Banksy’s Dismaland: Take A First Look Inside Nightmare Version Of Disneyland

If “Banksy’s Dismaland” sounds like a nightmare version of Disneyland, then you’d be right. The “bemusement” park is the work of notorious street artist Banksy, and the 2.5-acre site opens today in the UK. The secret project, unveiled Thursday and located in the abandoned Tropicana swimming resort in Weston-super-Mare, features theme-park attractions with a dark twist and work by Banksy and 50 other artists from around the world. “Dismaland” admission costs £3 and will run only for five weeks. The official brochure describes it in the following manner:

“Are you looking for an alternative to the soulless sugar-coated banality of the average family day out? Or just somewhere cheaper. Then this is the place for you—a chaotic new world where you can escape from mindless escapism. Instead of a burger stall, we have a museum. In place of a gift shop, we have a library and a gift shop as well…This event contains adult themes, distressing imagery, extended use of strobe lighting, smoke effects, and swearing. The following items are strictly prohibited: knives, spray cans, illegal drugs, and lawyers from the Walt Disney corporation.”

Dismaland is a nightmare version of Disneyland or a “family theme park unsuitable for children.”

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

It was built secretly by street-artist Bansky over the Tropicana swimming pool in the English resort town of Weston-super-Mare.

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

“I loved the Tropicana as a kid, so getting to throw these doors open again is a real honor,” said Banksy

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

“I guess you’d say it’s a theme park whose big theme is ‘theme parks should have bigger themes.”

Image credits: Yui Mok—PA Photos

Both small and large works can be found on the site

Image credits: Yui Mok—PA Photos

The park will feature amusements with a dark twist, along with artwork by Banksy and 50 other artists from around the world.

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

“I banned any imagery of Mickey Mouse from the site,” he said

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

“It’s a showcase for the best artists I could imagine.”

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

Entering the park will require visitors to endure an oppressive screening process.

Image credits: Yui Mok—PA Photos

Exiting “Dismaland” will also be difficult

Image credits: Yui Mok—PA Photos

Instead of getting your portrait sketched, you’ll have the option of having the back of your head drawn.

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

Banksy’s Dismaland “Contains uneven floor surfaces, extensive use of strobe lighting, imagery unsuitable for small children and swearing.”

Image credits: Yui Mok—PA Photos

“The following are strictly prohibited in the Park: spray paint, marker pens, knives, and legal representatives of the Walt Disney Corporation.”

Image credits: Yui Mok—PA Photos

The official brochure states, “Are you looking for an alternative to the soulless sugar-coated banality of the average family day out? Or just somewhere cheaper.”

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

“Then this is the place for you—a chaotic new world where you can escape from mindless escapism. Instead of a burger stall, we have a museum.”

Image credits: Christopher Jobson

“In Banksy’s Dismaland, In place of a gift shop, we have a library; well, we have a gift shop as well.”

Image credits: Yui Mok—PA Photos

Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our top stories.