Orlando is now home to icons of film history with the addition of Ripley’s Movie Magic at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not on Orlando’s International Drive. An authentic Star Wars lightsaber, Superman’s Cape and even a famous box of chocolates can now be seen up close – included with admission.
If you haven’t been to a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, you may have wondered why random buildings in big cities have sharks going through them, why these structures seem to be sinking into the ground or why a t-rex is terrorizing the town. Welcome to Ripley’s the epicenter of oddities. From illusions, to wacky history, incredible historical items and stories that simply cannot be true, this place houses them all.
Ripley’s Movie Magic in Orlando
That leads us to a galaxy far, far away… in the heart of Orlando on International Drive. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Orlando is located in the center of Orlando’s tourism district, and it houses everything from mummies to two-headed cows. This destination has numerous exhibits, with interactive experiences, photo-ops and stuff that just makes you say, “wait, what?!”
New is the Ripley’s Movie Magic exhibit, home to one of the greatest weapons in cinema history, the Star Wars Lightsaber. This film prop space contains a few different iconic relics:
- Forrest Gump’s Box of Chocolates
- Luke’s Lightsaber™
- Robin Williams SFX Mask
- Superman’s Cape
Authentic movie props, believe it or not
The Ripley’s Movie Magic exhibit showcases each item in its own little space, along with fun facts from the film. Interested guests can learn about filmmaking on plaques and info-filled posts all along the walls. Kids will also love the motion tracking space, where a camera shows off how our bodies are turned into CGI creatures.
This film prop exhibit is included with admission, no extra payment or tour time required. So you can gawk, admire and take photos with these props as long as you wish – until closing time, of course.
Up close with cinema history
They say never meet your heroes, but you can meet the props they are known for. Alongside the four main props, I personally enjoyed seeing an original copy of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” This copy was so original that it still had the old name of Luke Skywalker, who was originally dreamed up as Luke Starkiller.
While these pieces of movie history are behind a protective layer, guests can still get quite close. A studying eye can see the stitches that made Superman’s cape or even tiny details from Robin Williams’ face. There are some photo-op locations located in this space as well.
Star Wars Lightsaber at Ripley’s
The Luke Skywalker lightsaber photo-op was well thought out. As seen above, when taken from the recommended photo angles, it appears the subject is holding a glowing saber. Instead, with a bit of illusion, the protected saber is enclosed just a few inches away from the subject’s hand. A black holding area, with a glowing saber piece above it, serves as the placeholder. On video and photos, it actually worked really well to sell the illusion.
As a major Star Wars fan myself, seeing this prop was a real treat. Plaques about the film’s history were also scattered throughout, even explaining how the saber came to be used. For a movie saga with films, books, video games, cartoon shows and more, there is a wide selection of fans. And while just a small part of the overall storyline, this saber is such a big part of the fandom’s history.
Yes, it is real
Some online put this Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber in the “or not” category in their minds. But Ripley’s assures that this is the real deal. Their official statement of authenticity: “Currently on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando, Ripley’s acquired the lightsaber at the Profiles in History Hollywood Auction on June 28, 2017. It is, in fact, the original Star Wars lightsaber used by Mark Hamill in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ and comes from the archives of Gary Kurtz, the producer of the first two Star Wars films.“
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not in Orlando
Ripley’s Movie Magic is one of many, many interesting exhibits in this Orlando destination. This wacky building also has ancient artifacts, incredible artwork, interactive learning areas about Florida and more. Head to the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not website to learn more and grab tickets.
Fans of film history may also want to checkout another Orlando offering, Universal’s Mega Movie Parade. This is the largest parade in Universal Studios Florida’s history, with nearly 100 performers. From classic films to modern animated favorites, this parade celebrates iconic characters and music through movie history.
