One Of The World's Most Unique Theme Parks Is A Movie-Centric Gem On A Lake In Italy

Italy has a rich cinematic history, giving the world legendary filmmakers like Sergio Leone, Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni and many others. Established in 1937, Cinecittà studios in Rome is still the largest in Europe — the facilities are so huge that even Hollywood epics like "Ben Hur" were shot there. On a smaller scale, arthouse classics like Fellini's "8 ½" and Vittorio Di Sica's "Bicycle Thieves" occupy rarified positions in the BFI's once-in-a-decade Sight & Sound poll of the greatest films ever made. And yet at Movieland near Lake Garda, there are very few nods to Italy's celluloid greatness. Instead, the Italian theme park is almost exclusively about Hollywood and American blockbusters, making it one of the most unusual attractions in the country.

Officially named Movieland The Hollywood Park, the resort is Italy's first film-related theme park. It started life in 2002 as part of Canevaworld before expanding to 100,000 square meters of rides, shows, and restaurants. Much of the park is specifically evokes the feeling of classic Tinseltown and Americana, most notably on Main Street with its Hollywood Walk of Fame-style gold stars, palm trees, and vintage convertibles. Some visitors have noted how uncanny it is with everything feeling very familiar yet a little off, such as the towering rocket of the Space Mission Orbit ride towering above a painted backdrop of the Hollywood sign. Let's take a look at some of the attractions that movie buffs won't want to miss.

It has become commonplace for theme parks like Universal Studios to draw visitors with rides based on popular movies and Movieland in Italy is no exception. The only difference here is that without official licensing, many of the attractions are thinly disguised homages to well-known Hollywood blockbusters. A typical example is Expedition Pangea: The World of Dinosaurs. Nobody is pretending that this is anything but a "Jurassic Park" rip-off, right down to the jeeps that take you around the various animatronic dinos. Unlike the movie, however, the vehicles don't follow a rail — you drive them yourself.

Another highlight is the action-packed Disaster: The Blockbuster Tour, which takes you on a voyage through a variety of hair-raising situations involving an angry giant gorilla, a twister like the one in "Twister," and an encounter with a great white shark to the tune of John Williams' famous score from "Jaws." Elsewhere, there is a clear nod to "Back to the Future" at the We Are Back 3D experience while the Kitt Superjet is a breakneck speedboat ride through a set apparently inspired by the mega-flop "Waterworld." One of the few Italian movies that gets a look-in also provides one of the best rides: the Diabolik Invertigo is a thrilling roller coaster based on the campy action thriller "Danger: Diabolik" from the late '60s. It isn't for the faint-hearted, suspending riders underneath the track as it whips through a series of corkscrews and loop-the-loops.

Movieland is an odd place but film buffs will have lots of fun spotting all the homages. The fact that most of the movies referenced are at least 20 years old gives the theme park a somewhat retro vibe that is in keeping with its nostalgic love for Hollywood. Away from the rides, audience members are chosen to take part in the spectacular U.S. Army Stunt Show, which features jet skis, motorbike jumps, explosions, and an actor looking very much like Sylvester Stallone in "Rambo." On the stage on Main Street there are also regular live musical shows that pay tribute to much-loved movies like "Dirty Dancing" and "The Blues Brothers," with singers on stage belting out classic tunes from the soundtrack.

Compared to its obvious inspiration, Universal Studios in Hollywood, Movieland is quite small but has some great rides and plenty to occupy visitors during a day out. If you're feeling peckish, there are plenty of food options available including tacos (Taco Loco), burgers (Magma Burger), and ice cream (Jurassic Cafe). None are fine-dining experiences but they are in keeping with what you'd expect from theme park restaurants. Entry is also cheap compared to Universal, with a one-day ticket for adults costing around $37 and $31 for kids. For an even better deal, bring your swimwear and combine Moviepark with a visit to neighboring Caneva Aquapark, which will only set you back $46 per head.