Answers in Genesis Unveils Disney-Like Bible Attractions in Pigeon Forge and Branson
New Bible attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Branson, Mo., allow vacationing families to embark on an immersive time-travel journey from the Garden of Eden to the time of Christ, all from the air-conditioned comfort of a 5D virtual reality chair. The apologetics ministry Answers in Genesis opened its Truth Traveler 5D exhibit in Pigeon Forge in June and plans to debut a second location in Branson in the coming days, taking children and adults on a journey from the Garden of Eden through the days of Noah, culminating with the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
The cutting-edge 5D attraction engages the senses with effects such as vibrating, motion-synchronized chairs, and bursts of wind.
Answers in Genesis is best known for its Ark Encounter -- a life-size replica of Noah's Ark in Williamstown, Ky. -- and its Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky., located about 45 minutes apart.
The Pigeon Forge location also features a planetarium, while the Branson site will include a theater equipped for live productions and projection mapping.
Ben Wilt, chief digital officer at Answers in Genesis, told Crosswalk Headlines the goal is to "solidify that the Bible is the ultimate authority and the history book of the universe" -- all while taking guests on a thrill ride they'll not soon forget.
A news release labeled it a "Disney-level experience."
"It's more than just the ride," Wilt said. "We have very robust pre-show elements. We have an animatronic -- we have a faux elevator [that] makes you feel like you're going down. …We wanted to make it all intentional. We're taking a chapter out of Disney and the Universal book."
The Ark Encounter offers a similar Truth Traveler experience, while the Creation Museum features a planetarium show. The popularity of both allowed Answers in Genesis to consider offering them in other markets.
"We always wanted to do something in the Pigeon Forge and Branson markets, just given their attraction space. People love going there on their vacations," he said.
The planetarium show in Pigeon Forge spotlights the size of the universe.
"You just feel the enormous nature of what God's created just beyond Earth, and the fact that we are at the center of all of that and His favorite creation," Wilt said.
Wilt said he hopes guests have fun while gaining a deeper understanding of the truth of Scripture. Each location includes food options and a gift shop.
"They're on vacation, and so we've made this fun, but it's also intentional about the message that we're conveying, and we think that it'll have a huge impact," Wilt said. "... Both experiences, we think, will leave a lasting impression about biblical authority and the importance of that in our lives."
Photo Credit: ©Answers in Genesis
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Originally published August 13, 2025.
