Peace Out to Fake Theme Park

Now it’s time to say goodbye…. to the most infamous theme park on the internet. The parody Twitter/Facebook account, Fake Theme Park, will be saying farewell on March 5, 2022. We’ve been big fans of the misadventures of Murph Gantly, Princess Rainbow, Princess Cupcake, Jimmy Jaguar and the whole motley crew. Fake Theme Park has offered lots of insight, wisdom and laughter to theme park fans over the years.

I had the chance to sit down once again with Fake Theme Park creator, Jason Ginsburg, to reflect back on the unexpected success of the site and the final days of his park.

It’s hard to believe that Fake Theme Park is coming to an end. What made you decide to wrap things up?

I’ve been doing it every day — literally — on two platforms for more than 11 years. Believe it or not, I’m starting to run out of things to say. And since my last day working at Universal Studios was in 2008, I’m becoming less and less of an expert on that world.

When you first started Fake Theme Park, did you have any idea it was going to become such a big deal?

I started the account while I was unemployed during the Great Recession, when my situation was pretty gloomy. Though I hoped for lots of followers, I didn’t predict two books, two songs, a music video, podcast interviews in character, or talking to fine folks like MiceChat or the Orlando Sentinel. 

How hard/easy was it to come up with material? Since we know how the theme park world can be, the jokes can probably write themselves at times.

Some developments, like Disneyliving, cry out for parody. Others are big targets, but the jokes aren’t as obvious — Galaxy’s Edge comes to mind. But you’re right that some jokes are evergreen, like expensive tickets or closed rides. I follow industry news like any other fan, and consider which items could be turned into comedy. I was beginning to think I was out of ideas when the pandemic struck, and allowed me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make jokes about an unprecedented moment in theme park history.

Give us the top 3 favorite jabs you made at theme parks during the run?

I think the parks reopened too quickly after (or should I say during) the pandemic. So I made a PowerPoint presentation: “Reopening the Park: A Terrible Idea!” Judging by the response, I was not alone.

Today we made our presentation to the Governor's Task Force about our plan to reopen the park despite all warnings to the contrary! Here's our slide presentation (ONLY FOR USE BY OUR LOYAL FOLLOWERS. DO NOT RETWEET) pic.twitter.com/37iyVHM7pT

— Fake Theme Park (@FakeThemePark) May 23, 2020

BIG NEWS: After 30 years of careful consideration, we have decided our water ride is racist!

— Fake Theme Park (@FakeThemePark) June 25, 2020

What tweets do you think got some of the biggest laughs/reactions?

One of the most-retweeted and most-liked posts of all time is this simple thought: “Please remember that no movie casting can ‘ruin your childhood,’ because YOUR CHILDHOOD ALREADY HAPPENED.” I think that speaks to all the ridiculous controversies over live-action versions of animated films, as well as the new Star Wars movies and shows. It even connects to fans who gripe about changes to their favorite rides. I understand the passion, but “this change has retroactively ruined all my memories” is just bonkers.

Please remember that no movie casting can "ruin your childhood" because YOUR CHILDHOOD ALREADY HAPPENED.

— Fake Theme Park (@FakeThemePark) July 24, 2021

A lot of the most popular posts related to the uncertainty and historic nature of the pandemic. For example: “MAJOR PARK REOPENING ANNOUNCEMENT: We will reopen when it is safe to do so!” A typical non-announcement announcement, which were coming fast and furious in spring 2020 as parks closed and then tried to reopen.

🚨 MAJOR PARK REOPENING ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

We will reopen when it's safe to do so!

— Fake Theme Park (@FakeThemePark) May 4, 2020

I intended the account for a general audience, but it really struck a chord with current and former theme park workers. So one of the biggest posts ever was “Cast Members, please don’t say working on Thanksgiving ‘makes you miss your family.’ THE PARK IS YOUR FAMILY NOW. AND YOU LOVE YOUR FAMILY.” Missing holidays, or having to arrive late or leave early to go to work, is something I experienced when I had little seniority at Universal. It’s a reality for many employees.

Cast Members, please don't say that working on Thanksgiving makes you "miss your family."

THE PARK IS YOUR FAMILY NOW

AND YOU LOVE YOUR FAMILY

— Fake Theme Park (@FakeThemePark) November 28, 2019

Do we have anything special to look out for as the final countdown is on? Do you plan on going out with a bang?

I want to be clear that while the account is ending, the park is not closing. So the final tweets will allow a glimpse into the future, to see the misadventures of the park and its characters over the coming decades.

With things wrapping up soon, what’s next for you? What future projects are on the horizon?

My first produced screenplay is now streaming; it’s a fantasy adventure that stars Corey Feldman and Jeffrey Combs. The sequel just wrapped production. And I’m pitching various web, TV, and film comedy projects to anyone who will listen. And I may find some other regular — hopefully not daily — outlet, like a blog or TikTok or something. I’ll still have my own Twitter, in case anyone wants to hear my thoughts on Star Trek and college football.

Please Exit to Your Left

Let’s give a hearty round of applause to our friend Jason Ginsburg for agreeing to this interview. After 11 years, he still has a lot of funny things to say. I just know that there are big things out there for him, and a part of me will hope that he may revive Fake Theme Park again in the future. Until then, we wish him the best of luck! Is there a particular character you’ve fallen in love with? Any well wishes or words of advice to our pal Jason? Let us know in the comments below!