Originally Posted By Mr F So now that Micheal Jackson is dead, do you think it would be a great idea to open up Neverland Ranch to the Public? Just like Elvis' Graceland, it could possible attract thousands of Visitors every year, and the potential profits could pay off Jackson's Massive Debt. They could build a Parking Area, and charge Admission. The could turn one of the buildings into a Micheal Jackson Museum, offer tours of his former estate, Create a Special movie Theater showing a Film about His Legacy & some of his Music Videos, Open a Gift shop and concession stands, offer photo opportunities and shows with Micheal Jackson Impersonators, maybe even bring some of the carnival rides back, and open the zoo to the public as well. Millions of MJ's Fans would kill to get the chance to visit His former home, and opening Neverland Ranch could potentially produce a huge profit, especially now that He's Gone. Personally, I think this was a no brainer idea that Jackson should have done while me was Alive to pay back his debt, but too bad he didn't. If neverland ranch was open to the public, would YOU consider Visiting?
Originally Posted By Kira That is true lurker. I was just looking up pictures of neverland ranch about an hour ago and came up with these photos and article <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-530257/Tumbledown-abandoned-The-ruins-Michael-Jacksons-Neverland.html" target="_blank">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvs...and.html</a> I have always wanted to visit Neverland Ranch but have not done so because it is nearly 4 hours away from me. Knowing I wouldn't be able to see much but the front gate for that long of a drive just isn't/wasn't worth it for me. While the ranch IS in terrible condition right now I would hope that the owners who took it over would invest a bit of time and money into it. I would then be interested in visiting it. I'd like to see it preserved as a museum rather than an amusement park though.
Originally Posted By Anatole69 Yes they should preserve the amusement park area and the house, and turn the house into a museum about his life and work. It is in one of the biggest tourist destinations in the USA, and is also in one of the largest population areas of the country. MJ has fans across the whole world, so it will naturally be a very large tourist destination. What is sad is that if MJ were still alive, the fate of Neverland would be very questionable since it would be too early to turn it into a museum, but now that he is dead it is entirely possible to save the place. - Anatole
Originally Posted By Kira I forgot to add that MOST if not all of the personal belongings that were once in the house have been auctioned off as far as I know. If they were to reopen it as a museum a large portion of those unique items would probably never be returned to their home.
Originally Posted By JenniBarra I thought Michael himself had called off that auction. I, too, have been wondering about the possibilities of Neverland Ranch operating as a museum. Think of all the people who visit Graceland and I don't think that everyone that visits is necessarily an Elvis fan. There's the novelty factor.
Originally Posted By Kira I'm thinking you might be right Jenni. I would hope for "history's" sake that it was called off and that those items are in posession of his family now. I think it wouldn't be as interesting to visit the place without all the crazy odd's and end's he had in his home. To me anyways. If it DOES get turned into a museum it will be a center of debate for sure. All of those that have so much hate for the man would condemn it. Fans and those on the fence about MJ would probably love to go though.
Originally Posted By juicer I think it would be a very popular attraction. I know I would go. How far is it from the DLR?
Originally Posted By Anatole69 I think the amusement park rides have been sold... that was the impression I got from the google maps photo of the area. - Anatole
Originally Posted By Mr F <<How far is it from the DLR?>> It's in San Ynez, in Santa Barbara County, Over an hour to 2 hours drive away from DL.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I cannot imagine that anyone could make a go of opening Neverland Ranch to the public. Practically speaking, it's in the middle of nowhere. It is 260 miles north of Disneyland, in a remote area near Los Olivos, California. There is nothing else in the immediate vicinity to attract the public. Michael Jackson was seeking privacy, and had the money to afford it. For just Jackson, the ranch required a staff of over 50. Running this for the public would likely require more. Keeping up the many buildings is a great expense. The grounds would require a great deal of water, which is quite expensive in the highland desert in which the ranch is located. There is also the matter of the private zoo (although that wouldn't have to be included, I suppose). To operate the amusement park for the public would also require a great deal of regulation from the state and county. As a private residence, it would have been handled differently. Bear in mind, that it was Neverland that largely contributed to Michael Jackson's bankruptcy. There is also the question of whether the public would flock to see this. When Elvis Presley died, there was a universal outpouring of grief, followed by something of a reevaluation of his place in popular culture. Most of his shortcomings have been largely forgiven. His fan base never really deserted him. Michael Jackson's musical legacy is secure. But his personal legacy is problematical. I believe that for many, Neverland will always be associated with the least savory aspects of Michael Jackson's personal story. For these reasons-- the remoteness of the location, the steep costs, and the troubled history-- I would very much doubt that Neverland would make a good candidate for a tourist attraction or museum.
Originally Posted By Anatole69 It wasn't Neverland that contributed to Jackson's bankruptcy, it was Jackson's mismanagement of funds, the bad PR from two child molestation charges and the loss of part of his music catalog to Sony following the flop of his Invincible album that caused his bankruptcy. Running Neverland would probably require doing it without the zoo and amusement park area, but if it is done wisely than I don't see how it shouldn't be possible... especially if they can get some tax breaks as an educational site. - Anatole
Originally Posted By brotherdave It looks like they're already thinking about turning it into a theme park! <a href="http://sify.com:80/movies/hollywood/fullstory.php?id=14896892" target="_blank">http://sify.com:80/movies/holl...14896892</a> This doesn't surprise me a bit. Of course, only time will tell if it actually does open for guests and if it will be successful given it's remote location...
Originally Posted By Mr F When Disneyland first opened, it was in a Remote Location, and it quickly became one of the most visited Attractions in the Country. LOTS of Successful Tourist Attractions are in Remote Locations.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>When Disneyland first opened, it was in a Remote Location...<< Actually, the location of Disneyland was selected based on recommendations by the Stanford Research Institute. The charge was to select a location that was projected to become a population center and convenient to the growing freeway network. And that is precisely where it ended up. As far as remote locations go, if there is a unique and continuing draw, certainly people will respond.
Originally Posted By dshyates Even in 1955 25 miles from L.A. wasn't really in the middle of nowhere.
Originally Posted By dshyates That said, Neverland Ranch is destined to be a tourist attraction. Its already Part Disneyland/Part Graceland.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***It wasn't Neverland that contributed to Jackson's bankruptcy*** It certainly didn't help matters. I've read anywhere between 2-4 million bucks A MONTH to maintain the place...after a few years, you're talking serious money for practically anyone (even a near billionaire like Jackson was at one point).
Originally Posted By juicer I would be very interested in going even if there was'nt a zoo or rides - It would be great just touring the house and walking the grounds.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan Like Graceland, Neverland Ranch would be a much-visited attraction, probably much like Hearst Castle father north. There is a natural fascination with the extravagance a superstar like Michael Jackson enjoyed, and Neverland, is (or was) a very extravagant place. Jackson's fan base, even post-trial, is vast. Since Jackson was never actually convicted of any crime, there is enough room for doubt that a lot of people would visit. And even among those who think he did commit crimes, that only increases the level of curiosity of what the place must have been like. Winchester Mystery House, Graceland, Hearst Castle and several others around the country have checkered pasts and were built by people with various strange personalities. These things add to the allure to see them for ones-self. Who knows what sort of arrangement would be worked out. The place could be run as a for-profit tourist attraction for some time and eventually be run by the state parks dept.
