the doorway leading into the bedroom. If a woman or her spouse touches either statue as they enter the room, they will soon get pregnant.

While Ripley’s cannot loan the statues to prospective parents for their bedrooms, the power of the statues is still strong. Thousands of women have written to Ripley’s claiming that after years of trying to conceive, one rub of the statues soon brought a bundle of joy.

THE BABY BOOM

When Ripley’s first received the statues in 1993, they were displayed at their Headquarters. A few months later, Ripley’s experienced a Baby Boom! Six employees became pregnant after touching the statues, and word started to spread. Women requested to visit the office just to touch the statues.

Over the years, Ripley’s has received countless messages from couples. Here are a few of their very personal stories:

VICTORIA
I came to see the statues in London in November, and although it is in its early days, I am pregnant!

MELISSA
I had been unsuccessful for a few months trying to get pregnant through fertility treatments. I went on a two-week European vacation. Our last stop was London to touch the fertility statues. A few weeks later I returned to the States, and my next treatment was successful! We had a baby girl in March!

LAUREN
We had a long road trying to get pregnant. I went to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and rubbed both statues, and within 48 hours we learned we were pregnant.

SAMANTHA
We were trying for about two years, and the doctors told us they didn’t think it would be possible for us to have children. The statues were something that we thought “Why not give it a try?” So we did, and here she is, and I would touch them again.

BACK ON TOUR

Take advantage of the opportunity to see Ripley’s most popular traveling exhibit before its too late. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ocean City is located at Pier Building on the Boardwalk, 401 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City MD 21842. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium as well as Ripley’s Impossible Laser Race and Ripley’s Mirror Maze are open 365 days a year, rain or shine. See website for attraction hours.

The statues are only in Ocean City for a limited time! Please contact the location before making your visit by calling 410-289-5600.

To keep up-to-date with future tour dates, please visit Ripleys.com/fertility-statues.

ORIGIN OF THE STATUES

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

ABOUT RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 10 countries each year. In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books, and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The post Touch the Fertility Statues at Ripley’s in Ocean City! appeared first on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Exhibit Opens in Memphis!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEMPHIS, TENN. (March 2, 2018) – You may think you’ve seen everything at Memphis Zoo but this season’s exhibit is truly one you’ll have to see to believe!  Beginning March 3, more than 160 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! artifacts, exhibits and oddities will be at Memphis Zoo to amaze and delight guests.  Included are life size animals made from recycled items in addition to a category dedicated to Memphis with Elvis, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., unique musical items and barbeque art.  There will also be shrunken heads, vampire killing kit, a Faberge egg, Bug Bistro, interactive exhibits and other uncommon artifacts expected from this global leader in attractions.

“We are excited to bring so many unique artifacts to our guests this season,” said Nancy Kelso, Vice President of Guest Services. “We’ve always been proud of the entertainment value at Memphis Zoo and providing the addition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at no additional cost to guests will, hopefully, allow even more Mid-Southerners and other visitors to enjoy our award-winning Zoo.”

The relationship between Memphis Zoo and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! began last year when the Zoo’s François langur, “Tanah,” broke the record as the oldest of her species to give birth.  The Zoo’s keepers named the new baby, “Ripley,” in honor of Robert Ripley and the unbelievable event. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (RBION) officially recognized Tanah and Ripley as part of its history and presented Memphis Zoo with a plaque featuring an original Ripley’s cartoon immortalizing Tanah and Ripley. The plaque can be seen in the Zoo’s CHINA exhibit in front of the François langur yard.

With Tanah and Ripley’s recognition last year, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brought 10 artifacts for nine days to the delight of Zoo guests.  The event was so successful that Memphis Zoo is partnering again with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to bring more than 160 artifacts to the Zoo for more than four (4) months.

“Providing visitors from around the world the opportunity to see the amazing collection of Robert Ripley is a joy,” shared Suzanne Smagala-Potts, Public Relations Manager for Ripley Entertainment. “We’re delighted to be a part of Memphis Zoo’s 2018 season and the François langur exhibit.”

When the gates open at 9 a.m. on March 3, guests will be able to enjoy additional RBION Day activities. The opening day schedule includes a scavenger hunt, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not!-designed coloring page, and an interactive Ripley’s Believe It or Not! show in the transformed “Odditorium,” formerly the Amphitheater.

All Ripley’s Believe It or Not! exhibits and events are included with General Admission.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will be at Memphis Zoo beginning this Saturday, March 3 and conclude when gates close on Sunday, July 8, 2018. Odditorium shows will be Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and

11 a.m. until May 29.  Saturday and Sunday shows are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will be every weekend, weather permitting, through July 8.

About Memphis Zoo

Memphis Zoo, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is home to more than 4,500 animals representing over 500 different species. Recently named as one of the top zoos in the country by TripAdvisor^® and by USA Today, Memphis Zoo has completed over $93 million in renovations and expansion since the early 1990s. The Zoo’s animal inhabitants reside in one-of-a-kind exhibitry, such as Once Upon a Farm, The Commercial Appeal Cat Country, Primate Canyon, Animals of the Night, Northwest Passage, Teton Trek, CHINA – home to giant pandas YaYa and Le Le, and the all-new Zambezi River Hippo Camp. Memphis Zoo was founded in 1906 and resides on 70 acres in the middle of Overton Park. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Memphis Zoo, YaYa and Le Le are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Karen McDevitt
Memphis Zoo
kmcdevitt@memphiszoo.org
901-333-6567

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 | Cell: 727-439-0136

About Ripley Entertainment

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment.  More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year.  In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada.

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Exhibit Opens in Memphis appeared first on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! reopening will be full of entertainment and activities for all ages.  Don’t miss live performances from 2016-2017 Washington, D.C. Magician of the Year, Eric Henning, and legendary sword swallower, Tyler Fyre. Performances will begin at 12:00 pm and will last until 4:00 pm.

Ripley’s will provide a celebration cake, kids arts and crafts, a Balloon Twister, and prize giveaways. The Chamber of Commerce will be on site for a welcoming ceremony at 12:00 pm, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony and beach ball drop at 1:00 pm.

ABOUT THE ODDITORIUM

This renovation is the largest one Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ocean City has ever undertaken. Renovations started with an all-new lobby and exhibits, and there are new and exciting upgrades in all of their 12 themed galleries.

Ripley’s is most excited about the new Kids Interactive Room. This brand-new exhibit will have hands-on games and activities for children and adults to enjoy.

Ripley’s returned to the boardwalk in 2001, and they are excited to be going on their 17^th year. There is something to intrigue the curiosity of every visitor inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS 

Tyler Fyre is a sword swallower extraordinaire, and is featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! books, and has made live appearances at multiple Ripley’s events.

Eric Henning is the 2016-2017 Washington, D.C. Magician of the Year. His award-winning blend of wit and wizardry has been seen around the world, from the streets of Paris to the White House, where he has performed for President Obama and the First Family. Add in three Presidential Inaugurals and five other White House appearances, and you have a truly Presidential prestidigitator!

###

MEDIA CONTACTS

Audra Ely
Supervisor
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ocean City
aely@ripleys.com
Office: 410-289-5600

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

ABOUT RIPLEY ENTERTAINMENT

Ripley Entertainment Inc. is the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 14 million people visit its over 100 attractions in 11 countries each year. In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs countries all around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada.

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium Grand Reopening Event Ocean City, MD appeared first on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment.

The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Slots app is a FREE social casino featuring premium Vegas slots combined with great trivia.
Download on iTunes!

FREE to play! Dive in and start winning today!

Believe it or not, with Ripley’s Slots you can now experience the excitement of playing real Vegas-style slots with bonuses including great trivia! Ripley’s Slots brings the slot floor to you. Play both 5×4 and 5×3 slots, designed by professional slot designers, with amazing bonus games and features right on your mobile device.

Features:

• Start playing with a 10,000 coin welcome bonus!
• Authentic premium slots with new titles, trivia and features introduced frequently
• Win great jackpots through innovative bonus games
• Quickly unlock new slots by leveling up
• Answer unbelievable trivia questions for great awards through in-game bonuses, the Question of the Day and the Win & Share Trivia Event
• Earn never-ending bonus awards through in-game achievements in the Trophy Room
• Compete and share stats with friends
• Log in thru Facebook or play as a guest
• Developed by expert slot designers, based in Las Vegas, who’ve created hits in real-money gaming including casino Ripley’s slots!

NOTE: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Slots requires iOS version 7.1 or higher. Ripley’s Slots is an interactive social game app, for amusement only, that simulates casino slot machines. In-app credits cannot be exchanged for real money. By downloading or playing the app, you agree to comply with all applicable laws relating to social games and/or gaming.

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Slots App appeared first on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment.

This dog portrait – made from actual dog hair – was purchased at Ripley’s Bizarre Buying Bazaar in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – (July 14, 2014) Not sure what to do with that two-headed stuffed cow that’s been taking up space in the basement? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has a solution for you.

Ripley’s Bizarre Buying Bazaar is coming to the Peoria Riverfront Museum on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 from 10 am to 6 pm. Peoria is the eighth stop on a road trip through the U.S. and Canada to find and acquire items worthy of being part of the world-famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! collection.

Edward Meyer, Ripley’s VP of Exhibits and Archives, will review all items that come in and will make on-the-spot offers for items worthy of becoming Ripley’s Believe It or Not! exhibits. For more than 35 years, Meyer has traveled the world collecting unusual stories and unbelievable items for the company. He has acquired over 20,000 different museum artifacts, as well as countless stories for its cartoon and books.

 What is Ripley’s looking for at the Bizarre Buying Bazaar?

This thumb sculpture – made from decades of fingernail clippings – was recently purchased at Ripley’s Bizarre Buying Bazaar in Panama City Beach, Fla.

“We’re hoping to find oddities, artifacts, relics, strange things from science and nature, unusual artwork – the weirder the better,”
says Meyer.

Meyer has purchased more than 100 items from the public at Bizarre Buying Bazaar events – everything from a rare New Guinea widow’s finger chopper and a motorcycle created from cow, alligator and other animal bones, to a lamp made from a taxidermy chicken. Items offered but not purchased included a $400,000 Lamborghini and what may be a Stradivarius violin worth an estimated $2.5 million.

Even if Ripley’s doesn’t acquire an item, its owner may still get an oddpraisal ­– that means Meyer won’t necessarily tell people what an item is worth, but will give them an idea of how unusual it is.

“This is our first Bizarre Buying Bazaar held in the midwest, so I’m excited to see what kind of oddities we can find,” said Meyer.

Meyer will also give a lecture on the secrets of finding strange artifacts and the stories behind many of the items in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! collection. His lecture takes place at 2 pm on Sunday, August 10, also at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Oddity owners planning to attend the Bizarre Buying Bazaarare encouraged to RSVP to Angela Johnson at Johnson@ripleys.com in advance and provide some details on the item to allow Ripley’s research team the opportunity to see what they can find out about the particular item(s) of interest in advance.

The Bizarre Buying Bazaar will be held on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, located at 222 SW Washington Street.

Images of items purchased at Ripley’s Bizarre Buying Bazaar events are available on DropBox

Media Contacts

About Ripley Entertainment

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 12 million people visit its 90-plus attractions in 9 countries each year. In addition to its 31 Believe It or Not!Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in 42 countries. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the third-largest privately held company in Canada.

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! National Tour to Discover Strange, Weird, & Unbelievable Items Comes to the Peoria Riverfront Museum appeared first on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment.