Pharaoh’s Theme and Water Park is an amusement park located in Redlands, California, which is about 7 miles southwest of San Bernadino.
The amusement park opened in 1994 under the ownership of James Braswell and was named ‘Pharaoh’s Lost Kingdom’ until many of the rides were torn down in 2006. With new ownership under the name of the Aryana Management Group came the new name to reflect the fact that the amusement park has always been more renowned for its water rides.
However, in 2007, and in spite of the new management investing a reputed $9 million on the amusement park adding the Casablanca Restaurant and Ultra Lounge, it closed down the water amusement park and began using the site for rave nights. Fortunately for amusement park enthusiasts, the City of Redlands has recently revoked its license to operate the park in this manner and it has recently been re-acquired by previous owners Aladdin Entertainment Group who are currently renovating the premises and who plan on reopening the amusement park in April 2010.
When the amusement park reopens, the emphasis will still be on its water rides. It has 20 water rides and other water attractions including fountains, water cannons, a lazy river, wave pool and ‘splish-splash’ areas for younger children.
On dry land, the amusement park also hosts miniature golf, go karts, laser tag, a kiddies’ play area and arcade and it can also boast a 2, 500 seat amphitheatre for outdoor events and concerts.
The amusement park is set in 17 acres of and has an Egyptian theme throughout. This is typified by its grand Sphinx which overlooks the entrance to the amusement park.
One of the great attractions of the amusement park is that there are various price levels depending on the attractions you want to visit. For example, you can buy a ticket for just using on the water slides or if you just want to spend some time in the arcade rather than paying a standard ‘one price suits all’ gate admission.
See also:
Amusement Parks: Children’s Fairyland – a Potted History
Aquariums: Birch Aquarium at Scripps – a Potted History
Aquariums: Aquarium of the Bay – a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Fairytale Town – a Potted History